want to try a SET but where to start, I have......


A pair of klipsch, I believe they are rated at 94 db.
I have read previous threads on SET, and this is what I got.
The 300b have generally the most bloom, and the 845 run closest to neutral.
The 2a3 usually come in units with anywhere from 2-5 watts

I hope I got most of the facts right.
I would like that SET magic I always here about, can get enough power from a 2a3 unit or would a 845 work better with the 94 db speakers.

I would also like the unit to be intergrated with a remote
Am I asking too much?
Any recommendations would be greatly Appreciated
Thank you for your time
italy71
I believe Cary makes some nice integrated SET amps. They'd likely have a beefier power supply than the Decware or ASL Entrope mentions. The power supply plays a critical roll in amplifiers and can make a huge difference in SET designs. I guess it depends upon just how much you want to invest as the SET amps with the better power supplies are going to necessarily cost more. The less expensive designs tend to use smaller power supplies. I think the Cary 300sei goes for around $1800 used - none currently available. You can read the Stereophile Review for it here. I believe there a few other reviews online you can google. Speaker-matching is critical with SET and will certainly make or break the experience. I cannot stress that enough. If at all possible, audtion the matchup with many types of music, particulary the most demanding you are likely to play. You're doing pretty good with the Klipsch's though 94db (Heresys?) is at the lower end of what I would consider for an 8 watt SET, and may be a stretch with some music, and or in a larger room depending upon your expectations. Still, 8 watts should work out fine unless you are really pushing them in a larger space. If the latter I might suggest trying out a push/pull design using the same direct heated tubes you are considering in the SET amps. I had a pair of Wright Mono 10's that were fantastic amps and came very close to a SET sound using a pair of 2a3's putting out 11 watts. In many ways it bested the SET sound, but fell short only in the areas of soundstage dimenstions and overall airiness. Midrange was at least the equal of my SET amps though, and it was no slouch in the areas I mention as less than SET performance. There are other designs that are similar, as the Wrights rarely come up for sale (I just sold mine about a month ago :-( Can't really stear you in one direction there, but don't rule out that option as a better match for 94db Klipsch speakers.

Good luck!

Marco
Thanks alot Marco and Entrope, I will look into the amps you have mentioned,
Up until this point I have owned low effiency speakers and never really had a chance to try a SET amp. My tastes are changing an I would like to look into the low power set direction (get up close and personal with the music)
My speaker may change depending on my result
once again thank you for your comments
BTW room is 13 x 16 I believe but it is a douplex so the volume will be staying quite low
Fwiw, you really need to hear a few SET amps & see if the midrange magic outweighs the mushy bass and loss of dynamics, to your ear and with your type of music.
Some folks love them and why some folks would'nt be happy with them.
As mentioned above, some of the lower power push pull amps seem to get overlooked in discussions, but you may find that you prefer them. Much of the midrange magic and not so much of a compromise elsewhere, to my ear, in the systems I've heard, and your mileage may vary.
Good Luck!
Marco- I thought I would put him in less expensively since he is experimenting though I have to agree with the power supply point. The Cary seems a bit much to start with but will certainly supply the SET magic in full range. With the less expensive SETs I found that I give up bass control and some top end to get that fabulous midrange. Also the speaker matching point is well made and perhaps the most critical in making or breaking the pairing of a SET system.

I ran the 8 watt ASL AQ1005dt with 90dB ACI sapphires and it did fine except with orchestral and bass heavy rock. It really shined with Omega TS2's (94dB) and I could play it as loud as I thought practical with just about any music.
i listen to mostly female vocals...or easily listen music like cowboy junkies some jazz.

I have owned a audiomat prelude that was great but really did not drip with midrange magic...

There is a cary 2a3si for sale in my area...any thoughts on this unit?
Thx again

Marco there is also a cary 300sei for sale, what is a good used price, I would like to price check because the asking price seem a bit high