AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: jtwrace on 21 Apr 2010, 11:33 am
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Now that I've really been bitten with the Atma-sphere amp (MA-1) bug I'm curious to know what you guys / gals like the best in your system.
So, what's your favorite tube amp? Big, small, mono......
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You have one of those or are getting one?
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are getting one?
:scratch:
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Are you getting an OTL or do you have one?
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Are you getting an OTL or do you have one?
I don't have any tube amp currently. I've always wanted to try an Atma-sphere and lately the bug has gotten worse. I'm not selling my SS monos though...
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It can't hurt to try them or listen to somebody's.
I do not know how they sound, but do not like their topology. It SCREAMS inefficiency! It is the anti-Class D. What you really want to try is a circlotron, the OTL's close and much more efficient cousin. Bi-Polar supply configuration eliminates DC saturation in the output transformer and that does improve performance. NOTE: Designing an amp so the idle current is reduced will produce similar results.
My favorite vintage mass produced amplifier would have to be the 6V6 Stromberg Carlson lineup. I'm partial to vintage Allen's as well for their component/build quality. Their sound is too clinical though.
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bug I'm curious to know what you guys / gals like the best in your system.
So, what's your favorite tube amp? Big, small, mono......
Bigger system - Mono blocs of about 100 watts. I know there are a lot of tube options out there but I still like the good 'ol KT88.
Smaller system - 6L6 mono blocs (push-pull) of about 20-25 watts.
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I don't have Bill's pervasive experience in this realm, but I really like his comment about a push pull 6L6. Hmmm, I should make an effort to get my ears on front of a 6L6 push pull amps. Hmmmmm. I thought I was perhaps the only guy who enjoyed the 6L6 sound. Certainly there aren't many 6L6 amps produced.
Any well done tube amp will sound just dandy. Bill's work is very good. I also really like the Atma Sphere stuff - oh yes. And, I have about $2500 in my mega mojo tweaked Golden Tube SE40SE with 6L6 tubes in a single ended pentode setup. It sounds darn good, but... not on par with the Atma Sphere stuff.
After some experience with tube amps I have grown to enjoy the sound of the 6L6 tube better than the El34 and again better than KT88. This assumes all other aspects of design and implemenation are on par (which is an approximation at best). There is sooooo much more to a tube amp than what tube protrudes from chassis. Anyhow, my preference for the 6L6 should NOT be considered as pervasive "gospel" based on profound experience and exposure. It is based on a small sample of a few decent amps.
my 2c.
Dave
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I've always wanted to try an Atma-sphere and lately the bug has gotten worse.
Yeah, if I didn't already have 2 very good amplifiers, my next would be an Atma Sphere. I think the 30wpc flavor generally sells for about 3k on audiogon - maybe less.
Dave
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I haven't owned many tube amps but of the four I owned my favorite was the ASUSA K2003. A sweet little 4 watt per channel single ended El84 power amp with a volume control.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/k2003_e.html (http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/k2003_e.html)
(http://www.tnt-audio.com/jpg/k2003chrome.jpg)
Others I've owned in comparison; The ASUSA was sweeter and more musical to my ears.
Jolida 202a
Golden Tube SE40
Yarland FV34III
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Thanks for the kind words Dave. For too long people associated 6L6's with guitar amps. I do prefer it over the EL34 and in the right system, 20 watts will sooth the soul. Once I get some more effecient speakers in the showroom, I will be releasing our 20 watt monos.
For higher power amplifiers, I still prefer the KT88 as I have compared them with higher power 6L6 monos (using 4 6L6 per channel). Unfortunately, the 6L6 lost a bit of it's soul, even in triode, when running in this application. I feel the 6L6 is best when run with two tubes in push-pull or even single ended with a single tube.
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It can't hurt to try them or listen to somebody's.
I do not know how they sound, but do not like their topology. It SCREAMS inefficiency! It is the anti-Class D. What you really want to try is a circlotron, the OTL's close and much more efficient cousin. Bi-Polar supply configuration eliminates DC saturation in the output transformer and that does improve performance. NOTE: Designing an amp so the idle current is reduced will produce similar results.
My favorite vintage mass produced amplifier would have to be the 6V6 Stromberg Carlson lineup. I'm partial to vintage Allen's as well for their component/build quality. Their sound is too clinical though.
Blair,
Have you listened to the MA-1's or other recent Atma-Sphere amps?
While I agree that the amps are inefficient and soak up the electricity, they are simply stunning to listen to. They are not only my favorite tube amp, they are my favorite amp period.
Funny that you mentioned the Stromberg Carlson amp...I owned a modified version years ago and thought it was a very nice amp. I used it with Coincident and Gallo speakers and they were a great match.
George
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While I agree that the amps are inefficient and soak up the electricity, they are simply stunning to listen to. They are not only my favorite tube amp, they are my favorite amp period.
George
My Clayton M-300's aren't exactly efficient either. :oops: I've got to hear the MA-1's. I don't know why I'm feeling this crazy urge to try them. :scratch:
:drool: :drool: :drool:
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A tube amp and the speaker it will need to drive have to be taken as a whole unit. One works with the other. You can't put a 5W flea sized SET on a 4 ohm 85db (in)efficient speaker and expect it to sound good. Even if that little flea amp is a $60,000 Lamm with great sound.
