Looking for tube power amp suggestions

stump4545 · « **on:** 3 Mar 2010, 07:44 pm »

new to tubed power amps.

any suggestions for internet direct tube power amp companies.
looking for high value simple tube power amp for a future setup.

just not sure where to begin when it come to tubed power amps.

thanks for the help.

srb · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 08:12 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 3 Mar 2010, 08:06 pm

Audio by Van Alstine Ultravalve, with 35 watts RMS per channel.

I just had a feeling you might recommend that amp.

Made in USA, too!

Wayner · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 08:17 pm »

I couldn't help it, it's on right now and it's fun to listen to.

stump4545 · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 09:16 pm »

i still need a pre amp also correct?

lastly at 35watts per channel i think i would need some high efficiency speakers.

any id high efficient speakers i should consider?

thanks again, and yes this hobby is too addicting.

ltr317 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 09:24 pm »

Quote from: stump4545 on 3 Mar 2010, 09:16 pm

i still need a pre amp also correct?

lastly at 35watts per channel i think i would need some high efficiency speakers.

any id high efficient speakers i should consider?

thanks again, and yes this hobby is too addicting.

It might be enough power. Depends on the size of the listening room. A 35 watt tube amp in a medium size room (approx. 14x20x9) will drive a moderately efficient pair of speakers (87 db and up) to a fairly loud volume

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 09:39 pm »

Quote from: stump4545 on 3 Mar 2010, 09:16 pm

i still need a pre amp also correct?

Yes, you need a preamp. A power amp only was recommended when you used the term "tube(d) power amp" 5 times, including the topic title!

Steve

Atlplasma · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 09:53 pm »

There is a Jolida 102b integrated for sale in the Trading Post circle. That might be a good option if you have efficient speakers.

More details on budget, speakers, listening preferences would help with recommendations though.

Steve

stump4545 · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 10:46 pm »

i still need a pre amp right?

speakers under $10K

gitarretyp · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 10:59 pm »

How about a little shameless self promotion? I'm selling an amp that might interest you and is more powerful than the suggestions thus far.

starkiller · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 11:08 pm »

Niteshade also makes some nice amps, I have one that he just did and will be doing a review, eventually, once the gods have finished with scre^&&ing up my life

Bill · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 11:09 pm »

Check out Bob Latino's amps. He has a ST-70 which is half the price of the Van Alstine. Both are varying degrees of Dynaco clones.

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob

simon wagstaff · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 11:25 pm »

My AVA U70 is the finest amp I have heard. It continues to amaze me. I can't comment on the new version, I have seen them on the used market for under 800 bucks and can't be beat at that price. Best purchase I have ever made. I bought mine used for 900 bucks.

simon wagstaff · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 11:26 pm »

Oh, and I really think that there are "varying degrees of Dynaco clones" and then there is the AVA U70.

doorman · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Mar 2010, 11:30 pm »

Also, just to further complicate things--

http://www.transcendentsound.com
Don

stump4545 · « **Reply #14 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 03:24 am »

do tube power amps "always" sound better then great solid state amps?

right now i have a modwright 36.5 pre amp w/ a solid state gamut amp.

if i switch out the gamut will i hear a much different sound?

toobluvr · « **Reply #15 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 04:17 am »

Quote from: stump4545 on 4 Mar 2010, 03:24 am

do tube power amps "always" sound better then great solid state amps?

right now i have a modwright 36.5 pre amp w/ a solid state gamut amp.

if i switch out the gamut will i hear a much different sound?

Oh boy...tighten up the chin straps!

srb · « **Reply #16 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 04:19 am »

Quote from: toobluvr on 4 Mar 2010, 04:17 am

Oh boy...tighten up the chin straps!

That's just what I was thinking! I'm strapped in, it's gonna be a wild ride!

Steve

ltr317 · « **Reply #17 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 04:22 am »

Quote from: stump4545 on 4 Mar 2010, 03:24 am

do tube power amps "always" sound better then great solid state amps?

right now i have a modwright 36.5 pre amp w/ a solid state gamut amp.

if i switch out the gamut will i hear a much different sound?

Yes, to tube amp owners/lovers.
No, to solid state amp owners/lovers.
You have to listen to a tube amp to make that decision.

toobluvr · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 04:29 am »

The interesting thing is that us toobaphiles are a fairly civil and accommodating bunch in that SS lovers are accepted and treated with only gentle persuasion.

Try going over to the Bryston circle and even hinting at a tube preference, or that they might just possibly do some things better than SS. You will be smacked down with a ferocity that will make your head spin.

Get the ambulance ready!

At least that's been my experience here.

Hey...I'm so open minded that at the moment I'm listening to not one, but two SS amps in a biamp configuration.....and enjoying it! That's right ladies and germs, two SS amps! hee-hee.

woodsyi · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Mar 2010, 04:32 am »

I really think you have to consider speakers and power amps together. I just can't think of suggesting amp without knowing what kind of speakers you will be driving with the amp. Modwright pre gives me some ideas about the level of performance you want but I need more information.