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Looking for a starter tube amp for $500 to $750.


Forte Too

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Hi everybody -

I am looking to experiment in tube amps. I have never had one and want to try one out. I am on a small budget $500 to $750. My current set up is a MA6500, MVP841 and a MR7084 paired to Forte II's. I just want to try something new. I have been pondering a MA-225, but they are out of my range currently. Any ideas out there? Thanks. I look forward to reading what ya'll think!

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I can whoheartedly recommend the Glow Amp One. I think alot of people ignore this amp because it's really small, and chinese. I use it with my Heresy IIs and quite enjoy it (it also was my first forray into the world of tubes). It sells for $650. http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

You can also read this review for another little chinese wonder, though I haven't heard it myself, it might be a great option: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/miniwatt/miniwatt.html

dna

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  • 4 weeks later...





  • Seriously
    consider low-cost, refurbished tube amplifiers from fellow forum poster
    Craig, at NOSvalves.com. Refurbishing one will take time, yet it will cost
    less about a grand. The result however, will be as almost as good as most mega-buck
    integrated amplifiers, solid-state or tube.
  • I know
    from experience that Cayin, Antique Sound Labs and Bottlehead tube amplifiers
    are quite good


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There is a guy in Canada who builds a nice little integrated amp. around NOS Philips-ECG (Sylvania) 6AV5GA tubes for $699.00. I bought one last year and am using it to run a second pair of speakers. When I first got it I hooked it up to my k-horns was very impressed. A little light on the bass but very clean and natural sounding, also very quiet. The amp can also be customized when ordering.

Good luck!

http://www.idealinnovations.biz/elite-models.htm

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IMO the perfect starter amp (to experience the tube sound) is a Dynaco SCA-35. Easy to maintain if needed. The 6BQ5 tube is one hella of a tube.

Ditto on a 6bq5 amp. A jolida sj-101 or 102, or an old refurbed magnavox- all great sounding and inexpensive amps.

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