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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
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Thanks for all the good wishes and feedback, folks.

Corresponded with Brian again. (Very nice, very enthusiastic guy, by the way.)

I was confused at first because the web site says that the kit comes standard with Mundorf gold/silver/oil caps. Brian apologized and said that's an error on the site that he'll get fixed. The kit comes standard with Mundorf Supremes and the two upgrades they offer are the Mundorf Silver/Gold/Oil (which I'm getting) or the AN Copper. I checked on Partsconnexion.com and the Mundorf Supremes go for about $15 each but the Silver/Gold/Oils go for about $60 each... bottom line is he's giving me about an $80 discount off retail on the better caps.

As for the volume attenuator, it's going to have to wait. I really do have to stick to my budget. As I'm sure some of you can relate, this audio adventure takes place in the context of a family that needs to be sheltered, educated, clothed and fed. ;-)

I mentioned upgrading the volume pot to Brian and he said that it's about a $200 upgrade and that I should just talk to him when I'm ready to do it but that it's "not worth it now." Also, the kit comes with a nice PCB for the stock pot, which he recommends for a first-time install.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Ah, and one other interesting wrinkle. I see that Partsconnexion offers bundled upgrade kits for AN kits. For example, there's this Kit 1 tube upgrade bundle:

300B-Z Shuguang Treasure
6SN7 (CV181, ECC32)
Sylvania 5U4G/VT244 (NOS)
5687 Tungsol (NOS)

Bundle price: $536.18, about $95 off retail
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rebbi,
Brian sounds like a fair and reasonable person. If the budget is tight currently that's understood. It certainly isn't a life or death matter to get all upgrades at once, there's plenty of time. The point is that you're starting with a very solid foundation with a proven product, you did well. Okay, time for some NFL fun.For the 3 games today I'm picking Lions,Cowboys and Seahawks.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Charles. Not a big football fan (which, here in Texas, is heresy) but do enjoy your day and thanks for all your help and advice. :-)
mikirob
955 posts
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Charles, I'll take the Eagles over the Cowboys, agree on the others. My Giants are currently a Sad Sack team, how does that happen so fast?

Rebbi, that is a nice Tube bundle from Parts Connection. I have experience with both Black Treasures (300B, cv181). The price is also very good.
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