SET amp recommendation

Erfranke,
I hear ya, some SET amps are colored and others are crystal clear, much variation is available.
In your price range a used Grant Fidelity 300b (with the Shuguang Black Treasure 300b) would fit your needs, Reviews say it`s a quiet amp with good transformers(crtical for SET sound quality).
Best of Luck,

The 2 most important components of an SET amp are the power supply and output transformers.

If you have a high quality source and resolving speakers, I don't believe there is much available for $1500 you'd be happy with long term.

IMO

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You don't really have an SET friendly set up at least for your typical 2.5 watt 2A3 or 8 watt 300B amp. Doesn't your speaker manufacturer recommend at least 50 watts?

If your speakers are 91 dB 4 ohm and you multiplied it up to 12 ohms the trade off is you get less power delivered to the speaker. The maximum voltage output of the amp is what it is but the autoformer divides this down so less gets to the speaker.

Fine if you have power to spare but starting with a low power amp and a medium sensitivity speaker you do not. I don't see any advantage to the autoformer if you choose a tube amp that has a 4 ohm tap.

Certainly no harm in trying.

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Based on your speakers and price point, I think a used 300B is probably the most likely candidate for you. I don't think you will be happy driving your speakers with lower powered SET amps 45/50/2A3.

Another potential option is to keep checking ebay as periodically Sean Casper offers F2a amps in that price range. The Siemens F2a tube (made famous in German Klangfilm amps in the 1950's) has about the same power rating as the 300B but has a completely different sonic signature. It is a much more dynamic sounding tube with better bass. It also has a wonderful presence to it - it comes across as a much more powerful tube. What it does give up to the 300B is some midrange sweetness and a bit of nuance. Both would be very good alternatives to your OTL.

Great information! Thank you