Your choice for SET amp?

I am not familiar with the VS speakers, but I have listened to the AG Duos fairly extensively. I like the sound of the AGs. The AG's have a direct and lively sound that I prefer in speakers. I am surprised at how many much more expensive speakers sound so lifeless and constipated, by comparison.

The AG's, like all speakers, are far from perfect so you must give them a careful audition and you MUST have some kind of dealer or other expert help (perhaps yourself?) in set up. They are quite sensitive to location, and in each location you must experiment with bass balance and phase, etc.

Even in an ideal location, the bass and upper-midrange may not be integrated perfectly. Also, the system I heard had some sharp peaks in the upper-bass/low-midrange that made some notes at the peak seem to suddenly jump out. Just mentioning this as something to look for to determine how much that bothers you. Considering how peaky most horn systems sound, the AG's are remarkably free of such problems.

I heard the horns driven by SET and low-powered pushpull triodes with much less power than the Lamm that you have, so power should not be a big issue.

Boa2

Wish me luck--yes please. No amp yet either, thanks for asking. The search continues... I am buying a system from scratch (my 1st) and am trying to avoid the buying then selling for something better money trap game.

Good luck, indeed, Tickfight. If I remember correctly, you were talking about the DB-99's and then asked about an appropriate SET amp under $2K, yes? Pairing the components for sonics, as well as balancing their respective capabilities, will be crucial in assembling a synergistic system in my opinion. That doesn't necessarily mean spending a ton of money, but rather spending it consistently in the direction that will ultimately please you. Audition whatever you can. Consult with friends whose audio goals are similar to yours. In the end, you will have a very satisfying system. Can't wait to see what you get!
Enjoy,
Howard

Hey Boa

Just dropping a line to let you know I went with the 99's. Found a demo model for a GREAT price. Really nice dealer. I am pumped. Never heard the Duo's perhapse that's best. Room size may have not been condusive for them anyway.

Fantastic. I have a friend who has both the Duo's and the 99's. He wouldn't be without either, and he loves trading equipment frequently. Enjoy!