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What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi
steelhead
288 posts
 
I was very impressed with the line magnetic 22 watt per channel SET amp I heard at Pitchperfect in LA. Brand new I think it is 4,500 bucks.

Looked very nice and sounded good.

The Shindo SET was freaking fantastic but big bucks.

I have been way impressed with almost all the SET's I have been in front of.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Actually, I believe that Brownsfan's Inspire KT66 is a SEP, not an SET. I tried Dennis' Inspire KT88 SEP with my 91 db efficiency speakers, and the sound was very disappointing. I really wanted to love that amp, I thought it would mate well with my Cary SLP-98P F1 preamp.

I tried all sorts of driver, power and rectifier tube combinations to try and get it to open up, alas, I could not get decent sound in my room. To his credit, Dennis gave me a full refund. I do know of others that love his amps, so it is still probably worth a try, even though it did not come close to working for me.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
John,
This is what I mean, these low power amps cover a wide spectrum from poor to sublime performance.Some have said the Had amps lack good quality transformers(I have no personal knowledge to confirm or deny). I sure wouldn't judge SET/SEP amps on this one example. This is why I believe Brownsfan's three amplifier comparison driving the same speaker is going to be quite interesting.All 3 with the same power rating but very different design and parts quality approach.
Charles,
brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
JMC, you are correct regarding the KT66, but I did want to throw it into the mix since I have it on hand. If it turned out to be a stellar performer with the deCapos, I'm sure ReBbi would want to know, SET or not.

With a very quick, initial listen back a couple months ago, the Inspire KT66 was much better with my Coincident Triumph Extreme IIs (94 dB) than with the de Capos. That was a 10 minute audition a while ago, so I think a more serious listen would be prudent.

Rebbi, I just got back in town after a whirlwind tour of the upper midwest. 1480 miles in three days, trying to get 3 kids back to school in two different states. I will get on this tomorrow evening and get you some preliminary results over the next couple days.
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
Brownsfan,
Very kind of you. Recover from your travels and take your time. :-)
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