Exploring budget tube amp options...

neekomax · « **on:** 8 Sep 2011, 02:06 am »

Thinking of trying a tube amp in my system, looking for some ideas.

Currently I have a Peachtree Audio Decco DAC/pre feeding a solid state Acurus DIA 100 watt amp, which powers the coaxial mid/tweeter drivers of my Soundfield Audio Monitor 1s. The subwoofer drivers in those speakers are driven by onboard 300wpc BASH amps, so the tube amp's bass control/output would not come into play (I don't believe).

The speakers aren't very sensitive (about 87 db), but I don't listen particularly loudly, so I suppose I could do low wattage...

What might you recommend under $800?

kip_ · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 02:41 am »

How about a used Onix SP3? Stock, they have great tonality, are very musical, and neutral. They respond well to tube rolling, and can be found for around $500. They drive my 85db speakers fine in a small (11x14) room.

neekomax · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 02:55 am »

Quote from: kip_ on 8 Sep 2011, 02:41 am

How about a used Onix SP3? Stock, they have great tonality, are very musical, and neutral. They respond well to tube rolling, and can be found for around $500. They drive my 85db speakers fine in a small (11x14) room.

Hmmm, looks interesting (and heavy

). Decent power for a tube amp. Do you run a preamp into it, or go straight in? Would you consider it to have a more neutral sound than a lower watt SET amp?

kip_ · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 03:14 am »

Quote from: neekomax on 8 Sep 2011, 02:55 am

Hmmm, looks interesting (and heavy ). Decent power for a tube amp. Do you run a preamp into it, or go straight in? Would you consider it to have a more neutral sound than a lower watt SET amp?

I've never really heard a SET. I run straight from the my computer to a USB DAC to the SP3, and I control the volume with the computer. I would say that the SP3 doesn't really have a typical "warm" sound in the sense of rolled off highs. To me it sounds like a very smooth, fleshed out solid state amp. You can certainly flavor it that way, if that's what you want though.

neekomax · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 03:48 am »

Hmmm... thanks for the recommendation, Kip.

InfernoSTi · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 04:11 am »

Folks (including me) love their Bottlehead Stereomour 2A3 amps. The price is right but at 3.5 watts, I'm concerned about enough gain. Most folks listen at less than 90db the majority of the time, right? If you don't need it rocking (that is when you hook up the SS), you can really enjoy a great amp!

John

SET Man · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 04:18 am »

Hey!

neekomax, I have seen some of your previous posts here and look like your system is changing fast.

I would assume that you are still exploring what is out there in this so called "Hi-end" world of audio. But I think going deeper I feel that you are still looking for what you like, value in sound reproduction and what hit your spot.

Anyway, I think before you spend your hard earn $ you should try your best to go out and hear all different systems out there and see what tickle you.

Here on AC there are many audiophiles from all over the world so I'm pretty sure that there will be one or more near you. And I'm pretty sure they will be happy to let you hear their system. Where are you located?

As for tube amp. I would avoid those bargain priced ones on eBay and etc. As for your speaker... sensitivity is only part of the equation, 87dB is not bad and if the impedance stay pretty flat across the the band than is would be even better because it will be easy to drive. I think something like 30-40 wpc minimum should be just fine for you in small to medium room at sane SPL.

And with your budget I would be looking for one in used market first.

BTW... SET amp, a good one with right speaker can sound very neutral and feel more natural than other type of tube amps

But I doubt that it will work well with your speaker though

Take care,
Buddy

bunnyma357 · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 04:44 am »

I've got both an Onix/Melody SP-3 and a Yaqin MC-10L, both are nice inexpensive integrateds with decent power. I think the Onix/Melody is built better and sounds a little more refined.

I've also found a relatively inexpensive combo of tubes that gives me a sound I love without having to go overboard on expensive NOS tubes.

Jim C

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 12:06 pm »

I have a Quicksilver GLA and it truly is a Great Little Amp. 40 watts/side using EL34s. You can find them used for under $600 usually, though they are fairly rare on the used market. Will also run 6L6, 6CA7, 6550, KT66, KT77 and KT88 for your rolling pleasure. The best match with my speakers is the Genelex KT66 with this amp. Another option would be Quicksilver Mini-mites. I haven't spent nearly as much time with them though.

ebag4 · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:00 pm »

Quote from: InfernoSTi on 8 Sep 2011, 04:11 am

Folks (including me) love their Bottlehead Stereomour 2A3 amps. The price is right but at 3.5 watts, I'm concerned about enough gain. Most folks listen at less than 90db the majority of the time, right? If you don't need it rocking (that is when you hook up the SS), you can really enjoy a great amp!

