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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
seikosha
205 posts
 
I've got the SE84 stock non kit amp which is similar to what Mapman linked to. The stock amp is probably better sounding than the kit in that it's direct wired with no circuit boards. I'm toying with the idea of picking up a Dynamo. If I do, it'll be fun to compare it to the Decware. I'd be curious to see how they stack up against each other. If the Dynamo is better, I'd be thrilled as I've got a really nice combo going right now with my SE84 and Omega Speakers.

I don't think it'd be possible to build a Dynamo for 120.00. Won't the tubes alone push you right to that price point?
seikosha
205 posts
 
Looking at the parts list, the stock SE84 is definitely using higher grade parts than the kit. It certainly would sound nicer than the kit version.
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Mapman,
20 years ago I'd use something similar like http://diyaudioprojects.com/Schematics/300B-SE-Tube-Amp-Schematic.htm.
Having the fact I was poor and did NOT have funds to purchase 300B, I used 6L6 as triode instead.
I was able to get 6...7wpc. Obviously didn't have funds to make monoblocks so I did trivial 2ch amp with passive volume control first, than found more funds to build 12AT7 based volume control for 2 channels(duo-triode) similar to guitar amp approach http://chasingtone.com/yourguitaramp/your-basic-dual-triode-tube/
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi Seikosha,
The limiting factors are the quality of your transformers and the stiffness of the power supply section. This is where budget amplifiers often cut corners. These two areas are crucial according to makers of high quality SETs (make or break).Issrael deliberately put much of the Dynamo's part cost towards the transformers. Based on the comments on this thread, it was a wise decision. The cheaper kits can't provide this type of iron at their very low price point. Audio Note kits offer top level transformers (optional upgrades) and their price reflects that point.
seikosha
205 posts
 
Hi Charles1dad,

I know Decware states basically the same thing as Coincident as far as not skimping on transformers. Steve has stated that he's tested many different transformers in his amps and is pretty happy with the ones he's making now. Decware keeps their costs low with simple chassis designs/aesthetics which can be a major part of a final unit's cost.

Both Decware and Coincident make EL 34 triodes. I've been wanting to try one and figured I'd go with the Dynamo just to get an idea of Israel's sound since I already have a couple of Decware amps.
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