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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
jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,458 posts
 

I have both: three Single End tube amps and several PP amps. The latter have the best sound and versatility for use with a variety of speakers. The SE amps require proper speaker matching and are limited in power/watts. SE amps are not inherently better sounding. 

hedwigstheme
148 posts
 

Definitely a great PP over a good SET. 1) great is better than good, 2) compatability with a SET is a loaded term--no manufacturer wants to turn away a customer if it sort of works, and 3) more people than you would think clip their SETs (and other low power amps) and don't recognize it.

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,186 posts
 

I am evaluating Amp's at the current time.

I have high efficiency Speakers for the SET Amp' which are also experienced being driven by what I will class as an exceptional PP Amp'.

A SS Neurochrome Monoblock Design Amp' is currently available to be tried.

In comparisons between the PP and SET, on the Speakers selected, the SET has blown me away, where making a good impression is part of the assessment both Amp's are parity.

More evaluations using a Analogue and Digital Source are to continue.

I believe the SET has a place in my system.

I'm keen to learn what the N'chrome is able to create in my own system, as all other demo's of different N'chrome Models used in different systems, when being compared to other Amp's has ended with the N'chrome being the star with the X Factor.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,391 posts
 

Best of both worlds and the New Pathos Inpol amp uses the vacuum tube as part of the gain stage and also in pure class A  in a true dual mono design ,

verypopulsr in Europe  in the U.S a boutique 35+ year own company 

all made in. Italy and a work of art !

ghdprentice
8,110 posts
 

Whichever sounds better / more to your taste. Sorry, that may sound unhelpful. But I never make decisions on technology.  Any component is the product of the design vision and components. If you can't hear them then do a number of AI searches comparing the sound quality of the two. Read reviews. 

I have an amp that operates in linear and triode mode (no secret Audio Research REF 160s). The difference is small but important... I always run it in triode mode. I would have still ended up with this amp even if it only had one mode. 

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