[bigbasin]

Building out a home/office/library and would like to install a stereo tube amp, but I have a budget of only around 1K for the amp.

What are your suggestions?

Thanks.

[TerryO]

How big is the room and what are you going to use for speakers?
Your budget is for an amp only, or are you looking at an integrated amp which will have a built-in preamp? What types of music do you listen to and how loud does it need to be?
All these factors influence which recomendations I'd make. There are a lot of choices in amps, but which one(s) would fit your listening preferences depends on these sort of considerations.

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Airborn]

If you want an integrated, try the Onix/Melody SP3 MkII for $999 new from AV123 or used at half that price.  I like mine a lot.   If you just need a power amp, there is a Bella Extreme 3205 FOR $795 on sale here at Audiocircle by Response Audio.  Check out this link:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=49301.0
I'm fairly certain you won't get better sound for less from elsewhere.

[TomS]

This Bella 3205 is a STEAL at $795.  Bill can probably put a volume control on if it doesn't already have one.  I love mine.  Tom

[woodsyi]

What about this? http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=48857.0

Sorry Bill, you know that I know that you make good stuff at very good price point.  This just seems like a steal with all the upgrades.

[Scott F.]

Without a doubt (personally) I would pick up a factory modified JoLida 102b for $795. Sure, the name isn't as sexy as the latest flavor of the month gear but I'm here to tell you, this is an absolute killer integrated amp. I'm using mine in my home office and I absolutely love it. I listen to it all day, everyday. You won't find a better sounding amp for the money.

Remember, this is not the stock unit. You have to call Mike at JoLida and ask him to do the upgraded caps and resistors. He charges an extra $100 for the upgrade.

Here is a link to the article I wrote about the unit a year or two ago.

[doug s.]

rim, you beat me to it - easily, the best deal for an amp anywhere, imo, if you're needing moderate power.  (otherwise, go for an almarro a205a mkll if you only need 5wpc...)

doug s.

What about this? http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=48857.0

Sorry Bill, you know that I know that you make good stuff at very good price point.  This just seems like a steal with all the upgrades.

[jkelly]

I also agree on the modded Jolida 102B.  Very full sounding, great bass
and wonderful mid-range.  I just had a shoot out with another
famous (award winning) EL84 and the audience picked the 102B.
Mine also has the balance control taken out of the circuit.

Of course I have spent almost the same amount on tubes for it.
Mullards EL84 and GEC a2900 (12at7)

Jeff

[Scott F.]

Of course I have spent almost the same amount on tubes for it.
Mullards EL84 and GEC a2900 (12at7)

Jeff,

Me too  I'm doing Bugle Boys (EL84) and Tele's on the inputs. Sure does sound good though