2. amps-preamps
  3. 1259257870

Recommendations for a small tube amplifier?

I have a modest office system for near-field listening that I spend a lot of time with and have been gradually evolving over the last couple of years.

I'd like your advice about a tube power amp to use with a pair of JohnBlue JB3 single-driver speakers and a NuForce Icon used as a DAC and preamp.

Preferences would be for a small footprint and the use of fairly common output tubes. I have a box full of EL34's, KT88's and 6L6 tubes I could use but would be open to other easily found tubes like EL84's.

I don't need a lot of power, the 12 watt Icon has plenty of power for the JB3's. Bass isn't a major consideration since I have the NuForce W1 subwoofer in the system.

I'd be open to building an amp from a kit, my first piece of audio gear was a Dynaco SCA-35 I built when I was 19.

One option I've looked at is the Sophia Baby but I'd like other ideas, as well. I'd like to spend $400 or less if possible.

Thanks for your help.
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Showing 1 response by mrovnak

mrovnak
4 posts
 
Sophia Baby.

I have owned about 19 amplifiers since I bought the Baby (I am not kidding, I sat down and counted the other day). The Baby absolutely stomps on so many other amplifiers, it has sent a Nelson Pass Aleph J, a PrimaLuna, a Pathos, and a RedWine Audio packing. I can't stress enough how beautiful sounding this amplifier is, I have several 300b amplifiers, and frankly the baby amp. has all of the sound but more dynamics, it really is hard to beat. Spend the money on the sophia coupling and power cap's, they are worth it. The Sophia really is one of the best bargains in audio, one of those components I bought almost out of curiosity, but I will never sell.
Tubes are not common at all of course, but Sophia still sells them for $60 a quad.
And by the way, I think the sophia is one of the best looking amplifiers out there.
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