Questions on SA-600

[cary]

This is a real general question. How does the SA-600 amp sound? I use tubes: EL84, 6DN7, 6GW8, and solid state: Harmon Kardon 330C and 430. I have a chance of picking up one for very little money.

[mike]

I had one about 14 years ago and at the time thought it sounded good for a very early solid state piece. It was also quiet with no background hiss. Of course they are quite valuable as a collector's item too.

Mike

[cohearent]

IMHO the SA600 660 and SE400S "T-Circuit amps" are among the best sounding low power amps ever. They were designed by Bart Locanthi and were light years ahead of their time. They bare no resemblance to the crappy "early solid state" amps of their time. Although they have a single differential input, they are full complimentary from there on out. Many of the best amps made after 1975 follow this design concept...Dyna 400, Ampzilla, Bryston, etc etc. Even the Haflers rolled the concept with Fets and Mosfets.
Recapping them with Wima polypops will make a noticeable improvement, but there ain't nuthin' much wrong with 'em stock!

[cohearent]

Someone pointed out to me that the second stage is also single ended, only the drivers and output are complementary. My mistake for not checking the schematic before I spoke. It's still a hell of an amp!