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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
seikosha
218 posts
 
I'm guessing you'd do fine with either.  I know Decware recently upgraded their transformers and their SE34 Integrated is configurable in a number of ways. Also, there are a number of upgrade options as well so there is a lot of flexibility if you go that route in how you have them build your amp.

Good Luck with the decision.
1markr
594 posts
 
I agree with Evank above. I hardly ever have to rebias my A318b. I run it at a lower bias (.170) to get a slightly warmer, more laid back perspective (also very easy on the tubes) to a higher bias (.190 or slightly higher) to get more power and more dynamics. It's a very versatile amp, and it does sound great, especially after having Jupiter copper foil caps installed. It takes very nicely to tube rolling as well.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
Think I forgot to mention I owned the "A" model not the "B".
As the "B" model is not self bias, I can't see why the "B" would require less manual biasing than the "A". Maybe I had cheap tubes?
dbarger
215 posts
 
Check out the new Dennis Had Inspire amps.  There is quite a lengthy thread on another forum about them.  Excellent amps and very reasonable. 
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