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Considering A 20-40 Watt Stereo SET Amp

I just got over a 16 day illness (not Covid) where it was touch and go for a few days. I am thinking of rewarding myself with a 20-40 watt stereo SET amp. The speakers I will use are a pair of the new JBL L100 Classic speakers that I bought at the end of 2020. The speakers are rated at 4 ohms @90db sensitivity.

Presently, I am using a McIntosh integrated and I do not listen loud. The meters on the Mac usually sit between .20 and 2 watts at its loudest. I have not started looking yet but I do know I want something with 1 pair of outputs so I can use my SVS powered subwoofer with it. I would also need 3 high level inputs. I don’t want to break the bank as this would be a secondary amp to put into rotation as the mood strikes me.

I do not want a flea powered amp so it has to be 20-40 watts and under 4 grand new. Used would be even better. I am hoping I can be steered in the right direction so I can start my research. I do not want to have to buy other components to accommodate the amp. Source components are a McIntosh SACD player, McIntosh FM tuner and a Sony HAP-Z1ES music player. Nordost interconnects and Canare speaker cables, Shunyata power cords and a Furutech power conditioner round out the system. The amp must be stereo, no monoblocks please. 99% of my listening will be through my Mac FM tuner. The system is also on its own dedicated 20-amp circuit.

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Showing 3 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 

@jbhiller

At $3k, I highly recommend the Willsenton R800i. It’s 45w SET. To get this power it has a massive transformer and weighs a ton. It has 3 inputs, remote, VU meters —not to mention it sounds lovely and robust.

This is an excellent suggestion. I can’t think of a better/ comparable option at this price point. Genuine 805 robust 45-50 watts pure SET toplogy. If one really desires a SET sonic experience, the well meaning solid state recommendations aren’t the same (Although fine in their own right). Get the genuine item.

Charles

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 

@atmasphere 

IIRC, your SET uses a 300b. You might find it interesting to hear a class A PP zero feedback amp using the 300b. In that way variables are eliminated, all of which affect the distortion and therefore the 'sound'.

Yes my SET does. I believe that Canary Audio makes both zero NFB SET and push-pull 300b amplifiers. I don’t know if anyone has done a direct comparison between these two versions.

 Charles 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 

@atmasphere 

SET guys won't like this of course, but I challenge any one of them to a simple set of questions: When did you compare to a PP amp of the same power? Barring that, did you compare to a PP amp using the same power tubes and construction technique (and parts)? I've done both

I suppose am a “SET guy”.  I’m not the least bit bothered by this and I haven’t done the above stated challenge. In my audio journey, if I’ve learned anything it’s choose what type of sound and music presentation that makes you most happy and connected.

I have owned two terrific push pull tube amplifiers, 100 watt KT 88/6550 and 40 watt el34. I have 300b SET mono blocks 8 watts. All three work very well with my 94 db sensitivity/14 ohms speakers. The SET is the most nuanced, open, transparent and in addition the most emotionally involving, 3-dimensional and tactile of the three amplifiers. Simply more real and believable presentation. That’s my listening experience. For other listeners if can certainly be different.

@stereo5 I strongly encourage you when the time is right to obtain suitable speakers and try a good quality SET. See what you think. Maybe even do the amplifier challenge mentioned above.  It may or may not be for you.  I can only report that it works extraordinary well for my desires.

Charles
 

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