2. amps-preamps
  3. 159891-2029

Never Owned a Tube Amp and Want Advice

Hi All, 

I have never owned a tube amplifier before and am planning to purchase one with a minimum of 50 watts per channel to mate with 8 ohm 88 dbl speakers.

My hope is experienced audiogoners will share their expertise regarding how to approach this. While I realize listening is the best way to learn about sound and compatibility; I want to learn a better understanding about brands with less maintenance and longer tube life, how to decide between mono or stereo,can a newbie play with bias or is auto biasing a better first choice, etc.

I would also appreciate what to look for in selecting a used tube amp to identify one that might be in need of repair. For example, with solid state depending on the brand, capacitor replacement can be more of a concern. Any advice on what to look out for or ask about with used tube amps would be appreciated.

A big question I have is how to understand the relationship between power tubes like E34's, 120.s, etc. and, I guess the driver? tubes like 12au7's and 12at7's. That  is to ask which is more critical to the overall sound of the amp? FWIW, I routinely tube roll with my preamps.  

I 've read through a number of threads but maybe someone can point me to good ones I may have missed. 

Thanks for listening,

Dsper
dsper

Showing 4 responses by decooney

decooney
1,908 posts
 
@dsper 
A positive comment in a 2009 Absolute Sound test article, fwiw: 
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/tested-conrad-johnson-et2-preamp-lp66s-stereo-power-amplifi...
"When it comes to imaging, the LP66S evinced plenty of tube magic. Image outlines were solidly anchored within the soundstage. When partnering the ET2, it easily kept pace in this respect, giving full scope to a deep and spacious soundstage."
decooney
1,908 posts
 
+1
@pkatsuleas My suggestion would be to get yourself a good tube pre and see how you like it with your DNA 500...

@dsper
Exactly. If you like separates, try this for a while if you want to learn and appreciate the differences a little more.   Allows you to leverage your current DNA-500 on the back end for a while. Add a really nice tube preamp on the front end. Get some good input/driver tubes. Still a bit 2D sounding, but it gets you half way there and its fun to learn how half tube and full tube sounds. 

Then curiosity about full 3D tube sound sets in for some after hearing the tube preamp in the loop awhile with SS amp on the back end. At that point, start eyeballing your future tube amplifier and decent interconnect cables to go along with the all tube setup.  Doing this in steps is fun too.


decooney
1,908 posts
 

@dsper 
As you likely know very well, a McCormack DNA-500 is no slouch, quality build, big transformer, 500 watts, a capable amp - originally $7k retail as I recall.

+1 on 8ohm speaker impedance comments shared above in your favor.  

If I were in your shoes, having come from similar SS amps over multiple decades, and gone through multiple stereo tube amps, I'd recommend demoing at least equivalent cost or higher quality level tube amps compared to your DNA-500.  Otherwise you might end up disappointed and not really gain a proper perspective of the potential difference.  

Perhaps some nice mono tube amps with quality made [beefy sized] transformers that don't break a sweat [nor run hot] might grab your attention, and for your low level listening requirements.  

Many folks here can suggest a few good ones for consideration! :) 




 
decooney
1,908 posts
 
@dsper 
A nice place to start.  What brand/number tubes came with it?
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