Jake:
I have read about a few single source kit tube amps (-w- volume pots) over @ AA in the Tube Forum (around $135), and they may also come assembled.
Might be cool to build one of these with your son (think you would have to make a wood base, as well, which is just an open box).
One of the kits is/was available @ Parts Express/Parts Connection, something like that. Soundwise, they are said to be pretty good (probably 6-8 watts per channel).
For a killer vintage amp a Pilot 240 (generally less expensive than the 245 which has heavier iron) would be a last stop for quite some time.
I have been using mine (240) off and on for a few years now and only had to bring it up on a variac (all of the caps reformed well), but to be safe I would recap it as decent replacement caps are inexpensive if you restuff VS replace the can cap.
I think that one of the simple kits would be more fun (for both of you) though.
I have read about a few single source kit tube amps (-w- volume pots) over @ AA in the Tube Forum (around $135), and they may also come assembled.
Might be cool to build one of these with your son (think you would have to make a wood base, as well, which is just an open box).
One of the kits is/was available @ Parts Express/Parts Connection, something like that. Soundwise, they are said to be pretty good (probably 6-8 watts per channel).
For a killer vintage amp a Pilot 240 (generally less expensive than the 245 which has heavier iron) would be a last stop for quite some time.
I have been using mine (240) off and on for a few years now and only had to bring it up on a variac (all of the caps reformed well), but to be safe I would recap it as decent replacement caps are inexpensive if you restuff VS replace the can cap.
I think that one of the simple kits would be more fun (for both of you) though.