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845 SET? deHavilland / Art Audio/et..al.

Any impressions on the deHavilland Aries and Art Audio Carissa? How do they compare? Comparable 845 based amps that should be considered? How do they compare with those mentioned? And finally, and thoughts on the difference in sound between the dH Aries monoblocks and the stereo IOS? My speakers are Merlin VSM-MXes, should that enter into the equation. Thanks.
pubul57

Showing 7 responses by pubul57

pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Alan, are the Carissa the best 845s you've heard?
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Well, the article does make me feel that if I try SET, the 845 tube is probably my best choice with my speakers, and that deHavilland is a contender. Thanks for the link.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
So some of the contenders are: Art Audio, deHavilland, Unison Research and Viva. Well, I'm going to do a bit more research. Thanks for the input.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Just for the record, I understand that Mastersound is also a contender worth considering.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I'm keeping the CAT, just interested in adding to the mix. Want to see what SET is all about, though I suppose 2A3 or 300B would be truer to the genre, but with my Merlins it is not an option. And of course OTL is on the horizon.

Goldenerguy, do you mean that with the Joule the Viva the combo would be to warm? too lush?
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification.
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
Well, I have sold the CAT JL2, and am now really focusing on the Art Audio Carissa and deHavilland 845-G for use with my Merlin VSMs. Would appreciate any additional thoughts as try to settle on one or the other. Am also considering an Atma-sphere M60 as a possible option.
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