2. amps-preamps
  3. 1042935788

SET - Limitations from Amp, Speaker Match, Both?


Considering diving into the lower-powered tube world for a second system -- amplifier and tube compliment far from decided at this point, but let's assume the world of the 45 and 2a3 for sake of argument.

I obviously have little listening experience with the low-powered tube amplifier world as well as SETs specifically.

I have read of the enjoyment folks have had.

I have also read of many limitations, some in extension, some in detail, some in dynamics, all from various angles and system configurations.

Let's assume a relatively popular 45 or 2a3 amplifier, exotic parts, but no exotic topology or anything, paired with what would be considered an ideal speaker for it -- no crossover, extremely high sensitivity, and an extremely easy load that matched the amplifier as perfectly as you could come by.

Let's also assume that we're working with a speaker that doesn't go extremely low -- let's say its +/- 3db point is 30hz or 40hz or 50hz..

Eliminating much of the typical issues of system matching, and assuming an ideal loudspeaker, what limitations remain?

With the right matching, is a 2a3 or 45 based amplifier suitable for all musical styles? A thriller of a movie, hard rock, techno, the sound of a chainsaw. These obviously aren't what I'll be listening to, but I'd prefer to choose extremes to truly understand what the end result is...

Are headroom and dynamics simply a function of the amplifier and speaker matching, or do limitations exist with a typical amplifier as well?

Just curious if in an absolutely ideal match of wattage/voltage and transducer, what limitations still exist.
cjr888

Showing 1 response by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
I agree with Herman's statement above that the detail and dynamics are as good as it gets. The lowest octave of bass is the weak point. But everything else is so good, and there is such a small amount of lower octave used in most music, that you really never miss it, unless you are a pipe organ nut. Try to get an amp with good transformers, because that will eliminate the frequency extension problems that some people hear with the cheaper amps that have mediocre transformers in them.

I'd say the Lowther, AER, Reps-1, Fostex, and some other single drivers, like Moth Audio, Loth-X and such, are the way to go with a SET amp. There is a certain synergy between SET amps and single-driver speakers that can make this type of package sound better in some ways than any other amp/speaker combo. For this reason, it is better to go with an efficient single driver speaker, instead of an efficient 2-way.
More to discover