Johnk > “… much of SET differences comes down to the overall build quality and design of the amplifiers. “
….synergy exists between SET or other lower power amps and horns. I do think that many running horns are doing the horn equivalent of dipping a toe in the pool … the more horn loaded the better.”
Blindjim > thanks. I think we enjoy the same ideal here and it is why I’ve chosen to put my advance onto the SET oriented system will remain at least for now, an aside. Secondary.
In my world, I presently have no significant other to opine, or appease. What ever the choice is solely my own with regard to ‘ANY ‘project.
Partly from not being convinced that SET topology despite the particular approach, will formidly satisfy my designs on my musical preffs en masse. I could be quite wrong given I’ve not had the experiences here of others or yourself.
I’m simply hard pressed to accept the fact a Triode amp even with nice horns will kick out the jams quite like amps I have become accustomed to hearing with far more horsepower and point source speakers of standard varieties, within the confines of my home.
Sure I see horns at live music events. I do get their contributions to sound. If a very nice horn system cuold be had for $5K to $10K, and not the $23 to $4K prices I'm seeing out there, this would be lots easier.
This is not to say I’m a metal head freak or stone Rock & roller. Not at all. I do however enjoy a large slice of that facet. Indeed, with a propensity to large bands, rock jazz or blues, only 60 watt amps and above … well above… have been my lot and have IMO, been successful on their own levels.
Consequently, in order for me to have a system which encompasses all of the musical genres needs with less opportunity for mitigation or compromise, has to reamin my approach.
It was adeptly put, I’m only willing to put a toe or two into the water in facing down the triode contingent. I believe the best possible way to proceed would be as a few here have said pointedly, look into horns. I’ve been given much input on that singular note too. And I must agree. Horns would be the pathway to likely eliminate about half of the issues, and broaden the choices for SET amps to follow.
Sadly, I’m more than a little stayed, conservative, or main streamed to put $25K or the like into where it ought to be as with horns on pure speculation…. … at the moment.
Deeper soul searching tells me as well, were I not quite so grandiose the chances for two perhaps lesser established albeit quite adequate sounding arrays could be had, rather than one subjectively put, outstanding affair.
Ya eat the ‘blue’ pill or the ‘red’ pill. Ya can’t always eat ‘em both and be equally satisfied.
Still… something may soon arise that allows the herd to be culled, and a choice one cut out.