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
Rebbi,

As long as you go into this venture with the right frame of mind--you are willing to experiment and accept an unfavorable result and willing to accept a bit of financial loss if the choice does not work out--I say by all means do the experiment. It might well be the case that you will enjoy the attributes of the low-powered SET with 95% of your music and will only have to accept some compromise with playing a few recordings. So many factors are at play that it is hard to predict the result and trial is absolutely necessary.


"your head seems to be spinning in the typical audiophile conundrum"

YEs, that is the curse that goes along with all this. What's best? What will work best? What is best value? What to do?

So many choices. The good news is they are all mostly good ones. What's best depends on goals (and often budget).

If money is no issue, its not a problem.

If it is, then best thing to do is start with trying a less expensive option that seems likely to meet the goals. Buy used from a trusted seller so as to have confidence and not overpay. Then if things do not work out, sell and repeat process until you hit the bulls eye.

Nothing new here, just reiterating. Its really the best way to go. The main prerequisites are patience and some extra time spent tweaking gear along teh way.
Rebbi,
This thread has generated nearly 300 posts and most have been quite helpful. One correction, Brownsfan did hear your speaker with the Dynamo and was very pleased. Do you have an absolute spending ceiling?
Hi Rebbi,
Just as a reminder given the size of this thread. On 8/26/2014 Brownsfan gave you a very detailed listening impression of "four" different amplifiers with your DeCapo speakers. He also provided a follow up up post that same day. It's encouraging that the speaker's builder strongly approves of SET use(part of the design objective).
Brownsfan ;
Are you still here ?

I have a question that you may be able to answer.
What is the difference , in sound , between the Dynamo and the Franks within the constraints of the Dynamo's ability ?
In other words , what is the difference between the 300B and the EL-34 in as close to the same circuit as one may find in the market place ?

Thank You