What is the magic behind SET

For ANY tube amp, not just SET, the audio output transformer is the story. All that other stuff, resistors, capacitors, tubes, etc. is just auxillary equipment to power up the transformer.

I only exagerate slightly.

TWL really hit on it, but the biggest issue is the simplicity of the signal path. The less junk in the signal path, the less the signal is altered. That is over simplified, but it explains the design philosophy.

I'm finding this to be a fascinating thread.

My system is comprised of a tube preamp matched to a solid state amp, but I've been very curious about possibly getting a SET for use as a second amp.

I'm just not sure which tube design to go with. Mostly likely I'll try an amp that will deliver the full bloom story, but I'm not sure if it will be a good match for my Blue Circle preamp which already has this slight characteristic.

Tom, your post really got the rusty cogs turning in my head. I blame you! Heheh.

SET can be a mind numbing brain melting experience. It can make everything else seem "wrong" it is so emotionly, vivdly right. Then after not hearing it for a few days sanity returns but you always carry this religious experience in your soul. It can turn your world upside down musically, suddenly the world is flat....don't go there, I can't live with tubes, I can't live with tubes...there, I feel better.

i'm a SS convert to SETs, which on my wilson WP6s should've been a non-starter, but not all SETs are created equally; some can drive real-world loads (which is essential IMO, as those high-sensitivity speakers generally suck IMO), and IMO one should start there; if its a competent design, it can be improved upon (like any amp) w/ proper part substitutions, and then you can go about finding speakers that match well (yes, amp before speakers).

trying to explain why a SET is better than other types of amps is like trying to explain why my wife is better than all those other broads i knew. some things i can specifically define, but the general sentiment is beyond articulation.

i agree w/ above posters: in my SET (Wavac 572), the combo of the superb tango transformers along w/ a capacitor-free signal path makes for a great sound (despite the shortcuts taken in other parts w/in the amp, which can easily be corrected w/ some brains an a soldering iron).

as lew conrad once said, there is no perfect part.

minimize.

rhyno