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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
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,024 posts
 
Reb,
I am really excited for you, and I do mean excited. I forgot to mention that mine was also slightly used, but tested 100% in all parameters. If you don't find it to be a revelation, I will be surprised. Those tubes are old, from the 40's.
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
The new Dynamo arrived safely yesterday & I got it all set up & out of the box it sounds & looks great. No transformer hum to speak of & no hiss at idle thru the speakers, really quiet all around. Works perfectly w/the volume knob turned all the way up which takes it out of the circuit - running direct w/the internal remote volume control on the CDP. Really a gutsy amp w/immediate sound, good tone, clarity, 3d qualities & imaging - everything we like about tubes. I'm impressed so far & looking forward to breaking it in.
smctigue1
53 posts
 
Pehare, I know it's early days but how does it compare to the RM10?
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Roxy,
I'll let everyone know how it sounds. What Andy emphasized the most was the RCA invented this tube and that these tubes from the 40's are much more robust and durable than the newer stuff being manufactured today. I think he said you could get "80,000 hours" out of a tube like this. :-)
mikirob
955 posts
 
Glad all is well with the Dynamo. Keep us posted as it burns in. Best.
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