CAKE Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I borrowed a Chinese amp a few weeks back (Yaqin MC-10L), and liked what I heard. Even with mismatched tubes (had to buy a couple locally to get it running), and out of Bias (checked it with my multimeter) but didn't have the tool to adjust, I thought it sounded pretty good. So, the other day I disconnected my QSC RMX 2450 and drove my Cornwalls straight from the HK AVR7000, but when the wife came in she said "What happened to the stereo, it sounds dull". I explained to her that I had removed the "big amp". Her first reply was "Well I think you should get one of those ugly glass amps" !!!! and then I hear "That one you borrowed looked ugly, but I think it sounded really good" So apparently I have the go ahead. Now what to do In conversations with another forum member the suggestion is Peach preamp, NOS VRD, which is probably best case. But I'm not ready to afford the $ 5,000 for amp and preamp now, so....open to suggestions and considerations Currently using HK AVR 7000 as a pre-pro which I plan to do until I build a separate 2 channel Cornwall I (new caps) LaScala (to arrive soon for future use after refurb) Medium size space (14 x 24) Very soft room (large down sofa, chair, loveseat, ottaman) Moderate listening levels _ ocassionally louder levels during entertainment We listen to good old rock-n-roll, female vocal, some hard rock, some heavy metal, some blues A few of the questions I have: EL 34 based KT 88 based (maybe added low end for the LaScala) SET Push-pull Fixed bias I have looked at some of the Chinese amps, including the Jolida, but I am looking for suggestions, or other questions I should be think about, or if someone has something for sale or trade or barter. Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhoak Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Well you mention what the budget "isn't" but you never do say what the budget actually "is"... [] I had one of these http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm#ST120 driving my La Scalas and was very VERY pleased with it. Bob Latino is great to work with and very helpful. You can get one of these as a kit and build it yourself or have Bob build it for you for a few $$ more. I ended up moving to Dynaco monoblock amps (MK-IV) and after that I finally found a vintage SS amp with a "sonic signature" that agreed with my ears. Another option might be one of the Yaqin amps. One of my neighbors has a Yaqin MC-100B running as a power amp with a Vincent Audio SA-31 preamp all driving a pair of Cornwalls and the sounds that system put are just amazing. He got the amp from a Canadian company and the preamp from Audio Advisors. VERY nice kit for not a while lot of $$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finallygotmyheresies Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I started with these http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/123245/1247520.aspx#1247520 I enjoyed them very much for about a year. Once I knew that I wanted to stay with tubes I got a Mac MC240 then a MC275 and now I have settled in with a VRD ST45. These little guys got the ball rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MechMan Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I can also vouch for the Yaqin as a bud is using one for phono and amplification. A very good cheap entry into tube while you save up for something higher up the food chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.4knee Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Scott 299B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Scott 299B http://cgi.ebay.com/SCOTT-299B-STEREO-INTEGRATED-TUBE-AMPLIFIER-AMP-299-/300565346687?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item45fb17397f The guy said he'd accept any reasonable offers. What do you all think it's worth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube fanatic Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 Sadly, many of the currently manufactured integrated tube amps do not have a balance control (the Jolida 102B being an exception, and an excellent value). Since most recordings are not balanced, and since the room response is also imbalanced, having such capability is very necessary to create a proper stereo image and soundstage. Many will disagree, but with CWs and La Scalas you don't need very much power to create huge sound levels in a room the size of yours. So, to spend a fortune on an amp which can deliver 50 or 60 wpc is a waste of money. If you choose a vintage amp, such as the Scott 299, be aware that the cost of having it restored (necessary for safe operation) can be significant; so you need to weigh the total expense against purchasing a new model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAKE Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 The budget was an ommission... opps[:|] $800 - $1200 Thanks for all the input... Let me digest this a little and get back to you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnatnoop Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 i started with a Jolida 102b also, it won't break the budget and will let you know if this is the direction you want to go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 Hang in there Ty; the difference in price is substantial. I am confident that you can make the coins with your restoration expertise the question remains about what you like. Chill, save, chill (unless a KILLER deal comes up) and when it works for you and the bride swing on down to hear tubes in a sub-standard room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAKE Posted June 12, 2011 Author Share Posted June 12, 2011 I think you are probably right, Mike. I dont "need" a tube amp, so save a look, and wait. Then I can buy once and be done. If you can only have 2 of the following 3; cheap price quick quality I will wait for a quality tube amp at the right price, heck I may find a Mac at a garage sale for $40 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tromprof Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 In my experience there are a number of good tube amps in the under $1000 range that are in no way compromises. The amp I am currently running my La Scalas is a good example. It is made in Canada, not China (not that I have anything against Chinese stuff, my best amp is Chinese) and has been performing flawlessly for the past 3 years. http://www.idealinnovations.biz/default.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.