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Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The Ypsilon SET 100 has a magic midrange of a small S.E.T amplifier with scale, authority, macro and micro detail, that no amplifier has ever achieved until now
- It has power and drive with transparency, musical involvement, and music sounds natural
- It is more direct sounding, musical, with more instrument body, lower frequency extension, frightening dynamics, and magically three dimensional
- In large orchestra crescendos it sounds transparent and totally unstressed—until it reaches full power
- It brings you as close as possible to the music event, to feel the music rather than hear it
Product Considerations
- The SET 100 amplifier is very heavy, weighing 90 Kgr (kilograms)
- The SET 100 amplifier consumes 400W constantly
Takeaway: The Ypsilon SET 100 is a unique amplifier that delivers music with exceptional clarity and emotion, bringing the listener closer to the original performance. With its powerful and natural sound, it transforms the listening experience into something truly immersive and engaging.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Set 100 Ultimate
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Output Power: 120W rms @ 8 ohm, 130W rms @ 5.6 ohm, 100W rms @ 4 ohm
- Bandwidth: 5Hz -80Khz -3db
- Output Impedance: 0.22 ohm
- Input Impedance: 47 Kohm
- Gain: X30 (29.5 db)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 240x610x672 mm
- Weight: 100 Kgr
- Power Consumption: 400W constantly
Description
SET 100 Ultimate is a 120W single-ended class A hybrid amplifier. It has the magic midrange of a small S.E.T amplifier with the scale, authority, macro and micro detail that no amplifier has ever achieved until now. It uses a specially designed s-e mosfet output stage direct coupled at the output using as the dc current path a double c-core amorphous choke.
SET 100 Ultimate is a 120W single-ended class A hybrid amplifier. It has the magic midrange of a small S.E.T amplifier with the scale, authority, macro and micro detail that no amplifier has ever achieved until now. It uses a specially designed s-e mosfet output stage direct coupled at the output using as the dc current path a double c-core amorphous choke. SET 100 has power and drive with transparency, musical involvement and above all with music sounding naturally.
With only 2 gain stages in the signal path, the level of immediacy, transparency is unequaled by designs using more than 2 gain stages. Having no overall feedback, the distortion is kept comparably low while the output impedance is sufficient enough to drive real world loudspeakers.
The first stage uses a high transconductance triode, the SIEMENS EC8010 selected for its sonic capabilities and reliability. It is powered by a separate power supply with tube rectification and choke regulation. This stage is transformer coupled with the output stage. This interstage transformer is a state of the art component. It uses a proprietary double c- core material and optimized unique winding design. Sonically it is a virtually nonexistent component. The output stage and all internal wiring are hard wired with silver wire extruded to our specifications.
SET 100 is an amplifier that produces music in its true natural scale, b...
With only 2 gain stages in the signal path, the level of immediacy, transparency is unequaled by designs using more than 2 gain stages. Having no overall feedback, the distortion is kept comparably low while the output impedance is sufficient enough to drive real world loudspeakers.
The first stage uses a high transconductance triode, the SIEMENS EC8010 selected for its sonic capabilities and reliability. It is powered by a separate power supply with tube rectification and choke regulation. This stage is transformer coupled with the output stage. This interstage transformer is a state of the art component. It uses a proprietary double c- core material and optimized unique winding design. Sonically it is a virtually nonexistent component. The output stage and all internal wiring are hard wired with silver wire extruded to our specifications.
SET 100 is an amplifier that produces music in its true natural scale, b...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- A core tenet of Ypsilon's design approach is the utilization of custom-wound, in-house manufactured transformers for critical functions like signal attenuation, inter-stage coupling, and power supplies, allowing for precise control over the sonic characteristics.
- Ypsilon often employs hybrid circuit topologies, blending tubes in input and driver stages with MOSFETs in the output stage, aiming to achieve a balance of sonic purity and power.
- A distinguishing feature of Ypsilon preamplifiers is their transformer-based volume control, eschewing traditional resistor-based attenuators in favor of a custom-designed transformer attenuator with multiple taps for precise and transparent volume adjustment.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Phaethon
- Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier combining features from monoblock and preamplifier designs.
