SET amp owners thread

[Walnut Horns]

I also always preferred the sound of 45s in my amp over the sound of 2A3s.
I say all this just to indicate what I'm looking for in a new amp. I think it's the sweetness, musicality, flow, emotion, and humanity that I gravitate to and, though I want power and headroom, I don't want to sacrifice the former.

When you find such an amp, please let me know. I currently use Type 50 SET monos, which maybe put out 2 watts, on my 105db horns in a 30 x 18 x 9.5 room. Sounds great, but I'm interested in trying an amp with a bit more headroom.

 

[Exlibris]

My Odeon amp of choice .

In all likelihood I'd have to buy an amp without first hearing it in my system. We just don't have these European amps kicking around in Canada for demo. The Genus provides good value. The NATs also seem to provide good value. Can anyone comment on the current offerings from NAT (e.g. the sweet spot in the line up)?

 

[advanced101]

The Audio Detail 211 looks interesting, but I can't find much about it.

 

[Kingrex]

SET LOVE!

Ayon Crossfire Amplifier (30 watts)
Berning ZOTL-40 Amplifier
Luxman MQ300 (coming soon)

First Sound Paramount Deluxe Preamp (dual power supply)
Lampizator Pacific DAC/Pre (can be configured for SE or balanced)

Volti Vittora (104db/w)
PAP Quintet (Horn version)
- modified crossovers
- building custom layered bamboo baffles for them
Devore 0/96
Soundkaos Wave 42
Harbeth 40.2
- the Ayon drives them quite well
- the ZOTL not so much

You sound a lot like me. First Sound Paramount SI. Tube amps. PAP trio 15 horn, Mojo Audio Suite, Allnic phono and STST Motus II tt. I just need a good amp now.

 

[Exlibris]

When you find such an amp, please let me know. I currently use Type 50 SET monos, which maybe put out 2 watts, on my 105db horns in a 30 x 18 x 9.5 room. Sounds great, but I'm interested in trying an amp with a bit more headroom.

Just one last thing on what I'm looking for...
I like the 'saturated' midrange of low powered amps. The vocal and electric guitars just sound so right and immediate, you just want to fall into the soundfield and the music. When it feels right you just sort of exhale, relax and fall into the rightness of it. But: with the low power things turn into a two-dimensional distorted mess when the going gets tough. When things get complex and loud everything just rushes "to the line of scrimmage" (American football term) and you lose all sense of space, musicality, and relaxation. I need an amp that remains relaxed, spacious, flowing, and musical at all times.

 

[spiritofmusic]

In all likelihood I'd have to buy an amp without first hearing it in my system. We just don't have these European amps kicking around in Canada for demo. The Genus provides good value. The NATs also seem to provide good value. Can anyone comment on the current offerings from NAT (e.g. the sweet spot in the line up)?

Hiya, I run the Nat SE2SE 211s, dual triodes per mono. £10k rrp 8 yrs ago. Nat Transmitters 130W look interesting, but use tetrodes, c£20k, maybe £25k. Nat Magma New uses 170W GM150 transmitter grade triodes, £45k.

 

[Exlibris]

Hiya, I run the Nat SE2SE 211s, dual triodes per mono. £10k rrp 8 yrs ago. Nat Transmitters 130W look interesting, but use tetrodes, c£20k, maybe £25k. Nat Magma New uses 170W GM150 transmitter grade triodes, £45k.

So nothing for less that 15k euros in the current line up?

 

[spiritofmusic]

Probably the Microwave. The SE1 GM70 looks a straight replacement for my SE2SE.

 

[Exlibris]

Probably the Microwave. The SE1 GM70 looks a straight replacement for my SE2SE.

Thank you. I see they've switched out the 211 for a GM70. 25 watts. Just an 8 ohm tap. Looks to be about 8k Euro.

 

[morricab]

In all likelihood I'd have to buy an amp without first hearing it in my system. We just don't have these European amps kicking around in Canada for demo. The Genus provides good value. The NATs also seem to provide good value. Can anyone comment on the current offerings from NAT (e.g. the sweet spot in the line up)?

