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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Rebbi,
I've developed much respect for Paul Joppa based on his contributions and demeanor on the Audio Asylum SET forum. I also appreciate the input of Gordon Rankin(Wavelength Audio) who posts there sometimes. I believe Dennis Fraker is talented and has much to offer but he's certainly a polarizing person on that site. Joppa seems to avoid the "drama queen" behavior that appears there at times. I'm not surprised that his Bottlehead kits are well done.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Charles,
Yes. "Caucasian Blackplate"is another Bottlehead employee who often posts on SET Asylum. But I agree that there's a lot of personalized vitriol on that board that can make it difficult to wade through.
Interesting thing about the Bottlehead designs is that they feature Joppa's "parafeed" topology (I have no idea what that means so don't ask) and they also are solid state rectified rathe than tube rectified, for whatever that's worth.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Back ordered tubes and a few other odds and ends arriving from Brian today! Woo-hoo!
mikirob
955 posts
 
Rebbi,
Thank you for all the info. My wife is a fabulous cook and loves the process of elaborate meals (she does it to relax) so I expect she'll enjoy building the kit after our move and we're settled in.

Brownsfan, glad you get in some hiking as well as listening. I' ve moved a lot in my life, so I know well the drill you are going through. Best of luck, anxious to compare notes at a later date.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Charles,
Thanks for the good wishes and for being such a gentleman.
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