Looking for used Integrated Tube Amp

nodiak · « **on:** 30 Nov 2006, 09:53 pm »

I'd like to get a tube integrated amp that's in good working condition. Something along the lines of Jolida's lower line, or Scott 222 or ? It doesn't have to be a giant killer, just a proven good performer. (Phono would be a bonus, not expected on newer models.) If the timing is right I expect it would be an int. amp someone a step or two ahead of me is ready to trade up from. It would be a stepping stone for me too I expect, to keep for the winter at least.
Allowing the instruments tone is #1. I'm more into instrument seperation not so much imaging accuracy. I like clear, a little laid back rather than forward, some weight but no excessive syrup (no honey roasted ham for the holidays

). If warm/thick mids is 0, and clinical/forward is 10, I'm a 4-5.
I don't want a small output, more like 15 watt minimum. PP EL84, EL34, Octals? Not all the speakers I enjoy could handle a 3watt SE (or else I'd have kept the sweet Decware ZenC).
I've been living with a gainclone that I like, and am ready for a little tube adventure - but it has to be functioning fine as I don't want to do any work on it. I enjoy speaker building and just don't have the time or focus for amp building (if I did/could I think I'd consider the World Designs EL84 kit for $500).
I'm a cheapskate and hope to stay under $600. In my dreams I see a paypal "send money" for $400-500, a box in hand a week later, some satisfying tube glow to get me through the winter. But don't hesitate to suggest or offer something a little more $, as I am a certified audio dream chaser (cheapskate division). And of course a great cheapie in the $200-$350 is no insult to me either ! (If it helps, all my cars are 20 years old. Which is why I need more than one of course...)
I think "those who have gone before me" know better what I want. So let me know!
Just to say it, I'm into travelling lightly through the landscape of good affordable audio. There's so many different configurations and I want to try some more things for the experience and to see what I like. In the long run I want something pretty basic, and "rea$onable". Once you find the hidden bargains $500 per component can make a great MUSIC system I'm finding out.
Thanks all, Don

P.S. I can offer either/both of these for partial trades:
AVA Omega III 85watt/ch amp
Hawthorne Augie's 15" OB Bass drivers
]

friend2alldogs · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Nov 2006, 10:11 pm »

I own an ASL AQ 1003 just like this one for sale: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1168537679
It's a great amp with plenty of power and is in your price range.
Here's a review of the newer model:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1204/aslaq1003dt.htm

Brad · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Nov 2006, 10:21 pm »

You've got PM....

WEEZ · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Nov 2006, 11:04 pm »

Jolida 102B is only a touch above your range.

Read Scott's review at enjoythemusic....

dado5 · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Dec 2006, 03:31 pm »

Quote from: WEEZ on 30 Nov 2006, 11:04 pm

Jolida 102B is only a touch above your range.

Read Scott's review at enjoythemusic....

here's one sitting pretty so far:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jolida-2-Channel-Vacuum-Tube-Amplifier-JD102B_W0QQitemZ120059589419QQihZ002QQcategoryZ50593QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

nodiak · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Dec 2006, 06:42 pm »

Thanks for all the suggestions and offers, I'm researching and asking opinions over the weekend.
I'm open to any more ideas too.
Don

JLM · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Dec 2006, 09:27 pm »

How about this nice one, factory sealed from a well known dealer:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1169863295

rajacat · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Dec 2006, 09:34 pm »

Here is a freshly rebuilt Scott 299 offered by an established expert in vintage restorations.
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?intatube&1165288299&auc&3&4&

Raja

nodiak · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Dec 2006, 10:18 pm »

JLM, Onix sp3/II could be a good call, (even tho it looks like Batmans amp). Seems to be questions about II version being as good or not or same... I rec. 2 pm's from AC'rs with that amp for sale, so would go with one of them first to keep it in the family.

Also a very tempting Sophia Electric EL34 that looks great. Any comments on this Sophia from owners?

Raja, yes I have an eye on that one, probably one of the best 299's out there. BTW, how's the Mapletree with gc working out? May get it or simlar pre for gc system, after this.

Anyone with int. amp that fits what I'm after that is interested in my trade items? A Jolida 102B or similar for a partial trade wouild work nice.

Just received FE167e's, and have Hemp 8's. So tube integrated is to mate to them.

Don

Sunshine on Pacific NW coast today. Ahh.

Brad · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 01:13 am »

Raja,

Nice catch on the Scott 299
HotGlass did an excellent job rebuilding my 222c

The wooden case alone goes for $100+
Wonder what the auction price is going up to

Songforyou · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 02:14 pm »

I've got a Mapleshade Scott 222C. Sounds great and the telefunken phono is no slouch. Unit is not as pretty as the 299 on Audiogon above though. Mapleshade strip the wooden case, leave the unit completely open and mount it on two maple rails. They claim this improves the sound (especially the bass) considerably. I haven't done an A-B, so I can't say for sure. They also take the bass and treble controls out of the loop for a cleaner, purer sound (more like an amp and passive pre). So more of a mod than a refurnbish. Best of all, the unit was optimized for cheap Electro-Harmonix EL84s. I tried using the well regarded JJs and everything turned to mush. Went back to the EHs and never thought about tube rolling again.

rajacat · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 08:20 pm »

Quote from: nodiak on 2 Dec 2006, 10:18 pm

JLM, Onix sp3/II could be a good call, (even tho it looks like Batmans amp). Seems to be questions about II version being as good or not or same... I rec. 2 pm's from AC'rs with that amp for sale, so would go with one of them first to keep it in the family.

