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
I have a very soft hum that is heard with ears within about six inches. The irony is this, my push push amplifiers have no sound within 6 inches of the speaker yet when music is played, the SET reproduces tiny nuances and details that are totally missed my the other amplifiers. Ambiance is preserved better than any other amp I have tried. Audio results are fascinating to observe.
Hi Bill,
I googled your amplifier and found some very interesting information regarding it on Black Swamp audio and also found a review on Posiitive Feedback Online issue number 32. Bill I really like the concept and design of this amplfier, I like the decision to use a lower voltage on the plate and also the decision to go with a lower heat dissipation. I am really curious to see how this amplifier mates with your speaker. I get the feeling that this amplifier will be very pure and organic in character, yet also dynamic and lively. It should be much fun experimenting with this amplifier in your system.
I also like tube amps that don't go all out to maximize dissipation. Just backing off a little will increase tube life by a LOT. With my curren pushpull amps, it really is a very big deal that the amp runs the tubes conservatively. It utilizes four input/driver tubes that cost about $1,000 each and four output tubes that cost about the same. I am counting on the tubes lasting a very long time.
Larry,
At those prices I don't blame you. Israel Blume the builder of my amplifier believes in running tubes conservatively. He runs the 300b at 25 watt dissipation, max for this tube is about 40 watts. He says tube lifespan increases and tubes run conservatively sound better. Larry I suspect you'll get many years of use/pleasure from your tubes.
Charles,