Well "punchy" mids ain't really the forte of 2a3's SET amps. They
definitely do midrange like no other amps, but I would never call them
punchy. Delicate, natural, airy, presence...all those words come to mind
when I think of 2A3 mids. I don't think you'll find that "punchy
mids" come to mind going that direction. Not that it would not sound
potentially wonderful with the Abby's...I'm not sure. I seem to recall given
their efficiency that 3.5 watts might be pushing it a bit, depending on room
size and expectations. I corresponded with Terry Cain a few years back about
the Abby's and I recall he suggested push/pull designs as a good match as
well. You could probably get more bang for the buck with a P/P amp in that
range, than SET, and I suspect it will come closer to the "punchy
mids" you might be after. Write to Terry and see what he says. I'd be
careful with the flea-powered direction though. I don't think it will match
your 845 experience. In P/P there are plenty of options in that range. Top in
my book would be Quicksilver Mini Mites. There are a pair on the 'Gon for
$699 right now. If you're talking integrated look at the Jolida or Prima Luna
stuff I'd say. I think if you liked the 845 sound you'll need to find another
845 amp to give it to you as the other options in SET may have similar
qualities, but none will sound quite like the 845. The other bottlehead tubes
put into SET service tend to sound a bit more 'delicate' for lack of a better
word. Not necessarily a bad thing at all, but it depends what you are after.
Good luck.
Marco
definitely do midrange like no other amps, but I would never call them
punchy. Delicate, natural, airy, presence...all those words come to mind
when I think of 2A3 mids. I don't think you'll find that "punchy
mids" come to mind going that direction. Not that it would not sound
potentially wonderful with the Abby's...I'm not sure. I seem to recall given
their efficiency that 3.5 watts might be pushing it a bit, depending on room
size and expectations. I corresponded with Terry Cain a few years back about
the Abby's and I recall he suggested push/pull designs as a good match as
well. You could probably get more bang for the buck with a P/P amp in that
range, than SET, and I suspect it will come closer to the "punchy
mids" you might be after. Write to Terry and see what he says. I'd be
careful with the flea-powered direction though. I don't think it will match
your 845 experience. In P/P there are plenty of options in that range. Top in
my book would be Quicksilver Mini Mites. There are a pair on the 'Gon for
$699 right now. If you're talking integrated look at the Jolida or Prima Luna
stuff I'd say. I think if you liked the 845 sound you'll need to find another
845 amp to give it to you as the other options in SET may have similar
qualities, but none will sound quite like the 845. The other bottlehead tubes
put into SET service tend to sound a bit more 'delicate' for lack of a better
word. Not necessarily a bad thing at all, but it depends what you are after.
Good luck.
Marco