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I still have mine and they are going on 5 years in my system. I have not really felt the need to change at all. I should send them back to get them checked out before they run out of warranty, though. Bill, you remember what to do with these Extreme 200 blocks? I see you don't do it anymore.
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I never listened to them or saw one in person. Maybe sometime in the future the opportunity will be available.
6L6's vs El34's Vs.....whatever: It depends on how the amplifier is configured. The 6L6 is a VERY good tube!
A tube is a part like a nut or bolt. One is not better than the other. You have to use what fits best for a specific application. A 6L6 can sound better than a EL34 in some amps, while an EL34 will work where 6L6's won't sound so good. There are amps which sound great with a variety of tubes and make tube rolling lots of fun!
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Joule Electra " Rite of Passage" mono blocks. My dream amp. Real as real can be in our hobby IMO.
charles
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Real as real can be in our hobby IMO.
charles
What does that mean? :?
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I've never heard a 6V6 amp I haven't liked. I've never heard 6V6 monoblocks I haven't loved :inlove:
They just make sweet, sweet sounds.
If you can live with their typical 8watt output, they're dreamy :thumb:
John
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Audio Mirror 20 watt monoblocks. They are single ended triode with two parallel 6AS7 output tubes in each amp. Very good match for my horns but damn do they generate a lot of heat.
I just put them back in storage for the summer. Currently using a 60 watt ClassD Audio stereo amp. Close enough for now.
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Blair,
Have you listened to the MA-1's or other recent Atma-Sphere amps?
While I agree that the amps are inefficient and soak up the electricity, they are simply stunning to listen to. They are not only my favorite tube amp, they are my favorite amp period.
[cut]
George
Are these Class A amps? If so, the most efficient they can be is supposedly 25 percent efficient (that is, if the input is 100W, the maximum output is 25W; the rest is wasted). At least, that's what I remember the rule being.
The good thing is that there's no distortion near zero volts, as there might be in Class AB.
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Yep, 140 watts of pure Class A power.
To achieve that, the MA-1's pull 500 watts/chassis from the wall as soon as I turn them on.
George
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Yep, 140 watts of pure Class A power.
To achieve that, the MA-1's pull 500 watts/chassis from the wall as soon as I turn them on.
George
Awesome! I'd actually be going green if I went to the MA-1's. My Clayton's use 800w of power when I turn them on. Yes, 800w each.
This is looking better and better. :green:
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I've never heard a 6V6 amp I haven't liked. I've never heard 6V6 monoblocks I haven't loved :inlove:
They just make sweet, sweet sounds.
If you can live with their typical 8watt output, they're dreamy :thumb:
John
I recal Sun Audio used to make a 6v6 amp, but who besides that? Or do you have to go vintage to hear good 6v6 sound?
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Yup - a lot of vintage amps used the 6V6...not so many new ones.
I've seen a few of the Chinese makes with them....and some others, too. Cannot remember of the top of my head who they be, tho :scratch:
Mapletree Audio makes 'em, I know: http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/superstealth.htm
I haven't heard these in particular....but as mentioned, it's kinda' hard to screw up the great 6V6 sound. I have fully updated Bell integrated monoblocks that are amazing. I think they cost maybe $600 for the pair (a bit of transformer hum from one of them that won't go away and I'm not thrilled with their phono section).
But, the line section is the sweetest, most seductive I've ever heard in my system :inlove:
John
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Yep, 140 watts of pure Class A power.
To achieve that, the MA-1's pull 500 watts/chassis from the wall as soon as I turn them on.
George
Hello Mr.George,
I never own a tuber amp, just listen afew on friends house. For my information on future shopping, please say tipically how much Kwatts is your electrical bill per mounth??
I fell Hi-End music is always Class A output, this mean alot of heat and alot of electric energy expenditure either SolidState or Tube amp, as Pass XA.5 or Atma-Sphere OTL etc...
Gustavo
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Heathkit W5m monoblocks. :inlove: They've been extensively rebuilt and modified and sound very sweet indeed!
BTW speaking of 6L6 tubes....I originally used KT66s including Golden Lion reissues but now prefer the Russian 6P3S-E 6L6GC / 5881 coin base pictured below. Much cheaper too. :thumb:
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_e4Py2CyXq_E/S88pKBIV5jI/AAAAAAAABOY/pmoks1aXUpg/s640/P1070009.jpg)
(https://www.cryoset.com/catalog/images/ref6n3cepr.jpg)
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Custom amp by Will Vincent...
Uses...807's/5933's---6SN7's/6SL7's---5AR4/I forget which rectifier was being used when the picture was shot...
Maybe 5 watts of sonic bliss...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29322)
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VTL monoblocks for me.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29340)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29341)
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Yup - a lot of vintage amps used the 6V6...not so many new ones.
I've seen a few of the Chinese makes with them....and some others, too. Cannot remember of the top of my head who they be, tho :scratch:
Mapletree Audio makes 'em, I know: http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/superstealth.htm
Decware
http://www.decware.com/newsite/minitoriise.htm
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For a little more than five years I've been rediscovering music with my Audio Note Quest Silver Signature monoblocks. Time flies when you're having fun.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29345)
http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/amps_monoblock/quest_01.shtml (http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/amps_monoblock/quest_01.shtml)
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I sure do enjoy my pair of these....
(http://www.vac-amps.com/phi300p1p3_perspective_s.jpg)
But have also been feeling the bug to hear some OTL's in my system...maybe soon? 8)
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Man, oh, man
Am I enjoying this thread.
