SETs, anyone?

vinyl anachronist · « **on:** 24 Feb 2007, 11:53 pm »

I'm curious to know, since I'm an SET guy, who around here uses SET amps, and what are they?

My reference is the Yamamoto Sound Craft A-08S 45 amplifier, but I'm also using a Bottlehead Paramour 2A3 amp (with Sophia Electric 2.5v 300Bs and Chinese 2A3s), and a Dignity Audio 300B amp. I use Zu Druid mk. IVs, which are 101dB sensitive, and perfect for the 2wpc Yamamoto.

Blackmore · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 12:38 am »

I'm using the Yamamoto A-09 300B amp and Yamamoto CA-04 preamp. I also use an AES SE-1 2A3 amp made from the Cary Audio kit. Speakers are Cain & Cain Abbys. Didn't go with the 45 yammies since the Abbys are only 94 dB efficient. Quite a few of the GAS guys own some sort of SET amp using 300B, 2A3, 45 and even a 50 (!) tube.

miklorsmith · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 12:47 am »

I'm using the Yamamoto A-08s with Zu Definition Pros. Birds of a feather, eh? I also have Red Wine Signature 70s, which aren't worlds away, believe it or not.

Scott F. · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 12:59 am »

I'm doing the Wellborne 300B DRD's or a Handmade Audio 2A3 Deluxe Classic driving a modified version of the Lowther PM2A Basszilla OB's (activiely crossed and biamped). Like Blackmore said, we've got at least 3 other local GAS guys doing the SET thing.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 01:14 am »

I'm a traitor...

I use a 300B SET as my headphone amp, but have gone to
the Pass F3 with my 2nd Rethms (101db) and love it!

However, I still have a brand new pair of WE 300B's waiting
for the mood to strike again!

zeke · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 01:15 am »

I use Audio Note CD2 cd player to Audio Note kit1 300B amp to Audio Note kit03 high efficiency speakers ...........

rollo · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 01:37 am »

Using Consonance Cyber 211s, 16w/ channel with NOS GE 211s, NOS Mullard CC188 as inputs and NOS Rayathon 5687 as drivers. Works great with TVC.
rollo

PS Zeke, my friend owns a Kit-1 as well. He has transformed the sound by installing Mundorf Supreme silver in oil caps in the output stage. Thought this would be helpfull.

topround · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 02:12 am »

charlie, I put those same Mundorfs in my vienna acoustics Haydn's
molto delicioso!!!

Audiovista · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 02:19 am »

Vista-Audio SEPCL82...of course (I make it

). Although, not exactly SET - I prefer it as an SE in UltraLinear Pentode mode.

Whitese · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 02:55 am »

I am using Bel Canto Orfeo monoblocks...845 SET's...at 30 watts/ch...2 12AX7 besides the 845...huge and heavy buggers....but they sound awesome!

Wardsweb · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:15 am »

I have built three different SET amps. The following pictures shows a 6DN7 stereo amp (1.5 watts/chnl) kit, 2A3 mono blocks (3 watts/chnl) kit built as mirror amps and a scratch built 2A3 stereo amp (3.5 watts/chnl) based on a Loftin-White design.

JohninCR · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:29 am »

I have some little Decware SETs, 2 Selects and a C, and they sound great to me. I have no basis for comparison, since I haven't heard another tube amp other than my college roommate's guitar amp. As long as I don't need more than a couple of watts, I prefer them over the other silicone and sand amps that I have (as long as I don't plug in some of the really "syrupy" sounding tubes in my stockpile).

Scott F. · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:35 am »

Quote from: rajacat on 25 Feb 2007, 02:26 am

Please excuse the sight diversion but would a typical 300B set have enough power for 96dB speakers @4 ohms(Omega Bipoles) and have plenty of headroom perhaps with the help of an active preamp?

Raj

Yep, just as long as the room isn't too big and you don't listen too loud. In a fair sized room (say 12x16 or so) 8 watts should get you about 95 or so db on peaks based on what I've played with. Should work with Louis' Omegas just fine. Just make sure that the one you pick has good output iron and 4 ohm taps.

Whitese · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:53 am »

Mr Wards amps are objects of art...!

vinyl anachronist · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 03:55 am »

Wow, guys...a lot of killer SET amps out here!

2bigears · « **Reply #15 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 04:08 am »

Audion 845 Elites,24 wpc of smooth

Whitese · « **Reply #16 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 04:52 am »

Quote from: 2bigears on 25 Feb 2007, 04:08 am

Audion 845 Elites,24 wpc of smooth

which 845's are you running?

TONEPUB · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 04:58 am »

That's the great thing about the SET world. Lot's of variations on some pretty simple circuits, so you can really indulge doing it yourself if you want to.

I always tell people that they will either really get (and love) the SET thing or they won't.
It truly has a magic sound that is like no other. Lots of great flavors to sample as well.

Glad to hear we have some big enthusiasts for this here!

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #18 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 05:05 am »

My SET amp....a KR Audio Antares VA320 Dual-Mono.....review link...
Works well with Omega speakers....

2bigears · « **Reply #19 on:** 25 Feb 2007, 05:26 am »

Quote from: Whitese on 25 Feb 2007, 04:52 am

Quote from: 2bigears on 25 Feb 2007, 04:08 am
Audion 845 Elites,24 wpc of smooth

which 845's are you running?
my KR's blew,in the market now????