2. amps-preamps
  3. 1112928726

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
17 responses Add your response
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..!
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.
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
jb0194
476 posts
 
Just visited the RBH website. I like the combo of silk dome tweeter and aluminum woofer. Should be flexible performers for most musical genres if paired with tubes.

Good luck!
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
For the money you can't beat the Jolida 302B
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I have a Consonance M100 plus integrated, it uses 12AT7s, 6SN7s and EL34s with an active gain stage. I have rolled all the tubes, but that's necessary. My wife likes the polite sound we get from it, it is not a speed demon. It has been very reliable and powers my Von Schwieckert VR2 speakers well. The VR2 impedance curve shows no dipping below their 8 ohm nominal rating so a lot it will depend on your RBHs. An alternative is even less expensive which is Sound Quest which uses KT 88s. Check out "Quest for Sound" for either. I have no financial or any other conflict of interest.
jb0194
476 posts
 
Hi Daisho!

Bill Baker of Response Audio (www.responseaudio.com/specials.htm)
has a MingDa MC88 integrated amp for sale at $800. Unlike most so-called tube integrateds, this unit has a true active preamp stage, not just a passive volume pot. The additional gain from the active preamp stage plus 40-50W/channel output(depending on whether you use 6550, KT88 or KT90 power tubes)should be more than needed to drive your speakers to very hi volumes in the room you describe. As a new tube owner, you'll have a unit that gives you the full tube sound (pre and power amps) in a single unit that you'll not lose much money on (if any) should you later decide to move up the ladder of quality. The stock Ming Da units sonically are a real bargain for the price (I also own an Art Audio Jota 300B amp so I know how expensive tube gear compares) and look classy without the gaudy "23rd century sci-fi" (IMO) look of many other Chinese brands.

The power tube flexibility lets you try the different types later on if interested (my favorites are ElectroHarmonix KT88s and EI Type 2 KT90s).

Bill is a great guy who's there to help with any questions/issues, something impossible to guarantee if buying used from a private party.

My recommendation comes from having both bought a used amp from Bill (ASL MG15-DT) and also having him mod two Ming Da tube preamps (MC-7Rs) as well as a pair of Ming Da monoblocks (MC-805A).

The $700 you'll save from your max budgeted will buy a nice CDP or lots of music.

Best wishes whatever your decisions.
daisho OP
7 posts
 
wow, thx for all the responses and great advice friends! i will definitely check into all the brands and models that were suggested!

someone did mention i should probably avoid looking at any 'vintage' hardware at this point? are they generally harder to keep running? if so maybe a good thing someone mentioned, as i was looking at a pair of restored 'McIntosh 275's' last night that looked very attractive!

i will take a look at all the units that have been recommended, if anyone else has any input it also would be greatly appreciated! thx again all, have a wonderful weekend..!
zosima
23 posts
 
Cary monoblocks are great starter and long term tube amps.
Something along the lines of the CAD40, CAD50 would do you very well.

The Chinese are all also pretty good. Dared, Consonance, Ming Da. Prima Luna is a Chinese amp marketed for the US.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Don't consider anything with less than 40wpc in my opinion. Your speakers are not very efficient and will sound aweful on a low power amp (stay away from 2A3, 6BQ5, 7189, 300B and more).
Most entry level/lower priced amps don't have much power is the problem. Most of the suggestions above will work fine. I'd suggest something with EL34's, KT88's or? to give enough power.
Also, since it appears you are new at this, find an amp that takes easy to replace/roll tubes.
Borrow an amp first is my suggestion. I would also stay away from vintage until you know how tubes work.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
I would recommend any of the Conrad Johnson amps, period. I have used a MV52 for years and now have a Premier 11a, which is an outstanding amp and goes for around 1500 used. It is only 70 watts but it does better than a perreaux at 200 watts that I borrowed to try by far and is a lot older. No contest. Michael
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Another vote for the Primaluna. With your speakers,I might also suggest that you consider saving $250 and getting the Prologue 1 which uses EL34 tubes (which cost about 50% less than KT88's or 6550's). I have this amp - it sounds great. Its full voiced, that is its bass is surprisingly full (not as tight as SS though), warm mid-range and natural tone but not over-extended in the highs. Best of all, for someone new to tubes its idiot proof. No biasing to fiddle with, fused bias resistors eliminate problems if a tube shorts out (no trip to the repair shop) and if you want to change the tone of the original tubes, which are fairly decent by the way, rolling tubes using new production stuff (as opposed to NOS) can work quite well. I've also had mine apart for a view. This is one well built unit!
panderso
156 posts
 
I really like the ASL line from Divergent Technologies - check out their website at 'www.divertech.com' - I had the inexpensive 1001 DT integrated at home - sweet value. You might want to consider their various monoblocks too.
aroc
760 posts
 
Prima Luna, Jolida, Quicksilver, Rogue, Conrad Johnson, VTL, Manley, Cayin, ASL, AES (and Cary), Connsonance, DIY HiFi Supply, Dynaco (and other vintage toob amps) are all brands that you should consider.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
Rogue 120 monoblocks are real nice and about $1500 used. They have 120 watts...
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
Please see the review of the Prima Luna Prologue 2 that I submitted here about a month or so ago. It is an integrated tube amp and its performance is equal to, if not better than other more expensive power amps that I own. At $1345, it has me considering buying another for use in my main system.

Regards, Rich
jburidan
803 posts
 
Prima Luna Prologue II.
Jay
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
McIntosh C45
80x80
KR Audio P135 MC Pre Amplifier w/MC Phono
80x80
puresound P10