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
Mikirob,
Thank you for your kind comments. My frequent partaking of live acoustic music keeps things in good perspective and established the priorities for my home listening enjoyment . Audio systems have to sound natural for me and convey presence and realism. If this isn't achieved then all other sonic or hifi parameter attributes are irrelevant. Having the opportunity to attend numerous CES shows and various special demonstrations it is instructive to hear some touted and expensive equipment that isn't natural but instead canned, sterile and unconvincing. I have no doubt that the Dynamo matched with an appropriate speaker will provide more realism and emotional involvement than a number of more expensive and praised components. Those pure and simple tube circuits are capable of making beautiful music.
Charles,
Brent Jesse doesn't have the Mullard CV 378, so it's off to ebay for a search.
I'm very tempted to try that amp with my Triangle Titus XS monitors. IF my wife would have it in her sunroom that is. It's a modern Victorian style house and she loves retro, so maybe.
Well, I placed an order on ebay for the Mullards(1960s vintage) and should have them in 7-10 days. I just chose the vender with the highest feedback rating and a long track record. Bill, see what you've done with your enthusiasm for this rectifier.
Thanks,
Charles,
Charles,
Good luck, let us know how it works out. Have you bought any tube from Andy at Vintage Tube?