FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!

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ketchup

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #260 on: 16 Dec 2025, 03:38 am »
I did a little poking around inside my amp today. I was able to significantly tighten up the output tube socket contacts. The tubes pushed in with little resistance in stock form and felt very loose. They're now pretty tight. Not quite as tight as my Rogue M180 sockets, but close.

I also changed the cheesy anode connectors and caps. The factory clips were very loose and cheap feeling. When doing this, I got a good look at the blue anode wires and I'm pretty sure that they're Teflon insulated. I forgot to measure them, but they're probably around 18-20awg.

Premnath

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #261 on: 1 Feb 2026, 06:43 am »

I am based in India. This is my first post here. 

I only listen to vinyl

My rig is
EMT 930 with 139 phono and TSD 15 cartridge

ThoressF2A, Sunvalley 300, HFSA01

Axiom 80 drivers in Goodman designed cabinet with ARU

My room is approx 400 sq feet. Average listening level is 85-80 db with peaks hitting 90-95 db

Mainly into jazz, Indian classical( vocals) , classic rock and fusion

Axiom 80 can handle max 12 watts. It’s 96 db efficient. It goes down easily to 35 hz at my place. But SPL is limited.

Of the 3 amps i own, HFSA 01 appears to have the best synergy. It has drive, resolution, tone and good bass.

I was wondering if the FM30 or a Elekit 8900 or a Paul Birkeland 2a3 or a Almarro EL84 SEP be worth looking at?

FullRangeMan

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #262 on: 1 Feb 2026, 09:26 am »
I am based in India. This is my first post here. 

I only listen to vinyl

My rig is
EMT 930 with 139 phono and TSD 15 cartridge

ThoressF2A, Sunvalley 300, HFSA01

Axiom 80 drivers in Goodman designed cabinet with ARU

My room is approx 400 sq feet. Average listening level is 85-80 db with peaks hitting 90-95 db

Mainly into jazz, Indian classical( vocals) , classic rock and fusion

Axiom 80 can handle max 12 watts. It’s 96 db efficient. It goes down easily to 35 hz at my place. But SPL is limited.

Of the 3 amps i own, HFSA 01 appears to have the best synergy. It has drive, resolution, tone and good bass.

I was wondering if the FM30 or a Elekit 8900 or a Paul Birkeland 2a3 or a Almarro EL84 SEP be worth looking at?
The FM30/829B are the best value $/sound quality I have seen in decades.
How many Watts do you want ?

Other option are the Wright Royale 7W $1485, nice Transformers, not small.
https://wrightaudioarts.com/Royale-SE-Power-Amplifier/

Premnath

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #263 on: 1 Feb 2026, 09:56 am »
I think Wright Audio only offers 120v. Being in India i need a 240v 50hz model.

Can the FM30 amp be played at 240v 50hz? They seem to have a universal voltage transformer.

opnly bafld

Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #264 on: 1 Feb 2026, 07:34 pm »
Welcome Premnath

I am based in India. This is my first post here. 

I only listen to vinyl

My rig is
EMT 930 with 139 phono and TSD 15 cartridge

ThoressF2A, Sunvalley 300, HFSA01

Axiom 80 drivers in Goodman designed cabinet with ARU

My room is approx 400 sq feet. Average listening level is 85-80 db with peaks hitting 90-95 db

Mainly into jazz, Indian classical( vocals) , classic rock and fusion

Axiom 80 can handle max 12 watts. It’s 96 db efficient. It goes down easily to 35 hz at my place. But SPL is limited.

Of the 3 amps i own, HFSA 01 appears to have the best synergy. It has drive, resolution, tone and good bass.

I was wondering if the FM30 or a Elekit 8900 or a Paul Birkeland 2a3 or a Almarro EL84 SEP be worth looking at?

What is your budget?
Can you or someone you know put together a kit?

Tyson

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #265 on: 1 Feb 2026, 08:58 pm »
I got the single ended parallel version of this amp and I realized the other day that the tubes I run in it are more expensive than the amp itself, hahaha.

Premnath

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #266 on: 2 Feb 2026, 02:54 am »
Thanks opnly bafld

I can extend upto USD 8000, if needed. But my experience has been spending more doesn’t necessarily mean better SQ. Synergy I feel is far more critical.

Am not a DIY guy. But know people who can put it together

FullRangeMan

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Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #267 on: 2 Feb 2026, 09:38 pm »
I think Wright Audio only offers 120v. Being in India i need a 240v 50hz model.

Can the FM30 amp be played at 240v 50hz? They seem to have a universal voltage transformer.
There is no universal Transformer, it would need to have six primary input windings 100, 120, 127, 220, 230, 240V, I think they dont offer it, only 110V 220V. Some UK brands have 115V + 115V to 230V operation.

opnly bafld

Re: FU-19 (FM30, 829B) Single-Ended Tube Amp!
« Reply #268 on: Yesterday at 03:06 am »
I can extend upto USD 8000, if needed. But my experience has been spending more doesn’t necessarily mean better SQ.

I agree, just asking so people have an idea what to suggest, no sense in talking about xyz if it is way over your limit.
It would be good to start a new thread with your info and request.