2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408839785

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
 
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?
mikirob
955 posts
 
I really do love tube rolling and hearing for myself what happens; so much fun. I think this current combo of tubes is going to be hard to beat.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Mikirob,
So, as obviously thrilled as you are with the Dynamo, would you still contend that a directly heated triode like the 300 B would still make a better sounding amplifier?
I'm not being snarky or contentious here – I really am curious.
Because, if 300B really is the way to go, I would even consider building the Bottlehead Paramount mono blocks along with maybe their 300 B based preamp, the Bee Pre.
More to discover