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Hi All,I am considering getting a SET amp kit and I would like to ask for your advice to help me choosing one.
My budget is up to $2K (but I am hoping to spend much less so I can spend money on the tubes) Also, my speakers are only 90db efficient I would like to have one with some power (at least 5W or above).
I am currently leaning towards Audio Note Kit 1 but I am also considering:
Welborne DRD300B, Bottlehead's Paramount SE 300B, Ladyday 300B
I would appreciate your recommendation (including other kits that are not listed above).
Follow Ups:
I have an Audio Note Kit1 and can say it is an exceptionally well designed 300b single ended triode amplifier. The basic model Kit1 uses very good quality components, and there are numerous individual upgrades that can easily be made singly or together.That said, I feel that the Kit1 with its single 300b doesn't have quite enough horsepower at the lower frequencies to fully take command of my Audio Note ANJ/Spe's, which are specked at 92 db/W/m.
They sound good, but there seems to be just a little bit missing.I have used a Soro SE amp and find its 18 output watts more than sufficient to drive the ANJ's across their full range, although in other ways it wasn't my cup of tea.
So, given the lower efficiency of your ANK's, I suspect that a single 300b SET, regardless of make, will not have enough power to make the ANK's sound as good as they could. Good, but not the best.
It's becoming more and more clear to me that if a person wants Audio Note speakers driven by a single-300b SET, then the ANE is the speaker to have.
I have the parts on order from AudioNoteKits to convert my Kit1 to a Kit2, which at 12 watts has 50% more power than the kit1. It will be interesting to see if the additional power makes a big difference with the ANJ's.
However, I get the impression you are wanting a SET (Kit1), whereas the Kit2 is a SEP (single ended pentode - 6550's).I have heard from a very reliable source that AudioNoteKits will likely be bringing out new SET models this year. You might want to call Brian at AN Kits to discuss. I have always found him very helpful.
I ran 85dB-sensitive speakers, Quad 989s, full range, in a 3200CF room. Drove them with 50-Watt SETs, ASL Explorer 805s. That combination was JUST enough to create peaks levels in the low 90s at the listening position.Depending on your listening levels, 8 Watts from a 300B could be QUITE inadequate. Consider an 845-based amp--they run 20 - 25 Watts--or more-sensitive speakers.
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I would start with more efficient speakers, 94-100dB. Then pick an amp to match. I have the Welborne DRD-300B and Bottlehead Paramour 2A3 and 45. All are very good amps. BUT, I run the 300Bs through 94 dB speakers and the 2A3 and 45s through 100dB speakers. Depends on room size and music choice, but I'm afraid you might be unhappy without more efficient speakers.
I think you are on the right track with the AN Kit1. I have the PQ Kit1 Signature version as well as their phono kit, speaker kit03, and DAC Kit 2.1 Signature. I am more than happy with all their kits that I have built and can assure you of their quality. I have also been in contact with many others who have built their kits - all happy.You can see most of my builds on my website - see link below.
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