[albertd]

I want to buy used from the website.  Would appreciate component suggestions for my simple, vinyl only 2 channel system.  Small room, MMGs, mainly jazz. Need a mono button. 100 watts into 4 ohms is sufficient.
Is there anything in particular I should watch for?
Thank You
Albert

[SteveFord]

Drop Frank a note and ask him to give you a heads up when he gets in something suitable.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Buy an AVA tube preamp and any of his amps.  The newer models are sonically better.  I have reviewed a lot of his gear and own MMG's and 1.6's.

[Nick B]

I bought an AVA SET 120 control amp last year, and it’s a terrific amp, especially at that price.
A SET 120 amp with an AVA preamp would be a great combination.

[retnuh]

I’m running:
Transcendence 10 RB
SET 120
Vision Q phono preamp


I already had the vision q before I picked up a used Transcendence 10 RB (before it had a remote), if I were to repurchase I’d just get the vision q built into the Transcendence 10 RB and a SET 120 and be done and very happy. I have my turntable and digital streamer hooked up to the preamp and everything is lively and engaging. For my size apartment volume wise maxes out at 1/4 to 1/3 depending on the source material, if I go beyond that I’ll get noise complaints for sure as that’s already plenty of power.

[avahifi]

Retnuh’s recommendation is right on. You won’t do better for twice the price.

Frank

[dB Cooper]

OP indicated a requirement for a stereo/mono switch which the control amp doesn't seem to provide.

[retnuh]

OP indicated a requirement for a stereo/mono switch which the control amp doesn't seem to provide.

  Doh… Yeah I see that now, needing mono moves you up the preamp product line which I haven’t heard. New or used I’m not sure you can really go wrong there unless it’s real old and even then would maybe need some caps and it’s tubes replaced to be back at 100%. Used ones I don’t see them come up much. If you do end up finding a much older unit I’d get ahold of Frank to send it up to him for a once over. And keep an eye on https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship

My dad’s still running 30+ year old AVA gear, I’m trying to remember the preamp but my dad made a custom inclosure and faceplate since he got it as a kit (found it in some old pictures Super Pas III), the amp I believe is a modded dynaco ST-70 as I only saw it tucked behind on the bottom of the cabinet with the metal cage enclosure on it. My point is this stuff lasts so happy hunting.

[albertd]

Thanks for all the info everyone!
Albert

[Ryan45872]

How does the new set amps compare to the older fet valve amps?
Thanks
Ryan

[I.Greyhound Fan]

How does the new set amps compare to the older fet valve amps?
Thanks
Ryan

The new SET amps are more musical and have a much better midrange.

[Ryan45872]

The new SET amps are more musical and have a much better midrange.

Thanks for replying

[aln]

I have several 600r amps as well as the 400 set which I use in my studio system.  To me, the 600R is a much better amp.   The ability to “tune” your sound with the tube input is a real asset.  Not sure when Frank will be able to make the 600R due to parts being not available.

[Hydro]

I have to agree with aln, the ability to tune the amp to your system is a game changer. I have a SET 400 and several fet valve amps 400 and 600, if the SET amp fits the system perfectly then it is great but if you are looking for a little warmer or leaner sound you have nowhere to go. If you want a lush tube sound go with Mullard tubes, more transistor sound go with Gold Lions, leaner with sparkle go with Sylvania golds or best imaging Telefunkens.

[jjss49]

a good hifi rig is a chain
sonic 'tuning' can be done in various parts of the chain
the amp is but one part

while i agree that another degree of freedom in sonic tuning in the amp stage is an advantage all else equal, i have always felt the essential (and higher priority) element to get right is have an amp that performs flawlessly in driving one's speakers in a well controlled, neutral fashion.... tuning can be done elsewhere, source, room, cables, etc etc

[Onadifferentnote]

Unfortunately, I may be forced to sell my just broken in DVA-225’s. These amazing amps punch way beyond  their price point and I think they are fantastic, however, stuff happens and I may need to sell them. Just a couple months old and I won’t sell for much off retail.

[pboser]

It's not very difficult to rig up mono using a tape monitor switch. The usual suggestion is 10k resistors in series with the outputs, combine and then to the tape in jacks.  I'm sure Frank can make a preamp-specific suggestion - go with his suggestion if it's not the same as mine- he certainly knows better than I do!
HTH,
Pete

[dB Cooper]

It's not very difficult to rig up mono using a tape monitor switch. The usual suggestion is 10k resistors in series with the outputs, combine and then to the tape in jacks.  I'm sure Frank can make a preamp-specific suggestion - go with his suggestion if it's not the same as mine- he certainly knows better than I do!
HTH,
Pete

The SET 120 control amp does not have a tape monitor switch.

[pboser]

I was referring to the comment about a preamp without a mono switch - sorry if I misunderstood.

[ceylon]

right now on a certain auction site theres a T10RB and set 120 for sale.