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best inexpensive tube integrated

I just bought a pair of klipsch heresy speakers in mint condition for a bargin. Ive always wanted to experiment with tube amplification and I think now is the time. I know very little about them(tubes) and want to try them out at a minimum of expense. I paid 350 for the speakers and therefore would like to keep my budget below 700 for a tube integrated. I am not against used equipment. Is it worth a try or is my budget too low to jump into tubes? suggestions please!
zeekzaak
bbro
191 posts
 
If you like the magic of EL84 tubes (6BQ5) the little Jolida 102B integrated is great and can be found used occasionally here on Audigon for $350-$450.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
If you don't know tubes, I'm against vintage for you. Too much tweaking and maintenance. You easily can find a Jolida in that range. All you need is 8 watts per channel with Klipsch. 40 watts will make them scream. Another solution is a pre and power combo with the pre being tubed? I know of an AR SP2C and PSE studio IV (class A) that you could get in your price range?
apv
35 posts
 
You may want to consider another approach. I have a Sophia Electric KT and picked up a KingRex T20 and Power unit as a back up. Can be had new for under $600 new. Audiomagus is great to deal with and I think they offer a 30 home trial.
Just a thought. Great review on 6moons. To my ears it sounds pretty amajing.
Art
jb0194
476 posts
 
Consonance Ella
synthfreek's avatar
synthfreek
627 posts
 
I would look for something:
newish but used
that self-biases so you won't have to mess with the tubes
that uses KT-88 output tubes with Klipsch

I've done the EL34 & EL84 route and I think the Heresy is a little bass-shy so the KT-88 would be my first choice for more robust bass.
For $700 you might want to even consider looking at a cheaper integrated that might use 34's or 84's and think about adding a small $300 sub into the mix. Just be sure the integrated has either a sub out or 2 outs.
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