Favorite SET Amp and Why

[Response Audio]

For myself, my favorite SET would be 300B based and prefer parallel designs. I like the extra power while maintaining the 300B sound.  Second on my list would be the 805.

[jbtrio]

Doug s., I guess you never heard a EML XLS 300b tube. They are very dynamic and neutral almost to the point of sounding like SS.

I really like the Takatzuki 300b's. They are very natural, refined, and open. They are not slow and limited in the bass and treble. It's important that you have quality trannies of cause.

Maybe you should try and hear a well made 300b amp, before you believe what others say, IMHO.

Joe

[Hugh]

Different people different taste.

We have had customer(s) who want nothing but 845 and then other(s) who stand by 300B and yet other(s) for 211.
When a potential client asked what's our (my) preference, I'd always told them it's their taste that counts.

In the meantime, just keep enjoying the music.

[jbtrio]

That's per pair, yes expensive. But your statement wasn't about price. It was of being colored not neutral.

[HAL]

Pass Labs Aleph 2 monoblocks.  Sound great to me.

100 watts of single ended transistor Class A MOSFET power and very reliable.  After 20 years about time for a power supply recap.

Works great with the Von Schweikert Research VR-8 speakers.   

[Response Audio]

I agree this thread should be about persinal preferences. We all have different taste and should respect other's tatste as well. Thats what this hobby is all about.
I do like the 300B but also like other designs too. A good 6C33 design is something i could also live with and even an EL84. They all have their followings and theres no "best" tube (or even type of system....tube/SS) just like theres no best genre of music. Whatever puts a smile on our face is what matters.

[rollo]

  Looking at Decware Zen mono blocks. I like the 6C33C used in the Lamm but 37K, later. I have a 211 based  [18W/ch]Consonance all custom SET hanging out. I will of course try that first. RCA 211s and GE 211s on hand.
The Rethms are 102db so 1.5W and up. I like Yamamoto, Shindo as well. So many to choose from it can be confusing. Hugh what you got man in SET. Bill can ya make one ?
For the bang for the buckaroonie it appears Decware is untouchable. Just never heard one. Thanks to all who have helped so far. Doug if money was NOT an issue which one would you recco ?


charles

[shadowlight]

I was using 2a3 amp which was 3.5W with Zu Druid V (no longer being used, since I sold Druid).  I also liked the sound of 6c33c amp Almaro sounded very good with the Zu Definition IV (Jim's amp).  You also have the option of getting 6c33c amp from K and K Audio

[Hugh]

  Looking at Decware Zen mono blocks. I like the 6C33C used in the Lamm but 37K, later. I have a 211 based  [18W/ch]Consonance all custom SET hanging out. I will of course try that first. RCA 211s and GE 211s on hand.
The Rethms are 102db so 1.5W and up. I like Yamamoto, Shindo as well. So many to choose from it can be confusing. Hugh what you got man in SET. Bill can ya make one ?
For the bang for the buckaroonie it appears Decware is untouchable. Just never heard one. Thanks to all who have helped so far. Doug if money was NOT an issue which one would you recco ?


charles

Charles,

I thought you already knew what we have?

Anywho, take your pick among Integrated from AN211, AN300B, AN845 to Monos from M845, PM845, MN845.

What's your poison?

[shadowlight]

Hugh,
I thought you had parallel 2a3 integrated also or am I thinking about parallel 2a3?

[Response Audio]

Hi Charles. Yes, I can make one. I have designed a few SET amps over the years but as you know, focused primarily on preamps. Probably the best. 300B amps I have heatd to date are the 18.watt  Purity PSE 300B Ultra mono blocs. Keep mind mind I am biased as I they were designed based on what myself and my partner believe would be how an amp of this nature should sound as well as some very unique technologies that went into this design. I would have to say these are the best amp I have built over the years. Unfortunately,  not exactly cheap.



I do have other 300B single ended as well as EL84 based pieces I build but I did not design these. I have no problems working with other's designs (in conjunction with the designer of course) if i beleive in it. Pride does not get in the way here.

[tmazz]

..........theres no "best" tube (or even type of system....tube/SS) just like theres no best genre of music. Whatever puts a smile on our face is what matters.

Now you're talking my language! 

[Response Audio]

Slagle custom designed and built the output transformers on tye Purity PSE 300B monos mentioned above. 

[topround]

CHARLIE,
If money is no object how about having Slagle build you  a pair of amps using his transformers, maybe go for silver, oh my!

[shadowlight]

Charlie,

If I remember correctly I believe you are Rethm dealer, if yes why not take a look at their tube amp as one of the option which is based around 6c33 with 6922 in preamp section?  According to Rethm website it is called Gaanam.