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Jumping into SE tube amps. Suggestions?

After having purchased a small integrated tube amp for my son, I find myself wishing to venture into the SE tube amp world. I own an SF Line 3 pre, but am for the most part a tube novice. The Cary SE amps interest me, the 300SE caught my eye, but I have "0" listening experience with any tube amps and don’t really wish to limit possibilities based on manufacturer or output tube type. My taste in music is very much varied. I don't wish to assemble this system based on a specific musical style, but if I were to pick a specific genre that I listen to the most, it would be the Blues, Jazz a close second. After reading many of the threads on tube amps, I realize that there may be trade-offs, and a little loss of bottom end could be tolerated, but I still like to hear the “Big Drum” move the room in the “Blue Man Group” CD. Don't know if this is going to be possible without a sub, but give it your best shot.

To make this an even more open ended proposition, I would most likely have to replace, or purchase a second pair of (hope "she" doesn't read this!) speakers, as the Aerial 10t's are not going to like a 5-15 watt tube amp. So, if you have suggestions as to high sensitivity, high impedance speakers that work well with a specific SE tube amp, I welcome those suggestions as well. Please, no horns need apply.

Total cost? Let’s try and keep it <3k (used) for amp(s), and if you wish to recommend a speaker, <3k (used) as well.

Bottleheads, let’s hear from you. Thanks all.
massvm
massvm OP
126 posts
 
Trelja, did you ever assemble your SET room? When I was searching yesterday, I came across a post where you talked about it.
danner
202 posts
 
I've just made the jump myself with the Decware SE-84C-S ($699). I found it works best without my preamp (I have a Wheatfield se HA-1 headphone/pre-amp). For acoustic music (classical guitar, cello, piano - my intended purpose for this system)it works very well. The bottom is not quite there on my Tannoy System 8 studio monitors (45 Hz rated with a sensitivity of 92dB) even on the S unit that is intended to have a better bottom end. I'm using a Janis W3 sub system (100 Hz xover with phase control). The imaging changes a bit but is very good (larger and a bit more forward). I use cut 11 of Albert Collins Deluxe Edition (20 bit rather than 16) for sub level and phase adjustment. [If you like the blues and don't have this CD I would highly recommend it.] It has an extended bass solo that locks in perfectly when you get the settings right. -- Using a speaker with a response lower than the Tannoy's may avoid the need for a sub.
seldenr
59 posts
 
You might look at Antique Sound Labs. Their MG15 DT-S is a single ended pentode, which puts out 15 wpc. By the way, technically it is an integrated, and has received rave reviews. My brother bought a demo for US$550, and since using it hasn't bothered to reconnect his US$2,700 solid state 250 wpc unit. Another suggestion, the new Cary ___ V12(it has a longer model name but I forget). Just reviewed in Stereophile, has 4 triode amps in one chassis (for 50wpc) which can be switched (on the fly) to ultralinear at 100 wpc. Scull really liked it and retail is US$4,000. Audio Electronic Supply (a Cary subsidiary) makes the SE-1, which is a 300B SET amp putting out 7 to 8 wpc, and can also use 2A3 tubes at around 3.5 watts. Sam Tellig likes it, and retail is around $1,000 for a kit (with tubes) or about $1,200 assembled. Regarding speakers, I second the Coincident (ok, I'm partial since I bought a pair of Super Eclipse). Israel Blume will usually answer the telephone, and is highly regarded. Nice guy, and according to an e-mail from a TAS reviewer, is one of the best speaker designers in the business. Just my opinion, but give him a call and let him explain.

Let us know what you end up with, and what you compared in the process. That's part of the fun!
douglikesaudio
118 posts
 
Speakers: Alon Lotus SE. Available with standard (8?) ohm or higher (16?) ohm woofer. With the high impedence, they are designed for low output tube amps. Have not heard them yet, but if even close to other Alon's, they should be contenders. I've heard the Circes and they stupefy! Even heard the Grand whatchamahoodles at CES--somthing like $120k--and although they can't run on 5 watts, their sound was similar to the Circes. Kinda electrostatic-like with heft. If the Lotus is similar, no sub will be necessary. I'd stay away from the 3 watters. I don't think the 2A3 will produce much low end umph. 845 or even 300B's will give more drive to the blues. Around $4k for the Lotus. Heck, if you got the coin, the Circe may run on 845 tubes. But at $12k for speakers, you could get a whole system instead!

Enjoy.
tomryan
796 posts
 
I've owned 572s and have borrowed (for 4-5 day at home listening sessions) two different 300b amps. I've also done extended, hours at a time, listening sessions with 811s at a high end store. And I've owned Cary 2A3s for the last 15 months. With the right speakers, the 2A3 is the best SE experince I've had. Don't worry about losing anything in the bass regions. With the right speakers 2A3s have tremendous bass extension and definition. I think they're the ultimate tube experience as regards simple music enjoyment. However, you do have to have the right speakers. I auditioned Coincidents at my house and found them uninvolving. It's all a matter of taste anyway, and I think you're right on target with your current thoughts on horns. I hear some of the Silverline speakers are SET friendly as are, of course, some of the Soliloquy models. Try to find your amp first then locate speakers that work well. I've heard the Alons spoken of above and they sound very good. I sometimes bi-amp with a Transcendent Sound OTL on the woofers of my Proac 2.5s and the combo works great. The 2A3s will not drive the Proacs properly alone unless you don't mind "plasticy" sounded cymbals on your jazz records and very resticted dynamics.
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