Keep the tube candy coming, boys!
Lyndon
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I haven't owned many tube amps but of the four I owned my favorite was the ASUSA K2003. A sweet little 4 watt per channel single ended El84 power amp with a volume control.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/k2003_e.html (http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/k2003_e.html)
(http://www.tnt-audio.com/jpg/k2003chrome.jpg)
Others I've owned in comparison; The ASUSA was sweeter and more musical to my ears.
Jolida 202a
Golden Tube SE40
Yarland FV34III
ASUSA looks very similar to one of my own favorites, Almarro A205a MkII, down to the 12AX7-EL84 layout.
I love the Almarro mainly for its very simple design with quality parts, allowing every tweak, capacitor upgrade, tube sub, and modification to shine through.
(http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1545/img2155ke6.jpg) (http://img412.imageshack.us/i/img2155ke6.jpg/)
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What you really want to try is a circlotron, the OTL's close and much more efficient cousin.
Just an FYI, the Atma-Spehre OTL's are a circlotron.
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Just an FYI, the Atma-Spehre OTL's are a circlotron.
Here is a little blurb on the Atma-Sphere OTL's: http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/otl.html
Since others are posting pictures.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=15702)
George
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Here is a little blurb on the Atma-Sphere OTL's: http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/otl.html
Since others are posting pictures.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=15702)
George
:drool: boing!!! :oops:
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I sure do enjoy my pair of these....
(http://www.vac-amps.com/phi300p1p3_perspective_s.jpg)
But have also been feeling the bug to hear some OTL's in my system...maybe soon? 8)
Beautiful!! :bowdown:
Art,
I hope you get to one day hear a pair of Atma-Sphere amps in your system so that can compare them to your killer VAC mono blocks.
While I haven't heard your specific amps, I spent a good amount of time with the earlier stereo version of your mono blocks and I know what a special amp that was.
George
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Beautiful!! :bowdown:
Art,
I hope you get to one day hear a pair of Atma-Sphere amps in your system so that can compare them to your killer VAC mono blocks.
While I haven't heard your specific amps, I spent a good amount of time with the earlier stereo version of your mono blocks and I know what a special amp that was.
George
I am hoping the same George....I do have a guest room for you and your amps! :eyebrows:
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i have 2 favourites at trhe moment.
Pilot 264 (7591) and AA-904 monos (6L6)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/pilot264.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/MR78020.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/picswithlights009.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c207/whitese/picswithlights010.jpg)
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Currently I have 5 tube amps but the favorites among them are the Consonance Cyber 211 SET.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29350)
McIntosh MC275 running full balanced mode with Lundahl transformers doing the phase splitting.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29351)
I am also very fond of my oddball OTL, more or less a Futterman type but not quite. 100WPC and yeah, it will heat the room nicely. Affectionately known as Big Red.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29352)
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I'm loving my AudioPrism Debut II that I bought off Wes.
(http://www.savantaudio.com/debut01.jpg)
Of course, I love my homemade KT88 SE-UL amp too.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=18113)
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Hey!
These beauties have been my favorite for 10 years now :D
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4533580890_119d42599e_o.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4532946203_c70693fdd3_o.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4532945099_a4fd40509b_o.jpg)
A pair of Welborne Labs "Apollo" SET monoblocks with KR Audio 842VHD output tube and GE 6EA7/6EM7 driver tube. Putting out 18w/ch. I bought them as a kit back in December 1999. :D Look at them now I can't believe that I still have them and I still like the way the sound to me. :D But the price of the KR tube cost now really worry me, how much will they cost 10 years from now or will there be available? :roll:
Anyway, they are still my favorite 10 years after. :inlove:
Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
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I am lovin' all the tube pr0n... :thumb:
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I really love my Vaughan Audio Carina.
(http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/vaughn/images/carina-masked-se-corner-tn.jpg)
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"What's your favorite tube amp? "
I'm mostly a SS amp owner....but I do own this....
(http://www.usatubeaudio.com/images/models/antares-va320.jpg)
That would be the KR Audio VA320....also known as the "Baby Kronzilla".
20 watts....single ended Class A.....with just two tubes.
Guess I'm not really into tube rolling....
But....a tube mono-block setup I heard at RMAF that I enjoyed was the 50 watt Mastersound Final 845 Mono Blocks...nice stuff !!
(http://soundapproach.com/images/MS_FINAL845.JPG)
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Hey!
These beauties have been my favorite for 10 years now :D
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4533580890_119d42599e_o.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4532946203_c70693fdd3_o.jpg)
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4532945099_a4fd40509b_o.jpg)
A pair of Welborne Labs "Apollo" SET monoblocks with KR Audio 842VHD output tube and GE 6EA7/6EM7 driver tube. Putting out 18w/ch. I bought them as a kit back in December 1999. :D Look at them now I can't believe that I still have them and I still like the way the sound to me. :D But the price of the KR tube cost now really worry me, how much will they cost 10 years from now or will there be available? :roll:
Anyway, they are still my favorite 10 years after. :inlove:
Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
Love the look of those! :thumb:
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A pair of Welborne Labs "Apollo" SET monoblocks with KR Audio 842VHD output tube and GE 6EA7/6EM7 driver tube. Putting out 18w/ch. I bought them as a kit back in December 1999. Look at them now I can't believe that I still have them and I still like the way the sound to me. But the price of the KR tube cost now really worry me, how much will they cost 10 years from now or will there be available?
