what is the best se tube amp

I've heard many, and my favorite is the George Wright 3.5 monoblocks, which must be paired with his preamp. For about $2200 new (and maybe $1500 used), they are an astounding combination. I would suggest that if you go this route, plan on some tube rolling, though you don't have to kill the pocketbook to get an absolutely glorious sound. Like I said, I've heard many SET amps, including those costing more than ten times the price, and nothing sounds as lifelike and airy as this setup.
Good luck with your search. Should be fun.
P.S.--I have these paired with a set of 1977 Klipsch La Scala's, which have been rewired with all silver wire.

I really like the Vivas.There are many used pairs available and they can be updated.Strictly the 845 models,as the 572 tube has been discontinued.I sell these and am willing to offer a good price on new units ,should you decide to pursue them.They are very dynamic and produce exceptional bass {unlike the Cary 805s}.If you are looking for a little more romance,possibly the Joule OTLs.Happy hunting! Tom

Audio Note Kageki (UK)

Single-ended tube amps are a fairly large category. It will depend on how much power you need. For your Proac 2.5 speakers, you'll probably need at least 10 watts, and probably more.

I think the best(lower power) SET amp made is a SET-ZOTL from David Berning called the Siegfried. It can be ordered in either 300B(8watts) or 811(11 watts). This amp has no traditional output transformer, which can be the "achilles heel" of a SET amp. The speed, openness, transparency, and detail are amazing. My personal amp is a custom-made variation of this, using Type 45 triodes with choke-loading and battery power. I can vouch for the excellent sound.

For the higher power levels, the Antique Sound Lab AQ1009, and Viva Aurora sound very nice. If you want much higher power levels, WAVAC produces some 100 watt, or even 150 watt SET amplifiers that can be pretty expensive, but excellent.

Also, the kind of triodes used(300B,811,845,833, etc) are very significant in the kind of sound that the amp produces. So is the brand of tubes that are used. And the circuit design.

You should do some research into this subject yourself. All SET amps don't sound the same. My recommendation is to get a highly regarded unit with the power levels that are suitable for your speakers, and make sure you get the best output transformers offered, even if you have to special order it and pay more for the transformers. In most cases, NOS tubes will also pay off.

Lamm's