+1 on PrimaLuna PL5 find em used for 800-1000..Autobias too.
Budget Tube Amp (newbie)
I'm new to tube amps. I need some advice as to a good budget tube amp with good bass that will push my large Advent speakers. Please keep in mind that I don't know anything about tube amps and don't want to pull the trigger until I can get some advice. I'm new to the Forum. Many thanks from an old guy.
Best regards,
Rob
Best regards,
Rob
67 responses Add your response
Upscale Audio has some nice used tube integrateds. https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/amplifiers-specials Ditto The Music Room https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/ Also US Audio Mart - Tube Integrateds https://www.usaudiomart.com/search.php?keywords=&cat_id=55&price_min=&price_max=&typ... I have a PrimaLuna PL5 power amp which drives my 84db/W Spicas to almost as loud as I ever want I also have a pair of tubes4hifi M-125. Their amp kits are great value and lovely sounding amps, but I wish I'd built them myself. HOWEVER, we I you, I would first investigate upgrading the crossover caps in the Advents. |
Though I think a good ss amp would be better for the Advents, if you insist on a tube one, and you're patient, you can get yourself a much better amp than a Dynaco Stereo 70, for around the same price. I've had a stock ST70, a modified one (ala Frank Van Alstine), and now have what I recommend you look for instead: a Music Reference RM-10 Mk.2. Same power as the ST70 (35w/ch into 8 ohms, from a pair of EL84's per channel), but better designed, better built (hard-wired point-to-point, state-of-the-art transformers), and better sounding. Occasionally available second hand for $1200-$1500. |
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There's a Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated on the classifieds right now listed for $1175. You could make an offer. With 100 watts this will have zero issues giving you enough power. No affiliation. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9hiee-rogue-audio-cronus-magnum-integrated-amplifier-silver-tube |
Okay well it takes precisely zero electrical knowledge to build a Dynaco. I would know, having built an ST400 as a teenager who was pretty sure electricity travels through wires. An old refurbished Dynaco would be one candidate. Another would be a Melody integrated, which is what I have now, no longer made but reliable and probably under $1k if you can find one. Aside from specific amps, some general info it will help to keep in mind. Solid state watts are not equal to tube watts. Two different tube amps, 50-60 watts, drove my speakers just as well as a McCormack DNA-1 which is 150 solid state watts. Everyone focuses on the tubes, when the reality of tube amps is a lot of the sound quality you get comes from the transformers. So if you find one you really like don't be put off by the tubes it runs, but go by the sound quality. That said, KT88 tubes tend to be really neutral and smooth, 6550 are a little less smooth, and EL34 have about as good a midrange as you will ever find. All of these can have really good bass, and extended treble too, it just depends on the amp design and transformer. So between the high power you don't need and the high price you don't want this means you should be looking at integrated tube amps 50-60 watts or so. You do not need more power. You do not want separates. There are a lot of really great integrateds ranging from about $5k for a new Prima Luna (outstanding if you can swing it) down to whatever you can find, say something like this- https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9hf6f-jas-bravo-2-3-integrated-tube-amplifier-tube Which might seem not enough power but probably will be fine and sounds like a pretty sweet little amp for the money. |
I have the Large Advents (circa 1975) rebuilt. And am currently using a vintage Yamaha CR 1020 receiver which is rated @ 70wpc. Along with my Dual 1229 turntable puts out plenty of volume. As to answer your question regarding "why"? Well, I have always liked the pure, warm, sound that my friend's Dynaco ST- 70. However, didn't have the electrical savvy to build my own. |