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What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tube rolling can result in sound performance improvements but won't make up for inadequate transformers and power supplies. I believe that this accounts for the big difference between the Dynamo and Dennis Had amplifiers. Brownsfan, does the Dynamo feel heavier or more substantial?
Charles,
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
JMC and Charles, I noticed a substantially better stage with the dynamo. I'm inclined to agree with Charles regarding the transformers. I can grab one end of the inspire and easily pick it up with one hand. Not so the dynamo. I didn't weigh them, but it seems the dynamo is much heavier.

I am willing to hear Speavlers comments once he tries the KT88s, but I also am not going to spend much money on tubes for this amp.

Straight up, as shipped the dynamo is much better and doesn't require a preamp. Since I already have the inspire, I would keep it around for a change of flavor if its limitations could be inexpensively addressed.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Brownsfan,
I suspected that was a major difference between the two amplifiers. It would certainly explain the Had amp's failure you heard with bass frequencies and dynamic symphonic music.Wimpy power supplies /transformers are a recipe for disappointment.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Brownsfan, Charles, what tubes are simpatico with the 34se.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mikirob,
I don't have the Dynamo amplifier(I own the Frankenstein MK II). Brownsfan's unit is brand new, he hasn't gotten to the tube rolling stage yet.
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