opinions: Dodd Audio 8 watt tube amp??

Jeffr1966 · « **on:** 20 Aug 2009, 05:58 pm »

I figured I would post this here before another circle as GR Research and Dodd seem to be a popular coupling.

Anyone know much about the little Dodd 8 watt tube amp?? I do not think it ever really had a name. Looking for opinions on sound, ability to drive acoustic suspension speakers of 87db efficiency, 8 ohm nom/10 ohm max/7 ohm min

Also, I BELIEVE Dodd amps are warrantied for life to the original owner similar to Decware .. anyone know if this carries to subsequent owners???

thanks!

Carl V · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Aug 2009, 06:08 pm »

no idea about warranty.....
the el-84 amp sounded great
driving AV-1. Criterion & the Focal based monitor.

CharleyW · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Aug 2009, 10:12 pm »

The one I heard was a 5687 o/p, 12AX7 i/p, driving Danny's pair of Alpha LS.

It's hard to say where the greatness was in that matchup, but, the system sounded absolutely spectacular.

Danny Richie · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 01:13 am »

You do realize that Gary just launched an all new batter powered tube amp don't you?

It's a 15 watt per channel, stereo amp that runs on 12 volts.

It is unbelievable!

It's clean. It has great resolution. It's dynamic. It is not soft in the top or the bottom either. It has good drive and sounds like it has 50 watts or so on hand. And best of all, it is dead quiet. Like Art said, it is as quiet as a solid state amp, that's not turned on.

Oh yea, and they are $995 a piece. Then again, that might be the best part too.

S Clark · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 01:28 am »

Yep. I've heard it and it does things I haven't heard before-- in a very good way.

ronpod · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:13 am »

Bet the Dodd 8 watt or the battery powered 15 watt would sound wonderful driving the V-1s! Can anyone testify?

Ron.

gld · « **Reply #6 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:14 am »

The very first production unit is finished. It does not have an engraved front plate yet. These things turned out very good, very well built like all my stuff. I am definitely proud of this one. The intro price of $995 is crazy cheap for this baby!! Use any 12 volt battery you want and play away! Here are a few pics of the first unit.

If you want to know more about check out my new website, you can read all about it there. I will take orders now.
Gary

gld · « **Reply #7 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:15 am »

Hey Ron this baby will sound wonderful on most any speaker!!!!

Gary

ronpod · « **Reply #8 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:34 am »

Gary, that is a beautifully conceived and executed piece of art!

EDS_ · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:36 am »

Quote from: gld on 21 Aug 2009, 02:14 am

The very first production unit is finished. It does not have an engraved front plate yet. These things turned out very good, very well built like all my stuff. I am definitely proud of this one. The intro price of $995 is crazy cheap for this baby!! Use any 12 volt battery you want and play away! Here are a few pics of the first unit.

If you want to know more about check out my new website, you can read all about it there. I will take orders now.
Gary

Gary do you have one of these babies on hand in Garland?

I'm super tempted. If I bought one without a Dodd faceplate would you get one to me at some point?

bpape · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:45 am »

Is that gonna be at RMAF? Love to hear it

Bryan

Danny Richie · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:57 am »

Quote

Bet the Dodd 8 watt or the battery powered 15 watt would sound wonderful driving the V-1s! Can anyone testify?

Yep, I sure have. Un-freaking-believable!

So good in fact that it is making me start all over with my system.

See my old gear for sale here: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstube&1253476745&item

gld · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 02:57 am »

I do have this one in the pics. I will have real engraved faceplates as soon as I can get a few cut. It didn't make any sense to have just 1 engraved.
This amp will be at RMAF along with 2 other new battery products all built on basically the same small chassis as this amp. In the pics it looks big, but it's only 9" wide and 8" deep and 4" tall. It weighs 15 pounds. IT IS AWSOME!!!

Gary

rajacat · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 03:37 am »

Looks great!

I really like your innovative approach to creating new products. Battery powered tube amp!! You're operating on the cutting edge.

Congratulations.!

-Roy

stevecuss · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 05:37 pm »

Gary,

you are amazing. I went to RMAF last year (will go again this year) and your tube amps in Danny's room were stunning to behold. The 15 watter looks fantastic.

Steve

arthurs · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 05:44 pm »

Looking sweet Gary! Are you bringing the proto to the GTG at my place next weekend?

P.S. Did you get the tubes I sent you?

acresm22 · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 07:13 pm »

Gary, I recall an earlier thread where someone said you rebuilt an Eico amp to stunning effect, and were thinking of marketing it as a continuing Dodd product. Is this the amp that rose from those Eico ashes?
Love this thing!

playntheblues · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 08:55 pm »

Hey Gary can those amp's be bridged mono and if so what would the wattage be then?
Thanks, Guy

Danny Richie · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 09:04 pm »

Actually I do have Gary building me mon-block versions. They are then rated at 30 watts each.

playntheblues · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Aug 2009, 09:11 pm »