- Description: Offers a hybrid design with a "bridged single-ended" output stage, providing the warmth of single-ended designs with the power of push-pull configurations. It is ideal for users seeking a compact solution with high-end sound quality, suitable for medium-sized rooms and those who value remote control functionality. Compared to the Hyperion and Aelius, it is more compact and integrates preamplifier features, making it a versatile choice for those with moderate budgets.
Aelius II Monoblock
- Positioning: A high-power monoblock amplifier designed for transparency and musical involvement.
- Description: Features a push-pull hybrid design with a wide bandwidth transformer, ensuring excellent transparency and control over speakers. Compared to the Hyperion, it offers a more refined sound with a focus on musical involvement.
SET 100 Ultimate
- Positioning: A flagship single-ended class A hybrid amplifier with exceptional detail and natural sound.
- Description: Combines the midrange qualities of small S.E.T amplifiers with exceptional detail and scale, using a unique s-e mosfet output stage. Compared to the Aelius and Hyperion, it offers a more direct and three-dimensional sound.
Hyperion
- Positioning: A high-power hybrid monoblock amplifier with a focus on dynamics and transparency.
- Description: Delivers over 370W of power with a "balanced-single-ended" output stage, offering effortless drive and dynamics. Compared to the Aelius and SET 100, it provides a more powerful output.
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Avg. Product Price
$100,001+
Used For Sale
3
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
345
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
1995
Our take on the brand
Ypsilon's amplifiers feature a unique hybrid approach that combines tube and solid-state technologies in a minimalist circuit design with only two gain stages, delivering the sonic purity of single-ended designs with the power of push-pull configurations.
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Dan D'Agostino
Relentless 800
195500
/
Released
2023
After setting the measure for amplifier excellence, the new Relentless 800 Mono Amplifier extends the Relentless sound quality to a smaller platform. Every major section of the Relentless circuitry - power supply, input, driver, and output stages - have all been enhanced and these all feature in the new Relentless 800. The Relentless 800 incorporates the same circuit platform as its bigger brother with a lower power output. Mind you, the Relentless 800 is virtually unlimited when it comes to power delivery and is only outdone by the Relentless 1600 itself. Nuanced and musical at low volume levels, the Relentless 800 delivers the striking dynamic contrasts – that brings music to life.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality right away that continues to improve
- Capable of uncompressed dynamics at both loud and soft volumes, micro and macro, and doesn't harden or distort when playing loud
- Can handle big scale, orchestral, beautiful music to really raw, crazy metal music, all played convincingly at loud and soft levels
- New details are revealed without being hyper-analytical, sterile, or harsh
- Built like military materiel
Product Considerations
- Each monoblock weighs 145kg, so owners will welcome assistance when receiving it
- Inputs are on balanced XLR only, while the solid copper speaker terminals are designed for spade lugs, not 4mm bananas
- The Breguet watch dial-inspired meter's 'time-keeping' is less accurate
Takeaway: The D'Agostino Relentless 800 reproduces a wide range of music genres with detail and dynamics, offering an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. It brings out the best in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Product Page
Product Page
Engstrom
Eric Encore
174965
/
Released
2021
Named after a great Swedish choir conductor, ERIC is our no-compromise statement power amplifier. Fully balanced and transformer-coupled, it was created to drive even the toughest loads. ERIC uses separate power supplies for input and output stages and DC filaments.
