Low power SET amps are among the oldest circuit designs, with little new ground broken other than new cases, perhaps better choices of parts and sometimes less ideal tubes used as more common ideal tubes have their good old stocks used up be expensive to supply. So I certainly wouldn’t think aboit newer versus older too much, focus more on the quality of the company or person making the amp. Older amps can have some caps get old and need some servicing to play music well.
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).