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SET shortlist to drive tweeters in active system

Hello.

I'm building a DIY 4-way active system and thinking an SET for the tweeters might be a great choice. But wanted to get input from knowledgeable users.

The 20 to 600Hz range will be handled by active subs plus 10" drivers with their own 700W class D amp.
I'm still undecided about the midrange driver, but likely to be driven by my McIntosh MC275. It will be a 6.5 or 8" cone, though.

The top end will be through a Beyma TPL-150H, a pro ribbon with a horn playing from 2 to 23 kHz, spec'd as 102 dB (@1W, 1m) and a pretty constant impedance of 4.9 to 5 ohm.
I'm thinking it looks like a great place to use a SET, right? Which amps should I include in my shortlist?
Looking for SET holographic magic with dynamics.
The signal will come from a balanced IC, so XLR input would be preferred.
Reliability is a must, and the more the better. I will import this into Argentina, so sending the unit to the manufacturer would be difficult.
Price range: under 4k.

Thanks!
lewinskih01
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Hew,

I didn't wanted to go there to avoid complicating the thread as my setup is rather unusual. My only source is a very optimized PC running, among other things, Acourate for digital room correction. It can also perform digital crossovers, linearize drivers and time align the different channels. This will feed an 8-channel DAC that in turn will feed the amps driving the speaker drivers directly.

I realize this is not for everyone. Not sure KISS is too applicable. Passive crossovers are used to make a speaker easy to use, not for their better performance.
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Hello Charles1dad.

Thanks for the input. I was actually hoping you would chime in.
I like the sound of tubes for the midrange and treble. Hyper extension is not a need for me - and anyway can't hear close to 20kHz. Imaging, air and spaciousness are highly desired.

Could you suggest a couple good amp options using 300b and 45 tubes? Those Elrog 300b sure look nice, but beyond my current budget.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Hi Lew,
Do you have a price target for the amplifiers. For a niche segment(SETs) there are many choices and directions to go. New or used?
Charles,
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Initially I said 4k, but in reality that would be the utmost I could do. I would be much happier if they were 2k. Too many things changing in my system now.

Used would work, provided I can have the manufacturer or service turn it to 220V.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Up to 4K used can get you a very good 300b SET. Coincident,Allnic,Wavelength, Sophia Electric, Audio Note Kit etc. Definitely 45 and 2A3 SETs as well but I'm not as familiar with them as the 300b amps. What ever you choose be sure the builder emphasized quality output transformers and stout power supplies. These are fundamental keys to high grade SET amplifiers. Saving a few bucks by compromising these areas is a poor decision IMO.
Charles,
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