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used SET amp under $1500 suggestion

As stated in another thread, I have problem of having too much gain in my system. I am considering buying a SET amp to drive a pair of Zu omen definition, and looking for suggestion. I have too options:

1) keeping my PrimaLuna Prologue 3 preamp and buy a SET power amp or mono block. I like the PrimaLuna sound, so, I prefer to keep it. However, in this case, my budge is under $1500. To work with the PrimaLuna, I need an amp with input impedance > 100k Ohm. And the PrimaLuna has a gain of 12 dB. My current McCormack has 30dB gain which is too loud. So .. likely, I prefer something not exceeding 20dB gain?

2) sell the PrimaLuan preamp, and replaced with an integrated SET amp. I prefer option 1 because I don't know if I will like the sound of the integrated. But if I get an integrated, my budget increase to $2500, and it seems it open up more choices.

I read the 6moons and other review, it seems the Almarro and Yamamoto are 2 highly recommended SET choices, but they are both quite expensive. Is there any other choices? Thanks in advance.
gte357s
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I also feel that a DHT based amp is the ultimate in sound.The 45,2a3 and 300b(I`ve heard them all)can sound superb or merely average. Depends on implemetation and parts quality. The 300b(there`s many to choose from)can provide 8-10 watts in a SET design. For a 98db speaker this is a lot of power with plenty of headroom. With this speaker at reasonable listening levels(70-85db) you`re using 1/10to 1/100 of a watt!
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jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
not trying to talk him out of a SET amp, just not sure that will solve the problem of too much gain in the system. would be a shame to put $1500 into an amp and STILL have too much gain from the source allowing you a tiny range on the volume control

just my 2 cents

Jeff
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Viridian,
Your point is understood, but in the context of an initial step into the DHT-SET world They`re many choices available with the much more commonly used(easy to find)tubes that still offer excellent sound.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
05-01-11: Viridian
Charles and Dark there's more to DHT land than 45, 2A3 and 300B. Give the 46 a try and if you can really live with low, low power, the 71A is unparalleled, and of course, the 6B4G is a nice DHT as well, more or less, a 6V 2A3.
All valid points, but as of yet, we know nothing of the OP's preferences. Under-powered systems can led to some pretty negative generalizations about SET overall. Better to start out in the higher power regions and work one's way down, than vice versa.
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