John

Loving my Stereomour 2a3, best amp I have owned, excels at low volume level dynamics! Unfortunately it is likely not enough power to drive your 87dB coaxes even if they are relieved of bass playback by the built in sub.

I have owned the SP3 mentioned above as well as a Jolida 102B (EL84 PP integrated), I did not own these amps at the same time but I can tell you that I felt the Jolida was much more musical than the SP3. The Jolida has a spec'd output of 22(?) watts I believe and can be found used in the $500-$600 range fairly easily. I really enjoyed my time with the Jolida.

Best,
Ed

kip_ · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:16 pm »

Quote from: ebag4 on 8 Sep 2011, 05:00 pm

I have owned the SP3 mentioned above as well as a Jolida 102B (EL84 PP integrated), I did not own these amps at the same time but I can tell you that I felt the Jolida was much more musical than the SP3. The Jolida has a spec'd output of 22(?) watts I believe and can be found used in the $500-$600 range fairly easily. I really enjoyed my time with the Jolida.

Best,
Ed

If 15 watts per channel is enough, then this amp gets very good reviews indeed (it benches at only 15wpc)

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0500/jolida102b.htm

neekomax · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:22 pm »

Yes, I think the Jolida might be a good choice. Enough wattage for late night sessions...

The fact that I could get a new one for about $650 is a plus in my book.

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:24 pm »

There is a Music Reference RM-10 on audiogon for $750 shipped. That sure is one fine amp!

neekomax · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:32 pm »

Quote from: Ericus Rex on 8 Sep 2011, 05:24 pm

There is a Music Reference RM-10 on audiogon for $750 shipped. That sure is one fine amp!

Help a brother out with a link?

wgscott · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:42 pm »

I heard one of these at the Cali audio show and was shocked:

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

neekomax · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 05:51 pm »

Quote from: wgscott on 8 Sep 2011, 05:42 pm

I heard one of these at the Cali audio show and was shocked:

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

When did you hear it? I know there are now three different iterations of that amp, wondering which you heard. What did you like about it? I can get a B stock (DAC not working) for $450 of the 09/10 version.

nature boy · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 06:39 pm »

Another option, if you need a bit more power, is the Sophia Baby. These can be purchased inexpensively on Agon and are easily modified.

NB

putz · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 07:27 pm »

Used Jolida 302B and 502B amps are also in your price range and have more power. I have the 502B which uses KT88/6550 tubes and the 302B uses EL34 tubes.

The KT88 tube has more power and the EL34 tube is supposed to sound nice on quieter types of music (female vocals, etc.). I went with the 502B because I mostly listen to Rock music.

Both are Integrated amps so you can also swap the preamp tubes for "better" results. A lot of the used Jolidas for sale already have upgraded tubes in them, so keep an eye out for that.

My Salk Songtowers are 88db and the 502B has plenty of power for them at high volume.

wgscott · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 08:42 pm »

Quote from: neekomax on 8 Sep 2011, 05:51 pm

When did you hear it?

I guess it was about two months ago.

Quote

I know there are now three different iterations of that amp, wondering which you heard. What did you like about it? I can get a B stock (DAC not working) for $450 of the 09/10 version.

The DAC is a low point (16 bit), so if you don't need it, that would seem to be an advantage.

It was driving a pair of huge speakers some custom designer from southern california made, and I was stunned that he would pick this little amp. I guess it shows off how efficient the speakers are, but it also sounded far better than it had any right to.

PDR · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Sep 2011, 08:44 pm »

I was lucky enough to hear one of these a few weeks ago in my own system.

I have one arriving on Saturday....thats how much I liked it.

Cant beat the price for $625, the workmanship is beautiful.

Its replacing a GF A-88 (Yaqin MC-100b)

Same sort of set up as yours, the amp drives the PAudio Coax on my GR V-1s

http://www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=67&zenid=2ba380065314037e0a156e3da4c4706d