The Gallo Nucleus Reference 2 (with full InSound/OmegaMikro upgrades, no crossovers, three 6.5inch Dynaudio drivers wired in parallel for 9ohm impedance, OmegaMikro wiring throughout, [?] 330 degree CDT tweeter, which more closely matches the dynamic drivers for radiation patters, and time aligned, 9ohm, 90dB/w/m) coupled to Viva Verona XL 845 tube amps (26wpc) has to be the best "all-rounc" performance I've heard from a SET system to date! This was for both full symphonic orchestral music as well as electronic "rock." It had a full, rich, immersive, and immediate sound.
I've heard a few other demos with 845 SETs. Each time I wanted to "not like the sound" as I _*knew*_ the sound should be less pure than a lower powered tube like a 45, 2a3, or 300b. But so far I haven't heard an flea powered system that I've like as much as the two 845 systems I've heard. I did go to MAF one year, but show conditions are only so good. I really could't draw conclusions in that environment. But without hearing a 845 SET, I would have though (on paper, with no first hand experience) exactly as Twl does. Maybe if I listened to more, properly set up flea powered systems I would think along the lines of Twl. But for no, I can't given what I've heard.
But I still covet that gallo/845 system. I was a good balance of positives with a healthy balance of negatives that I could tolerate long term. If only I could afford such a system!
I've heard a few other demos with 845 SETs. Each time I wanted to "not like the sound" as I _*knew*_ the sound should be less pure than a lower powered tube like a 45, 2a3, or 300b. But so far I haven't heard an flea powered system that I've like as much as the two 845 systems I've heard. I did go to MAF one year, but show conditions are only so good. I really could't draw conclusions in that environment. But without hearing a 845 SET, I would have though (on paper, with no first hand experience) exactly as Twl does. Maybe if I listened to more, properly set up flea powered systems I would think along the lines of Twl. But for no, I can't given what I've heard.
But I still covet that gallo/845 system. I was a good balance of positives with a healthy balance of negatives that I could tolerate long term. If only I could afford such a system!