2. amps-preamps
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pls recommend some "entry level" tube amp options?

hi again friends, as noted in my other threads i am obviously very new to the audio scene, and am realizing that i am in over my head, and have a lot of reading and research ahead before even owning some tube amplifiers.

was just hoping someone could perhaps give me some good suggestions, brand/manufacturer-wise, that are appropriate for someone looking to get into tube amplification systems? i'm budgeting myself at nowhere more than $1500 USD for these first amps, keeping in mind that i might move up to higher-priced options in the near future after 'wetting my appetite' w/ these initial units... was hoping to go w/ a pair of monoblocks so would be especially in any more suggestions along those lines for potential first-buyer models, but any input for models or brands that would be good for me would be greatly appreciated, i am eager to get an order in as my new speakers are arriving next week.

just for reference for any who might be kind enough to suggest some actual models that might , the loudspeakers in question are detailed below, and the application of these speakers and amps will be in my home office... the room in question is 13ft by 18ft (measured tonight!), and the speakers will be arranged on the longest wall, w/ my computer desk centered. speakers will be placed 1.5m-2m from listening position (my chair).

while i do listen to all kinds of music (from classical to rap, and everything in between) i will not be expecting any very high volumes from whatever amplifiers i go w/ initially, so if you could please keep in mind when suggesting amplifiers... i'd rather have quieter and better quality sound than lower quality but high volume! i will not need a preamplifier w/ this setup, i will be using balanced analog output from a computer system (Octane2), i've been trying to avoid 'integrated' options as i look at amplifiers.

here are my loudspeaker specifications..:

RBH Sound 61-SE bookshelf loudspeakers (http://www.rbhsound.com/61se.shtml)

Frequency Response: 45Hz-20kHz (+3dB)
Sensitivity: 87dB (2.83V @ 1 Meter)
Power Handling: 150 Watts
Drive Units: (1) 6 1/2" Aluminum Woofer, (1) 1" Silk Dome Tweeter
Tweeter Protection: Yes
Crossover Frequency: 2700Hz
Crossover: 12dB/Octave
Impedance: 8 Ohms

thx in advance for any recommendations for a "first-time buyer" like myself, i know i'll be breaking down in holding off purchasing something at random as it gets closer to my loudpseaker delivery late next week... i cant wait to be enjoying tube audio soon, i only got a taste of the wonderful sound recently for the first time and cant wait to enjoy it here at home where i spend a good 10 hours a day in.

thanks again for the friendly advice and feedback i have had here in these fora from everyone, much appreciated and nice to find on the internet these days in faceless forum. cheeers all..!
daisho
szutinglee
91 posts
 
i recommend trying jadis and canary gear. i am a happy owner of jadis amps and have been very impressed by canary amps.
some entry level jadis and canary gear:
1. jadis orchestra integrated amp
2. canary ca608 integrated amp
good luck and have fun!
scottie
tonnesen
137 posts
 
For used amps you might want to check out the Golden Tube Audio SE-40. These were designed as 40w stereo (which might be enough for your room and system) and they were frequently bridged to make an 80w monoblock. Some of the later products might have reliability problems, and the company eventually went bankrupt. But mine, which I bought used, have worked perfectly for several years. You can occaisonally find them here on audiogon for about $450, or $900 for a pair of monoblocks. They are a great, inexpensive introduction to tubes. There was a topic on GTA here recently, and these is also a yahoo group which has more info on these amps.
daisho OP
7 posts
 
alright friends... just wanted to thank all for the input and responses in this thread, lots of great information and suggestions that were very helpful and enlightening as i tried to choose my first tube amp.

what i ended up purchasing in the end to get acquainted w/ the tube scene is the Almarro A318a integrated amplifier... even though my custom-ordered RBHsound loudspeakers have not arrived yet, i couldn't wait and plugged the A318a into a pair of Linn 'Katans' bookshelf speakers "liberated" from my home theatre setup, w/ cheap 16 AWG speaker cabling. i fired up the system for the first time last night, and all i could say was...

OMFG.

the music is just pouring out of the Katans like liquid, and i have found myself unable to walk away from the system, i keep wanting to hear song after song... as i said before, i am a total 'newbler' when it comes to audio equipment, and listening to the luscious and warm sound produced has just left me speechless. i'm most certainly hooked, and cant wait for mt RBHsound 61-SE's to arrive which are much more sensitive that my Katans (only 85dB sensitivity) so i am expecting even more from the system as i get it laid out properly...

after reading many good reviews about the Almarro A318a i am not dissapointed w/ the purchase at all, the aesthetics of the unit are just gorgeous (especially w/in my japanese-style home office) and the warm and enveloping sound just has me nailed to the floor as i am more and more impressed w/ the output.

my next step is to choose some reasonable speaker cabling for the final setup, i am planning on going w/ a heavy gauge copper wire for the aluminum woofers in the 61-SE's, and a silver wire to drive the silk-dome tweeters, from what i've heard so far it seem things can only get better from here forward!

just wanted to give my sincere thanks to all who so kindly offered input and suggestions as i wandered in these fora totally clueless, your help has been greatly appreciated. thx again my friends, wonderful day to all..!
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