I was a first tube amp hunter here about three years ago, got many fine recommendations and researched them all ending up with a Decware UFO 2.1 amp, preamp not needed. Very fine amp but wait time now is up to about 2.3 years. Can be found for sale on Decware forum ads and Audiomart if focused and ready as they go fast. Since have paired with a ARC LS 25 MKII Pre and very happy, thanks GD….
First Tube amp suggestions
I am thinking of buying my first tube amplifier and really have no idea where to start. Years ago I listened to a Sophia Electric el34 amp (SET) driving a pair of Joseph Audio rm7si bookshelf speakers in a very well set up room and could not believe how sweet they sounded together for the price. (It really felt like James Taylor was in the room). I regret that I never pulled the trigger on that system and do not know what a good entry level system would be nowadays. I listen mainly to male and female folk rock and an occasional classical or jazz album (Cd's and streaming from Tidal) My current speakers are Triangle Borea BR03's -90 db but am open to swapping them out. and the listening room is 14' x 20'. There is a lot of internet chatter about low cost tube amps like the Reisong A12 and the mid priced Williston R8. Are these amps worth buying or where should I start? Thanks in advance!
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Tubes are definitely the way to go. Consider avoiding entry level tube amplifiers because as soon as you get it you’ll have an urge to upgrade. Some people are perfectly happy, but I sense you probably want more. If possible make an aggressive purchase in the mid range of the product lines you wil pursue. Room size is a good size. If I had to do it again I would pursue speakers that don’t require a lot of power so you can take advantage of lower wattage tube amplifiers, and there are many gems out there. I’m currently using 300 w mono amplifiers. |
I started my tube journey 2 years ago, having the urge Iike yourself. I purchased a used Jolida JD302B with a good set of tubes for $800, and hooked it up to my 40 year set of Cornwalls , sounded very nice The seller had this hooked up to a set of Ohm Walsh 4’s, which I had never heard of, but curiosity got the best of me… Within 6 months I bought a pair of well used Ohm Walsh 3XO’s. Since then I have had the Ohms fully factory rebuilt ( Talking to john @ Ohms was great BTW) and did some tube rolling and the sound was fantastic. I had been watching the Black Ice product emerge and grow and reached out to them for advice on which amp they would recommend for my OHM’s if I were to switch. The CEO Jerred responded and asked me to call him when I had a chance, which I did the next day. Very enlightening to say the least I now own a Black Ice F22, with a great set of Mullard KT88’s and Mullard 12ax7’s, that Jerred offered at a great $$….the Bass is well above the Jolida and he soundstage is expanded as well, and just has a “cool” look to it, black glass and black carbon fiber with glowing logos and tubes I have 45 days to decide if I want to keep it or not, which is standard for them, as well as some other mfgs. Jerred and Black Ice are passionate about their products and their customers satisfaction, as is John @ OHM speakers. How many other companies can you call and talk to the CEO,often they are the ones picking up the phone. Great affordable equipment with no BS….not going to get that from an Amazon seller Hope your journey is as fruitful as mine |
Alot of recommendations for the Black Ice amps and I don't really understand why (perhaps being US designed?). The only model in your price range is their entry level FX10 which won't have the power to properly drive your speakers. Stretching the budget and stepping up to the F11 gets you sufficient power but there are much better values at that price point. You'd also be stuck with el84 tubes. The Willsenton R8 on the other hand goes for under 1500 on Amazon, allows you to choose el34 and KT88 power tubes, is switchable between triode and ultra linear (a must for a push pull amp imo), and also weighs 60 lbs thanks to some beefy transformers. Even if you stepped up to their top integrated, the F35, you still wouldn't get the triode mode and it weights about 10lbs less, while being more then 2x the price. The R8 is a perfect choice if you are ok with "Chi-Fi". |
Self trouble-shooting skills -or- a willing local repair technician with replacement parts may be required. For awareness, quote "Bias board issues, channel issues, loud cracking issues, fixing lead dress, and grounding faults", no circuit diagrams to diagnose it’ and fix it"... Look around carefully before taking the initial low cost leap. https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/willsenton-r8-channel-issues.1168466/ https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/willsenton-r8-supplier-request.396406/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54WPA5tWyL8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dCF9_r_xgY
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