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SET 45 Amp Driving Dynamic Speakers

I have an Antique Sound Labs Tulip SET amp running Emission Labs mesh plate 45s, driving Audio Note AN E speakers. It will play WAY louder than I want to listen, and the dynamics are amazing with all types of music.

Why do I keep reading that 45s (and other low power triodes) are only appropriate for horns, or other super efficient speakers? I think a real disservice has been done to the audiophile community by the propagation of this idea. IMO, anyone who prefers to listen to music at sane levels can enjoy the many benefits of a low power SET amp with carefully chosen dynamic speakers.

Anyone else feel this way/have similar experience?
tommylion
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,675 posts
 
My approach is I want to be able to enjoy listening at any practical volume needed. The only way to accomplish this is to avoid clipping and distortion.

One might be satisfied with lower volumes only but if speaker amp integration is not done well one may practically have no other choice.

Also distortion usually sets in at subtle levels that may not be clearly audible well before one becomes aware of a problem.

One may certainly choose to not care about these things but they are real issues to consider and understand for best results in most any case IMHO.


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

"100 db peaks should be effortless and relaxedd" Atmasphere wrote. 
I understand your point however that is a loud volume and is perceived as such via healthy ears. I previously cited this volume le jazz club I frequently attend. It's an intimate environment with the musicians unmixed probably 90%of the time. 

You're listening to the pure sound straight from the instruments without the imposition of electronic distortion. Under these ideal circumstances when they hit the 100 db level "it sounds loud". Painful or uncomfortable? No,  very loud? Yes. My point is some listeners would want to duplicate this at home and some would not. Either is preference. 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,675 posts
 
Many lesser solutions have their charms. People choose or settle for them all the time.

The merits can be argued subjectively only. Often that’s enough for many of similar mindset.

Its just one of those things that some may go completely gaga over for good reasons but probably not so much with those who care more about technical aspects or what works best together or not and why.
larryi
4,208 posts
 

I am a big fan of the 45 tube.  I have heard it used in parallel single-ended, pushpull (I own a pushpull 45 amp) and in single output tube single-ended configuration.  It delivers a very punchy, clear and detailed sound when operated well within its upper output limit. 

I think someone can effectively utilize a 45 SET amp with the AN-Es in a smaller room, provided that one accepts that it will not be able to play at high volume levels.  I am quite familiar with the AN-E and I have heard it with some fairly low-powered amps; a local dealer frequently pairs the AN-E with an Audio Note Kageki amp which is rated at 6.5 wpc.  I can hear the limitations of this amp when playing demanding music, such as large choral pieces.  The music begins to suffer from compression and becomes muddled and unfocussed to a slight degree.  But, these are problems I can see someone living with because, for the VAST majority of the time, a good 45 amp will sound great.

I do agree with Atmasphere that a 45 SET is really best used with extremely high efficiency horn systems.  A friend had such an amp for his107 db/w system and it sounded great.  That kind of combination can be recommended without much reservations; the use of a 45 SET with something like the AN-E can only be recommended with the caveat about limited volume levels.

inna
7,896 posts
 
It's like a car that only drives well on quiet perfect straight roads in sunny weather using 95 octane gasoline at 50 miles per hour and needing service every 1000 miles at most. In some cases it will do but, generally speaking, it is, if you will forgive this, ridiculous. Atmashere was very very polite.
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