Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

Hi Bill,
My point is either choice/path ia very viable. Where we part company is the "common wisdom" that the speaker is more important. Many believe that and I realize I'm in the minority but that's okay with me.Can excellent sound be obtained with non SET amplification, of course! However there are certain qualities that SET does better and to a higher level IMO. This is strictly a personal observation on my part and you and others may not agree, again I understand this.

SET (the good ones)yield the best tonality,timbre, harmonics and sense of naturalness I've "ever" heard(the list of amplifiers is long). I am simply reflecting my personal experiences and speak for no one else. I believe Rebbi based on his written listening impressions has heard these special qualities as well.

If Rebbi finds or builds a non SET that has the same effect on him then that's wonderful. That's for him to decide. SET pushed specific musical buttons like no other amp in my listening experiences. Certainly things could/ may be different for Rebbi. I wish him the best regardless of which path he follows.
Charles,

I certainly agree almost 100% with you Grannyring except for one thing, I didn't read anything that Rebbi was unsatisfied with the Decapo/AN amp, are you Rebbi? He has indicated in the past that his preference for music is small scale which could be most satisfying with that in mind. I would agree with you fully if his tastes leads to large scale dynamic music over time that he would have to decide on whether or not to keep the speakers and find another amp or keep the amp and find far more efficient speakers. I'm also in agreement that it is most difficult finding a speaker that is satisfying, particularly at a given price point and in my NOT dedicated listening room, at least it has proven true for myself. It seems Rebbi was VERY deliberate in his choice and listened carefully before going ahead with the AN. The real benefit, regardless of the outcome, is the experience of the process, really commendable.

Rebbi has commented on other threads that the amp clips and does not have enough power on certain kinds of music. Thus my comments.

Charles, understand and thanks for the comments.

My experience confirms that different tube circuits can indeed deliver that SET sound in the context of a total system.

Bill,
I always appreciate your perspectives/impressions.
Take Care,

Always avoid clipping even if subtle.

How hard it will be to find new speakers and how much will largely depend on how much bass extension is needed. If not full range it won't be hard or expensive.