Tekton Double Impacts

Hi Teajay,
What you’ve written on the distinct sonic differences between good quality SS and good quality SET is virtually a mirror image of my amplifier progression and accumulative listening experiences. Musical flow, liquidity, tone, timbre, overtones/harmonics, presence (in the performance venue) 3D presentation, emotional connectivity were superior with a high quality SET amplifier.

One undeniable truth is that people do hear differently and are drawn to various sonic and musical cues. No type of amplifier topology "does it all perfectly " so individuals pick and choose what best suits their own needs. Given this reality I understand why some listeners will prefer a SS amplifier.

Even with an easy to drive speaker such as the Double Impact some will simply prefer to go the SS amplifier route. Your offer to Bullitt to try the Cyber 2A3 SET is a very kind one. Direct  comparison with the Odyssey is the true test to make a decision as their own characteristics will be very aopparent.

I could be wrong (certainly) but I get the sense that Bullitt has decided that for his current system and needs that SS and specifically the Odyssey amp is the better match for him. I believe that he will be happy with this choice.

For me (and you Terry) SET if implemented properly has unique and unmatched musical and sonic capabilities. I do recognize that this conclusion won’t be true for every listener. This diversion into discussing amplifier topologies and preference has been quite interesting.
Charles

Solid-state Class A: Didn’t do it for me
Push-pull SS/Tube: Didn’t do it for me
Class D: (Nords) or Benchmark AHB2: Didn’t do it for me entirely, but definitely an improvement over many PP/SS amps and the very best get closer to a SET in some ways, a viable alternative if your speakers are inefficient or you have a very large room that dictates the necessity for more power than you can get from a SET in your price range.

High quality SET Tube Amplifier with the right Speakers:

Creates a real emotional event that’s dynamic with startling jump factor even at lower volume levels.
Palpability in the midrange and vocal region that can leap out and you think the vocals are simply there in the room with you (startling at times), micro dynamics cues and subtle delays are rendered so well you’re enveloped by a surround sound hologram of the venue using only 2 speakers, tonal textures in instruments that are to die for. A liquidity, and effortless playback that blossoms naturally with no fatigue.

I’m utterly biased in these comments, but nothing connected me emotionally to music more than a well executed SET amplifier and the right speakers.

With EML 300bxls or Elrog 300b at 8 watts the DIs play very loud and lack nothing in the bass region. It doesn’t run out of steam or soft clip and the OPT never over-saturate. If I switch the amp to higher voltage and increase the autobias circuit to 110ma the additional 7 watts from the 300BXL is nice to have at 100db+ playback levels, but it’s overkill, otherwise.

bullitt,

I would say go with that old saying,there is only one way to find out.
Since Teajay has made a offer to loan you the cyber Amp you might just try it out and then you would truly know if It's your sonic cup of tea or not.

One thing I know for sure is that the DI's are a wonderful speaker to have for amp comparison.I personally hope I never go back to horns,full range,or coaxials of any kind,as mentioned those kind of speakers have way to many shortcomings for the few things they do right.

Charles is 100 percent correct that there is no perfect amp for everyone's individual tastes and sonic presentation preferences.

I've been in this hobby for 31yrs and I still like trying different equipment in my own system,this is the only way that I know if I like it or don't.

I will always have a good SS and tube system that I can change out and get a different sound at a moments notice.

Best,

Kenny.

If you truly wanted excellent s Loudspeaker that is  dynamic, transparent great soundstage,as well as imaging,and bass is not only excellent dual Dual powered opposing subs per cabinet 2 subwoofer drivers ,2 Ncore amps per speaker.
With Anthem  Bass room correction. I have heard the double impacts Loud and Dynamic but at a whisper low level detail is not that good and very room dependant in Bass.
The new Martin Logan Masterpiece series the 11A Impression 
 I just bought after over a month of listening and research 
This new series is a land Mark product that puts many speakers 2x the cost To shame .24bit DSP- Bass and Panel runs full range from 300hz 
On up. If you have not heard them then you have nothing educated  share.This new Masterpiece series is Totally New Top to Bottom 
How big your room is would determine how big and bad you want 
To be dual 8inch to dual 12 inch powered subs, and 11- 15 inch panels.

Good to remember that tube amps are not practical for all and impossible for some. For mixed HT and 2 channel use they are not practical. Can't imagine watching TV and movies with $1500 300b tubes😁 

I most always have music on in my home. I bet my system runs at least 8 hours daily. Some days much more. Sure, often as background, but I am not going to use a tube amp day after day with this kind of daily use. 

Some have small children and do not have the luxury of a dedicated /set aside music room with a door keeping those hot tubes away from children. 

Lastly, I have found SET amps shine on certain kinds of music with jazz being one. So the type of music one listens to also plays a role IMHO and based on my experience. 

Let's not forget we listen to systems, complete systems. The resulting sound is not a matter of amps alone and the right SS amp as part of a well thought out system and tweaks can certainly deliver on the sound adjectives used for SET amps in this thread. I have tweaked my current rig with wire, capacitors, gear, tweaks etc... to the point that I no longer miss my tube amps and SET amps. It can be done as today's technology and gear is making it a real possibility. It's a great big audio world out there with near endless total system possibilities. No single person can possibly have exhausted and experienced all that can be making definitive statements on the best Impossible. We all must find our own way and settle in on the sound we think is wonderful. Once we have done this remember that where we land is based on finite and biased preferences. 

As Charles has eluded to, one may be so captivated with the sound of a 2a3 amp paired with high efficiency speakers that they can't possibly imagine others not thinking it is the pinnacle of beautiful music reproduction. Fact is others may not and do not. Think of it like food. I love Indian food and find the liberal use of spices and resulting flavor to be unbeatable and so very delicious. Others are not particularly fond of it and while that is near impossible for me to understand, it is nevertheless true.