2. amps-preamps
  3. 125402-82411

SET amps (almarro vs decware)

I'm looking to buy a SET amp under 1500  with at least 4 watts.

The two I'm looking at are
Almarro a318b
Decware zen triode integrated

Almarro is super tough to find used right now, and prices seem to have gone way up. I've read posts a few years back about people picking these up used for $1200. Maybe the a205a?

Decware is attractive to me because of the lifetime warranty. If the almarro broke, I'd have no idea what to do.

I am am looking for some opinions between these two amps, and maybe the a205a as well.

Ease of ownership is a factor too. I want an amp that I can keep for many many years with little hassle. 

Thanks guys
asianatorizzle
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,780 posts
 
The Almarro requires biasing every time it is used (and usually needs it).
Bias tabs are up-front under tubes so convenient at least.
So much for ease of ownership (it does sound good, however).
evank's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
evank
301 posts
 
I have the Almarro and you do not have to bias it every time it is used. I haven't biased mine in 3 years, I have even checked with my meter . Even the owners manual states when the tubes are new you may have some drift but further down the line it will stay put.

Almarro has a U.S. distributers  so you do not have to worry about getting service.

Here is a link
http://www.almarro.com/distribution.html

 I have even contacted them in Japan when I misplaced my manual and they copied to an email for me.

Love my Almarro
mikirob
955 posts
 
I really like the Almarro (I owned one), but a better sounding more powerful amp is the Coincident Dynamo SE or the Coincident Dynamo SE Mark II, $1,200 to 1,500, which I own and am extremely happy with.  This amp has 2 EL34 power tubes, a 5ar4 Rectifier, and 2 6SL7. Really punches way above the Almarro. I actually like it better with my DeVore 0/96 better than my former Primaluna Dialogue One, maybe even my Cary V12. Best, Rob
More to discover