Budget SET or SEP recommendations?

georgehifi205-22-2017 7:19pmThey are not audio bling, but I've tested and heard these from Japan and was impressed compared to most of the blingy junk from Asia, and the designer has very good cred. He also uses his own "R" core transformers. And are very well priced for what you get.
http://softone.a.la9.jp/english/ 

Cheers George


George,

Can you provide any more info on your experience with the Softone - sonics, etc.?

Thanks,

I just invested in an under-$1K Triode Corp. TRV-88 and it sounds beautiful. Robert Lee from Acoustic Zen uses Triode Corp amps in all his demonstrations. I can see why.

stfoth, do you consider those Wall Audio PSETs budget SET? Either, 1) you got a real great deal, or 2) I’m mistaking them with something else, or 3) they slashed their prices significantly to bring them within a Dared/Yaqin range. They look real awesome. Congratulations.

@simao. That one is push-pull. I think they do a 300b SET. Anyone with thoughts on that?

@kalali. Nope. Not "budget," for me.  Not in the range of what was being discussed or what I initially mentioned (Dared/Yaqin). Completely blew through what I was thinking of spending to test the waters.  I’m sure that’s happened to most of us at one time or another? Thought they looked great, and I hedged with a bit more power without going with an 845.  Thanks, Kalali. I’m excited to get them set up. Now, if only my speakers will keep up. It never ends, does it?

The Wall PSETs are probably the best sounding amps that I've had through the house.  Just really amazing.

But, I got bit by this SET/SEP bug and picked up a used Dennis Had Inspire HO--the one with the big transformers and, I think, rated 17 watts with near-meltdown KT88s.  I'm sure there is a ton of tube-rolling fun to be had, but I'm not yet sure what the options are or whether the rectifier needs to swap out with different power tubes.  Hopefully, I can contact him through the auction site.  It sounds fantastic and has fairly big balls.  Picked up an LP27a pre, too, and, with mesh plate 27s, it produces a lovely and hauntingly organic, but very pleasantly colored, midrange.  Very happy, so far, with the Inspires.

I wouldn't say these totally carry over a Cary sound, but closer to Cary than maybe ARC.

Thanks, again, folks.  I suspect there would have been disappointment with one of the cheap bling amps.