2. amps-preamps
  3. 195361-3022

Would You Rather Own A Good SET Amp, Or A Great Push Pull Amp?

Throwing this out there because I would appreciate the viewpoints of the many knowledgeable, and experienced audio people here. I'm really torn about a decision I am considering in this regard. And no, sorry, I cannot name the amps involved. I could lose one or both options if I publicized them here. And honestly, only the tiniest fraction of forum members would ever have listened to even one of these options. 

The speakers they would be used with can equally accommodate either of these choices per the designer/manufacturer, who I ran it by. 

Your thoughts would be appreciated. 

nightfall

Showing 1 response by hwr

hwr
20 posts
 

This question is wildly subjective but that's ok.

I think the first question is what kind of speakers you are using. I've been the proud owner of a pair of Klipschorns for the past 48 years, so I can use any amp I want and I have owned many over the years.

The best set up for my system is bi-amping. I use a pair of Klein-Hummel 80 WPC channel transistor amps for the bass and I keep in rotation 10 different amps of various power and circuit configurations for the mids and highs in both tube and transistor output.

I have experienced stunning results with my 30 WPC Sony V-fet and Accuphase 30 WPC Pure class A transistor amps. My push-pull 8 WPC Eastern Electric 6BM8 tube amp offers phenomenal performance. I have realized similar results with my restored 15 WPC 1958 built Fisher 30-A tube mono blocs and my Dennis Had built tube amp that can use 7 different output tubes: the 5881, 6550, and KT88 are my favorites, again running 5 to 12 WPC.

Bottom line for me? SET at the end of the day. With the K-horns SET is simply magical!!

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