Art Audio loves chrome and, compared to the $17k+ Zanden chromed-out tube amps, the Carissa is svelte at $4000. Providing all of 16 stereo watts, Enjoy the Music has this to say:
"If you haven't figured it out yet, I had a completely enjoyable experience with the Carissa. She has real dynamic growl, and sounds far more powerful than her rated power output. On an efficient loudspeaker she sounds more like 60 than 16 watts."
Enjoy the Music goes on to give the Carissa top marks in nearly every category. While their amps don't really get any cheaper, if you need more juice, Art Audio also makes a push/pull version at the same price point called the Concerto with 48 watts. Of course, then you're moving away from SET gravy, but what can you do...










