What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?


Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi

Showing 3 responses by ait

Depends on the SET what you can drive. I have no problem driving 85dB (if that efficient) Infinity RSIIb speakers with an SET, to louder than I'd ever need. Just need lots of power supply storage (400+joules), 2500volts B+ and 62lb output transformers...
To address the original question, IMO the greatest bargain in SET amps is one you build yourself. SETs are very simple circuits, even a beginner can make one. How it sounds will depend greatly on the power supply and the output transformers you select, but if you can solder two wires together you can build an SET. Since you will be building it with your own labor, without the need to make a profit, it will undoubtedly be cost-effective as well.

If it seems like I'm always pushing DIY here, well it's because I've gone from buying my gear to building it myself, and not only is it a very rewarding hobby, I've been able to make equipment that I never could have afforded to buy commercially. Just planting the idea.
Rebbi,

Check out the Tubelab SSE, which stands for Simple Single Ended. There is a Tubelab Forum on DIYAudio.com, with lots of tips and George is a great guy, too.

Reports are they are excellent sounding amps.