Well I would definitely agree that a higher impedance load particularly for a tube amp will always be advantageous. I am aware that some folks use low powered SET amplifiers with the DeCapos but I'm not convinced that it will suit my needs for my listening tastes but sure would like to try a good one that might work, which is why I asked you your thoughts. Often times people that gravitate towards these amplifiers tend to listen to smaller scale music, at least this SEEMS to be the case to me.
Charles I would like to further comment on the example I gave you above concerning the 845 integrated. This amplifier uses 2 845s per channel for a total of 4 and puts out 35 watts. I'm not too sure about the class of operation and feedback used but what I noted about it and virtually all SETs I've heard relative to the better PP and OTLs is a tendency to get a bit thick and confused during complex, dynamic music. I wouldn't begin to suggest that this is the case for all these designs but it really is my impression over the years from that first time 20 years ago when I heard a small Cary integrated with the 211 tube driving Swann speakers to everything since. Yes I suppose I am a bit prejudiced against SETs in general but only based on my personal experience. I don't necessarily believe they ALL sound like this since I haven't begun to hear everything out there. I seriously doubt I've heard the best of this breed.
I have recently become aware of a prototype 845 based design by David Berning that is pure Class A, zero feedback and 50 watts using his zotl technology. I don't know if and when it will be marketed but this seems to me a design that could meld the best attributes of both SET and OTL amplifiers. My guess is that it still wouldn't be rich enough for some tastes which seemed to be the case with his Seigfried.
Charles I would like to further comment on the example I gave you above concerning the 845 integrated. This amplifier uses 2 845s per channel for a total of 4 and puts out 35 watts. I'm not too sure about the class of operation and feedback used but what I noted about it and virtually all SETs I've heard relative to the better PP and OTLs is a tendency to get a bit thick and confused during complex, dynamic music. I wouldn't begin to suggest that this is the case for all these designs but it really is my impression over the years from that first time 20 years ago when I heard a small Cary integrated with the 211 tube driving Swann speakers to everything since. Yes I suppose I am a bit prejudiced against SETs in general but only based on my personal experience. I don't necessarily believe they ALL sound like this since I haven't begun to hear everything out there. I seriously doubt I've heard the best of this breed.
I have recently become aware of a prototype 845 based design by David Berning that is pure Class A, zero feedback and 50 watts using his zotl technology. I don't know if and when it will be marketed but this seems to me a design that could meld the best attributes of both SET and OTL amplifiers. My guess is that it still wouldn't be rich enough for some tastes which seemed to be the case with his Seigfried.