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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
lexx21
75 posts
 
I myself am running a conrad johnson mv55. El34 in push pull with mallard reissue tubes. It sounds fantastic into my audio nirvana super 15" Alice ported speakers. 

I design and build my own tube amps but the mv55 made me realize that I needed to really step up my game in that arena.

It does not sound like a set amp. Only set amps sound like set amps. Solid state amps are only going to be an approximation, but leave you lacking.

Suggestion is to purchase another set amp using something like the gm70 as the output tube, get a good pp amp like a conrad johnson, or upgrade you speakers to something 98db or better.

When it comes to audio electronics, there is no free lunch between technologies. Set is going to be limited in power in class A but sound very sweet. Run it in AB and you lose a bit of that sweetnes but gain more power. Run a set with a Mongo transmitting tube and you will get more power, but heat your room unbearably during the warm months.

I suggest a GOOD tube PP amp running kt120 for output if your speakers are not that efficient and you don't want to change out your drivers. Steer clear of Chinese amps. Go for a manufacturer that has a LONG proven track record.

Just my 2 cents, thake what I said above if you want.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
$3000 you say? Easy, its called the Sugden A21se. 30 watt single ended pure class A @$3250 brand new. Solid state, made for over 50 years by the pioneers of SS class A. She's a beauty!
lcherepkai OP
280 posts
 
boomerbillone---sounds very interesting and what a nice price.  Where did you purchase yours and are you missing any qualities in the new amp vs the Elekit?  Thanks for the recommendation!

speakermaster---with regards to vintage amps, back in the day I had a Krell KSA 100S, Threshold T-200, Threshold SA4e, and Classe 25.  They were all nice in their own way but none were remotely the kind of transparent I'm looking for.  Compared to the JAS, all were rather on the opaque side and, as a result, not as engaging for me.  I can certainly enjoy music from any of those fine amps but that's not what I want.  I connect most with a recording when it sounds real.  Only a highly (for me anyway----financial restrictions at play here) transparent and detailed system really gets and holds my attention.   To each, their own.  That's just my preference.  No right or wrong.  Thanks for your input though.
lcherepkai OP
280 posts
 
boomerbillone----what 300B were you using?
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@audioguy85 Note that the OP was already finding 45W insufficient with his original SET.  That's what makes the change such a tough task... gonna want 90W+ I think.
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