[Vapor Audio]

Hey guys, I don't know anywhere near what I should about tube gear.  But designing speakers I need a decent tube amp or integrated that I can use as a step in my voicing process, and for testing 'tube-friendlyness'.  Used is fine, but what comes to mind when thinking of something in the $500 range?

I don't want single-ended, something with 25 watts or more at least.

edit:  I'd say my high-end budget would be around $800

[Rashiki]

How about the Onix SP8 integrated tube amp? 45 Watts and a nice design for $599.
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,179/category_id,42/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 -Rob

[Vapor Audio]

How about the Onix SP8 integrated tube amp? 45 Watts and a nice design for $599.
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,179/category_id,42/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 -Rob

Thanks Rob, that is one of the few I knew about ... and have on my list.  Have you ever heard one?  I have no personal experience with it.

[Scott F.]

Get a stock Jolida 102b then replace the coupling caps with Angela tin foils ($7) and the grid stoppers with Riken Ohms. Mine does a great job driving difficult loads (within reason of course). Once you hear that with good tubes in it, you'll think twice about going back to solid state. That amp is the steal of the century, even if you buy it new at $800 or so.

[Rashiki]

Thanks Rob, that is one of the few I knew about ... and have on my list.  Have you ever heard one?  I have no personal experience with it.

I have one of the older SP3 models, which I got a few years ago. I'm not currently using it, but can't bear to part with it. I always thought it was a great little amp. I haven't heard the SP8, but I've found that AV123 always offers stuff that's a good value, so I'd expect it to be in the same league as the SP3.

 -Rob

[Vapor Audio]

I knew you'd say the Jolida Scott, but steal of the century?  Come on man, tone it down with the hyperbole 

What about the 302B?  I see a couple of both listed on Audiogon for nice prices ...

[Zero]

I once enjoyed the Jolida SJ202. Sadly, other pieces I've encountered from the company never really blew my skirt up, sans perhaps the cute little 1302 (back when it was $299). 

A good tube amp with some HP for a song? That's a tough one. I've seen a few Eastern Electrics going used for around that price. Vista Audio's i-34 integrated is 'just' outta the ballpark, but well worth the stretch if you can manage it. I'm sure some great suggestions will roll on in!

[Angaria]

sophia electric el-34 - available in pretty much new condition on audiogon for under $500.  Superior to the sp3 IMHO.

[jon_010101]

Frankly, I'd look for a fully-restored Scott 299 or Sherwood S-5000 integrated amp.  It will hold its value much better than a modern $500 amp, and IMHO sound a bit better too. 

My friend just sold this and I cannot imagine a better amp for $500.  You can find similar ones in that price range, too, with patience.

[cryoparts]

Hey guys, I don't know anywhere near what I should about tube gear.  But designing speakers I need a decent tube amp or integrated that I can use as a step in my voicing process, and for testing 'tube-friendlyness'.  Used is fine, but what comes to mind when thinking of something in the $500 range?

I don't want single-ended, something with 25 watts or more at least.

edit:  I'd say my high-end budget would be around $800

Look for a used pair of Quicksilver's.  I've had many over the years and they are really nice.

Lee

[Wind Chaser]

Dynaco ST-70

Michaelson and Austin TVA-1 (Good luck, but hey you never know...)

Restored 1957 Heath Kit monos - nice tube complement.

If you could get that budget up a little higher, you might eventually find an Audio Research Classic 30.  That's one of the few pieces I wish I had kept over the years.

[Imperial]

Get a stock Jolida 102b then replace the coupling caps with Angela tin foils ($7) and the grid stoppers with Riken Ohms. Mine does a great job driving difficult loads (within reason of course). Once you hear that with good tubes in it, you'll think twice about going back to solid state. That amp is the steal of the century, even if you buy it new at $800 or so.

I second this suggestion.
This amp has been known to replace transistor amps of 100watt or so,
and still gives that tube glory one wants to test for.

Imperial

[saisunil]

I bid on a Response Audio Modified Jolida 302A on Audiogon - I unexpectedly won the bid and received the amp a couple of days ago! My wife did not like the fact that I bought yet another amp.

This is a $2000 value - including stock amp + mods + tubes.
I bought it for $750

I can sell it for $725 + ship + paypal or just local pickup from Queens, NY

Pls PM me if it interests you.

> This amp is very, very good sounding. It started life as a Jolida
> 302A, and then response audio has done their SE mods to it ($650
> value), PLUS it has as a bonus, a high-quality Dact attenuator for a
> volume control!
>
> If you are looking for a tube amp for a reasonable price that is as
> good sounding as the ones that cost $5k or more, than this is your
> piece. To be clear - The Response Audio modified (more like hand
> rebuilt, it even has a new chassis, with wood front panel!) is much,
> much better sounding than the original Jolidas.
>
> The Jolidas are a great way to get into tube amps, but the Response
> Audio upgrade really takes the neutrality, bass extension/tightness,
> dynamics, and overall musicality to a whole 'nother level.

Regards,
Sunil.