2. amps-preamps
  3. 1304207991

used SET amp under $1500 suggestion

As stated in another thread, I have problem of having too much gain in my system. I am considering buying a SET amp to drive a pair of Zu omen definition, and looking for suggestion. I have too options:

1) keeping my PrimaLuna Prologue 3 preamp and buy a SET power amp or mono block. I like the PrimaLuna sound, so, I prefer to keep it. However, in this case, my budge is under $1500. To work with the PrimaLuna, I need an amp with input impedance > 100k Ohm. And the PrimaLuna has a gain of 12 dB. My current McCormack has 30dB gain which is too loud. So .. likely, I prefer something not exceeding 20dB gain?

2) sell the PrimaLuan preamp, and replaced with an integrated SET amp. I prefer option 1 because I don't know if I will like the sound of the integrated. But if I get an integrated, my budget increase to $2500, and it seems it open up more choices.

I read the 6moons and other review, it seems the Almarro and Yamamoto are 2 highly recommended SET choices, but they are both quite expensive. Is there any other choices? Thanks in advance.
gte357s

Showing 2 responses by jrinkerptdnet

jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
are you sure the problem lies with your pre or amp and not your source??? maybe your source has an unusually high output voltage??

I had an issue with the output voltage of a source using a passive pre with a SET amp. the volume control could only be used for about clicks (stepped attenuator) before the volume became too loud.

had a passive custom made with step-DOWN transformers to reduce the voltage of the source before the amp. worked like a charm!

email me if you'd like more info

Jeff
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
not trying to talk him out of a SET amp, just not sure that will solve the problem of too much gain in the system. would be a shame to put $1500 into an amp and STILL have too much gain from the source allowing you a tiny range on the volume control

just my 2 cents

Jeff
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