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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,523 posts
 
Charles,

Yes, I mention those purely for the potential sound and performance with Ref3a DeCapos specifically for very modest cost, not the underlying technology used.

I have a pair I have used with all my speakers, Dynaudio, Triangle, OHM. Results are top notch in every way and most lovely with them all. Their only limitation I have found is with my larger OHMs in my larger room where they can run out of gas somewhat before reaching concert levels in comparison to the BEl CAnto ref1000m monoblocks I normally use with those, which never even break a sweat much less run out of gas.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Saki,
Golly that thread is a hoot! Some of those folks need to get out of the house more often.

Map:
Sorry, tubes it is. One of the biggest upgrades I ever made to my system was moving from a Bel Canto class D amp to tubes. Never looked back. No offense to your big amps.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rebbi,
That's what I thought regarding your direction. You are right, you won't look back.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Charles,
Yes. I was being tongue-in-cheeky. Excellent site most often times; but you must admit some of those responses were hilarious. Had my head spinning. More like the Straw Man talking to the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. Does the hypotenuse cross behind the silver moon while the Wizard is bloviating behind the curtain...well, maybe my poor attempt at humor.
mikirob
955 posts
 
In the meantime the Black Treasure 6CA7-Z's are breaking in nicely on the Dynamo. I must reiterate that I can't believe I am listening to a $1,300 amp with no need for preamp. Pavarotti just completed a piece, I'm stunned really; Brownsfan is so right about the bassoon, french horn, and do forth...I'm having so much fun listening to this unit. After the Black Treasure burn in some more I think I will change out the Sylvania 6SL7s for RCA Red Base, then later on change out the Mullard 60s rectfier to the new Gold Lion Brownsfan recommended.

Charles, how is the 378 doing?
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