Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

Hello John,
I felt comfortable recommending the Black Treasure (BT) given my success with them a few years ago. For their current cost they are an exceptionally good value. I'm pleased to learn they're coming around for you(they'll continue to improve progressively). Each 300b tube has its own sound character as you're discovering. Your amp seems similar to mine in that the "modern" type 300b tubes sound better(IMO) than the "romantic" softer traditional type 300b. I find the modern 300b is more natural, linear and realistic without the romantic coloration effect.

The really good SET amplifiers don't need the gratuitous warmth/coloration because these amps innately provide a pure and natural sound to begin with. they will pass along the full true tone, timbres and harmonics without artificial assistance. Well anyway that's been my personal experience with my particular amplifier.
Charles,

Thank you Rebbi for sharing your experience with us. In all the threads over the years on this forum this one and the SET thread have really opened my eyes concerning my prejudices of SET amplifiers. What both threads have singularly done is recognize the fact that there is a wide variation in these designs and when matched with the proper speaker these amplifiers are capable of realizing a musical experience of the highest order, which to me is a real emotional connection to the music. The AN seems like a superb value an a great place to start given the support you've received from them and the seeming quality of the Kit. I'm still not totally convinced that the AN or any 8 watt DHT amplifier is going to be an ideal match with the Decapo speakers but this isn't the point really is it? It is the journey of discovery and new realizations. Most importantly that one doesn't have to spend tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars to put together a music system of the highest order. I recently had an SET experience of my own that put to place many of my earlier prejudices which is to say when done right, carefully chosen, SETs can offer an experience that is really magical. I would also say SET amplifiers CAN do bass and CAN reproduce orchestral music at a very satisfying level. Thanks again!

Tubegroover,
Great comments!

And thanks to you too Charles, a most thoughtful proponent of SET amplifiers. One thing for sure as in all thing audio, the critical importance of matching and judicious selection of components. Too often it is the lack of this resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome as has ofen been my impression when listening to some SET systems.

Tubegroover,
Thanks for your kind comment. I'd say you have summarized the successful route to SET amplifier use very well. It does require the proper speaker match and attention to system components(less critical usually). As you discovered, all music genres can be greatly enjoyed.
Charles,