I have multiple systems. But I pretty much have had a SET-based system since the late 1990s. Owned many many SET and speakers that can run on them. With SET the lower power models are mostly the best sounding. But you have to carefully select loudspeakers and today not many truly SET-friendly designs exist in the market. I joke with others about SETing one’s system up for failure and when I see SET amps it’s mostly not on a SET-friendly loudspeaker. I design my own loudspeakers for SET use and have done so for nearly 30 years. SETs are amazing but all your ducks need to be in order to hear this and once done you don’t have any real limits on music types played and SPL. A common complaint from those who SET their systems up to fail.
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.