2. amps-preamps
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Inexpensive tube amp

I'm looking for an inexpensive but yet decent quality tube amp to pair with my new Zu Omen bookshelf speakers. I've noticed that there are a lot of integrated amps out there, but I would rather and Stand alone amp to pair with my existing Preamp. The preamp is a modified Acurus unit from back in the day. However if I cannot find an inexpensive amp an integrated unit might be okay. My budget will be between 300 and $400 new or used. The source will be an old pioneer turntable. Nothing special just an inexpensive analog front end to listen to music in my small room.
last_lemming
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,488 posts
 
Anthem Amp 1 is a nice 40 watt EL34 amp that can be had for around $500....
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"zd542- I'm not sure what you mean by "gain" issues. "

Gain related noise. When you have very efficient speakers, like the ones you have, its very easy to get some noise coming from your speakers. It's kind of like a hissing sound.

As an example, I have a pair of Wilson Cubs in one of my systems. Source is a Wadia CD player going directly into a VAC 30/30. The Wadia has a volume control, but it also has dip switches internally that you can use to change the global volume. So if I have the overall gain on my Wadia too high, I get noise. When I lower the overall gain, the noise goes away. What this means for you is that you really need to try components in your system before you commit to a purchase.
metman
233 posts
 
It's a real shame and kind of sad that Jim Nichols can no longer be used as a reference, as he built some of the best tube amps around for the money
last_lemming OP
632 posts
 
Ok, just got the amp and have been listening to it for about an hour.

First impressions, compared to the Acurus Ls-11 line stage pre and the Conrad Johnson mf-2100 I think in general it's a step down so far. But I suppose $400 integrated tube amp should not be able to compare to over $2000 worth of gear. But I guess I was hoping for a bit more.

The highs are generally smooth but have this harshness to them on some level. The highs are generally rolled off. I opted for the RCA tubes 6SJ7 in the pre section and 6L6's in the amp section.

The sound stage seems a bit closed in and the air around the instruments isn't there anymore.

Now these are first impressions. Maybe once the amp breaks in a bit or I throw some different tubes at it it will open up.

Not saying it's a bad piece, just not the equal of what it replaces.

Suggestions welcome.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
That's the problem of buying tubes just for the sake of buying tubes. The sound varies quite a bit, just like with SS. If I had to guess, the issues you are having sound more like preamp, than amp related problems. Given your budget, I would try a passive preamp with your CJ. You're far more likely to get better results.
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