While he only received it recently, and has less than 100 hours on it, he then purchased the ASL Tulip 2a3 and found it MUCH more to his liking. Of course, he has spend even less time with it. Still, in his words; "This is what I like, a amp that plays great right out of the box"... "The build quality of the Tulip is much better than the SI-15, and a little bit heavier." The Tulip lists for $1099 and is a true SET. The max output is 3.5wpc, the MGSi15 DT is a pentode run in triode rated at 15wpc. Depending on your choice of speaker this is important. As a reference, I use a 3.5wpc 45 SET with a three way dynamic speaker system rated 93db [gentle impedance curve, 8ohm, simple x-over]. There are many factors that come into play other than wpc and efficiency [room, listener position, music / loudness preference, partnering components] but a mid 80db speaker is not going to work well with 3wpc. Though at present I'm using mini-monitors rated at 86db and with most of my music this combo swings just fine. Just don't ask it to play complex passages or 90+db levels. Of course, being a small two way, it has no bass - nor designed to - regardless the amplification.

I realize this is not a very accurate comparision between the two amps. And while my friend is somewhat new to low-powered tube amps he is very familiar with tubes, and audio in general. I'm not familliar with either of the two products or amps at this price point but I have read many complimentary reviews about the ASL product and the Tulip in particular. Which probably has more to do with it's SET topology than anything else. And to clarify my alligence, I own a 45 SET myself and couldn't be happier. Even with the less than ideal speaker partnership [93db+3.5wpc]. YMMV. Tells us more about the profile of your system and replay preference and if you are considering any upgrades in the near future that may impact your decision of amplification device.

MikE

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