CAD-805 (B/C/AE) Series

[pstrisik]

Hi Everyone,

I'm intrigued with SET technology, though concerned with power output. I have a pair of restored AR2ax speakers from 1973. Three way, 10" woofer, 8ohm, ~88db sensitivity.

I inquired with Dennis Had about his current Inspire stereo SET amp. Depending on tubes, it can run up to 12w. The AR's indicate power need of 20w (specified in the 1970's). Dennis says no problem at all and related that he has had 2ax and 3a's back in the day and ran with low power SET amps then.

To get power with SET, the 805 series seems to be a solution. 50w, not to mention monoblocs. But four times the money if bought used. (I'm sure they are Dennis' design as well).

It is difficult to find much on the net about the various SET tube strategies and sound qualities. It seems that 300B output tubes is the hallmark for the SET sound, but with limits in power output and bass. The 805 uses 211 or 845's depending on the edition (and selectible in the 508AE) with 300B as drivers. Dennis' new Inspire uses KT88, EL34, 6550, KT99, or KT120 for 10 or 12w.

Anyone have experience in this area and could talk about relative sound quality with the various output tubes and with the Inspire or 805 amps?

If I go with either of these, I will certainly post my impressions.

Thanks.........