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What are the trade offs with higher powered SETs?

Posted by Lemonbishop (A) on October 10, 2005 at 09:18:38

Other than money, that is. In looking around here and elsewhere, I notice there are some SETs that have quite a bit more power. ART, Cary, Bel Canto, Welborne Labs have things from in the teens to 40-50 watts! Audio Note and EAR have things in the teens. I'm sure there are others.

Do these more powerful SETs give up much of their sweetness, or the qualities that make SETs great in the first place to gain the extra power? Apart from the (possibly) higher prices, what are the tradeoffs?

The EAR was very well reviewed in Listener some time back, but even with 13 or so watts, Peter B. recommended high efficiency speakers ONLY, even for this amp. Wouldn't these amps be able to drive less efficient speakers? (assuming same room, same music, same volumes, etc, only amp changes).

Any insights would be appreciated.

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