The original sound of the amp was very bass heavy and bloated like you said but replacing the 0.16uf with a 0.22 V-Cap CuTF transformed it totally. I also tried an Audyn Copper Max that sounded as good but richer with quite not so much detailed.
All my upgrades are doc’ed on the Art Of Sound forum, just subscribe and search for SETI 40
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I owned the SET40 amp several years ago. Was my First amp using the 845 tube.
it was a very hot running amp, you could smell the heat as any dust or anything got blasted with heat.. It was a bit wooly and "thick" sounding, the lows were somewhat muddy, but it had decent power and lots of bloom in the mid range. Too much volume and it all became loose and bloated sounding.
I found it to be too "euphoric" sounding, Overly tubey but easy to listen to when playing not so well recorded CD's at the time, about 20 years ago.. When I opened the unit up, there were some caps and resistors showing signs of heat related issues, burn marks, etc... I liked the gold rings tube protectors, looked cool.. but it wasn't a keeper for me..
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ponderguy, wondering if you could elaborate on improvements with your various cap replacements.
I am running an SETI40 as well. And for those interested the Psavane Acme 845s were a pretty substantial improvement for me over the 845b.
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I have the SETI40 and I replaced the original tubes with Psvane Acme 845’s and two sets of 12AX7-T-MII/2 matched pairs. They sound great although if you are brave I recommend throwing away the Bel Canto internal 0.16uf capacitors and replacing with Audyn Copper Max 0.22uf or V-Cap CuTF. The Copper Max's were fantastic but I could not resist trying the VCaps, I’m still running them in, they have a more analytic sound than the Copper Max’s but its early days and I can easily switch back if I desire. |
I know this is an old thread but hopefully some SET 40 owners still have the amp. With the auto bias some of the newer more fragile 845 tubes are a no go. Have any of you folks tried anything other than the 845 B's. Some of the Psvane offerings look pretty enticing. Thanks and happy listening !
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What are some of the preamps being used with this 845 based power amp? |
I have used active and passive pre amps with my Bc Set 40, I prefer with a passive (Glass house Tvc) . I use mine with a pair of Tannoy GRF Memory speakers. Seems like a rare amp I have only ever seen my one in the Uk.
Andy
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Reviving an old thread. I just picked up a restored SET 40 and would love to hear your speaker suggestions as well as preamp suggestions. I am using a Conrad Johnson ET3SE and also have a Tube Linear Audio MicroZotl, but some have said the SET 40 sounds better with a solid state preamp.
Loving the SET sound!
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Berto used Shugang 845b tubes along with some rare and expensive Tung-Sol blackplate 12ax7s which were really exceptional.
He ultimately didn't care for Telefunken, a sentiment I mirror him on. |
Post your question in a new thread. I know a bunch of expert tubers who will help you out. |
Hi Berony
I have a SET 40 and am thinking about retubing. I don't even know what tube is there now as they have no paint left. Are you happy with your new tubes? Can you advise me on what you are using now? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Paul |
Just makes all music more musical, and I was surprised to hear it rock out too. Positive feedback describes the 845Bs as a huge uptick. I'm far from hearing it at its potential (I assume). So yeh , digging it, but reserving true love for when it is properly tubed . |
don't remember. I purchased it used. The Bugle Boys were the best thing I ever added. A bit pricey, but well worth the $$. One sweet SET huh? Happy to hear you love it. It's a keeper. |
I just got this amp and it's super addicting already. Got teles and 845bs coming now and can't wait to hear the improvement. I'm already in a trance.
Warren you live in my neck of the woods , was wondering who did your mods? |
sweet...love hearing what I am hearing. This amp was a remarkable find. I got it at a song, and could sell it right now (which ain't happening)for probably $1k more. thanks for hitting taking the time tiofelon |
I been listening to my Bel canto SETi 40 for 4 years with Shuguang 845B tubes and Telefunkens 12AX7 medical grade with very good results! Silky mids, punchy yet controlled bass and highs very well defined. I like a lot. Never had a problem. Good results with Bw CDM9NT but now it is paired with a par of Opera Quinta speaker that have a very smooth impedance curve and sinergy is outstanding. Glad to hear from others Bel canto owners!! |
Hi Ray. You are right on that. If I did not move to such a huge space I would still be listening to those babies. One of the best. A Happy Christmas to you. |
Warren,Glad to hear your still enjoying your SET 40! I have moved to a smaller room and the Caravelles sound even better. Happy Holidays ,Ray |
Thank you Warrenh and may you have a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year as well. |
indeed! I have never owned an amp that has given me so much, and never an itch to hear else where. SET is an addiction. I was turned on to tubes by cobra213, years ago, and have never looked back. This baby is a gem. Nice to hear another happy customer. Happy Christmas, No_regrets |
I've owned my Bel Canto SET40 for many years and it has been in my reference system the whole time. I love this amp. Single ended glory, yet extended at both frequency extremes.....great body and harmonic structure, and yet has speed and dynamics as well. This is a great amp! |
My amp had quite a few mods plus the nos 12AX7s driving tubes are a beautiful thing. |
I owned one...actually it was the SET 40i (integrated). Ran it with Merlin speakers and Meridian CD player about 8 years ago or so. Classic 845 tube sound,sounded great but got very hot as I remember. |
I remember when they came out, and they were well reviewed. I was surprised when they abandoned tubes and went class D, and even more surprised when they were very successful. I guess they make a good product. |
