New SET Amp


I currently own a Cary 300SEI. It's a single ended 300b tube amp. It's my first experience with SETs. I'm thinking about trying something different but don't see a lot of SET's produced by well known companies. I guess what I'm trying to say is; I like Cary because they have a nice reputation, have been around awhile and are made here in the USA. It'd be nice to try another SET by a similar company (Conrad Johnson, Mcintosh, VAC, Quicksilver, etc.) but I don't see too many. Any suggestions. Oh, by the way, I can't spend more than $500 over what I can get for the Cary. I'd guess I could get at least $2,500 for the Cary. It's the latest model with autobias, remote, etc.

Also, I don't need a preamp since I can go direct with my Cary 303/300 and am using AKG K1000 headphones for the forseeable future.

Thanx!!
pawlowski6132

Showing 4 responses by warrenh

My Audion Sterling Premier integrated SET arrived yesterday. This is my first go 'round with tubes, so I have absolutely no referent. The sound is absolutely beautiful. I'm sure there are plenty of tubers out there who know this amp and know Audion, as well. Don't have to worry about biasing with an SET. Also, I'm sure you realize, Audion is not an household name, and I realize that is what you wanted, but it's these little guys from speakers to cables that some truely amazing things can be found. It's through Audiogoners that I, not only decided to run with tubes, but got introduced to Audion, as well......peace, warren
Callistos? You have the wrong Warren. Zu Defintion 1.5s 101 db. An SET dream-18 watts per. Dark and sweet it be...

BTW, I use to own the Hamonic Precision Caravelles. You got the "C" part right.
Marco, I loved the Caravelles, as you know, but I moved. New crib was much much larger, plus high ceilings. Not enough speaker for the space. Wanted a small foot print and a full range speaker. Almost impossible to find. And then came Zu. 101db left the door open for tubes. Wasn't even considering tubes. Was happy as anything with my YBA Passion, but another Definition and Druid owner encouraged me to rethink the idea of tubes. The rest was history. 53, and still teachable. These Definitions are very exciting. Never had an efficient speaker in my life. Tubes were never in the picture. Couldn't afford what it would take to drive what I had in the past. thanks for asking...good to see you back on the 'gon Marco...warren