Buddy, I see a pair of tubes are $480 and guaranteed for 2 years. I assume you've replaced them at least once? Just curious what the lifespan is. It would be a shame to have to toss them in the future for lack of tubes, maybe you should get a set to put away? (I know, ouch!)
Steve
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mgalusha,
What's your impressions of the otl amps. Are they one up on the transformer amps?
I like them very much. They are different than a transformer coupled amp, they seem somehow quicker and airier. I have to admit not listening to it for about 6 months or so, I've been enjoying the SET sound a lot. However, that amp is sitting right outside the music room door and calls to me every time I walk by it. I need to get it hooked back up one of these soon days, especially before summer hits. It can really generate some heat. 300 watts just to light the tubes and about 550W at idle. Not quite as much as the big MA1 since there are less tubes but still a power hungry bugger.
These are kind of an oddball. A guy built 25 of them, sold them and that was it. He has since done a few others. Info can be found here: http://www.1212designs.com/OTL-20_Stereo_Amp/default.htm
I have modified them a bit but not greatly. Still much room for experimentation. :D
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Buddy, I see a pair of tubes are $480 and guaranteed for 2 years. I assume you've replaced them at least once? Just curious what the lifespan is. It would be a shame to have to toss them in the future for lack of tubes, maybe you should get a set to put away? (I know, ouch!)
Steve
Hey!
Actually they used to be $480pr 10 years ago. :icon_lol: The current price is $1100pr. :?
The amps came with a pair of 300BXLS back in 1999. But I swicthed to 842VHD in 2000. I just replaced those back in mid 2008. The old 842VHD had 7 years on them with almost daily use during those years. To my surprise they still sound very good, but slightly softer than the new pair. So, to me at least these tubes should last me 7-10 years. They are extremely well made and proved to last. :D
Of course I do have another pair I bought back in late 2008... a current version of the 842VHD that I bought 1 day before the price went up to $980pr (now they are $1100pr) stashed up in the closet, got them at $695pr. :wink:
I'm not really worry about the lack of tubes for my amp in the future. I think KR Audio will likely be there 10 years from now when I will need to buy a new pair. Of course the back up plan would be modify my amps to take 300B tube, I've talk to the guy who sold me the tube and he said it can be done. The 842VHD are very similar to the 300B. I will loose power doing that. But I will have one hell of over built 300B amps. :D
Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
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Buddy....
"Of course I do have another pair I bought back in late 2008... a current version of the 842VHD that I bought 1 day before the price went up to $980pr (now they are $1100pr) stashed up in the closet, got them at $695pr."
The closet...hmmm...good to know in case I need another pair....(http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/laugh.gif)
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Buddy....
"Of course I do have another pair I bought back in late 2008... a current version of the 842VHD that I bought 1 day before the price went up to $980pr (now they are $1100pr) stashed up in the closet, got them at $695pr."
The closet...hmmm...good to know in case I need another pair....(http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/laugh.gif)
Hey!
Sorry Chris, as long as I have my SET amps those tubes are not for sale :eyebrows:
Oh! I think I better lock my closet if you are going to come over too :lol:
Take care,
Buddy :thumb:
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Far be it from me to hog my tube porn to myself. My Dyna/Curcio Mark IIIs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=12492)
And in the dark my VAC PA-160s look like this.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=19112)
And, of course, the vintage stack.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=84750)
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Very nice, Jake. Which driver board is that on the Mk IIIs?
And is that an unused ST-20 I see there in your stack? Oh my.
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I am hoping the same George....I do have a guest room for you and your amps! :eyebrows:
Art,
No problem with me getting down there, but I don't think the airlines are equipped to handle the MA-1's. :lol:
George
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Very nice, Jake. Which driver board is that on the Mk IIIs?
And is that an unused ST-20 I see there in your stack? Oh my.
I rebuilt the Dynaco Mk IIIs with Joe Curcio's (aka The Dynaco Doctor) complete premium kit. Details here (http://www.curcioaudio.com/dynadr_3.htm#DYNACO%20MARK-2%20&%203%20MONO%20POWER%20AMP).
The Leak is an ST-50, actually, in very fine condition. Thanks for asking.
Just to the right of it is a pair of The Fisher 55As that I'd like to rebuild next. However I need to get my storage shed built and my house re-roofed this summer. The shed is a high priority since my pay-for-storage just raised the rent.
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My 6 year old Jolida JD3000 200 watt mono's!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29443)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29445)
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i have quite a few tube amps, most low powered, a couple home brew. two are different - my audio mirror 6c33c based mono blocks. these are easily the best "eye candy" (mine actually look better, imo, older editions, with "eye-tubes" on the front panel, for turn-on):
(http://audiomirror.com/images/Resources/croped45w.jpeg)
but, if i had to get rid of all my amps but one, i would keep my mesa baron, cuz it's such a wersatile all-'rounder, doing everything well, imo. dual mono, 55wpc full triode, 150wpc full pentode, two intermediate settings at 85 & 125wpc, plus negative feedback settings of -8db, -4db, -2db, or zero, this amp will work w/most any speaker in most any room.
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Out_of%20_Production/The_Baron/the_baron.htm
(http://www.mesaboogie.com/assets/trnsbrn.gif)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=323)
doug s.
