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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
 
Ah, and one other interesting wrinkle. I see that Partsconnexion offers bundled upgrade kits for AN kits. For example, there's this Kit 1 tube upgrade bundle:

300B-Z Shuguang Treasure
6SN7 (CV181, ECC32)
Sylvania 5U4G/VT244 (NOS)
5687 Tungsol (NOS)

Bundle price: $536.18, about $95 off retail
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Rebbi,
Brian sounds like a fair and reasonable person. If the budget is tight currently that's understood. It certainly isn't a life or death matter to get all upgrades at once, there's plenty of time. The point is that you're starting with a very solid foundation with a proven product, you did well. Okay, time for some NFL fun.For the 3 games today I'm picking Lions,Cowboys and Seahawks.
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Charles. Not a big football fan (which, here in Texas, is heresy) but do enjoy your day and thanks for all your help and advice. :-)
mikirob
950 posts
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone,
Charles, I'll take the Eagles over the Cowboys, agree on the others. My Giants are currently a Sad Sack team, how does that happen so fast?

Rebbi, that is a nice Tube bundle from Parts Connection. I have experience with both Black Treasures (300B, cv181). The price is also very good.
rebbi OP
1,319 posts
 
Mikirob,
Thanks. As I said, not a football fan, but I grew up in Philly and live in Texas, so if I root for anybody, it'll be the Eagles (which were the dogs of the NFL all throughout my childhood).

As for tubes, there's another option. ANK is partnering with Grant Fidelity as their tube upgrade partner, offering ANK customers a nice discount on tubes (See this.)
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