What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

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.

Tubegroover,
Your comment about the Lamm/Coincident Frankenstein owner is interesting. I know the Lamm can drive speakers that the Frankenstein would find difficult to handle. If the speaker is an appropriate match the Frankenstein can hold its own on purely music making/emotional engagement grounds.Is that Lamm owner actually going to return to the Frankenstein?
Charles,