Tube integrated amp for my son's first system.


Hi I am looking for some advice for a integrated tube amp for my 10 year old's first system. I started to build a system for him out of extra pieces I have from past systems,I put in the CDP, cables and new stereo stand but when I went to put in the integrated amp I had in storage I found out that it had some service problems. I have seen an ad today in the paper for a nice mini stereo for less than couple of hundred bucks and showed it to the wife and she shot me down saying that he was looking forward to the system I was building for him? To make a long story short I have always had a tube system as my father built me one from his old Mcintosh system so I have decided to do the same for my son. I myself have always loved tubes, and want to pass that same love onto my son. What would one look at in the 200.00 range for a integrated amp?? I want an integrated amp because it is not feasible (money wise) to get an amp and preamp. I know it is not a lot of money but I have to be reasonable too. Thanks for any ideas in advance.
Jake
jake7

Showing 1 response by mwilson

Look into Norh - they have an integrated that shows up used sometimes for $300 or so, $400 new. Also, Jolida 102b is a good option, but a stretch monetarily - it's $575 or so new, mid to high $400s used. It's the cheapest integrated from one of the lowest cost tube brands, so that's at least a point of reference (and it does have a balance control, which most below $600 won't.) $200 used for a tube integrated is, I'm afraid, quite unlikey.

ps - I have 2 pairs of the ASL Wave 8s, and they are fabulous for the money. I use them for HT in my bedroom.
You may find that a pair of these and a $100-$150 preamp is a more likely score.