tube amp choice-- little help needed for the new guy

2bigears · « **on:** 19 Jan 2006, 03:03 am »

RM-10 MK2 --OR-- Morrow 300B1 blocks,will go open baffle soon.any help thks much

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 01:55 am »

If you've got $3000-5000 for amplification, you might want to take a look at the Viva integrated units. A little more $$$, but more than worth it.

http://www.walkeraudio.com/viva_amplifers.htm

Carlman · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 02:13 am »

Morrow 300B1 or the oday 200

Bill Baker · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 02:24 am »

I have not heard the Morrow but I would keep that on the top of your list. You may also want to look at the Song 300B monos. Amazing feedback on them.

2bigears · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 02:33 am »

been doing some lite reading,how does the VAC 30/30 rank up there for a first tube amp.not a SET and more wpc.these are value amps from what i have read.kinda on the large price side---but i would like to do this right and you get what you pay for!

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 04:12 am »

The Renaissance Thirty/Thirty is a stunningly good amp. There's one available on agon now. For less than $5000, you'd be really hard pressed to do better. I've heard this amp a bit, paired with the Viva Linea preamp and Magnepan 3.6, and Avantgarde Duo. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Valves don't really get much better than this, imo. Obviously can't speak for the brands you mentioned in your original post, but Kevin Hayes knows what's going on, and folks that know his stuff, just know.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1142044075

Scott F. · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 04:58 am »

I've listened to quite a few 300b's and the ones I like the most are the Wellborne DRD's. The only thing in the signal path is a single power film (Caddock) resistor (and the tubes and output tranny of course). They are the most uncolored SET I've heard.

Then with the money you just saved you can invest in a pair of vintage 15" Altecs and mount them in a pair of Imperial horns, get a decent active crossover and an inexspensive (but good sounding) solid state amp to drive your subs.

sorta like this....

Occam · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 06:03 am »

Quote from: 2bigears

been doing some lite reading,how does the VAC 30/30 rank up there for a first tube amp.not a SET and more wpc.these are value amps from what i have read.kinda on the large price side---but i would like to do this right and you get what you pay for!

You don't say what driver(s) you'll be using on your dipole, or whether you'll be supplementing it with a separately powered (sub)woofer. If you see a need for more power that 8watts, the Vac Ren 30/30 is a truly exceptional amplifier. Unlike many SE amps where its quite apparent when you run out of power (my knowledge of and experience with SE amps is by no means exhaustive) the Vac is a powerhouse in comparison, clips rather gracefully, and sounds absolutely stunning. It is a wonderful amp.

That being said, opinions are like xxxholes, everyone has one. To actually purchase equipment at those price levels, unheard with your specific ancilliaries, relying upon others opinions is simply foolish.
Obviously you're enthusiastic. But please go slowly. Buy/build your dipoles. Then audition amps (assuming you've your sources already). Proceed cautiously. Opinions from others, including me, are worthless unless you've calibrated your own evaluations against those of that 'recommender' by reading their opinions on equipment which you've also heard.

I'll give you an example. There is a non-tube poweramps that seems all the rage, getting marvelous accolades from both print and internet press. I've heard it. And those whose opinions I trust have head it. We agree its a resonable amp but no killer. It might have been the systems in which we heard this 'giant killer'. It might be that we've tin ears. Dunno. But one man's 'giant killer' is another's mediocre POS. Go figure....

Please view the suggestions of amps as merely a 'to listen to' list.

FWIW

2bigears · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Jan 2006, 06:38 am »

thank you all for good sound advice.the fact that i live in a remote setting dictates i buy sound unheard.i have a sonic frontier cd1 with their line 2.i will buy a tube amp and then go shoppin for speakers.i am looking for a new sound as i had a bryston 4b-st with b&W 802's and want a softer warmer system.i still play older and new rock sooo i have been told not to go with a SET amp as they are low power.sooo that's why VAC looks good.

KeithR · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 01:55 am »

Depends on your budget.

At the top end, I like Lamms and the big VTLs.

Mid-range---BAT is easily my favorite....and Vac is also a good choice---though i don't think 30/30 can drive your B&Ws. You need 70/70. Blue Circle also makes great gear

Low-end---i can't think of a cheap tube amp that has the power you need....*maybe* cary v12, but i'd want to hear it first.

KeithR · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 01:56 am »

Quote from: 2bigears

thank you all for good sound advice.the fact that i live in a remote setting dictates i buy sound unheard.i have a sonic frontier cd1 with their line 2.i will buy a tube amp and then go shoppin for speakers.i am looking for a new sound as i had a bryston 4b-st with b&W 802's and want a softer warmer system.i still play older and new rock sooo i have been told not to go with a SET amp as they are low power.sooo that's why VAC looks good.

btw, used Power 3s obviously would be a great choice.

JoshK · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 02:03 am »

I've not heard the VAC but I'd go PP DHT if it were me.

2bigears · « **Reply #12 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 03:04 am »

pp dht,what the heck is that.i went with the vac30/30 sooo next step is a pair of druids.all this is on what i have been reading sooo i am hoping it all fits together.i think a high quality driven sub to finish, and i will be off to the races????

Dmason · « **Reply #13 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 03:10 am »

"I went with the VAC 30/30.."

I would say it is pretty much fact, that the 30/30 is about as good as tubes get. That amp is absolutely stunning. You should be made very, VERRY happy, soon, congrats. I love that amp. A standout, if ever there were one.

PP DHT: Push/Pull Directly Heated Triode.

2bigears · « **Reply #14 on:** 22 Jan 2006, 03:19 am »

thks Dmason,those kind words takes some worry out as a new guy all i can do is read and take note.thks much.i read some of these post and get blown away at how much all you stereo heads know.my next move is speakers and i like the rep Druids have.