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SET the best?

Is SET amplification where we should all end up? I keep reading posts where people tell of their journeys from plenty power to micro power, and how amazing SET amplification is 45 set 211 set 845 set otl, and usually, ....with the right speaker. I have yet to read of anyone who has gone the other direction from SET, to High watt beast class A amps or others.
If your speakers can be driven by minimal wattage, is this the most realistic, natural sound we can achieve? versus say, 86db sensitive speakers and a 1000w amp?
Is the end result solely based on speaker pairing? circuit? tubes?

I am in the process of changing my direction in my search for realistic sound, just because, and wondering if this really is the best direction to be going.
From what I have been reading I think it may be.

What do we get with SET? What do we give up?

What's you favorite color?
hanaleimike
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 

 

sns
3,407 posts
 

Can't put in one basket. 845 300B, 2a3, and then added variable of loudspeaker. Find the right combo, experience live performers in room every listening session.

antigrunge2
1,452 posts
 

@mozartfan ,

in the video running both a coax tweeter and a second tweeter in paralell off-axis will reult in a blurred soundstage, partial cancellation of frequencies through overlap as well as issues of phase coherence. I’d suggest to use a supertweeter with the Coax driver instead. On bass, similar issues apply although localisation is less critical. The SET looks intereting and you rightly point out the importance of transformers.

mozartfan
2,143 posts
 

SET  the ultimate musical experience, 2nd to none. 

Since its Xmas time

A Musical magical Wonderland

Willinston 100 vs Muzishare 100

Going with the Muzi as it has TWO 12ax7's, vs the  one  12AX7 of Willinston

Both are incredible amplifiers. 

mikem
260 posts
 

My speakers are 95.5db sensitive which allows me to use low powered amps. I’ve come full circle from large speakers, big heavy tube amps, etc … to a minimalist system that uses a single stage amp w 18wpc. Less is more ! Everything sounds better with less power, less components, etc..  

I spent lots of money to learn that you don’t need to spend lots of money to get good sound.. IME

My first system back in the early 70’s was a 2A3 tube amp and a pair of plywood lowthers ..  I didn’t realize then how good it was.. I only focused on the lack of bass and spent mad money buying large everything to make bass..  I have to laugh at myself.. now I have it all with less. Just hope I live long enough to keep enjoying what I have..  No regrets, enjoyed the chase.. but now just enjoying the music ..

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