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Lot of cool stuff on this site. That Mesa and Jolida really interest me...
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I sure do enjoy my pair of these....
(http://www.vac-amps.com/phi300p1p3_perspective_s.jpg)
But have also been feeling the bug to hear some OTL's in my system...maybe soon? 8)
Those are my dream amps. I think I heard George's Atmospheres when he had a New England Audio Revolution gathering but I'm not sure. My focus was the Vandy 5A's at the time. I've never owned a tube amp but I heard those VAC's matched with Von Schweikert speakers and they were really fantastic.
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Art,
No problem with me getting down there, but I don't think the airlines are equipped to handle the MA-1's. :lol:
George
Lame excuse George ..... I flew with mine from NY to Bermuda ...... just have to pack the underwear in the boxes with them :lol: :lol:
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833As, single ended...:)
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Lame excuse George ..... I flew with mine from NY to Bermuda ...... just have to pack the underwear in the boxes with them :lol: :lol:
Boxer or brief Will? :o
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20385)
They are the only two in existance, and they kill my upgraded Moscode for image and soundstage. Originally they were two integrated Eico mono amps (HF-12Models) from the late 1950's that Gary Dodd completely transformed-totally new circuitry.
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833As, single ended...:)
Home-made or commercial? That is a huge bulb!
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Lame excuse George ..... I flew with mine from NY to Bermuda ...... just have to pack the underwear in the boxes with them :lol: :lol:
:lol:
I still remember when we packed up the Bella Extreme 100's and you took those on a plane trip.
George
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29629)
Really enjoying my Ayon Triton, just upgraded from the Spirit II.
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Here's the Image 65i that I've used for the past couple of years. I really like the way it works in my system. Pity they are not currently imported to the US.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29642)
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Yamamoto A08s. Killer Amp if you got the speakers for it. Sound to die for, looks to kill, still money in the wallet.
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Custom 300b monos (http://picasaweb.google.com/m/zoom?uname=stark.mariusz&aid=5450185165882647201&id=5450186048198036482&viewportWidth=320&viewportHeight=416)
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MFA-120.
One the BEST sonding tube amps ever. Gotta love those Freed output irons! :eyebrows:
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Love what you own!!!
Here is mine. Photos taken by bz79
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30081)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30078)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30079)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30080)
When I saw these pics I knew I had to have this amp... and one day I bought it. I plan to had it down to the grand kids!
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Nowadays a custom Super 70 by Will Vincent running Tung Sol EL34B's, Amperex NOS 7643's and a Brent Jessee sourced NOS Mullard 5AR4 rectifier.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=250794)
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Here is a little blurb on the Atma-Sphere OTL's: http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/otl.html
Since others are posting pictures.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=15702)
George
I followed the rabbit hole of links trying to find a retailer for Atmos Sphere. The retailer I found tried pushing me to consider an Ayon Spirit tube amp. https://www.ayonaudiousadirect.com/product/ayon-spirit-se-ii/ The price point for their entry amps are around 5k. Is it possible to find a decent class A triode amp under 2k? I will be using this amp to push small desktops.
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Octave V70 Class A
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223799)
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I still remember the Butler Audio Monads on Cabasse speakers at an audio show many years ago.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253031)
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What's my favorite tube amp? ALL of them.
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What's my favorite tube amp? ALL of them.
Lol, you would. Sounds like you're under the impression of one for each discipline much like bicycles or boats. Just can't argue with that logic.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at them.
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Lol, you would. Sounds like you're under the impression of one for each discipline much like bicycles or boats. Just can't argue with that logic.
It's not just amps. It's also tubes. I counted up all the tubes I own the other day and it was insane - over 540 tubes. And 7 tube amps. The possible combinations are near infinite.
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It's not just amps. It's also tubes. I counted up all the tubes I own the other day and it was insane - over 540 tubes. And 7 tube amps. The possible combinations are near infinite.
3.74^21
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LOL! I took a look at my original post in this thread and, my-oh-my, the passing of time.
The next month (May 2010) I got sextuple bypass surgery. The vintage stack is gone except for the Fisher set. Never got the shed built so I am still renting, grrr. The Dynacos are also long gone but I still have the VAC PA-160 monos, which are push pull with one's choice of most of the 6L6 family. To my ear they sound best with Gold Lion KT88's and Sylvania 6SN7 chrome domes. in ultralinear mode. My other favorite tube amps are my deHavilland Aries 845 G monoblocks for SET. Just picked up a Joule Electra LA-100 Mk III line stage with OPS-1 stage for the express purpose of assembling a curated system of the JE feeding the 845's to a pair of Super V's. Also have a pair of Super 7's in the works and I'm bettin' the 845's will sound incredible with them, too I have a variety of DACs and tuners but the SOTA turntable will be the primary source.
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LOL! I took a look at my original post in this thread and, my-oh-my, the passing of time.
The next month (May 2010) I got sextuple bypass surgery. The vintage stack is gone except for the Fisher set. Never got the shed built so I am still renting, grrr. The Dynacos are also long gone but I still have the VAC PA-160 monos, which are push pull with one's choice of most of the 6L6 family. To my ear they sound best with Gold Lion KT88's and Sylvania 6SN7 chrome domes. in ultralinear mode. My other favorite tube amps are my deHavilland Aries 845 G monoblocks for SET. Just picked up a Joule Electra LA-100 Mk III line stage with OPS-1 stage for the express purpose of assembling a curated system of the JE feeding the 845's to a pair of Super V's. Also have a pair of Super 7's in the works and I'm bettin' the 845's will sound incredible with them, too I have a variety of DACs and tuners but the SOTA turntable will be the primary source.
