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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Bill,
You should be OK given your listening parameters, and with normal hearing ability, 85 db is pretty darn loud enough. I know some on this site like to listen on average at 90-100 db. Too loud for me regardless of the components or system in place(and risky for one's hearing IMO). To each their own as they say. I thought the Manley Neo-Classic 300b allowed switching between SET and push pull. Not sure if the output transformer needed for that is ideal for either topology as there are different requirements. I heard that amp long ago at CES one year. Transformers best suited for SET are 'air gapped' to my understanding, PP doesn't require this feature. It makes me wonder if this amplifier is better in PP than SET mode. The right output transformer is critical to optimal SET performance. Interesting concept but how much compromise is involved?
Charles,
schubert
4,867 posts
 
BrownsFan, try icefreebop@yahoo.com
brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
Len, got a phasing alert on that site. BTW, I'm loving the Guarnari Sibelius.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
I can't use A'gon mail, long story short. Patmore won't be replacing F-D anytime soon . Has a voice more suited to early music IMO .
He sings on "The Tallis Scholars Sing Josquin" Gimell CDGIM 206 , the Josquin Missa Pange lingua is at a higher spiritual level than even Bach or Schutz .

The CD on how to sing in German is F-D /Moore EMI "Great Recordings" 7243 5 67559 2 5. Schwanengesang + Erlkonig in FAB mono !
brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
Len, early music is Padmore's wheelhouse. No doubt. I read a review of his Schubert that said the same thing as you. For me, Padmore pushes all the right buttons, but his is a different take and will not suit everyone.

We will wait a long time for someone to displace F-D from his wheelhouse.

I have a little experience with Josquin's music. I will check out the Missa. I'll be shocked if it surpasses Schutz or the master. After all, not only were Schutz and Bach geniuses, but they were also Lutherans! :)

I will however keep an open ear and open mind. I got a Monteverdi Vespers in the mail today. I really do want to dip a bit more into the BS (before Schutz) music.

Peace and long life!
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