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Best SET power amp below $5,000

Curious to get the benefit of the knowledge in this forum.

I currently have a low power SET amp, paired with 94db loudspeakers. Sounds great, but tbh, I bought it 20 years ago, and even then, my process was not particularly thoughtful.

Not trying to start an argument about push-pull vs SET. Though I am not an electrician or sound engineer, my instinct is that a simpler circuit is better. At this point, I am just interested in what folks here think are the best options for SET amps—in the $5,000 price range. I am also open to the feedback that the price range is too limiting.

I am open to new or used and given the many years that vacuum tubes have been used for this purpose, curious if there is any technology advantage in newer products, holding their condition constant (ie comparing a 1950s era SET amp to a 2022 design, both in mint condition).

 

saulh

Showing 1 response by sns

sns
3,643 posts
 

Nothing wrong with your present amp, although any electrolytic caps may be due for changing out, I previously owned Art Audio SET.

 

Yeah, these designs tried and true, in some cases parts quality has gone up. At present I have custom built 300B SET monoblocks and Coincident 845 Turbo. With custom build you can do spec build such as I did with OCC silver wired output transformers and internal wiring, massive power supplies, and at relatively lower price vs. off the shelf. Some other SET manufacturers I like include Aric, Dennis Had(previously owned Cary amp), Audio Mirror, Line Magnetic, sure other's I'm forgetting.

 

I'd also carefully consider which output tube to run with 94db sensitivity, I'd guess your at low end of scale with present PX25, may be interesting to try more powerful output tube such as 300B or even 845 tubes, 845 will likely give massive impact, dynamics with present speakers vs PX25

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