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What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
Mikirob,
I remember having so much fun building the Bottlehead Seduction phono preamp. I don't get to work with my hands in my "normal" life and I find it very relaxing. And thanks for the good wishes.

Gsm,
Never occurred to me that Amazon.com sells tubes! We have one of their Visa cards that earns us points on Amazon, so I see some cheaper tube upgrades in my future. :-D
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
Roxy 54,
This is great to hear, thanks for chiming in!
I am glad to hear as well that the 300b tubes are decent for a starter. I'm not sure what the brand of the caps is; in the invoice he describes it as "silver gold oil." So, we'll see.
I had also read somewhere that a better volume attenuator helps. I'll ask Brian.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Rebbi,
Roxy54 gave you excellent advice regarding the volume control. This is an overlooked but important part affecting sound quality. Please get the best you can comfortably afford,you'd be surprised by the difference they make. Are you getting the Mundorf silver/gold oil caps or the Audio Note copper foil? I'm in no way telling you what to do, but if you get the good stuff/parts there's no looking back! You'll have a first rate 300b SET for just a few more dollars.
Again, congratulations.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Roxy54,
I googled the Khozmo attenuator and I suspect it's much better than the standard Alps volume control.
mdemaio's avatar
mdemaio
55 posts
 
Nice choice. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!
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