Expensive Tube Amplifiers
I see many $4K to over $8K amps on eBay. Who would pay this a of money. A few years ago these amps were 25% of the current cost. I can buy a 'right' vintage amp and rebuild it and likely get same quality sound at these expensive amps for about $500 including parts. The 'right' amp is with quality and larger audio transformers.
@atmasphere +1 |
After reading all the comments in this thread, I realize there are a lot of in-depth experts on tube amps here, and I really need some advice from you. I have a SS power amp and a tube preamp, but I don’t like the result. I love the transparency and true tonality I get with the DAC connected directly to the power (LUMIN LEEDH volume control), and I’d like to add a tube amp at that last stage. My speakers aren’t very efficient (88 dB/1W, 4 Ohm impedance). I listen 3.5 meters from my speakers, and my room is 26 square meters. I hear 70-75 dB (very random peaks at 82 dB). I’m fantasizing about an SE 300B, but I don’t know if it will work, and I live at the end of the world, so I can’t afford to buy and do trial and error. My budget is $4,000. I found an open-box Cayin Soul 170i (Class AB) for that price, but I don’t know if it will have the magic and holography of a Class A. I would greatly appreciate your advice... |
+1 whart I bought most of my tubes about 8 or 9 years ago, for what now seems like pennies on the dollar. In a bi-polar period, I stocked up on NOS 6922/7308, 12AU7/7316, 5R4GYS rectifiers, EL34, and KT-88 tubes. Their now worth more than any amplifier I own. I need to send them out to be tested and get test sheets, then sell what I don't need.....anyone know a reputable testing service that's reasonable? |
Hey tutunez, your speakers are not really ideal for a tube-based amp more so for a Class A type design. Unless you spring for a 845 based Tube amp, you will not be able to realize the speaker's full potential. have you considered replacing your speakers? I have heard a 300B SET amp driving Reference 3A de Cappo speakers and they sound wonderful
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Joey, You wrote, ,,,"your speakers are not really ideal for a tube-based amp more so for a Class A type design." What did you have in mind? PP tube amps can run in Class A at least at low power output, and SETs are pure Class A by definition. But if you are thinking tutunez needs an amplifier with a low output impedance to drive his low impedance, low efficiency speakers, then yes, I agree. A tube SET amp does not seem to be the best choice. |
