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SET shortlist to drive tweeters in active system

Hello.

I'm building a DIY 4-way active system and thinking an SET for the tweeters might be a great choice. But wanted to get input from knowledgeable users.

The 20 to 600Hz range will be handled by active subs plus 10" drivers with their own 700W class D amp.
I'm still undecided about the midrange driver, but likely to be driven by my McIntosh MC275. It will be a 6.5 or 8" cone, though.

The top end will be through a Beyma TPL-150H, a pro ribbon with a horn playing from 2 to 23 kHz, spec'd as 102 dB (@1W, 1m) and a pretty constant impedance of 4.9 to 5 ohm.
I'm thinking it looks like a great place to use a SET, right? Which amps should I include in my shortlist?
Looking for SET holographic magic with dynamics.
The signal will come from a balanced IC, so XLR input would be preferred.
Reliability is a must, and the more the better. I will import this into Argentina, so sending the unit to the manufacturer would be difficult.
Price range: under 4k.

Thanks!
lewinskih01

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
A number of people who choose this approach will often use a 45,2A3 or 300b. Some opt for 300b SET midrange and say a 45 SET on the tweeter. I find that high quality SETs(300b.45 or 2A3) have very natural extended high frequency sound. I agree SS is more likely to provide a hyper extended sound if that's your desire. There are certain clichés concerning SETs that don't bear out once you've heard a good example of them. You could just as easily say SS presents a tipped up upper frequency(not true for all of course) clichés are easy.

Would a SET be the very best choice for bass/subwoofer duty? No they wouldn't be. Midrange and upper frequency they'd be my first choice. Depends on what sound quality objectives you have, as is always the case. When I use the premium level 300b tubes(currently using the Elrog 300b, there are other fine choices also) the upper frequency information and air are superb and just sound natural/right. Best of success to you on your project.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi Lew,
Do you have a price target for the amplifiers. For a niche segment(SETs) there are many choices and directions to go. New or used?
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Up to 4K used can get you a very good 300b SET. Coincident,Allnic,Wavelength, Sophia Electric, Audio Note Kit etc. Definitely 45 and 2A3 SETs as well but I'm not as familiar with them as the 300b amps. What ever you choose be sure the builder emphasized quality output transformers and stout power supplies. These are fundamental keys to high grade SET amplifiers. Saving a few bucks by compromising these areas is a poor decision IMO.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi Lew,
You asked about SET(single ended triode) which would use a DHT tube, The Dynanco is actually a SEP(single ended pentode tube). I haven't heard the Dynaco however professional reviews have been raves(6 Moons review is very detailed). Dynaco owners on this site are very happy with it. I believe for your application it could be really quite good. I'm not familiar enough with either the Dynaco or MAC amp to offer a comparison opinion.
Charles,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Lew,
I understand your dilemma when it comes to performance versus price. You would naturally expect a linear relationship between the two but in reality this isn't the case in a number of situations. It honestly would not surprise me if you preferred the sound of the pure and simple Dynamo compared to the MAC amplifier.
Charles,
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