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Integrated S.E.T Amp and Bookshelf Speakers Recommendations

Greeting! When I was looking for a CD transport replacement I received great info and advice here.

Now that les fil #3 is adulting, I have my own office/library/hiding place. I am exploring lower wattage integrated SET amps and higher efficiency (92+) bookshelf stand-mount speakers, with a relatively flat signal response. I listen to lots of jazz; smaller chamber music groups and Early Music; acoustic bluegrassy, folk and the like. 

I'm looking for an amp that can do the following- liquid tonality with instruments; good realism and immediacy with voices; solid 3 dimensionality; sweet and airy treble; and defined decays. I want it all, lol.

I'm going to audition the following because these are names I have read about.

Elekit TU8600R, UnisonTriode 25, Sophia Electric Prodigy Dual Mono. Any others?

As far as speakers-Audio Note and Harbeth. Any others?

Budget-I'm listening and learning.

Anyone have any thoughts and recommendations?

Thanks again!

David

128x128wharfy
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,602 posts
 

I'll balance the argument.  SET is the only way to go.  I have tried a few SS amps since going tube and always disapointed. And push pull is a compromise that cannot hold a candle to SET.  It is accepted because people are married to their low sensitivity speakers.

that said, you aren't looking at high end SETs so you aren't getting the highest quality possible sound.  And there aren't many good options in bookshelf speakers and high sensitivity.  I look for 94db or higher but you can probably get buy at 92 if your amp has high current.  Look for a used decware.  I have an SE84UFO that is rated about 2 wpc and will fill my room using 95 db speakers.  It is my back up.  I am currently using a 4 wpc bespoke custom amp with 98 dB speakers.  Really overkill on power.

But if you're looking in this price range, you won't find an SS amp that will hold a candle to a simple SET.  Try to find one that is point to point wired, not circuit board.  If you can find an Aric or a Sachs that works for you jump on it.  

Jerry

freediver
1,173 posts
 

@carlsbad2 :where the SS amps you tried SINGLE ENDED pure CLASS A?
 If they were not your "balanced argument"is as far from balanced as yin is to yang...
 There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING a SET tube amplifier offers that a Single Ended, Class A SS amplifier does'nt & in MOST CASES the bass on the Class A SS amp is far superior to a 300B SET amp which are known to have soft bass!

jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 

A 300B SET does not have enough power for the vast majority of speakers.Why would you want to severely limit your choice of speakers ?

If you are determined to use a SET then you would be much better off considering a 6C33C,211,811 or 845 based one.

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,556 posts
 

For starters what are the dimensions of the new room?

I have been using 300B and 2A3 DH/SET amps for the past 22 years and I disagree with the opinions of many, many, many who have posted about them in the past (including a few in this thread).

This said, you have to have a plan and that starts with the size of the listening room and the SPL's desired.

 

DeKay

soix
9,456 posts
 

The Reference 3a De Capo Be monitors are worth a look given what you’re looking for.  Best of luck. 

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