Kevin's comments on Decware SE84UFO put my purchase decision over the top. I purchased it about 18 months ago to pair up with Zu Omen MKII DW's, 97 db at 1 watt/meter. Both amp and speakers are sonic bargains and form a synergism that makes the low watt amplifier approach not only viable but will transform your audio life. Kevin is a treasure trove of information on these amps and as well, the viability of the open baffle, full range driver concept.
Thank you for the feedback! I'm glad you joined the low power / high efficiency camp! The EL84 (or 6BQ5, which is the US version of the tube) is one of my favorite tubes, extremely musical.
GlowInTheDarkAudio is a thoroughly awesome website! A treasure-trove of information and eye candy. Kevin is also great to correspond with, I purchased an amp from him a while back. He has a very discerning ear regarding SETs and high-efficiency speakers. His auditory observational descriptions were spot-on with what I experienced. I don't believe that I've ever seen a Loftin-White amp on the site before, though I could be wrong.
I think you might be right! Even his Darling amp is capacitor coupled. LOL, so hard to find L-W amps! Even flea power aficionados don't usually get to play around with them. : (
Checked your suggestion with my genius SET low powered amp designer (PhD engineer from Taipei) who can wind his own transformers. I'll quote him directly: "Loftin-White amps are very inefficient due to the power loss at the power tube cathode resistor." He modded a Chi-Fi 845 integrated and is building a dual mono 300b of his own design for me. His friend in Taipei created the illustrious JAMES iron. Sadly that dude has retired.
Oh no, no more Jameson! That's very sad news. Indeed, flea power amps have very little wattage, but their perceived power and presence soars with the right speakers. Whenever someone heard my Darling amplifier, they always said "I can't believe that's only 1W!". Even on a 89-90dB efficient speaker they play with considerable presence. Always made us wonder why we want high power output in the first place. Sure, we need high power for playing silly loud and for amplifying for big halls, but for music in your room it's only secondary consideration.
@@realworldaudio My favorite thing to do when introducing someone new to my system is playing some Billie Eilish or Lana Del Rey at a relatively high volume. When they inevitably comment on how great it sounds, I ask them "So how many watts do you think this amp puts out?" Usually, I'll get a response like "It has to be over 100 or more, that's for sure." When I tell them that "It's not even *watts*, as in plural; it's only 1.6 per channel", they are completely dumbfounded and think I'm lying. ;-) I don't bother explaining the details unless they are truly interested.
@@FireTriode I can imagine your friends faces! :) Indeed, my friends always think I'm pulling their legs, too. "That's way to big an amplifier for just 1 watt! has to be at least 1000w :)"
Good to know! Thanks! I hope to find a schematic of my Val 211 mono blocs. Love their sound so far! Otherwise, after re tubing the stock valves, upgrade power cords, I hope to have a nice "room heating" powerhouse! 😬😣😂 I generally enjoy your content. I do wish it was more concisely given. (hint, hint) ...
Hint received, I'm trying to make them more concise! Sometimes, I fail miserably at that LOL. With practice I shall improve!! :) (I'm very optimistic as you see!) The 211 is a magnificent beast, you need not worry about your plans for cold winter days ! :)
