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SET amplifier recommendation

 I have been listening push-pull tube amp for a long time. Finally I'd like to try SET. Seems a lot of people moving from push-pull to SET. My budget is <$3000. Looking at Coincident Dynamo MK III 300B. As there is no dealer for Coincident, i can not try it/hear it. Anyone has this? I'd like to hear your comments. i also looked at Decware, Bottlehead, etc. It seems Dynamo is better. Line Magnetic has some interesting ones. But i am not sure the quality can match Canadian made one. 
    My main speaker is B&W 805. Listening space is less than 400 sq ft. My current push-pull setup is CJ premier 15+CJ premier 17ls2+ Audio Research VT100 MKI. Thank you.
cygnus_859
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 
The speaker is a problem for almost any SET.

But you've not exhausted all your options. You could also go OTL. Its possible to have many of the advantages of SETs (magical inner detail, amazing midrange) without some of the disadvantages (low power, limited bandwidth) in an OTL. I know people that run that speaker with OTLs, so I know it can work.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
I own a Dynamo MK I, which uses EL34s, but delivers similar power to the MK III using 300B's.   It is not up to driving my 92.5 dB efficient Coincident SVII speakers.  I can't imagine that you are going to be able to appreciate the SET magic driving the B&Ws at 88dB sensitivity.   
caphill
666 posts
 
B&W, especially the 800 Diamond series, aren't compatible with low output tube amps. They need to be pushed harder in order to shine. Unless if you can find a high current tube amps from say ARC or McIntosh and the likes but those high current tube amps from McIntosh & ARC will be way over your budget of < $3k.
br3098
971 posts
 
You are not going to get far w/ a SET amp connected to your B&W 805s.  If you want to enjoy the great midrange magic that SET (or SEP) amps can provide, you are going to need a pair of efficient speakers that are happy at 8Ω or 16Ω impedence.  There have been lots of recommendations on Audiogon.  Do a search
dodgealum
1,399 posts
 
Agreed, wrong speakers for an SET amp. If you are wedded to the B&Ws and want something that sounds like a very good SET but with balls then take a look at the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL 40. Should be enough power and also give you that special magic of the SET.
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