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Re: I wanna tube! Please advise

24.2.241.146

First, what is your price range? Is there a shop near you where you could audition some tubed pieces? How about a tube linestage kit? Bottlehead's Foreplay is about as inexpensive as you will find and sounds very good. If you decide to tackle the tweaks, there are lots of things that can be done and the Bottlehead forum is very active with folks who will help you along if you run into problems.

The current budget leader in amps seems to be the WAVE AV-8 at $200/pair of pre-built mono blocks. http://www.tubehifi.com/amp/amps.html You can pick up a push-pull EL34 kit from DIY HiFi Supply (there is a link on the opening page of Audio Asylum) for under $500. I have heard nothing but good comments about their 300B kit amps. If you really want to be daring, try a low power (3 watts) Single Ended Triode kit from Bottlehead. There is a distinct difference in the sound of a direct heated SET amp and a PP amp running pentodes tubes (EL34, EL84, etc.)...you should try and experience both before deciding, if you have the opportunity.

Last but not least, if you decide to buy something used, you might try to find one here on the asylum...I don't think it's against the rules to inquire if anyone is SELLING an amp(?). Many of us have perfectly good pieces taking up space and you would be much more likely to get an amp that works well. You might be able to pick up some nice little gem for under $200. They won't be the highest quality around, but they are great for getting your feet wet. Ebay might not be the best place for someone just starting out in tubes, unless you have some electronic knowledge. Having bought a few pieces from auctions, many really need some tuning up and the labor can cost more than the amp is worth. This can be a good way to learn, if that is what you really have in mind. Many folks started out with a Dynaco ST-70 or a Fisher or Scott integrated. When running right, those pieces can deliver very satisfying sound, but even the ST-70s are going for a healthy price nowadays.

And a final word of caution: The voltages inside a piece of tube gear can kill you. It's important to understand what you are dealing with before poking around under the hood!

Hope this helps,
Tom


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