How the hell do you have a pair of Super 7's in the works? The drivers have been unubtanium for years now. (BTW, Super 7's are what I run and I love them with tube amps).
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It's not just amps. It's also tubes. I counted up all the tubes I own the other day and it was insane - over 540 tubes. And 7 tube amps. The possible combinations are near infinite.
Nice, so please post some photos here to we see these beauties:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=173996.0
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How the hell do you have a pair of Super 7's in the works? The drivers have been unubtanium for years now. (BTW, Super 7's are what I run and I love them with tube amps).
Hmm...I thought I had responded to your post but I think I forgot to hit the "post" button. Apologies. I found the Neo10's on US Audio Mart and bought the Neo3 PDR's from Parts Express. They are all pre-Christie Digital, so true BG product. I've had them for more than five years. Need to give Captainhemo a shout and see what's going on with that.
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Hey!
Yup, time sure flies! I replied to this post 13 years ago back in April 2010! See post #42 on this thread.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80352.40 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80352.40)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=248010)
Well, it is now 2023. Beside new turntable/tonearm, my system haven't changed much. I still use the same Welborne Lab SET monoblocks. But back in 2012, I picked up a used Bel Canto 845 SET. Most people especially younger audiophile probably don't know that Bel Canto started out making SET 845 amps before they switched to the darkside or should I said the bright side of Class-D amp... please no flame here, I know that newer Class-D amp are better now.
Anyway, I've always love the look of this amp. It is a blend of Art Deco and Machine Age look to me. With those golden rings tube case, it reminded me of the 1927 "Metropolis" movie, which is one of my all time favorite by the way. The Bel Canto 845 sound great, love the drive, the bass and spatial feel to the sound. I have no problem listening to both amps, they are both enjoyable. But I still prefer the Welborne Lab overall still, I do love the midrange of the Welborne Lab. By the way, my Welborne Lab SET will turn 24 years old this December.
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Hey!
Yup, time sure flies! I replied to this post 13 years ago back in April 2010! See post #42 on this thread.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80352.40 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=80352.40)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=248010)
Well, it is now 2023. Beside new turntable/tonearm, my system haven't changed much. I still use the same Welborne Lab SET monoblocks. But back in 2012, I picked up a used Bel Canto 845 SET. Most people especially younger audiophile probably don't know that Bel Canto started out making SET 845 amps before they switched to the darkside or should I said the bright side of Class-D amp... please no flame here, I know that newer Class-D amp are better now.
Anyway, I've always love the look of this amp. It a blend of Art Deco and Machine Age look to me. With those golden rings tube case, it reminded me of the 1927 "Metropolis" movie, which is one of my all time favorite by the way. The Bel Canto 845 sound great, love the drive, the bass and spatial feel to the sound. I have no problem listening to both amps, they are both enjoyable. But I still prefer the Welborne Lab overall still, I do love the midrange of the Welborne Lab. By the way, my Welborne Lab SET will turn 24 years old this December.
A lover of fine tubes and fine cinema! I also really like Metropolis.
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My favorite is m Atma-Sphere S-30:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253231)
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A lover of fine tubes and fine cinema! I also really like Metropolis.
Hey!
Tyson, have you seen the last restored version of the "Metropolis" which considered to be a completed version with found missing footage from Argentina? Sadly, the found footage is on 16mm copy from 35mm, so the quality is not great but it does fill in a lot of missing piece.
Love that movie, really the birth of Sci-fi movie there. And every time I turn on the Bel Canto 845 and see the glow of the 845 reflecting on those ring towers tube cages it reminded me of the scene of the robot Maria coming alive! Super cool!
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Went up the Octave line and ended at this- V70 Class A. This is sonic heaven for me driving my Spatial M3 Sapphires with ease.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=223799)
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Mine started with VTL 125 mono blocks then
A Larry Moore custom 845 very nice but to
Low power for my speakers .I now run a
NAT Se2Se amp with 211 tubes . I also have
Had about 6 or 7 tube preamps . I now use
A aesthetix rhea phono stage to a passive
LDR volume control. I like it a lot .
Marc
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Last year I picked up a little VTL ST85 for the Magnepan LRS+ system.
It really demonstrates what Luke Manley said about how the sound isn't so rounded off like the earlier VTL products.
I retubed it with EH 6CA7s and old Sylvanias and it worked out really well.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253282)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253283)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253284)
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That's a sweet looking amp, Steve. Can you drive the LRS+'s in triode mode? Which does your ear prefer? My VAC PA-160's can run in triode, ultralinear, and pentode. Also it can use all the 6L6 family up to the KT88. I found that Gold Lion KT88 in ultralinear mode sounds best to me. I did try my deHavilland 845 amps with my 3.6r's but it was just too anemic.
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Would also love a pair of these in the listening space:
https://vinylsavor.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-of-211-amplifier-part-3.html (https://vinylsavor.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-of-211-amplifier-part-3.html)
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JakeJ,
I tried it in triode but switched to tetrode.
Maybe with more efficient speakers triode would work out better but not with the little Maggies.
It's perfect in a small bedroom system, plenty of punch.
