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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 5 responses by seikosha

seikosha
218 posts
 
Hi Charles1dad,

I know Decware states basically the same thing as Coincident as far as not skimping on transformers. Steve has stated that he's tested many different transformers in his amps and is pretty happy with the ones he's making now. Decware keeps their costs low with simple chassis designs/aesthetics which can be a major part of a final unit's cost.

Both Decware and Coincident make EL 34 triodes. I've been wanting to try one and figured I'd go with the Dynamo just to get an idea of Israel's sound since I already have a couple of Decware amps.
seikosha
218 posts
 
I've got the SE84 stock non kit amp which is similar to what Mapman linked to. The stock amp is probably better sounding than the kit in that it's direct wired with no circuit boards. I'm toying with the idea of picking up a Dynamo. If I do, it'll be fun to compare it to the Decware. I'd be curious to see how they stack up against each other. If the Dynamo is better, I'd be thrilled as I've got a really nice combo going right now with my SE84 and Omega Speakers.

I don't think it'd be possible to build a Dynamo for 120.00. Won't the tubes alone push you right to that price point?
seikosha
218 posts
 
Looking at the parts list, the stock SE84 is definitely using higher grade parts than the kit. It certainly would sound nicer than the kit version.
seikosha
218 posts
 
A lot of DIY'er's have performed the Hazen Grid mod on their non Decware amps and this usually skeptical crowd seems to appreciate it as a viable mod as many seem to claim that it does in fact make an improvement. If you do some Google searches on the subject, you'll see lots of discussions.

Now that said, even if it does improve the EL34 triode sound, I would still go after a well built 300B if it was in my budget.
seikosha
218 posts
 
I'd be surprised if the loudness issue was due to the transformers. Decware seems pretty proud of the iron he uses. There is thread on another forum comparing the build/parts of the Dynamo to Decware and FWIW, the decware seems to get more respect from the engineer type guys with specific mention of the capacitors and wiring layout.

I know there is another poster here on audiogon who uses a 4 watt Decware and feels it drives his decapos perfectly fine. Ultimate loudness can be a very subjective thing and two different people can have very different ideas about what is and isn't loud enough even in the same room with the same equipment.
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