Does anyone own the Bel Canto SET 40?


I have this baby for five years, with NOS tubes and love it. I have NEVER read a post about it, seen (only mine) one for sale, or plain ole general interest in this amp. I just can't figure.
128x128warrenh
I remember when they came out, and they were well reviewed. I was surprised when they abandoned tubes and went class D, and even more surprised when they were very successful. I guess they make a good product.
I owned one...actually it was the SET 40i (integrated). Ran it with Merlin speakers and Meridian CD player about 8 years ago or so. Classic 845 tube sound,sounded great but got very hot as I remember.
My amp had quite a few mods plus the nos 12AX7s driving tubes are a beautiful thing.
I've owned my Bel Canto SET40 for many years and it has been in my reference system the whole time. I love this amp. Single ended glory, yet extended at both frequency extremes.....great body and harmonic structure, and yet has speed and dynamics as well. This is a great amp!
indeed! I have never owned an amp that has given me so much, and never an itch to hear else where. SET is an addiction. I was turned on to tubes by cobra213, years ago, and have never looked back. This baby is a gem. Nice to hear another happy customer. Happy Christmas, No_regrets
Thank you Warrenh and may you have a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year as well.
Warren,Glad to hear your still enjoying your SET 40! I have moved to a smaller room and the Caravelles sound even better. Happy Holidays ,Ray
Hi Ray. You are right on that. If I did not move to such a huge space I would still be listening to those babies. One of the best. A Happy Christmas to you.
I been listening to my Bel canto SETi 40 for 4 years with Shuguang 845B tubes and Telefunkens 12AX7 medical grade with very good results! Silky mids, punchy yet controlled bass and highs very well defined. I like a lot. Never had a problem. Good results with Bw CDM9NT but now it is paired with a par of Opera Quinta speaker that have a very smooth impedance curve and sinergy is outstanding. Glad to hear from others Bel canto owners!!
sweet...love hearing what I am hearing. This amp was a remarkable find. I got it at a song, and could sell it right now (which ain't happening)for probably $1k more. thanks for hitting taking the time tiofelon
I just got this amp and it's super addicting already. Got teles and 845bs coming now and can't wait to hear the improvement. I'm already in a trance.
Warren you live in my neck of the woods , was wondering who did your mods?
don't remember. I purchased it used. The Bugle Boys were the best thing I ever added. A bit pricey, but well worth the $$. One sweet SET huh? Happy to hear you love it. It's a keeper.
Just makes all music more musical, and I was surprised to hear it rock out too. Positive feedback describes the 845Bs as a huge uptick. I'm far from hearing it at its potential (I assume). So yeh , digging it, but reserving true love for when it is properly tubed .
Hi Berony

I have a SET 40 and am thinking about retubing. I don't even know what tube is there now as they have no paint left. Are you happy with your new tubes? Can you advise me on what you are using now? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks Paul
Post your question in a new thread. I know a bunch of expert tubers who will help you out.
Berto used Shugang 845b tubes along with some rare and expensive Tung-Sol blackplate 12ax7s which were really exceptional.

He ultimately didn't care for Telefunken, a sentiment I mirror him on.
Reviving an old thread. I just picked up a restored SET 40 and would love to hear your speaker suggestions as well as preamp suggestions. I am using a Conrad Johnson ET3SE and also have a Tube Linear Audio MicroZotl, but some have said the SET 40 sounds better with a solid state preamp.

Loving the SET sound!

I have used active and passive pre amps with my Bc Set 40, I prefer with a passive (Glass house Tvc) . I use mine with a pair of Tannoy GRF Memory speakers. Seems like a rare amp I have only ever seen my one in the Uk.

Andy