Vintage Tube Amps, I'm Lost


I want to try a few of the older vintage tube amps just for the fun of it. When I looked into them, I was overwhelmed. Dynaco ST-70, Fisher, Scott, Eico, Lafayette, Harmon Kardon Citation. OK, I want to keep it simple and try a few of these. Here are some parameters: Stereo power amp, 35-50 wpc RMS. Any recommendations you have between the list above would be helpful. Also, there are a ton of guys modifying these amps. Anyone you prefer over the other and why. If you prefer not to mention some information, then email me directly. I'd like to narrow down my choices and buy something to play with.

I thought that the Dynaco ST-70 would be a great place to start but someone told me the Fisher and Scott amps are preferred to the Dynaco amps by people who have experience with vintage tube gear.

Thanks and Happy Listening
bigkidz

Showing 1 response by elevick

Most of the EL84 based amps (fishers, scotts, eico,heath and more) are 20 watts max. many will only put out 12 to 18 watts continuous. They sound great but don't have much power. The EL34 amps will usually go 35 to 40 watts. KT66/KT88 & 6550 amps will put out decent power too-at a price.
I stay away from dynacos due to overpricing. Also, the dynakits tended to be home built. Some people did great jobs others were ????
If you find a garage sale amp for $50-go for it. I'd be weary of someone else's upgrades.
If you want to check out completely upgraded vintage gear that sounds amazing and has a warranty, check out mapleshade.com. They love to rebuild old fishers.
Also, audioclassics.com specializes in vintage amps, especially mac. You will pay a lot but will get nice quality.
Personally, if you don't have much experience here, you may want to play with inexpensive new gear first to get an idea. Antique sound labs and Jolida have some inexpensive stuff used.