I use both the Dynaco ST70 and ST35. The ST35 uses solid state rectification by default, but if a proper solid state rectifier that heats the plates up slower is used with the ST70, there is a very audible improvement to the bass with lower efficient speakers starting around 90db. We noticed this while using the Tannoy Cheviot’s rated at 91db efficiency. I’ve not noticed this effect with my more efficient Klipsch Heritage speakers as much, but with less efficient speakers, there’s a subtle blooming effect with the ST70 in bass. SS rectification with the 70 really improves this nicely.
Your journey with lower-watt tube amps -- Can a kit be good enough?
Looking for stories about your low-watt amp journeys.
Here's the situation: I have new speakers, 97 db. Trying them with lower watt tube amps (45/211, 300b, etc) seems generally wise. I am attempting to borrow some from audiophiles in the area.
The horizon beyond trying these things involves actually buying some. I'm looking at a budget limit of about $5k.
Curious as to folks' experience with lower-watt amp kits vs. those of good makers (e.g. Dennis Had, etc.).
If you have any thoughts about the following, I'd be interested:
Did you start out with a kit and then get dissatisfied? Why?
Did you compare kits vs. pre-made and find big differences?
Did you find you could get the equivalent level of quality in a kit for much less than the same pre-made version? How about kit vs. used?
Also: did you find there was a difference between "point to point wiring" vs. "PCB" in these various permutations?
I realize that there are good kits and bad ones, good pre-made amps and bad ones. I'm hoping you'll be comparing units which seem at comparable levels of quality and price-points.
Thanks.