Engström is a Swedish hifi brand that handcrafts amplifiers with a minimalist Nordic design, featuring fully balanced, transformer-coupled circuits and no negative feedback to preserve natural sound dynamics. Their amplifiers, which use KR Audio's T-100 power tubes, are known for creating an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with what audiophiles call a "Scandinavian Sound"—characterized by open, detailed, and natural sonic qualities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Crisp, tight rhythms are allied to a sonorous, close-focused view of vocals
- Capable of bags of detail and definition, while bathed in a lovely warmth
- Massive bass weight is available, with fabulous rosiny bite to the low strings, silky violins, and the feeling of space and air around the performers
- Big, substantial sound makes the most of remasters, bringing out all the character of vocals
- Focus and warmth contributes to a solid, three-dimensional soundstage, and remains clean and tight when cranked
Product Considerations
- The precious bottles should never be left unattended or used without the purpose-designed glass hood installed
- The amps' thermal characteristics may be a problem in a globally-warmed English summer
- Each amp draws 430W from the wall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan D'Agostino Relentless Monoblocks—the ERIC Encores are more expensive per watt
Takeaway: The Engström ERIC Encore Mono Power Amplifiers offer a captivating and enthralling presentation that challenges old clichés about valve amps. One should hear them if given the chance, for they sound glorious.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Engström is a Swedish hifi brand that handcrafts amplifiers with a minimalist Nordic design, featuring fully balanced, transformer-coupled circuits and no negative feedback to preserve natural sound dynamics. Their amplifiers, which use KR Audio's T-100 power tubes, are known for creating an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with what audiophiles call a "Scandinavian Sound"—characterized by open, detailed, and natural sonic qualities.
Product Page
Product Page
Krell
KMA i800
139995
/
Released
2023
The Krell KMA i800 represents the pinnacle of monoblock amplifier design, delivering extraordinary power and precision for the most demanding audio enthusiasts. As a flagship model in Krell's lineup, the KMA i800 is engineered to drive even the most challenging speaker loads with effortless authority, revealing every detail of your music with stunning clarity and depth. Whether you're listening to a delicate piano solo or a full orchestral crescendo, the KMA i800 delivers a sonic experience that is both powerful and profoundly immersive.
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 800W of class-A power regardless of the speaker load
- Features XD technology that lowers output impedance, resulting in more control over the speaker drivers and improved soundstage depth
- Employs Sym-Max technology to significantly reduce second-order harmonic distortion, bringing out more detail and improving the sense of timing and pacing
- Has a power supply consisting of 5400VA of transformers and 188,000µF of filter capacitance for substantial power delivery
- Offers protection against excess direct current, short circuits, and voltage sags—brown outs
Product Considerations
- It may be too much power for some users
- High idle heat dissipation at 890 btu/hr per channel
Takeaway: The Krell KMA-i800 is a powerful amplifier with technologies that aim to provide a clean and controlled sound. Its high power output helps to improve sound quality even at average listening levels.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
Product Page
Product Page
Goldmund
Telos 4800
260000
/
Released
2024
Telos 4800 is a revolutionary addition to Goldmund's illustrious collection encapsulates the technical brilliance of the Telos 8800 within a more compact form, setting a new pinnacle in high-fidelity audio for discerning audiophiles who seek supreme sound quality and precision. Meticulously crafted with Goldmund's legendary attention to detail and harnessing the latest advancements in audio technology, the Telos 4800 redefines audio performance standards.
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to drive even very low-impedance loudspeakers without compromising distortion levels
- Delivers unmatched sound clarity and power with a maximum power output of 1050 watts RMS at 8 ohms and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of only 0.005% across 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Features a damping factor of 600 at 1 kHz and output floor noise of less than 3 μV, delivering an impeccably clean and detailed sound free from unwanted background noise
- Ensures maximum thermal security and short-circuit protection with fully analog circuitry from input to output and an automatic shutdown feature
- Equipped with analog and digital inputs, including RCA and XLR connectors
Product Considerations
- A preamp is required to supply input switching and any processing needed before sending signals to the Telos 4800 to power the speakers
- As a mono power amp, two units are required for a stereo setup, increasing the overall cost significantly
Takeaway: The Telos 4800 is designed to meet the needs of any audio system and delivers unmatched sound clarity and power. With impeccable specs, it offers a high-end performance for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Product Page
Product Page
Octave
Jubilee Mono Ultimate
135000
/
Released
2023
The Jubilee Mono Ultimate - the next generation. It has the most sophisticated and uncompromising amplifier design in our amplifier hierarchy and sets a new benchmark for state-of-the-art power amplifiers. It features a number of detailed improvements including the use of eight KT 170 tubes with 440 W per channel. The basic idea of the Ultimate series is the extreme expansion of the power bandwidth and the bass range with our highly specialized (newly developed) and oversized high performance output transformer.
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
Product Page
Product Page
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