Two tube amps for your consideration please

I just did a Google search for “DIY audio amplifiers”, Did some other’s as well but most of these links appeared in the first search.

There was or is a maker of finish it or built up as much as you wish that was popular and presented a great value … although I can no longer recall the whole name… I believe it began with “Van…” as in German, Swiss, austrian, etc. They are a USA enterprise though.

Sorry I can’t be of more help.

So try these if you aim to get the most out of your investment budget…. Or wait a while longer, save some more and do better then.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=diy+audiophile+amps&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10

luck.

Thanks for your effort. I will do a lot of reading here!

Also consider the Jolida 801A. About the same cost and can use 6550's or KT-88's. It also has great upgrade potential.

I'd ask myself, what am I really trying to get out of this tube power amp? I don't believe that with the line up of hardware that you currently have, that surrounding any tube amp at the price point that you are comfortable with is gonna do much for you. I'd start with your cd player and pick up a Rotel 990 or 991, ....$400 bucks tops, then a good old solid state power amp, B&K 442 comes to mind, $450..... and then finally a Luxman C1000 or C 1010 Pre....... $400. When you hook up a system such as this you will get warmth and detail that you have never thought possible for the price point of 12 maybe 13 hundred bucks. It will be interesting to hear the progression of sound as you grow that system. Use the rest of your items for that surround sound system.
Any one of these items is gonna help you a lot. I'm all for tube power amps but buy one when the bucks are more plentiful.

Old texas dog,

I commented earlier on your request for Jolida 502/302 comparison. I see you are taking requests on other brands. One of the best deals out there is from a "Made in the USA" company. Cary Audio Design from NC has a budget line designed and made in the good ol' USA. Audio Electronics is made in the same facility w/ much of the same design and parts as their high end Cary line.

I have the Super Amp Mk II and it is a stunning performer and should be on your short list for consideration. Excellent build, superb customer service, and that Cary sound. I've had 3 of their products and the new Superamp is amazing. It comes stock w/ EL34 but you can roll KT66, KT77, KT88, KT90, 6550 and others w/o changing any bias resistors. They will ship it direct from their factory to your door w/o a middle man too. Yes they will be glad to take your phone calls too. Now that is service.

http://www.audioelectronicsupply.com/cgi-bin/audioelectronicsupply.com/view_services.cgi?request=detail&dept_id=2&aisle_id=21∏_num=superamp_mk2

http://www.stereomojo.com/AES%20Super%20Amp%20and%20AE-3%20preamplifier%20review/AESSuperAmpMk2andAESAE3Preampreview.htm