Why not more on 845 SETs?

Dave, not really "writing them off", but just mentioning that there can be some things that go beyond what is normally expected.

I'm not saying that single-driver speakers are for everybody, but I am saying that there is a certain synergy between them and SET amps that can be very productive if used properly. I know that single-drivers are frequency restricted mostly in the bottom end, and that alot of people cannot abide that restriction. However, when going to multi-drivers, some of the really good things about a SET amp are somewhat deteriorated, due to the things that happen with multi-drivers.

I really probably should have worded my post a little bit softer, but I do feel pretty strongly about this issue.

That said, I have no aversion to people using SET amps with multi-drivers themselves, if the users prefer that option. After all, it is what the individual prefers, and not me, which is the critical issue with each person's system.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that in my opinion, there is more to be gained by a good match in the amp/speaker combo with a low power SET/single-driver, than there is from having the higher power SET and using multi-driver speakers. In effect, having a low power SET with high-efficiency speakers will allow the same/similar SPL in the room as a higher power SET with lower efficiency speakers. So the listening level issue is somewhat moot. What's left is the sound quality, which IMO can be better by using a scenario as I outlined above, which can yield an overall system distortion profile that is audibly more palatable than other type while still yielding less signal losses(thus preserving the musical detail and life). Doubtless, some will disagree, and that's fine. This is just my point of view.

I don't expect everyone else to subscribe to this, and certainly am not suggesting everyone should. I'm simply pointing out an interesting factor that might be important to those trying to extract the most information out of their system, with the least objectionable results(from my point of view).

Your description of "SET friendly" speakers seems to be a good one. I'm sure that they all work fine with a moderate to high powered SET, and would sound great. I'm glad that you are enjoying the "SET experience", as I am.

As always, I'm just trying to make subjects for discussion here, and not making any "rules" or "judgments" about anyone else's system preferences or opinions.

IMHO, and YMMV.

Denis, please keep us in the loop over time as to how you find these new amplifiers. It is a rare audiophile who can really articulate what how something truly sounds, without adding their own personal biases, among other things. Over the past month, you have demonstrated an uncanny ability to actually hone in on the sound of a component. It will be exciting to hear how this component measures up for you.

Without first class transformers it won't matter how "good" the output tubes are. A well designed interstage coupled 300b or 211 SET amp sounds so much better than the capacitor coupled amps I've listened to I am sold on interstage tranny coupling.

The 300b SET interstage coupled amp being put together for me right now is so much better than my prior Audio Note Conqueror it is silly; another world. Parts cost on a four chassis 300b SET IS coupled is very expensive between 2000 and 4000 depending on transformers used (silver wound interstage run the price up about 2000).

Agreed, IT coupling is excellent. Cap coupling can be nice, but to be done right IMHO requires use of an excellent cap (read: russian teflon or better), AND requires grid chokes on both driver and output tube, and a good plate-load choke on driver tube. That done, it's basically like IT coupling in may ways (all the iron) except for the galvanic isolation (and any ratio/impedance change of course) of the IT.

Top-shelf iron (trannies, chokes, et al) are a must, in any case.

-Ed

And transformer prices are going up as is anything made out of metal....Price a set of six transformers from Electraprint, or Lundahl, for a single ended interstage coupled amp, then figure in the cost of a truly inert/non resonant chassis and the other parts and you'll quickly see why most quality 300b amps start around 4000 to the sky.