The Dared MP-5 is an altogether fabulous little amp. I've never heard anything that can touch it for the money. It has all of the timbral truth and dimensionality typical of tubes but with reasonable extension in the bass and treble. Bass dynamics are very good for an amp this size. It is not weak or wooly as long as it is matched with suitably efficient, easy to drive speakers and is not asked to broadcast high SPLs into large spaces.
Recommendations for a small tube amplifier?
I have a modest office system for near-field listening that I spend a lot of time with and have been gradually evolving over the last couple of years.
I'd like your advice about a tube power amp to use with a pair of JohnBlue JB3 single-driver speakers and a NuForce Icon used as a DAC and preamp.
Preferences would be for a small footprint and the use of fairly common output tubes. I have a box full of EL34's, KT88's and 6L6 tubes I could use but would be open to other easily found tubes like EL84's.
I don't need a lot of power, the 12 watt Icon has plenty of power for the JB3's. Bass isn't a major consideration since I have the NuForce W1 subwoofer in the system.
I'd be open to building an amp from a kit, my first piece of audio gear was a Dynaco SCA-35 I built when I was 19.
One option I've looked at is the Sophia Baby but I'd like other ideas, as well. I'd like to spend $400 or less if possible.
Thanks for your help.
I'd like your advice about a tube power amp to use with a pair of JohnBlue JB3 single-driver speakers and a NuForce Icon used as a DAC and preamp.
Preferences would be for a small footprint and the use of fairly common output tubes. I have a box full of EL34's, KT88's and 6L6 tubes I could use but would be open to other easily found tubes like EL84's.
I don't need a lot of power, the 12 watt Icon has plenty of power for the JB3's. Bass isn't a major consideration since I have the NuForce W1 subwoofer in the system.
I'd be open to building an amp from a kit, my first piece of audio gear was a Dynaco SCA-35 I built when I was 19.
One option I've looked at is the Sophia Baby but I'd like other ideas, as well. I'd like to spend $400 or less if possible.
Thanks for your help.