Coincident Dynamo vs. Decware SE34I.4


Friends,
I recently started a thread about "The Greatest Bargain in SET Amps These Days." I am looking for a single ended amplifier to use with my Reference 3A De Capo speakers.
I think I have it pretty much narrowed down to either the Coincident Dynamo 34SE or the Decware SE34I.4. Different amps, different topologies, but very, very similar in price and specifications. I am eager to hear your thoughts about this choice. My speakers, by the way, are rated at 92 dB of efficiency. My room is fairly small, about 11' x 16' with an 8 foot ceiling.
Thanks in advance for your help!
rebbi
Rebbi, I have huge hands. I can, with appropriate care, manage to rotate the volume knob without toasting my fingers.

I would encourage you to think about the tube rolling in this way. The stock tube that is probably just unacceptable is the rectifier. You can get a superb new production cryo'ed 5ar4 Gold Lion for about $40. Just figure that into the price of the amp. The dynamo sounded fine with the stock rectifier, but they tend to be short lived. Mine started arcing with about 10 hours. With respect to the rest of the tubes, I don't know of any amp that sounds best with its stock tubes. That is why Charles sprung 2K for his 300Bs.

As for only having one input, if that doesn't work for you, that is probably reason to move on to another option.

With all due respect, I think you are suffering from analysis paralysis. Why not try the Decware, since it has a trial period? If you don't like it, send it back and try the dynamo. I suspect you will be happy with either, but the fundamental question with either amp is will they be better than your Manley? That requires an A/B in your system, hence the good advice from Charles. It is time for you to listen.
Rebbi,
I responded to you about tube rolling on the other thread. Did you read Tim Smith's review, or the Enjoy the Music review? What don't you understand? There was tons of great information on that other thread even if it did drift from the topic as it neared the end. How far can you squeeze this turnip? You could have asked the questions you ask here, but you did not ask for any clarification about the volume control and so on...best bargain? At $1,300, my money is on the Coincident as I've stated previously. Best in your pursuit...
I own a Decware SE34I.4 which I use with a VPI Scout 1.1, Decware DNA speakers and Quicksilver phono pre. Have nothing to compare it to except visiting other audiophile homes in my area I have visited.
For the price I believe Decware to be of outstanding value.
Also there's the lifetime warranty.
Visit them in E. Peoria IL if you can, I spent 5 hours there before I made my purchase.
Contact me if you have questions.