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I vote yes

Posted by DougE (A) on April 20, 2008 at 14:57:02

In Reply to: AN amp for Klipsch RF-5s ? posted by trond on April 19, 2008 at 03:12:19:

Trond, I have both the kit1 (300b version of the kit2) and the interstage monos, and I've owned PP pentode amps as well. This could easily slip into a "SET vs PP" response, so I will try to spare you of the canons of the argument, and aim only at what you asked.

Dynamics: my take is that ultimately there are two interpretations of what dynamics are. One view is based on slam, hit, punch, grip, ultimate loudness and overall pressurization = dynamics. This, to me, is more easily supplied by PP amps. The other view is that dynamics are found in the tiny and often dramatic swells and gradations of intensity present in all kinds of music, and mostly glossed over by any topology other than SET. With this, I find texture and a highly emotive quality that's hard to put a finger on. Anyway, to me this is what SET does with dynamics.

Authority: frankly, this can be similar to above, with the notable exception of the fact that a lesser SET will not grip down low as well as even a pretty decent PP amp will. So, until you spend on serious iron, in the form of both output transformers and power supply, then the classic view of authority is more easily covered by PP amps. Given that, the Kit1 (and I'd suppose the kit2 since it uses the same iron) will hold your Klipsch's tight enough that you will find new things to love about your favorite rock albums. Ultimately though, if you want to rock with a similar grip to your PP amps, you either must pay for the Ccore output tx, or get a good sub to go with your SET. For me, I find a combo of both works nicely!

A final thought on the issue that you really didn't raise but that I am addressing (PP vs SET)--I suggest if you haven't had a SET that you get one. You may just find that the things I say here are true or total rubbish. Either way, I think you will find some things you didn't know were available from your music. Namely, a certain emotional attachment and resulting enjoyment.

Best,
Doug

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