2. amps-preamps
  3. 182083-1614

SET Distortion at higher volumes?

If my SET amp is running out of power with my 96db speakers, does it create distortion that sounds like a record mistracking? I'm trying to track down an issue I'm having at anything over medium levels. I'm getting a high end distortion. Happens at high frequency or energy vocal and horn and piano passages.

dhcod
whart's avatar
whart
3,052 posts
 

How much power is the amp? I run Lamm ML2- 18 watts each, but speakers are nominally 104db at 1 meter. Never have a problem, I don’t listen at jet take off levels but call it 80db with some higher peaks, C weighted. Could also be other things- mistracking if a phono is involved for example. 

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jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

The OP can change to Klipsch Khorns (104db sensitivity) but then he will have to suffer with their infamous sound colorations.

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I’m playing with a 1.8 watt 45 SET with my 96 dB rated speakers and I can’t turn it up high enough to distort. Amps vary, speaker ratings vary. What tube are you running and what speakers?

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,947 posts
 

I'm using a 300b and it is almost always using a watt or less with most material.  

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