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 2 responses by realworldaudio

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

@david_ten

Thanks David! ;

There was a user named plino who was asking the question about the effects of the rolloff further from region where it starts to roll off noticeably.

I guess I missed the @@@ :)

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

Hey Plinko, The artifacts are phase shifts. The square wave stays good, its relative position is slightly different compared to where it should be.

I'm quite amazed at the diversity of the answers and the strong conviction behind the opinions. I'm on the side of keeping an open mind, as there are always surprises and it's so easy to run into the "I stand corrected" scenario. When going for recommendations, they all come through subjective filters. Just like asking about steaks: the answer depends whether you ask a meat lover or a vegan....

When people report loving something it comes from hearing a properly set up system with that topology. Negative opinions on the other hand come from lack of experience. Do not place much value on those (regardless of what architecture is being dissed.) Just remember: audio is not a perfect science, every topology has its flaws and compromises. When the ad says that one major flaw has been corrected, it can only be done through introducing a compromise somewhere else. In most cases the manufacturers are keenly aware of the shortcomings, but they don't want to rub it in our faces. (Product will not sell.) 

All being said - solid state easier to find for show and crowd-pleasing, and SET for meditation and contemplation.

Just stay focused with your purpose: do not buy a horse to sing, and do not get a bird to pull your wagon. Enjoy diversity.

 

 

 

 

 

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