2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408839785

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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Mikirob,
Your wife has good ears, does she share your musician background? The SET amplifiers sacrifice power relative to push pull alternatives. Their simpler design/circuits in return offer purer and more natural sound IMO. There's less complexity and fewer parts affecting the signal. I bet your wife hears this advantage (lively and increased sense of realism). Plus if she's similar to my wife she'll consider the Dynamo "cute". My wife can definitely detect/hear the differences in "naturalness" amongst various audio components. She'll say Charles, "that one sounds more real than the other one".
Charles,
brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
Mikirob, the recording I use so frequently for listening tests is from the Kitajenko cycle on Cappriccio. Most of the recordings in the set are pretty good, both from the standpoint of sonics and also based on performance. I also have Barshai and Jansons cycles.
mikirob
950 posts
 
Brownsfan,
Thank you so much for the recommendation. I do not own that copy, will buy. I enjoyed reading the various commentaries on this cd.

Charles, my wife plays classical guitar, her ears are stellar, she is my touchstone when it comes to the quality of sound. Plus, she really enjoys the equipment search (shows), and listening to tube differences. Absolutely no resistance to music or equipment purchase. Such a blessing.

Saki70, I hope my comments above helped you. If you have any further questions on equipment I own, please don't hesitate to ask.
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Ebm, was it big?
brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
Mikirob, let me know what you think of this version vs those that you already own. I have not yet downloaded the Jansons and Barshai cycles to my HAPZ1. I need to get that done. I especially like the Jansons 4th. It is the best I have heard. The HAPZ1 makes older recordings sound so good that it is much easier to enjoy them, and the Barshai and Jansons cycles I think are excellent in terms of performance quality. What are your preferred recordings of the Shostakovich symphonies?
More to discover