I've just made the jump myself with the Decware SE-84C-S ($699). I found it works best without my preamp (I have a Wheatfield se HA-1 headphone/pre-amp). For acoustic music (classical guitar, cello, piano - my intended purpose for this system)it works very well. The bottom is not quite there on my Tannoy System 8 studio monitors (45 Hz rated with a sensitivity of 92dB) even on the S unit that is intended to have a better bottom end. I'm using a Janis W3 sub system (100 Hz xover with phase control). The imaging changes a bit but is very good (larger and a bit more forward). I use cut 11 of Albert Collins Deluxe Edition (20 bit rather than 16) for sub level and phase adjustment. [If you like the blues and don't have this CD I would highly recommend it.] It has an extended bass solo that locks in perfectly when you get the settings right. -- Using a speaker with a response lower than the Tannoy's may avoid the need for a sub.
Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?
After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.
To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.
Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.
Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.
Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.
Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.