Pros and Cons of SET Amplification - What path to take
-- Wed, 05/13/2009 - 02:12
I am currently looking to upgrade my system and taking my time to figure out which path to take. My current system is ProAc D38 speakers, driven by Antique Sound Lab Hurricanes, Conrad Johnson 17LS2 pre-amp, EMM Labs CDSA SE, VPI SSM with RIM Drive, and ASR Basis Exclusiv phono stage. Cabling is Nordost Heimdall mostly.
I have heard many systems that I have liked, but so far my preferred systems have been based around Magico Mini 2 or Magico V3. If I decide to go down that path, than it will dictate my choice in amplification (most likely to be some Audio Research tube amp).
I was wondering what speaker/amp combo I could consider if I decided to build something around a low power SET amp (such as the highly rated LAMM amps)? What would be the trade-offs/differences compared to a Magico/Audio Research combo? I know that horn speakers seem to be a good match with SETs due to high sensitivity, but other than Avant-Garde, what other speakers could I consider that would mate well with a high caliber SET amp?
Another question I have is whether the LAMM's would be able to drive the Magicos for example?
Of course, in the end I intend to audition things very carefully before I commit one way or another, but any input would help focus my search. I believe JV has a good experience with both the LAMM and the Magico/AR combo, so his input would be greatly apreciated.
For your guidance, the best system I have heard so far is Magico Mini 2, driven by Audio Research 610.
Thanks!
Sorry the above discussion appeared under "anonymous". Actually I posted it.
AG
The V3s are fairly easy to drive, but low-powered amplifiers will not realize their full potential. If you do go the SET route, check out the speakers from Coincident; they are very sensitive, have a high impedance, and importantly, have a flat impedance curve. I don't think the low-powered LAMMs will adequately drive V3s or Mini 2s.
My suggestion is to go with the V3 and then choose an amplifier for that speaker.
Thanks Robert.
Definitely food for thought as I had not considered this speaker.
I would be interested to hear JV's take on this matter as he seems to be familiar with both the Magico sound and systems driven by LAMM amps.
Robert Harleys advice is sound.
It is best to the choose the speakers that sound wonderful to you in your listening room first and foremost. Then find the amplifiers(s) that drive those speakers the best. The rest of the system will fall into place after that IMHO.
Thanks Halcro, this is for sure the way I will go. As mentioned before, so far the speakers I have liked the most are the V3s or the Mini 2s. The quest continues .....
Although we all agree that choosing speakers should be the first step, it’s critical to understand which kind of amplification you prefer. If SET sound is compelling to you, and many believe it’s the most natural amplified sound, than you need to be careful to look for high-efficiency speakers. Magico is not exactly in that category but there are good choices available especially among full-range, single driver designs (crossover-less). Actually, such designs are a natural complement to SET amplifiers and almost require each other. On the other hand, if you are set on Magico, choose an amp that works with it as RH suggested.
THanks for the advice mike. Any suggestions of speakers that I should be considering if I went the SET route?
I use Wilson speakers with my Lamm ML 2.1. It is a magic made in heaven.
You should look for loudspeakers that have a fairly constant impedance over the audioband. The reason is that SET amplifiers have a high output impedance. When that output impedance is significant in relation to the loudspeaker impedance, the frequency response is altered by several decibels. The result is that different speakers will act as different "tone controls" on the amplifier. The flatter the speaker's impedance (the less the impedance changes as a function of frequency), the less this effect. The higher the speaker's nominal impedance, the less this effect. The lower the SET amplifier's output impedance, the less this effect.
For an extended technical discussion of this phenomenon, see Dick Olsher's recent review of the Mystere amplifier.
Dear Robert,
Once again, thank you for the information and the guidance.
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