Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Build a kit tube amp?

I'd like to get away from solid state for a bit and go the tube direction. However, many tube amps, like Jolida, ASL, etc., can get quite pricey, the cheapest of which seems to be about $500-800. My question is, is it worth trying to build my own from a kit? If so, could you recommend a good one that is reasonably priced?

I really like the warmer sound, but I just can't afford to spend two weeks salary. Maybe there are cheaper tube amps around, but I certainly haven't seen many. So, any suggestions in that department would also be appreciated.

On a side note, how many tube watts would you recommend for either the m22's or m3's?

Thanks,

Josh

2x6 is our resident tube expert.. hopefully, he will chime in here pretty quick.. from what i have seen, the tube amps can push real good with a very low wattage rating. i think i have heard guys talking about pushing good sized speakers with 10-15 watt tube amps.. i am almost positive i heard that.. ?

2x6 will correct me if i am wrong!!!

bigjohn

I dont think there are any kits that arent in the 500 dollar range for an amp. Preamp is a different story though.

You might want to look into vintage tubes, like the Dynaco ST-70. Check ebay.

sorry there haole-boy.. i forgot about ya..

i know you got some tube skills also.

forgive my oversight..

bigjohn

In your opinion, how much would just a tube preamp (with solid amp) effect sound vs. a fully integrated tube amp??

I was reading about tube amps at this site and they do start @ 600 bucks
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/et.html
I just don't understand how you can do a surround system with one because of the lack of outputs.
Can anyone educate me on how it is done with a tube amp?
Mac

I have a vision of a tubed surround processor the size of a room. That only does Dolby Surround.

YES, and creates enough heat to warm a small Inuit village!!

bigjohn

Gaaaah. I don't even want to run my receiver these days, given the heat out here. (nothing for you Texans, but I'm a wimpy Californian)

You may want to take a look at transcendent.
http://www.transcendentsound.com/preamp%20kit.htm

There got pretty good user reviews.
http://www.audioreview.com/Preamplifiers/Transcendent%20Sound/PRD_118430_1591crx.aspx

BTW, I have driving my m80ti using a custom built tube preamp (not transcendent though) and a merdian poweramp (SS). The sound is warm and sweet. If you already have a SS amp, maybe you can get a tube preamp and see if you really like the "tube" sound.

Agreed that a tube pre and SS power sounds good, this is what i run. You get the tube magic and ss oomph. Doing a home theater with the bottlehead amps, well you need a processor and then plug each one in for each seperate channel. But like i said, if you really want tube power for under 500 then vintage is probbly your only option. There are some amps cheap. ASL wave 8's for one, although they are no longer made. but also lack power. With a vintage amp theres a good chance you would want to replace the electrolytic caps and possibly other parts so you get some of that DIY in there too

Here's some "cheaper" tubes amps
http://www.norh.com/

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/archives/

2Xspd also recommended some great value tube amps in a previous thread a while back. Do a search you should find it.

With these you very well may not have to build your own. Unless ofcourse that's part of the fun for you.

Cheers, Jag

Hi
Don't know of any new kits, Dynaco had some exceptional kits years ago - they are very highly regarded and can be found on ebay. Mapleshade, my absolutely favorite cable manufacturer, offers a line of upgraded, rebuilt vintage tube amps which I've had my eye on for a while.



Here's the link:

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/tubeamps.php

Sorry 2xspd,
I didn't mean you knew of any tube amp kits but just great value tube amps, as an alternative to building.

Cheers,Jag

That's what I was thinking, Jag. My all time favorite modestly priced integrated tube amp is still the Antique Sound Labs MG S1 15DT. With upgraded tubes it is an unbelievably great sounding amp - a perfect match for a pair of M3Tis (I tried a pair of M22s and they just didn't work as well with the 5 wpc amp). If you can handle a soldering iron without setting the hair on fire, I'd grab a pair of M3Tis, junk the stock capacitor and resistor, replace the former with a Jensen paper/oil cap of the same value, or an Audiocap Theta, and the resistor with a Caddock of the same value and just kick back and let the music flow.

2x6 Spds,
Where did you buy the resister and capacitor and resitor from?
Thanks,
Lee

2x6 spds,
Please excuse my previous reply I was distracted..
Thanks,
Lee

In reply to:

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I was distracted

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by what??



bigjohn