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SET amps ?

Hi all, I have been a budget system builder since the mid 70's.I still have my first system ( Marantz 1060/Pioneer PL 12D ,JBL l36.I stopped in the mid 80"s for kids.I have Adcoms,NADs several Marantz's you know the deal.Anyway I picked up a pair of Tekton 4.1's and have them powered by an NAD 314.The question is , is now the time to try a SET tube amp ? I have been looking at several in the $750.00 to $1500.00 range. I do have a nice small listening room for the 4.1's . The Dared MP 2A3c looks interesting at the price.Any feed back would be helpful.How long do the tubes tend to last ? Thanks...
128x128jazzman463
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tubegroover,
The prototype 845 Berning sounds potentially special when you consider the merits of the builder. There are folks on audiogon with more knowledge about 845 SET amplifiers than me. One in particular is 213 cobra (Phil) he has extensive experience with both SET and OTL and could provide a well informed perspective. Germanboxers is another who has much personal experience with these two amplifier types. Both of them as far as I know listen to a wide range of music and find no limitations with their 845 SETs.I'm more familiar with the 300b SETs and I have no music genre restrictions. Nothing falls apart, becomes congealed, confused or sloppy-muddy.

But to be fair not all SETs are equal and 'some' will behave as you describe and much is speaker dependant as has been pointed out several times here. If the Berning represents the ideal sound you seek then no SET will match that. Conversely the Berning isn't going to sound like the better implemented SETs, so it becomes what a re you looking for?
Charles,
jazzman463's avatar
jazzman463 OP
48 posts
 
First guys ,the response is overwelling.I do have several systems working now...
1. Magapan MG II A's ,powered by an Adcom 555,ARC SP 9 MK 3
2. DCM time windows/Marantz # 18
3. Spica TC 50's , Peachtree Nova
4. DCM time windows,/ Emotiva UPA-200 , USP-1
5. Tekton 4.1, NAD 314 // Marantz 1060 // Marantz 1070 rotation...

So this would be just for jazz and chamber music in a small romm.Looking ( before my ears give out )for the SET "sound".I have many different sources from turn tables to CD players to I-Pods.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jazzman463,
With your smaller room and criteria you listed I think the Coincident Dynamo SET would be a very good solution and it fits your price range.
jazzman463's avatar
jazzman463 OP
48 posts
 
Yes that does look nice fit as well as the Dared MP 2a3c.Also I will consider used,and I am looking at a Raysonic SE 30 mk 2 that is for sale now ? So much to consider.In my older age I buy without hearing,back in the day we did not do that.Thanks man and have a great Thanksgiving.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jazz,
1)The Raysonic is a parallel SET 18 watts per channel and use three el34 per channel and was favorably reviewed by 6 Moons.

2)The Coincident is 8 watt SET using the el34 (very simple).

3)The Dared uses a 2A3 tube which is a pure DHT (I'm favorably bias toward DHTs).

I'm confident that the Coincident has very good transformers/parts and has a stellar company reputation-track record.
I know little about Dared but if they utilize good transformers it could be a fine choice with its DHT output tube.
I wish you a happy thanksgiving as well.
Charles,
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