Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Bombadil]

Depends upon the size of the room and volume levels desired. I could run 14 wpc speakers into my 85db Spicas in my bedroom and it would be more than I need. The room is just 140 sf and I don't play anywhere near concert levels.

But in a 400 sf room and desiring to listen to classical music at reasonably loud levels, if I had 88db speakers, that 14 wpc wouldn't be enough, IMO.

[Bombadil]

And, as I've written before, you have to be careful in trusting speaker manufacturers specifications on efficiency. Stereophile just reviewed the newer Tekton Design Impact Monitor. Spec'ed at 94db, measures at 87.5db.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I agree that 14 wpc may not be enough for your speakers. I'd double check with Dennis to avoid disappointment.

If I understand the 'Universal' design concept properly you will be able to drive more difficult speaker loads with less power. The question is how much do you need?

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

If I understand the 'Universal' design concept properly you will be able to drive more difficult speaker loads with less power. The question is how much do you need?

Mmmhhh ... I thought the Universal design essentially allows a whole lot of possible output tube alternatives, but this does not imply necesarilly more power, as it would depend on tube and circuit design synergies, OTBE.

I'm concerned we as a group are skewing our precious niche into something purely market/convenience-driven. That is, the SET concept is unique, and should not be compromised for higher power demands ... There's too much of that in the market already. Instead, I would argue we should compare these devices to the equivalent ones perfected in Japan, for example, and try to find cheaper alternatives at same quality levels, or at least strive in that direction. Pure Class A SS designs are available and sound very nice at high power levels ... That is another niche and object. A compromise.

Texture, finesse and imaging stemming from a real SET or a SEP strapped as a Triode (with its inherent limitations) should be the object, and not another boom-boom audio system with tubes in it, sort of speak. PP and ultra-linear designs are typical examples of tube audio designs that ended up trying to achieve more power by sacrificing the purity of the original source.

I would argue a well-designed and executed PSE in Triode mode, using more affordable Pentode tubes, defines the limits before the whole concept is violated. PSE mono-blocks in Triode mode are still within the limit of sound quality and reasonable output power ... at a cost.

I would be more inclined to find more sensitive, well-designed speakers, as well as better-conceived output transformers before messing around with the Purist's SET concept. Today, more than ever in the past, we are blessed with digital design breakthroughs in source processing, with highly accurate DACs and other sources capable of allowing good, down-to-earth SET designs to shine even further, offering us a unique sample of really good sound at a fraction of its historical relative cost.

I'm sure many will disagree, and that is fine, this is only my audio-nut opinion.

[decooney]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I agree that 14 wpc may not be enough for your speakers. I'd double check with Dennis to avoid disappointment.

Thanks. I did, and those conversations are completed. I'm going in a different direction now for agreed reasons. Thanks, enjoyed the discussions and follow-ups here.

[Beatlebum]

My 45 amp was delivered today. Oh......My.......God!

This is a whole new experience.

[Beatlebum]

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[Beatlebum]

I would love some insights into both 45 tubes and 6SL7 tubes. What tubes have you used...what tubes do you like and why...

[Beatlebum]

DH sent me Raytheon 45's with the amp along with GE and Tung Sol 6SL7's.

[Bombadil]

Originally Posted by Beatlebum

My 45 amp was delivered today. Oh......My.......God!

This is a whole new experience.

Beautiful amp. What is the dial / knob on the left for?