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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
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
@Rebbi, I have a VAC push-pull tube amp that has adjustable global feedback from 0-5 dB in 1 dB steps. The manual recommends trying them all as it is simply a means of matching the amp to the speakers. Sort of like trying various output taps or tubes.

I tried all 6 positions and found that my speakers sounded best with the 0 dB feedback. As I increased feedback, I noticed more high frequency detail, but at the expense of rhythmic bass drive. The music became thinner and drier.
Who knows? Maybe if I change speakers some feedback may sound better. It is all about amplifier-speaker interactions. I do think that it is a nice feature to have though, adjustable negative feedback, as it does allow for some wiggle room when matching amp to speakers. I wish more amps had this ability.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
On 6 Moons there's a new review of the Coincident Dynamo by Tim Smith. This is a fairly long review but comprehensive with several amplifier comparisons and the use of several speakers. He has very good taste in his music selections and he has good writing skills as well. The perfectionist Israel Blume was clearly pleased with the reviewer's verdict. High praise.
Charles,
mikirob
955 posts
 
Charles1Dad,
Thank you for the heads up. I just finished reading the excellently written review by Tim Smith and must wholeheartedly agree with his comments. The Coincident Dynamo 34se is every bit as good as he says it is.

I am going out to dinner with some friends now, but will later add some remarks about various other tubes and ancillary equipment that supplement the 6 Moons review.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mikirob,
I look forward to reading about your experiences. I can relate in particularly to Tim's comments on the reproduction of jazz guitar. When I got my Frankenstein 5 years ago I was actually astonished listening to that instrument. I had never heard the beautiful and "complete" expression of chord harmonics and overtones in my system before. It was the closest I have heard to a live jazz guitarist sound by far! Full, juicy, complex and rich, just as they are in an intimate jazz club. I was instantly hooked, by comparison my previous amplifiers were merely good. Their presentation was drier, flatten and couldn't capture the innate harmonic interactions, sustain or note decay. The 1300.00 Dynamo being able to get this elusive quality so well (per reviewer) is impressive.
Charles.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Not SET but the greatest bargain I've come across in amplification is the Clones 25i integrated. Best amp I've ever had.
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