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SET amp comparable to First Watt SIT 1?

I’m currently planning to change my speakers to high efficiency horn from modern high end speakers (B&W). The speakers would be Volti horn speakers.

For amp, A friend of mine has First Watt SIT-1, which sounds great to my ears, but I have always been interested in tube SET, especially 300B. The problem is there are too many choices around, and I have read several online reviewers stated that 300B amps don’t sound as good as First Watt SIT 1, except extremely expensive ones with NOS WE300B.

Any suggestions?

My budget is around 7-15K. I don’t mind second hand ones, but I wish I could compare it with my friend’s SIT 1 before I decide to take it or not, so second hand unit is probably not an option.
tmare
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Atmasphere,
Yes , I've heard the distortion argument rendered many times and that may in fact explain to some degree what I am hearing.What is interesting is the fact that the SET consistently sounds more real and closer to what I experience at live unamplified venues. That's why I just follow my ears and choose what sounds right and more life like. Again we all will listen and make our personal choices whatever direction that may be.
Charles
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
^^ I get that. I played string bass in the orchestra for years. On that account its always been really important to me to get the bass right. That's an example of my own preference. But because I played in the orchestra I really really don't like it when the system sounds 'loud'. That bugs the heck out of me. I want it to sound effortless even when I'm play real volumes like I've heard in the concert halls with acoustic instruments. Somehow the orchestra could sound effortless and not shouty even though it was playing at 100db! Picky I guess...


tmare OP
44 posts
 
Thank you for a lot of precious comments again. Many interesting read as well.

I feel that I should tell you guys my question has been already answered by great members here at Audiogon, thank you!. I wanted to know which 300B SET would be the best candidate to be compared with SIT-1, and I got a lot of (too many?) great recommendations. This holiday season, I’ll research more about SET and horn speakers (it’s a fun time), and I’ll report what I finally choose. (or I’ll have to post the other questions...)

Happy holidays!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Tmare,
This upcoming experience should be fun and educational. Keep us informed on your findings.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Charles
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