2. amps-preamps
  3. 163903-4976

Gave up my SET----looking for moderate to higher power replacement options

I recently sold my JAS Array 2.1, which is a SET using 805 and 300B producing 45w.  With NOS RCA 805 and Sophia Princess 300B's, this amp produced the best sound I've ever had.  I used it to drive the satellite section of a pair of DIY/Legacy Focus clones using Eton drivers.  I've ran several different solid state amps on the bass drivers.  The inner detail and palpability of images were fantastic.  Images were life-sized and, frequently, sounded as if the musicians were in the room with me (not much of an exaggeration--honestly!)  And despite the modest power rating, this amp had startling dynamics.  It was an exciting and very engaging listen but.....well, aside from the amp breaking down on a few occasions, the cost of tubes and the extreme heat the amp put out,  the amp did run out of power when I pushed it too hard.  

I've tried several other amps during my time with the JAS, typically as warm weather substitutes, and a few more since I sold it but I really am mostly disappointed.  Presently I have an Audiozone Amp1 running the satellite section and a Jaton AV5140 on the woofers.  I was biamping with the Jaton but wanted a bit more detail and transparency.  The Audiozone is better than the Jaton in this regard but still falls rather short of the standard set by the JAS  and also runs out of power occasionally and sounds just awful when it clips.  I have an Audio Alchemy DPA 1 and had the Wyred4Sound ST-500 when it first came out and neither are what I'm looking for in my main system.  The AA amp is better but still a far cry from the sonics of the SET JAS.  Do any of the Class D amps truly approach SET sonics?    I'm considering the Gamut D200 mk iii as well though these are hard to find.   Are there any Class D amps I should look in to?  I really need to keep it at $3000 or less and probably around $2000.  Please make recommendations based on actual experience, that is only on amps you've actually heard.  Thanks!
lcherepkai
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@atmasphere I appreciate your explaination and the educational post Ralph, but I will note that some listeners do find substantial differences between 2nd vs 3rd harmonic dominant designs (e.g., see the "Harmonic Distortion and Sound" section of this article: https://www.passdiy.com/project/articles/audio-distortion-and-feedback).

This even holds when the amplifier typology is otherwise held constant, e.g., when adjusting the front control on the First Watt SIT-1.
lcherepkai OP
278 posts
 
Charles---I probably won't (ever) be able to swing the Mola Mola or Soulution amps but am interested in the Benchmark.  I'd be much more likely to seek them out if the used price were lower though.  How did you feel about the Benchmark's sound?  I read a few comments about some incompatibility issues with some speakers?

Mapman---these Focus clones are a fairly good match with 805 based SETs.  The 45w is ample power for the most part.  I just get the itch sometimes to play lounge or dubstep or some brutal bass heavy ambient at un-neighborly levels.  With almost everything else, I never felt I was pushing the JAS hard.  My main listening was jazz and some blues so the volume was usually kept at reasonable levels.  With most other SET amps using other tubes, I would agree with finding the right speakers but I think it less of an issue with 805's.

articdeth---my appreciation of the SET I had was more based on it's pristine sound than tone.  With the right recordings, I was hearing the musicians in the room with me rather than a widow on to  the recording. There was just so much inner detail and (almost) nothing between me and the sound.  Almost every other amp I've used is veiled in comparison.  I'm looking for the transparency and detail I hear about in the best Class D amps without the common shortcomings.   The reviews of some of the First Watt amps sound like what I want, just much more power.

atmasphere---you mention that there are Class D amps you've heard that are very close to the SET sound.  Would you please offer a recommendation or two?  

Many thanks to all.  If I find what I'm looking for, I'll certainly share my experience(s).  
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@lcherepkai 

1. I've also heard that about the Benchmarks. My impression is that they are not capable of handling low impedance loads, and (perhaps surprisingly) it seems this becomes more of an issue if you're running them as monoblocks. If you're thinking about them, I'd just reach out to Benchmark with your speaker specifications and ask about compatibility. From all reports they're great amplifiers. As Charles mentions, the comparison of this high- feedback amplifier typology to your SET experience will be very interesting. There are some used units around and I think you can get some new ones with free home trials, so it might be easy to find out.

2. Hopefully Ralph will weigh in but unfortunately I suspect @atmasphere is referencing his own Class D amplifier that is currently under development. I'm sure it'll be wonderful, but not yet available and perhaps outside your budget. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@icherepkal,
I will 2nd your request of Ralph to identify these special SET sounding high NFB  class D amplifiers . I’m "genuinely" interested in who are the manufacturers capable of what I’d consider a very admirable feat. They deserve exposure and recognition. I can’t deny some may exist but I’ve yet to come across any thus far. Obviously I haven't heard every class D amplifier in existence. 
Charles
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The Benchmark AHB2 doesn’t have a "sound" it’s one of the best measuring amps around. If your speakers and ears can take it you can push 120dbspl and the noise floor will still be -10dBSPL below. If there was ever an amp considered neutral it’s the AHB2.
More to discover