The deHavilland sounds like the Carver 275 the VTL replaced, good sound quality but no dynamics.
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The deHavilland sounds like the Carver 275 the VTL replaced, good sound quality but no dynamics.
I assure you it was the mismatch of 22 Watt/ch amps trying to drive a load only suited for ~100 Watts. Your VTL has just enough juice thanks in part to the room size. However, when the deHavillands are connected to the right speaker...
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I have no doubt of that, Ms. Chafee has a good ear.
I tried to talk her into reentering the fray but no luck.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=253283)
WTF is this face plate!! looks a 15mm solid CNC aluminium, wonder what lead a famous Hi-End brand to put a expensive face plate like this blocking the tubes view.
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I put myself on the waitlist for a Decware SET. At least I have time to get a hold of some high sensitive speakers. I'm strongly considering GR Research Nx Oticas, anyone have experience with them or have other speakers that work well with low watts? (I got the 6 watt SET model)
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Klipsch La Scala or Klipschorns.
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The very best of the many amps I have listened to are the Doshi evolution monoblocks. https://doshiaudio.com/portfolio-items/evolutions-monoblock-amplifier/ (https://doshiaudio.com/portfolio-items/evolutions-monoblock-amplifier/)
They have the fullness and spatial capabilities of the finest tube amps with the power and impact of the best solid state amps. They are dead quiet, unlike most tube amps. On the down side they run hot and are not for those of us with limited budgets, even though they are not among the most expensive on the market.
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The best I have personally owned was a Graaf GM20. It was a wonderful amp. I still miss it even after I sold it a a decade ago. Second best is probably my EAR 859.
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There is one Graaf used for sale:
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649964022-graff-gm20/
I had no lucky to listen a OTL but I listened a BAT VK75 and noted it has a good sound and made a lot of heat. If I lived in a cold area I would like to own a DIY Tim Mellow OTL.
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Dodd
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I put myself on the waitlist for a Decware SET. At least I have time to get a hold of some high sensitive speakers. I'm strongly considering GR Research Nx Oticas, anyone have experience with them or have other speakers that work well with low watts? (I got the 6 watt SET model)
I used my PSET 300B (about 15 watts) with NX-Oticas and they sounded great and played plenty loud in my treated 17' x 29' x 8' room. I've since upgraded my speakers to GR-Research Line Forces which are even more sensitive (around 98db/w).
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Best I've ever owned are:
Atma-Sphere M60 OTL monos
Dodd 120 monos
Manley 300B monos
ASL 845 monos
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Hard to say without including the matching speakers used. Synergy matters here the most IMHO. So many great amps to choose from. Then there is budget. Listen away the only way to know.
charles
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Harmon Kardon Citation II. Once restored, easily competes with all comers.
Also, MFA 120's
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I've only owned 2 Tubes amps so far.
A Decware Mystery Amp, and a Aric Audio Super 300b..
They both seem to be of good quality, but I would give the 300b the edge.
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A Class A PP EL84 triode amp webuilt loosely based on Eli Dutton’s El Cheapo. A mighty 3.2w.
dave
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I have Latino's VTA ST120 w/ KT88 power tubes. Sounds great with all the headroom. But also could be the Khorns that it's pushing. Dale
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My favorite amp is always my current amp. So, Right now that is Firebottle by Denis Had
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A Class A PP EL84 triode amp webuilt loosely based on Eli Dutton’s El Cheapo. A mighty 3.2w.
dave
EL84 are a interesting low priced tube.
Do you know how it compare to a EL34 SET 6W ?
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Harmon Kardon Citation II is one of my favorites.
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I put myself on the waitlist for a Decware SET. At least I have time to get a hold of some high sensitive speakers. I'm strongly considering GR Research Nx Oticas, anyone have experience with them or have other speakers that work well with low watts? (I got the 6 watt SET model)
Omega Loudspeakers are excellent with low watt tube amps. They have a forum section here on AC
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So far my favorite tube amp is my Oliver Sayes 307a around 6w, C3M drivers, and 5AR4 rectifier
(https://i.postimg.cc/dQ9Jynf3/73B18585-08F6-4E7F-A72B-5DC5DC899D1A.jpg)
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Harmon Kardon Citation II
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Over the years, I'd put the Marantz 8B at the top of my list for doing everything well. Tight bass, nice mids and hghs. I just bitterly regret I sold it. My actual Quad II are really great.. sweet. Not for everybody. I built an SE300B.. extraordinary mids and highs.. a bit slow on bass.. my 45 tube se does better, even in bass.
Tubes are fun!
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Hi Sylvain,
Dont be shy to post photos :thumb:
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Group shot of all my amps. I think I might have a problem :o
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=257419)
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Group shot of all my amps. I think I might have a problem :o
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=257419)
Hi Tyson,
I might like to have your problem.
Double A
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My favorite is my current, a Kenny Russell built ST-70 Dynaco. I had it built using all Amtrans AMRG carbon film resistors and Golden Black Caps out of Japan. When I run my RCA black plate 6L6GC's and a SS rectifier, its the best sound I own, up to moderate db levels. It does everything very well. 35watts of pure joy.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=258905)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=258906)
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If the heat is acceptable, first choice by good margin is Atma-Sphere S-30 OTL with every single maximum parts upgrade you can get your grubby hands on.