Another one to consider then is closer to you, Wyetech Labs. Look for a Topaz 211C or 572B or the monoblocks thereof. These should be pretty beastly 20-25 watt (or 40-50 watt monos) amps and they had a very good reputation. Never heard one but the earlier ones were using Audio Note transformers and the later ones were using Italian tranformers from Bartolucci.

 

[bonzo75]

Kcin from Canada owns and loves them

 

[morricab]

Probably the Microwave. The SE1 GM70 looks a straight replacement for my SE2SE.

Doesn't NAT have a GM70 integrated called the Single? It used to be an 805 based integrated with around 50 watts...good sound too (a friend of mine had it).

 

[morricab]

https://www.wenwaudio.nl/versterkers/nat-symbiosis-se-(1131).php

I owned an older version of this amp and once it warms up it sounds ridiculously good. It is not SET but SE hybrid (Transistor). A rather unique design...

https://www.emporiumhifi.com/pre-owned/nat-audio-single-805-se-mk-1-integrated-valve-amplifier/

This is a really nice sounding integrated from NAT. Uses the 805 output tube which can be driven into Class A2 to make 50 watts peak. Heavy iron and good sound.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649592244-wyetech-topaz-572b/

Very nice price on this amp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113963173253

This one is using the Audio Note output iron...later ones used Italian trafos.

 

[Exlibris]

https://www.wenwaudio.nl/versterkers/nat-symbiosis-se-(1131).php

I owned an older version of this amp and once it warms up it sounds ridiculously good. It is not SET but SE hybrid (Transistor). A rather unique design...

https://www.emporiumhifi.com/pre-owned/nat-audio-single-805-se-mk-1-integrated-valve-amplifier/

This is a really nice sounding integrated from NAT. Uses the 805 output tube which can be driven into Class A2 to make 50 watts peak. Heavy iron and good sound.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649592244-wyetech-topaz-572b/

Very nice price on this amp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113963173253

This one is using the Audio Note output iron...later ones used Italian trafos.

Thank you for the recommendations!

 

[Kcin]

If you are in Canada , I know where there are a pair of Wyetech Topaz Mono 211A amps... no affiliation - PM me for the information I can pass along.

 

[Walnut Horns]

https://www.wenwaudio.nl/versterkers/nat-symbiosis-se-(1131).php

I owned an older version of this amp and once it warms up it sounds ridiculously good. It is not SET but SE hybrid (Transistor). A rather unique design...

https://www.emporiumhifi.com/pre-owned/nat-audio-single-805-se-mk-1-integrated-valve-amplifier/

This is a really nice sounding integrated from NAT. Uses the 805 output tube which can be driven into Class A2 to make 50 watts peak. Heavy iron and good sound.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649592244-wyetech-topaz-572b/

Very nice price on this amp

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113963173253

This one is using the Audio Note output iron...later ones used Italian trafos.

The seller of the Wyetech lives about 10 minutes from me. Hmmmm.

 

[morricab]

The seller of the Wyetech lives about 10 minutes from me. Hmmmm.

Worth a listen at least...

 

[Exlibris]

Another one to consider then is closer to you, Wyetech Labs. Look for a Topaz 211C or 572B or the monoblocks thereof. These should be pretty beastly 20-25 watt (or 40-50 watt monos) amps and they had a very good reputation. Never heard one but the earlier ones were using Audio Note transformers and the later ones were using Italian tranformers from Bartolucci.

I like this quote from a review of the Diana Forte:
"Yet at the same time it is also the most "musical" amplifier I've ever had in my system, as it somehow is able to know that this is music it is reproducing, not simply electrical signals."
Most powerful SETs can play sounds that are big and dynamic but, in my very limited experience, most cannot play music.

 

[advanced101]

Whats the difference between the Wyetech 211A and 211C?

 

[Kcin]

Whats the difference between the Wyetech 211A and 211C?

Audio Note transformers on the A vs, Bartulucci transformers on the C

Some claim a difference.. perhaps...........not enough for me to concern my self with it. I have heard both and have the C. More difference in changing coupling caps that the transformers in this instance for me.