MP-2A3C Tube SET Integrated Amplifier

I bought this a few weeks ago to "try out" SET with efficient speakers (Hornshoppes). Overall it's disappointing. There is virtually no bass compared to several other amplifiers - both tube and SS - I own, all operated at the same volume level that is well within the Dared's capability and with the same speakers. One channel distorts much sooner than the other and well before the magic eye tube indicates the amp is close to clipping. The distortion switches channels when the power tubes are swapped so it is apparently a tube issue. The tubes supplied with the amp seem to be very low quality - the two 2A3 power tubes differ by more than 1/2" in height so clearly, quality control at that particular tube factory is lacking.There is an annoying hum from both speakers when the amp is initially turned on. After 10 seconds or so, there is a turn-on "thump" from the speakers and the hum disappears. At that point their is no noise at all from the speakers, which is a good thing...until after a while when a motor-boating sound begins in the right channel. That sound is ver low level and cannot be heard with any signal applied but it CAN be heard between tracks of a CD/ipod/record or in a very quiet passage of classical music.OTOH, at the price point I suppose one cannot expect too much - the output transformer is an inexpensive air-gap transformer which could account for the anemic bass response. The amp certainly is attractive and looks good and appropriately "tube-ey." But if you are expecting good performance from a single-ended Triode, I don't think this is a good place to start UNLESS you are totally aware that you are paying for an entry level device with the associated limitations re parts quality and design. For a SET it is very "parts-heavy" internally, almost as if there are a lot of extra components because someone figured out how to make it as complex as possible.New, better quality tubes may make a substantial difference but a new set of just decent tubes will cost you around 200 bucks from any of the tube suppliers on the internet, so that has to be figured into the price. Really GOOD tubes could cost you more than the amp did!Obviously, it's under warranty and can be returned but it doesn't speak well to me re the quality of the amp and I wouldn't bother exchanging it; I'd get my money back and try something else in the SET world.But it DOES look good!

On 10.24.2013, Dagogo.com published a review of Omega Super 3T Single-Driver monitors -- and one of the amplifiers that the reviewer used was this very same Dared 2A3C. As the reviewer said, "The Super 3T let me hear how romantic the sound of the Dared 2A3 amplifier was ...The Dared and Omega combo is very addicting; I would lose myself in music for hours on end listening to this combination." [...]I have been searching for an affordable, high quality audio system for several years -- and, upon reading that review, I contacted the speaker manufacturer and the amplifier wholesaler -- and placed an order through the appropriate outlets for both the amplifier and a pair of the Omega Super 3S Speakers (big brothers of the Super 3T monitors).The whole package came together yesterday at home -- and, even though the speakers and the amplifier will require between 50 and 100 hours (respectively) to break in --- the combination is sublime.The Dared amplifier utilizes the Shuguang 2A3C tubes for power -- all 8 watts of it -- and the sound is nothing short of magical and glorious. The design seems quite simple, the build quality is first-rate -- but it is that magical and glorious sound (obviously the speakers are a part of the equation -- they sound sublime) from this simple, affordable and elegant combination that captures the heart and soul of the listener. The tubes should last about 5000 hours -- your mileage may vary -- and can be replaced with either the same as the originals (the Shuguangs) or you can do some tube-rolling -- say, with either Sovtek 2A3 or JJ/Tesla 2A3 40-watt tubes.I have long looked for a single-driver speaker/SET triode amplifier combination that I could afford -- and that would sound beautiful (some have said that the 2A3 tube is just a variation on the legendary 300B). This is just that combination. The amplifier is that magnificent -- as are the speakers.Turn out the lights, put on an album or a disc, and sit back and enjoy the music.Update: January 12, 2015: I've had this system for about 14 months, and as it has 'broken in', it has brought me so very much musical pleasure. The amplifier and the speakers cannot be separated by me -- I have only this one amp and one set of speakers -- but there is an incredible 'magic' that comes from this combination that I've found so very fulfilling. Someone on one of the music sites that I visit put forth the idea that maybe it takes tubes to make CDs more listenable -- and I'm inclined to agree with that assessment. Whatever, though, there is a beautiful 'wholeness' to this system that makes it possible -- indeed, desirable -- for me to sit and listen to music for hours at a time without hesitation.I fully and unequivocally recommend this amplifier -- it is a bargain economically and a joy musically.

I run these with vintage high-efficiency speakers, and a sub. I modified the amp to have a line out for the sub. If you do this, you will want to make sure that the level doesn't get pulled down from the sub, or whatever the preamp is driving. I had to use a Conrad Johnson PV-3 as a preamp for the sub line level to keep it from coloring the sound, but I am getting away from the sound of this puppy. I did a couple of minor upgrades. I put a new set of Genalex pre-amp tubes in her, and a set of the Treasure 2A3-Z Shugang power tubes as well. This thing will blow your head off at a whopping less than 10 watts. I have not done the testing, but I think 4-6 Watts is about right. The highs are the best I've heard in a horn loaded system, which is what I run. You don't hear the horn whatsoever. The issue with efficient speakers is that you can hear any problems upstream. I wish I could find another one of these. FYI - if you do change tubes, make sure to CAREFULLY adjust the hum pots. You will have to carefully take apart the unit and use an AC DVM to measure the AC ripple at the output posts. Once you do this, it will sound very quiet, and the bass will be a ton better.

I have owned this amp for at least a dozen years (original version, different input tubes). There is a special quality about it with the right speakers. While I don't agree with the 8 watt rating, it will drive many speakers to satisfying levels in most rooms. One of my two favorite amps in my collection. Highly recommended with the right ancillary equipment.