Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4 |
Hi folks, I'm considering a new amp and was intrigued by some of the Chinese tube models on the market. My current setup (used for near field listening at my computer mostly) : Axiom M22 v3 bookshelf speakers (93 DB, 10-200 watt) Paradigm DSP-3100 10" powered subwoofer Marantz SR3001 60w amp (low-end Home theater amp I bought cheap) iMac 27" via Toslink optical
In a 22x11x7.5 ' room, I sit in one corner with speakers at ear height next to the iMac - 3ft away, 30" apart toed in towards me, low to moderate volume.
Most of my music is rock & electronica with a smattering of acoustic guitar & bluegrass in Apple Lossless format. I especially love twangy surf & rockabilly guitar sound also, so the idea of a tube amp is appealing if you think it would be a good match. If so, what tube family ?
Brands/models to consider ?
What is acceptable Signal/Noise ratio and THD % for this music & environment ?
Which DAC & other assorted accessories ?
I'd like to keep this below $2500, but would go higher for exceptional performance.
Also, getting a headphone output off the amp would be a huge plus if SQ is very good, otherwise off the DAC or a separate HF amp.
Thank you in advance for your sage advice. Mike in CT
Last edited by B58FURY; 02/19/11 06:59 PM.
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833 |
Have you looked at Pacific Valve
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4 |
Hi Rick, Yes, I have - the Ming Da MC 34 models in 34-EL & KT-88 flavors were interesting. What about the 845 & 300B amps though ?
I've also looked at Jolida, Yaqin & the Grant Fidelity lineup - just wanted to get some end-user feedback.
Mike
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833 |
Never used one, solid state (Rotel) here.
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,236
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,236 |
I own two tube amps. Both are American made. The Chinese amps are a good value but what kind of parts did they use and how well were they manufactured.
I can wholeheartedly reccomend a Manley Stingray (used). It would be perfect. Downside is it exspensive when you buy new tubes (10 of them).
I would also reccomend a Decware Mini Torii.
The Glow Amp One is a neat little Chinese amp.
Tubes are a lot of fun.
M3 and M80
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420 |
I have heard nothing but glowing reviews for Grant Fidelity tube amps.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Mike, welcome. My(I hope)"sage advice", even if it isn't what you want to hear, is that considering spending that much money on a technologically obsolescent device such as a tube amplifier isn't a productive use of your resources. This wouldn't differ in any audibly meaningful way for "twangy surf & rockabilly guitar".
My thoughts are that you'd be better served with placing surrounds(even with your near-field setup)to more fully enjoy that music. A pair of QS4s would work very well. A more up-to-date HT receiver would also appear to be more appropriate.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 678
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 678 |
I have heard the Jolida 302B with M60s and they sound great together. I would also second the opinion on the Stingray as a fine choice as well. The Jolida can be found for $500-600 used on Audiogon or around $1,100 new (approx.). The Stingray varies from $1,100 - 1,500 used. I have not heard the Ming Da but I like the EL34 based amps in general. Rogue also makes some very nice amps.
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349 |
I have heard nothing but glowing reviews for Grant Fidelity tube amps. glowing reviews... ouch. I don't know a thing about larger tube amps, but I do love my Little Dot MKII headphone amp. I've had it for several years and I have nothing but praise for it. If you go the route of needing a dedicated headphone amp, it gets my vote. And on a personal note to the OP, I see you're new here. Welcome! Be advised that there are definitely a few camps here regarding amplification and sound quality. Some say it absolutely makes a difference, some say not at all, some say 'maybe'. We tend to keep it civil, but I'm sure you'll get a few more posts encouraging you to abandon your desire to buy a tube amp. I'm not saying you should or should not take anyone's advice, just that be prepared for a difference of opinion. But again, welcome!
M80v2 | VP150v2 | QS8v2 SVS Pci+ 20-39 Emotiva UMC-1 & LPA-1 M22ti + T-Amp, in the Office
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Re: Tube Amp advice requested
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4
newbie
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OP
newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4 |
Hi folks,
After reading stellar reviews and talking to Decware's Steve Deckert (reading his body of work and listening to his engineering philosophy have me convinced he's a genius) I ordered a Mini Torii (thanks Lampshade!). Like our beloved Axiom, he offers a 30 day trial - not to mention a lifetime warranty - all for considerably less than I was expecting to pay. So the journey continues.....onto the next post.
Mike in CT
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