avguytx

Or how about a Dared VP-80? I wasn't really leaning towards an integrated, though. But nice. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-New-Dared-VP-80-tube-PP-amp-w-phono-stage-sub-output-45wps-60lb-best-amp-/361852608382?hash=item5440189f7e:g:DEIAAOSwYIxX4D4x

Or any other recommendations for something in that price range for something new?

So what's the comparison of the Dynakit versus the VTA models? Anyone ever compared?

I sent him a PM on AK to see what's up.

Yep....that's him. I looked up his username on AK. That's him. He is in fact in Naples, FL.

Wonder how those RF-7's would sound stacked? That seller name looks familiar. May be someone on Audiokarma.

That's not a bad deal, really. Wonder why their kits are cheaper than the other VTA kits? I'd seen their site before but didn't really look too far. Ohh.,...no tubes with theirs.

I'm seriously leaning towards one of the Dynaco VTA ST-70's or ST-120 amplifier kits with tubes. It pretty much comes with everything that's needed and it will be at the max limit I could spend reasonably. Just got to decide if I "need" the ST-120's 60wpc or if the 35wpc of the ST-70 would work. It will be on CF-3's for now and, maybe one day, the Bell clones. I don't feel as comfortable with a Chinese amp as I'm not as good on running down issues with a sketchy diagram. These guys are in the US. I've also got an email in to an old buddy from my years spent as a rep for Sunfire, plus having talked to him numerous times since the late 80's at CES shows in Vegas and Chicago....Bob Carver. He's looking into some things, too. May be beyond me but never hurts to ask.

I used the 716p Orange Drop caps in mine....and in the S/C ASR-120, too. Hard to beat for the money.

There's a virgin one on ebay right now.

The more I ponder spending the money on transformers, newer tubes, etc, etc, with either of these, the more I contemplate just going with a new amp of some sort. I don't have the skills you guys have to build nor do I have the time with a mother who recently completely lost her hearing and life has changed drastically for me, my family, and mom. Plug and Play seems to be the best route for me on an amplifier. Now building speakers, that's another story....I gots those skills. ha My budget will be about $700 maybe a few ducks more. Would prefer something new. Power amp is preferred as I have a preamp that does all I need (remote volume...I like that) and I have a powerful amp when I need horsepower. So I'm thinking something like a KT88, or FU-29, or EL84, or...?? Something around 30wpc+ if that's possible. Mainly it will be ran on CF-3's for now...until I can get others built.

That's some big iron for sure.

I'm seriously considering one of these Audioromy FU29 amps. For the admission price, it's not the worst thing I've ever spent money on. http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUDIOROMY-FU29-x-2-Vacuum-Valve-Tube-Hi-end-Tube-Integrated-Amplifier-110v-230v-/290821774742?hash=item43b6541d96:m:mRAWXJH--BmNfRgr2ViN3jg Or step up a few more dollars to the KT88 amp. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Music-Angel-XDSE-KT88-x4-Class-A-Valve-Vacuum-Tube-Hi-end-Integrated-Amplifier-U-/262345215515

I guess they didn't turn out too terribly bad after a light sanding with 320 grit plus 0000 steel wool and then a good oiling with Formby's Low Gloss Tung Oil. It's almost like a mini pair of CF-3's as they have the same finish as those. ha Need to recover those grills which look to be interesting. Also need one grill emblem. Anyone have one of those? First picture is before any sanding and oil.

I've about decided to sell off my Magnavox 9304 EL84 PP as I believe it's time to get something newer. I'll keep the Stromberg 6V6 as it does sound, and look, good for what it is. Might sell it off later...who knows. I'm leaning more towards at KT88 PP where I can run either in ultra linear or triode depending on the speakers (CF-3's and the Belle bass bins, etc). Single ended can save a few dollars, though. Also thought about the Audioromy FU29 tubed amp. Love the looks of those tubes.

The mounting baffle appears to be the early days of inwall speaker mounting. 2 drivers were loose and moving around. Just bent the brackets back and re mounted. Seems ok for now.

Back when I lived in Denton, TX, I picked up a pair of original Heresy's. Raw birch. Gave $10 for those "homemade" speakers as they called them.

Was perusing around the thrift stores in town today and picked up a pair of KG 2.2's for a paltry sum of money. Should make a nice pair of garage speakers. Cabinets aren't in the best of shape and there's a small chunk out of a bottom corner but that's okay. They'll most likely be put up high somewhere. All the drivers work so that was a definite bonus. I was going to post a picture but it doesn't seem to like uploading a 1.8mb file. Also picked up 3 basic turntables...just 'cause. Not really that great but I like getting them back working decent and sell them to those getting a start back in vinyl. That and I just like tinkering. There was a B.I.C 960, MCS 6500, and Realistic Lab 400 ( this was my first turntable as a young teen...bought myself). But funot roaming around.

I use a highly updated Carver C-1 preamp in front of whatever amp I use plus each digital source has a DAC. Actually, the only source I really use anymore is my media server. I've not played an actual CD in over 2 years. I spin some vinyl once in awhile and that's why I like the C-1 with its dual phono inputs with upgraded IC's. Seems like most of the Chinese made tube amplifiers are integrated and I don't really need that...if I ever get one.

It's surprising the amount of low end they do actually have given the OPT's. They both sound pretty good on my CF-3's but could definitely have a little more. Maybe it wouldn't be as noticeable on a pair of Belle bass bins given their LF rolloff point

I know these aren't the be all-end all of tube amps but they are enjoyable for what they are. It seems the output transformers are their weak link...as they are in most console pulled tube amps. They were built and installed for a design/cost goal. But I still have two of them...the Maggie 9304-20 and the Stromberg Carlson ASR-120. I may replace the OPT's or just buy something newer and sell these two off. But I've enjoyed them for about 8 years now. For what they are. Haven't tried Dave's circuits but all caps and resistors on mine have been replaced.

In the almost 30 years I spent in home a/v retail and as a manufacturers rep, I don't recall any brand of home speakers that used a passive high pass filter on the woofer side. It's either a person has common sense with the "throttle" or they don't.

Pull the crossover out, mounted to the terminal cup, of the speaker in question. Look for any parts that just don't look right. Maybe pull the good one so you have it for comparison. The wires won't go out too terribly far unless you remove each speaker and disconnect them so the crossover can come completely out. if you do that, label the wires and make note of what went where. Could be a capacitor in the circuit that was popped.

My musical tastes are all over the charts...most all but no hip hop/rap, or top 40, or new country (I do like the older stuff and things like Jamey Johnson, etc). I do jazz, some classical, but mainly rock from 70s and 80s, some progressive rock, hair bands (I'm 50...ha), Norah Jones, Melody Gardot, Diana Kroll, Allison Krauss, lots of stuff off of Spotify, etc., and I do like to crank on occasion. I've got 400+ wpc from a Carver amp for that. But not near as often like that as I used to. Right now it's CF-3's I use but will be going full horn loaded in near future with Belle bass bins in a 3-way design of some sorts. I have two different console PP EL84 amps right now that sound quite good but I keep thinking I'm missing some good stuff and wanting more. Champagne taste on a beer budget, though, right now, as they say.

What I'm still trying to learn/understand is the difference in power ranges of tubes and types. KT88 vs EL84 vs 2A3 vs 300b and on and on. But, hell, I may not be able to hear that much difference with my tinnitus...could be a moot point. Sigh... Still doesn't seem to keep me from tinkering.