Also a very tempting Sophia Electric EL34 that looks great. Any comments on this Sophia from owners?

Raja, yes I have an eye on that one, probably one of the best 299's out there. BTW, how's the Mapletree with gc working out? May get it or simlar pre for gc system, after this.

Anyone with int. amp that fits what I'm after that is interested in my trade items? A Jolida 102B or similar for a partial trade wouild work nice.

Just received FE167e's, and have Hemp 8's. So tube integrated is to mate to them.

Don

Sunshine on Pacific NW coast today. Ahh.

Don,

The Mapletree works fine with the gc. My gainclone is 100w/ch @4ohms, so it is vastly overpowered for my 96ohm Omega Bipoles therefore using it without a pre and with a SB3 as the source presents the problem that I have to turn the SB's digital volume control too low for the best sound quality. Sometime next week I'll be taking delivery of a Scott LK-48 integrated which I sent to Hot Glass Audio for restoration.

I found this Scott at a garage sale just a few blocks from my house. It will be interesting to hear how it sounds when compared to the Mapletree/gainclone combo.

Raja

nodiak · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 08:29 pm »

Raja, I'll be very interested to hear about the 2 systems. I want to have a tube pre for my gc, tried a few last year and am still looking - leaning toward octals, but things come along that are unexpected.
The vintage tube integrated amp idea is feeling good, but I want to be careful about 50 yo gear. Like me they could definitely use some restoration.
Don

rajacat · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 08:33 pm »

Quote from: Brad on 3 Dec 2006, 01:13 am

Raja,

Nice catch on the Scott 299
HotGlass did an excellent job rebuilding my 222c

The wooden case alone goes for $100+
Wonder what the auction price is going up to

Brad,

The 299 really looks very nice. Only one bid so far... It seems that in the last few hours are when most of the action happens. My LK48 does not have the wooden case but the face plate is in excellent condition. I might build a wooden case. Like I said above the A/B with my Mapletree/gainclone combo will be fun.

Raja

nodiak · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Dec 2006, 08:45 pm »

I've been watching that 299B for a couple days. I think it will jump at the end too...$600 maybe? If I knew that was the model I had to have I'd pay dear for one so well restored, to be finished hunting.
Don

nodiak · « **Reply #15 on:** 4 Dec 2006, 10:20 pm »

Well it looks like the search could be over.

I remembered a local tech/repair guy and his shelves full of old gear. Called him and he recommended another guy...called him and he has a Scott 222C...went to his 2nd hand store and it was playing behind the counter, through some speakers near the back of the store up on a shelf. Turns out he is someone who sold used audio from his garage/home that I had visited there ~ 12 years ago (ignoring the old tube gear

- well I do remember listening to his McIntosh setup in his living room, very lush).
The 222C has been restored by a local guy that works on tube amps and has designed and built one also, as well as builds his own transformers. Sounds like he knows what's what. So yes all this going on in my backyard!
I'm going back tomorrow for a better listen and look and will buy it if all is well.
With recent restoration and everything working the $350 price seems pretty good, maybe really pretty good. And no shipping problems.
Also it has a center channel that I'm told (by Hot Glass) can be used for a powered sub, which fits in with what I may want to do. And as you all know it has phono so I'm set for that too.
I actually like that it has tone controls and all the features, puts me back in time.

So thanks for all the offers and sorry it doesn't look like I'll keep my purchase in the AC family. But of course wouldn't have known what to look for without your input!

Don

Brad · « **Reply #16 on:** 5 Dec 2006, 03:20 pm »

Good snag Don.

The 222c also has a nice headphone out....
I do use the tone controls on some recordings too.
If this one has the brown plastic knobs, you can get a nice set of machined knobs from Ryan @ Hotglass for a reasonable price.

nodiak · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 Dec 2006, 03:59 pm »

Hi Brad, hope it works out.
Have you tried to use the center channel for any speaker? Is the output level higher? That's what I've heard, that it has more gain.
Good match with the SI's?
Don

Brad · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 Dec 2006, 04:56 pm »

Don,

I have not tried the Center channel output. It's an RCA, derived from L & R channels
I considered using it to drive a sub, but decided I want stereo subs, so I will go speaker level to the plate amps.

The 222 is a really good match for the SI Coaxes.
PLENTY loud enough for my tastes/room.

nodiak · « **Reply #19 on:** 5 Dec 2006, 05:13 pm »

Sounds like a good tech could mod the center channel to be a stereo out. Would need to add a second rca. Could then biamp.
I'll check around to be sure this is feasible, and also about the center channel level.

Don