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want to try a SET but where to start, I have......

A pair of klipsch, I believe they are rated at 94 db.
I have read previous threads on SET, and this is what I got.
The 300b have generally the most bloom, and the 845 run closest to neutral.
The 2a3 usually come in units with anywhere from 2-5 watts

I hope I got most of the facts right.
I would like that SET magic I always here about, can get enough power from a 2a3 unit or would a 845 work better with the 94 db speakers.

I would also like the unit to be intergrated with a remote
Am I asking too much?
Any recommendations would be greatly Appreciated
Thank you for your time
italy71
entrope
482 posts
 
The Decware Zen amps sound wonderful for around $400-$500 used or $700 new at 2-6 watts per channel. Nice start in the SET sound. Many never go further than Decware Zen.
Antique Sound labs AQ1005DT is a nice 300b sarter amp @ 8 watts per channel. Solid performer for between $800-$1000 used. Both are sufficient for a 94dB speaker.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
I believe Cary makes some nice integrated SET amps. They'd likely have a beefier power supply than the Decware or ASL Entrope mentions. The power supply plays a critical roll in amplifiers and can make a huge difference in SET designs. I guess it depends upon just how much you want to invest as the SET amps with the better power supplies are going to necessarily cost more. The less expensive designs tend to use smaller power supplies. I think the Cary 300sei goes for around $1800 used - none currently available. You can read the Stereophile Review for it here. I believe there a few other reviews online you can google. Speaker-matching is critical with SET and will certainly make or break the experience. I cannot stress that enough. If at all possible, audtion the matchup with many types of music, particulary the most demanding you are likely to play. You're doing pretty good with the Klipsch's though 94db (Heresys?) is at the lower end of what I would consider for an 8 watt SET, and may be a stretch with some music, and or in a larger room depending upon your expectations. Still, 8 watts should work out fine unless you are really pushing them in a larger space. If the latter I might suggest trying out a push/pull design using the same direct heated tubes you are considering in the SET amps. I had a pair of Wright Mono 10's that were fantastic amps and came very close to a SET sound using a pair of 2a3's putting out 11 watts. In many ways it bested the SET sound, but fell short only in the areas of soundstage dimenstions and overall airiness. Midrange was at least the equal of my SET amps though, and it was no slouch in the areas I mention as less than SET performance. There are other designs that are similar, as the Wrights rarely come up for sale (I just sold mine about a month ago :-( Can't really stear you in one direction there, but don't rule out that option as a better match for 94db Klipsch speakers.

Good luck!

Marco
italy71 OP
44 posts
 
Thanks alot Marco and Entrope, I will look into the amps you have mentioned,
Up until this point I have owned low effiency speakers and never really had a chance to try a SET amp. My tastes are changing an I would like to look into the low power set direction (get up close and personal with the music)
My speaker may change depending on my result
once again thank you for your comments
BTW room is 13 x 16 I believe but it is a douplex so the volume will be staying quite low
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