SET amps ?

I have read many more personal accounts of people that went to SET and stayed, than of those that went away from SET. I can't imagine leaving mine.

I don't think any particular topology is inherently superior. A lot depends on implementation and system compatibility. I own two good pushpull amps (a pushpull 45 amp and a 349 amp) and a 2a3 SET (actually a parallel SET). I like both the 349 and the 2a3 SET a lot, perhaps the pushpull 349 more than the other, but, then again, the linestage I currently use is specifically matched to the 349 amp.

In a heartbeat, I would trade either or both of these "favorite" amps for a particular OTL amp that I have had the pleasure to hear. Unfortunately, these particularly amps take up WAY too much space and are extremely expensive, which is why I passed on a recent change to own them.

The SET amp is particularly good at presenting all of the fine detail, nuance, and complex interplay of instruments without being harsh or brittle sounding (a problem with many supposedly "detailed" gear). The 349 pushpull amp is not quite as open on top and does not quite have the same delicate touch as the SET amp, but it delivers a more propulsive bass line and has a fantastically realistic midrange. The OTL I heard is so immediate, punchy and alive that it is startling, yet it is smooth and not the least bit harsh sounding.

Conversely, I've heard plenty of, to me, crappy sounding SETs, pushpull amps (not heard a really crappy OTL, though many have turned out to be somewhat high maintenance).

11-21-13: Clio09
When a "?" is used to me that is an interrogative. So IMO the OP is asking a question as to whether or not this is the time to try a SET amp. My answer is simply "maybe," but don't rule out a push-pull.

+1

Like I said, I could be off base with my suggestion.
I too anticipate that I will someday become an SET guy. I like what I have now, which are as far from SET you can get circuit wise in a tube amp ( A Jadis DA-60 and Consonance Cyber 800 mono blocks and some others amps)

"The question is , is now the time to try a SET tube amp ?"

Yes, now is a great time. I would recommend a 300b amp, not because that's
what I like (which I do) but for reasons based on what I think would
"marry" better with your 4.1's. Although if a particularly good deal
comes up on a 2a3 based amp, I'd say go for it.

"How long do the tubes tend to last ? "

Depends how hard the designer runs them. In general, they should last for at
least a couple of years.