If you want to keep the heat under a more "normal" threshold, an amp with both cult status and considerable baggage, Audio Innovations (GB) Series 500 integrated (transformer coupled.) Only the early series (mid-80s?) with 4-8-16-ohm output taps, not the later series w/1 tap and not the DIY power amp version. Problems are legion: extreme rarity (more so in the US where then-NHT founder/CEO Ken Kantor briefly imported AI, Ken prior worked @ KLH,) felonious lack of service access and internal clearance, need for parts upgrades (under spec power Rs, etc.,) odd and highly irksome RCAs all mounted on the L, etc.
Includes a fantastic MM phono. Dual-EL34 of course. Five matched 9-pin triodes, 2 for the MM phono, 3 for the amp, totally passive balance, volume and input switch. S500 designed while the AI CEO was the current Audio Note UK CEO whose name escapes me.
I'd prolly rebuild the S500 into a dedicated power amp with all new passive parts and move all connectors to the rear panel where they obviously belong. It would likely be well worth the cost and trouble to find someone to specify an available transformer to upgrade to CRPS/choke regulated power supply.
Worth getting speakers to match either amp.
I have not heard the AVA S70 upgrade but you'd want one if you read the Tone Audio review. Unfortunately last I heard AVA can't make it for lack of parts, likely the transformers. I'd also look closely at Brunoco's power amp which seems to have every single performance feature with which I'm familiar, it's priced well and the guy seems to be truly nice and know exactly WTH he's doing.
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Ok. We need a list of names in this suspicious mug shot. Looks like a couple solid state monos hiding behind the tube glory.
Rocket Ronny
Group shot of all my amps. I think I might have a problem :o
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=257419)
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I picked up a Yarland Auklet Class A, KT 88, integrated this year. It was a Chinese company that went belly up during the Covid lock downs. The retailer that had who steered me right years ago on a tube amp had one left and was blowing it out at cost. He stated it is ridiculously good and similar to another killer amp he had sold before.
I don't have very many hours on it, but paired with the SA Pandion 2 monitors on my desktop, it ranks as some of the nicest sound I have heard in a system. Even my wife popped in the office and commented on how nice the sound was. This never happens. SA Pandion 2. https://system-audio.com/en/product/sa-pandion-2-2/
Rocket Ronny
These pictures are in the living room. It is resting on a rack my Dad made long ago. He lathed, by hand, all the doweling. The amp has not been as magical in the living room on different speakers, but that system is not really a system yet. It's in the works. We will see.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=258961)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=258962)
Rocket Ronny
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Ok. We need a list of names in this suspicious mug shot. Looks like a couple solid state monos hiding behind the tube glory.
Rocket Ronny
Sure thing! Here's another shot, with names below.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=258964)
Left Side amps are Almarro A318B (6c33c SET), Baby Kootenay (KT66 push-pull), Elekit 300b SET (can also run 2a3's), TAL Korneff Type 45 SET, Sunvalley 211/845 SET.
Right Side amps are First Watt BA3, iFi iDSD Pro (my tubed DAC), custom EL84 (push-pull), Dennis Had Inspire MB14 monoblocks (SEP), First Watt Aleph J Zen.
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Thanks Tyson. So if you had to pick only 3 amps to keep, what would they be and why?
Rocket Ronny
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Tyson -- sell all of those amps and use the proceeds to buy or build the ultimate, cost-no-object tube amp. Maybe a 2-chassis, muscle-bound amp with big-ass tubes.
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Thanks Tyson. So if you had to pick only 3 amps to keep, what would they be and why?
Rocket Ronny
Depends on the speaker. If you have a high efficiency, easy to drive speaker, it'd be the Almarro, the Elekit and the Sunvalley
If you have moderate or low efficiency, then it'd be the Baby Kootenay, the BA3 and the Aleph J Zen.
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Tyson -- sell all of those amps and use the proceeds to buy or build the ultimate, cost-no-object tube amp. Maybe a 2-chassis, muscle-bound amp with big-ass tubes.
Mostly because I just don't have room. That table is our dining room table, it's where we eat, so the hifi has to fit there.
Also, because I've learned that in this hobby (for me at least), there is no 'ultimate' amp, there's just different flavors. The amps I have now are all quite excellent, especially after I modded the hell out of them.
So, I run the 300b amp for a while and really enjoy it's tactile beautiful sound, then I drop in some 2a3's for their even greater immediacy, get tired of that, switch back to the EL84 amp, fall in love with the speed/transparency of that amp, get bored, move over to the Almarro and just feel astonished at it's ultrasaturated sound, then move on to the more linear and very punchy baby Kootenay, etc....
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Hopefully it's my Decware Torii Jr I've been waiting for about a year now. My audio journey is probably over for at least 2-3 years. I'm a year away from receiving the amp & preamp from Decware. I will need to add some nice speakers but I'm set until I get the itch of change.
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My current amp, of course: Whammerdyne DGA-1 Stereo Amp with NOS Sylvania 2A3 power tubes; NOS Amperex BB 6DJ8 input tube; optional wider band output transformers.
4.3 watts of mystical, magical music.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=260916)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=260917)
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EAR 834 with KT66
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=260996)
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My favorite tube amps I own are a DNA Stratus with 2A3 power tubes, and a Radu Tarta Shiny Eyes 300B
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261069)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261070)
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Ampsandsound Agartha 2021 w/ Elrog 300Bs
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261542)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=261543)