What is the magic behind SET

TWL really hit on it, but the biggest issue is the simplicity of the signal path. The less junk in the signal path, the less the signal is altered. That is over simplified, but it explains the design philosophy.

I'm finding this to be a fascinating thread.

My system is comprised of a tube preamp matched to a solid state amp, but I've been very curious about possibly getting a SET for use as a second amp.

I'm just not sure which tube design to go with. Mostly likely I'll try an amp that will deliver the full bloom story, but I'm not sure if it will be a good match for my Blue Circle preamp which already has this slight characteristic.

Tom, your post really got the rusty cogs turning in my head. I blame you! Heheh.

SET can be a mind numbing brain melting experience. It can make everything else seem "wrong" it is so emotionly, vivdly right. Then after not hearing it for a few days sanity returns but you always carry this religious experience in your soul. It can turn your world upside down musically, suddenly the world is flat....don't go there, I can't live with tubes, I can't live with tubes...there, I feel better.

i'm a SS convert to SETs, which on my wilson WP6s should've been a non-starter, but not all SETs are created equally; some can drive real-world loads (which is essential IMO, as those high-sensitivity speakers generally suck IMO), and IMO one should start there; if its a competent design, it can be improved upon (like any amp) w/ proper part substitutions, and then you can go about finding speakers that match well (yes, amp before speakers).

trying to explain why a SET is better than other types of amps is like trying to explain why my wife is better than all those other broads i knew. some things i can specifically define, but the general sentiment is beyond articulation.

i agree w/ above posters: in my SET (Wavac 572), the combo of the superb tango transformers along w/ a capacitor-free signal path makes for a great sound (despite the shortcuts taken in other parts w/in the amp, which can easily be corrected w/ some brains an a soldering iron).

as lew conrad once said, there is no perfect part.

minimize.

rhyno

Here is my journey:

I started out with Cary 300B SEI 5-6 years ago, but my speakers were not good match for them. I ended up going to an all Levinson Avalon system for a few years. I was never quite satisfied with that system. It did all the technical things right but I could not enjoy it for various reasons.
Anyway, I ended up switching to a home theater only system.

A year or so ago, I decided to try out SET again in the bedroom ssytem, but first thing I did was to find some efficient speakers. Coincident Triumph UHS were the only speakers that fit in the bedroom and 92-94dB efficent/high-impedance. (My wife would never allow horn speakers in the master bedroom) Then I tried out an ASL Orchid 2A3 integrated. It sounded great but it always runs out of power with rock/symphonic music. 3W/ch is not quite enough. So I switched over to a Dared 845 SET integrated. Rolled a few tubes. Funny, this is the most musically involved system I had in the last 10 years and it did not cost $40k.

My suggestion for SET game is:
1) Find the speakers that you like. Flat impedance curves > 4 Ohms is most important. Efficency will mater if you have a mid to large room.
2) Match the amp output power to speaker accordingly. The power output requirement will determine the type of tubes you can live with.