What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

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.

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.

Forgot to mention I didn't use any kits on my project. Most of parts found from junked units such as transformers, chassis, volume knobs, resistors, pots and caps.

How about the Baby Sophia? I like that its made in Virgina, not far from me.

I really love this Dynamo amp. The RFT Siemens EL34s from Brent Jesse are breaking in as I am writing this piece. Playing is Louis Armstrong/Duke Ellington, "The Great Summit/The Master Takes". The stage is ginormous as in really big, wall-to-wall, 14 feet across plus another 4 feet of small hall entry/exit. I'm not getting any work done. Truly great height, width, depth. The RFT's are a bit richer, bass more powerful, than the Shuguang that came stock with the amp, which has a little more air and space; but remember, the RFT Siemens is breaking in, only about 10 hours on them. In either case the tone, saturated colors are wonderful, so natural, organic, as the music flows forth. Piano is exceptional. Great timing, pitch, PRaT, it has it. Louis is right there big as life. As a bass player myself, I'm loving the Bass, tapping my toes, no one note, hard or hollow bass. It recreates the tuning/tone of the player. Great Gatsby, this is sweet, so live, and dynamic.

Mapman, my brother has a Sophia Baby among Leben and Harbeth. If you want to compare the Dynamo you’re going to have to move up to the Sophia 91-03. I know it sounds crazy, but that is what I hear. In fact, I'm going to sell my Cary V12, Cary SL98, perhaps Primaluna Dialogue One, push my chips to the center of the table, pick-up another Dynamo, as well as the Coincident Franks/101 tube pre and be done with it.

This little guy costs 1,300. No preamp necessary. It is the greatest bargain in audio to these ears. I don't make this type of statement easily, if ever.

My brother and I are putting together another shoot-out fest with some mutual audiophile buddies. Hopefully soon after Halloween. I'll report on the Sophia, but I already know it's an also ran.