What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Great comments everyone, this has been a enjoyable thread.

Brownsfan, I especially like your cautions. You're completely right that no one (at this point) is going to get a world class amp for 1.3K; but as Tim Smith also correctly pointed out you can get awfully close. For 1.3K that is an incredible bargain to even approach world-class. Plus, no preamp necessary. This amp does so much right. Like you and Tubegroover, I also like the fact that some tube manufactures are finally making much better tubes.

I would also like to caution that a product like the Dynamo, for it to work best needs efficient speakers with high impedance, say true 93-94db or higher, minimal 8ohm impedance. Soon, I'm going to hook up the Dynamo to my 6ohm 96db efficient Infinity Prelude Compositions that hit 25hz in the bass due to its built in 300watt mash amp driving its 12 inch woofers. Still shaking my head how Harman Kardan screwed up future iterations of this good speaker.

Almarg, what can I say that hasn't already been said, your contribution to the A'gon can't be overstated, always an honest, helpful poster. I really want to pick your mind on the Daedalus speakers down the line.

The 5-7 watt SET amps that I have heard do surprising well with even moderately efficient speakers in many cases with many kinds of music. They have their unique charms within their limitations. It takes very large very efficient speakers to get around the limitations completely based on what I have heard which to date supports my general understanding of the physics involved in driving speakers optimally.

I have only heard one SOTA such full range system where dynamic headroom seemed unconstrained, a very large multi unit custom GOTO horn system, similar to Avantgarde with separate bass modules in appearance/design, run off a pricey Audio Note SET amp. I'm sure there are others but the key is to havbe very large very good, very high efficiency speakers designed specifically with SET type amps in mind.

But on a smaller scale, I have heard various very nice sounding SET based systems with smaller speakers, but each of course has its technical limitations that may or may not matter depending. THis stuff is as much about personal preferences as anything, though for me. With SET amps and many smaller speakers, they still can as long as higher volumes, low end extension and optimal dynamics are not key ingredients in the preferred recipe.

my impressions mirror yours Mapman.

I think the fact that we're discussing the exceptional ability of a 1300.00 amplifier can't be overlooked. Some would consider this a "bargain" priced for a power cord, pair of interconnectd or vibration control stand/footers. We are talking about a amplifier that has demonstrated the ability to reproduce music at a very high level, that is significant.No it can't drive every speaker load and it does possess some limitations, so what! You can spent much more for an amplifier and find it amusical and uninvolving and you end up listening to less music.

Based on comments and reviews posted here the Dynamo inspires "more" listening and enjoyment, isn't this a good thing? The ability for a component to provide good natural sound isn't a given despite what it may cost. There are more than a few higher power/higher cost amplifiers that sound like crap and lack a musical soul(I've heard my share).

If your objective is to really enjoy the sheer pleasure of music in your home, this is one fine affordable place to begin. Will it drive a Maggie, Wilson or a Magico? No it will not. Are there speakers available that it can drive successfully? Yes. Find those suitable speakers, sit back and enjoy some wonderful sound while listening to your music. 1300.00 for a music making amp, seems like a great option to me.
Charles,

Charles1Dad,
Point clearly stated, I could not agree more.

For everyone else My comments were merely stating the obvious and re confirming what a pleasure it is to find something in this price range that is truly good.