Getting into Tube Equipment

Ralph,
I've been reading your posts for a while, very insightful and much appreciated.

About 4 ohms vs 8, couple questions...

- Isn't the lower impedance floor also a key consideration in amp matching? I'm using EL4s (4 ohm port) to drive 4 ohm speakers, that according to JA at Stereophile are" 5 ohms for the entire audioband other than the region between 100 and 300Hz, where it reaches a minimum value of 3.5 ohms at 165Hz". There are some 8 ohm speakers with minimums well below 3, isn't this a significant consideration?

- My volume levels are fairly low, wouldn't material distortion only begin when you push the amp nearer to its limits.

Thanks, looking forward to your comments on this.

Hi, there are a number of kit tube phono pre's that work very well and are fun to build.  It gives a person great satisfaction to tell others "they built it themselves".  Bottlehead  offer two alternatives at reasonable prices.  Add a passive volume control, the Dyna ST-70 amplifier you've dreamed of, and speakers you like, and together with your turntable setup you will have the system you've always wanted.  Trust your ears to help you choose the items, and you won't go wrong.  Have fun and welcome to the world of a wonderful sounding stereo.  I had a Dyna Pas3 for a few years, and although I enjoyed it, I found the Bottlehead phono pre-amps much better, and I own both models they offer.

Great discussion, especially the Dynaco stuff . In my youth I had a pair of Dynaco MK III’s powering my JBL Century 100’s . Home built SS pre amp with tone controls . Garrard 40B with Audio Technica cartridge followed by a Pioneer PL -117 . It was fun . Home built cables and stock power cords . My how things have changed . Currently running a Dennis Had Inspire . I have a huge stash of tubes. SED EL 34’s and KT 6550’s, NOS GEC KT66’s and KT88’s . NOS Tungsol 6550’s too . New Gold Lion , Psvane Ti and Tungsol Kt120’s . I also have a big selection of 6922 drivers and rectifier tubes . I run NOS Telefunkens and Seimens in my preamp. Currently powering Zu Omens . Have Heresy II’s And JBL 4312’s and bookshelf’s in the closet . I’m one of those weird people that prefers KT’s over EL34’s. And I definitely prefer Telefunken over Mullard driver tubes . However the FX1 and rectifier Mullard’s are the Bomb ! Saving up for a NOS WE 422a. Everybody’s taste varies . If you have the right speakers you’ll enjoy low power , if not go 60-100 wpc . My Dynaco SCA-35 and FM3 were sweet as a kid , but no match for today’s stuff. I’m considering Mr Latinos 120’s , or a Rogue Stereo 100 in order to use my JBL’s again . Good luck to you . Everybody here has enjoyed a “ Good Experience “ albeit slightly different . YMMV but your satisfaction will be great ! Best wishes and happy hunting, Mike B.

@buellrider97 "I definitely prefer Telefunken over Mullard driver tubes . However the FX1 and rectifier Mullard’s are the Bomb !"
You have an excellent ear and excellent taste, Mike.  Another pair of MKIIIs, or MKIIs or MKIVs would make some great music, and bring you a lot of happiness