SET with inefficient speakers
I drive 89db Acoustic Zen Adagios with a 22 watt 845 SET no problems, but as darkmoebius say's, it is the impedence that is the vital point. The Adagios are pretty flat and do'nt drop much below 6.5ohms. In fact, my SET had better grip on the speakers than a good 180watt SS amp I was using. As always, I think you have to try a possible candidate in your room, with the speakers |
Art Audio Jota - hi-power, hi-current version(different tubes, larger transformers). These amps can drive loads that very few SETs can even dream of. But, it will cost ya'... $13k new, ~$6.5k used |
My mains are not ver efficient at 87dB 8ohms (TMM, M's are 6") with not ruler flat impedance curve, and mfr. recommends min. 85wpc, but I have them high-passed at 85Hz, augmented with two subs. On paper not ideal, but they sound wonderful with pair of 45 watt SET monos. And loud enough for me (ave. 80-85dBs at seat). Glad I tried them out instead of being scared away by the speaker specs. Best to try if you can. It is part of the fun. |
On their website Dali claims to have a very flat impedance curve. If so, you'll be able to drive your Dali well with a 10wpc SE amp w/o much problems. BTW, I drove 88db efficient speakers with a homerolled 2.5 wpc amp and the bass was astonishing. Much better than a 50wpc Nad I normally use to run in speakers or to hold the door open. |
Check out Dehavilland's SET amps. They are higher powered than most SETs, and designed with the goal of being compatible with many speakers that otherwise wouldn't work well w/SETs. Their website and all your basic research will give you plenty of info. I am using their 30w Aries 845Gs to drive Alon V speakers that normally recommend much higher power. Most listeners can't believe that I'm driving them with SET amps. Cheers, Spencer |
