What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

I read that SET amps are more prone to limits in frequency response (ie not necessarily reasonably flat from 20-20K) than most other amp architectures. Low end extension is without doubt where most power is required. Its basic physics. Limited low end extension might help account for better performance at higher listening volumes in some cases. Transformer and power supply build quality matter as well no doubt, but a watt is still a watt and can only go so far.

The Coincident SET sis advertise 20-20K frequency response in their specs as I recall. I would think that kind of low end extension would up teh ante in terms of needed speaker efficiency and overall size needed to deliver flat response down to the usual 20 hz or so from a SET amp.

That's just what I get out of it. Maybe some others more experienced can help clarify.

DECware website also shows a FR graph for their set indicating extended flat response using a "real speaker load" (paraphrasing) but I did not see where the exact speaker load used to produce the graph was indicated. I suspect it was very large and very efficient. Anyone know?

I'd be surprised if the loudness issue was due to the transformers. Decware seems pretty proud of the iron he uses. There is thread on another forum comparing the build/parts of the Dynamo to Decware and FWIW, the decware seems to get more respect from the engineer type guys with specific mention of the capacitors and wiring layout.

I know there is another poster here on audiogon who uses a 4 watt Decware and feels it drives his decapos perfectly fine. Ultimate loudness can be a very subjective thing and two different people can have very different ideas about what is and isn't loud enough even in the same room with the same equipment.

Smctique1 say at 80 db the Decware began to have problems. Brownsfan said the Dynamo was good up to about 90-92 db, that's quite a difference using the same speaker. Anyway both of these amplifiers will certainly have their loyal supporters. The Dynamo has gotten very positive professional reviews and favorable show reports (if that matters to anyone). I 'm less impressed by what engineers have to say based on specs and visual inspection. Bottom line for an audio component is how does it sound ? If that falls short then you won't listen to it much at all. A direct comparison would be a niceplace to start. They are both reasonably priced.

All of this recent discussion is exactly why there is no substitute for an audition in one's own system and room, fully equipped with one's own music and prejudices and preferences.

Rebbi has done an heroic job of doing his homework. I stand in awe (and envy) of his patient deliberation. But the reality is that all of his work, and my reasonably informed opinion, isn't worth 20 minutes of an in home audition.

As the brick and mortar paradigm becomes less and less prevalent, those designers that offer in home auditions are going to have a real leg up. Such a program does drive the cost up, but does a lot to ensure happy customers. I am solidly in Charles' "how does it sound" camp. Nothing short of an in home audition satisfies that question.

As a long time Magnepan fan, I spent far too much time shaking my head in uniformed amusement at those who chose to drive their Maggies with 60WPC tube amps. In retrospect, it is a pity I never took the time to do even a casual audition. Too much left brain, not enough right brain. This is music. It is about an emotional response, differential equations notwithstanding.

I think Rebbi has made a great choice, and I am eager to hear how things go with his experiment.