New SET Amp


I currently own a Cary 300SEI. It's a single ended 300b tube amp. It's my first experience with SETs. I'm thinking about trying something different but don't see a lot of SET's produced by well known companies. I guess what I'm trying to say is; I like Cary because they have a nice reputation, have been around awhile and are made here in the USA. It'd be nice to try another SET by a similar company (Conrad Johnson, Mcintosh, VAC, Quicksilver, etc.) but I don't see too many. Any suggestions. Oh, by the way, I can't spend more than $500 over what I can get for the Cary. I'd guess I could get at least $2,500 for the Cary. It's the latest model with autobias, remote, etc.

Also, I don't need a preamp since I can go direct with my Cary 303/300 and am using AKG K1000 headphones for the forseeable future.

Thanx!!
pawlowski6132
Mike Sanders (Quicksilver) is working on putting the 300B SET amps, that I
have a prototype pair of, into production. Rumor I heard was that he may
have something by later this year. Not sure where he's aiming to put the
pricepoint. That would be worth the wait IMO - the amps I have are
outstanding, and they've kept me grinning for two years now. I've never
compared them to the Cary you have though so could not say how different
they may be. Otherwise he has not produced any other SET amps. Nor, for
that matter, has McIntosh or Conrad Johnson that I am aware of.

A few questions that may help others answer your query: Why are you
wanting to change - what are you hoping to gain? What speakers are you
going to be using?

If you are looking for something different than the 300B tube sound, you may
want to try an entirely different design. I liked the Bel Canto 40 when I heard
it and it may give you more versatility with the extra muscle. That uses a pair
of 845 tubes. You should be able to find one for your budget used. Or for
something completely different you might look into OTL amps. Just a few
thoughts...

Marco

PS Hey Warren - welcome to the dark side! Are you using the Audion with
your beloved Callistos? If so, how does that work out as a pairing off?
Callistos? You have the wrong Warren. Zu Defintion 1.5s 101 db. An SET dream-18 watts per. Dark and sweet it be...

BTW, I use to own the Hamonic Precision Caravelles. You got the "C" part right.
Yes, it was the Caravelles I was thinking of. Aging man brain fart. I got the speaker wrong, but definitely the right Warren. Cool beans on the SET + zu...sounds like a nice combo. What made you give up the Caravelles and go SET?

Marco
Marco, I loved the Caravelles, as you know, but I moved. New crib was much much larger, plus high ceilings. Not enough speaker for the space. Wanted a small foot print and a full range speaker. Almost impossible to find. And then came Zu. 101db left the door open for tubes. Wasn't even considering tubes. Was happy as anything with my YBA Passion, but another Definition and Druid owner encouraged me to rethink the idea of tubes. The rest was history. 53, and still teachable. These Definitions are very exciting. Never had an efficient speaker in my life. Tubes were never in the picture. Couldn't afford what it would take to drive what I had in the past. thanks for asking...good to see you back on the 'gon Marco...warren