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Help me get started again. Tube amp...

I had a full on audio addiction up until about 10 years ago when my first child entered the world and my priorities changed.

Now as my kids are spending more time with their friends and in activities I find my time at home wishing I had a system to appreciate.

Luckily I still have some little Stirling Broadcast LS3/5a V2 tucked in a corner, a nice little passive preamp stored in a drawer and a sudden CD player that has been playing Disney music faithfully.

I need pair a tube amp and I may even get some Vinyl.

My first little tube amps (which I sold here and wish I still had them) were VTL tiny triodes (the late version) and then I had fun playing with all kinds of ST-70 circuits.  The VTL was better but rolling up my sleeves and redoing the ST-70s was great.

Since I have been out so long I have no clue what is what.  I could use some direction for a lower priced tube amp to get me started.

It was recommended to me to look for Audion 300B Silver Knight mono-blocks or Rogers E-20 or E-40 amps from Doug Stirling.  Finding these is perhaps not as easy in good working order and at a cost I like.

Any thoughts on how to best start up my addiction again?
portlandlay
portlandlay OP
62 posts
 
Thanks again everyone.  A lot of these choices are similar to what they were 10 years ago.  The refresher is perfect. 
portlandlay OP
62 posts
 
On the ST-70, I played with the Curio boards back in the day and that was fun.  I think an ST-70 may be what I have to do.  I really want to get a kit or rebuild even though that may not sound the best.  The ST-120 looks great and may have more of a solid bottom end.  Now bottom end and LS3/5a are kind of oxymoronish but the stirling V2 has a bit better.
Oh and I have a LS3/5a clone that I was building and have one crossover built.  I am going to need a good cabinet maker to finish those in a nice lossy cabinet.  Let the fun begin.


meiatflask  thanks for your input.  In regards to your proac mini monitors, I remember how great the reviews of them were.  I actually started this habit with some French JMLabs mini utopia speakers.  They were the incredibly dynamic.  I sold them do to size and the lovely midrange of the LS3/5a.  Having said that the LS/3/5a is a very specific and pinpoint in its beauty.  Outside of that, its rather outclassed.  But it is still fun.

I remember the Prima Luna was just getting great reviews when I dropped out…  

I realized that this hobby, brings me some joy that I miss.
hackensack
5 posts
 
I tend to agree with the Harbeth designer when he says they benefit from a healthy amount of power. Therefore, I think something like the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II is worth a look. Excellent phono section too. Made in the US and a super value. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
CJ MV-45a is a fantastic amp also.... had a pair with stacked ESL.. sublime

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