2. amps-preamps
  3. 1257069072

SET the best?

Is SET amplification where we should all end up? I keep reading posts where people tell of their journeys from plenty power to micro power, and how amazing SET amplification is 45 set 211 set 845 set otl, and usually, ....with the right speaker. I have yet to read of anyone who has gone the other direction from SET, to High watt beast class A amps or others.
If your speakers can be driven by minimal wattage, is this the most realistic, natural sound we can achieve? versus say, 86db sensitive speakers and a 1000w amp?
Is the end result solely based on speaker pairing? circuit? tubes?

I am in the process of changing my direction in my search for realistic sound, just because, and wondering if this really is the best direction to be going.
From what I have been reading I think it may be.

What do we get with SET? What do we give up?

What's you favorite color?
hanaleimike

Showing 4 responses by mglik

mglik
913 posts
 
Suggest you look at my thread: “Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-there-a-solid-state-amp-that-can-satisfy-a-set-guy?highlig...
Mostly, the answer is no. With 1 or 2 exceptions.
Bakoon and AGD
I now live with my destination amps-AGD Audion mono blocks.
By far, the best amps I have experienced in 50 years.
They have the magic of great SETs with the detail and impact of great SS. Yes, SETs can be magical, beautiful and musical. But the metaphor from the above thread that I held on to is: “SETs are like a sonic screwdriver loosening the sound.”. The detail and scope of the AGD SQ speaks to the “magic” of a great Class D GaN amp.
Shockingly real. After years of SETs, I do not miss them at all.

mglik
913 posts
 

I was a die hard SET guy for decades.

And 45s are the best. The lower the power, the more the magic.

However, I now have my destination amps-AGD Audion mono blocks.

I do not miss SETs at all. The AGDs are like a great SET combined with a great SS. They give an “open window” into the sound and make even the best SET dull.

mglik
913 posts
 

Mozartfan-

The “tube” in the AGD Audions contains the proprietary GaN output stage.

The glass envelope facilities heat disbursement and can be easily replaced with future improvement. 
The GaN module used is the only such chip developed specifically for Audio.

AGD has just come out with a stereo amp called the Tempo. It uses a aluminum chassis cut from a solid billet. It is a more conventional design without the “tube” but utilizing the same technology. I believe the price is $5400.

Thus it differs from any other GaN based amps. I believe my explanation is accurate.

mglik
913 posts
 

Excuse the misuse of the word chip. Guess module is accurate.

And I am not saying that GaN technology is necessarily the best Class D.

Only that it currently seems to be a method that is quite popular.

My comment about Alberto’s module being specifically designed for Audio comes from the early review, believe it was Enjoy the Music. It pointed out that “all” other current GaN based amps use existing modules with chips that are currently used in non Audio devises like power chargers. Alberto’s design was focused on the use in his amps. This is my understanding. 

More to discover