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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
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.
nyaudio98
420 posts
 
Rebi, great thread. What 3 recommendations do you have for the mm de capo's..without spending over 2500 if possible..ty
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Nyaudio98,
I don't have personal experience with them, but the various Primaluna integrated amps seem to be a good match with the De Capo's from what I've read. Look at the used market for bargains there.
I also thought that the Manley gear I had (I had the Mahi mono-blocks but you could look for the Stingray integrated version) had nice synergy with the De Capos, but again, you'd be looking at the used marked since the prices at Manley have really shot up recently.
If you want to go SET, there are several options. You could probably get good pricing on an Antique Sound Lab SET if you call Tash at Reference 3A. You can also go to
http://www.commonsenseaudio.com/nirvanaamps.html
and check out their 300B SET, which is ridiculously low priced at $1550 with free shipping! Granted, I don't know anything about that amp beyond what's on the web site, but you get a satisfaction guarantee.
I would stay away from cheap, no-name tube amps from eBay, for sure.
nyaudio98
420 posts
 
Great info as always Rebbi.
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