toddc Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 Looking to get started with a tube amplifier (and pre) and would love suggestions, advice, or even sales offers. What I've got now is a pair of original Forte's (96 db sens?) that I bought new around '85 and have enjoyed much. Recently added a nice philips 963sa sacd played and it made me realize why I was never quite happy with my cd's. Now I want to finish out the smoothness with a tube amp. Old or new is okay but other than plugging in parts don't want to rebuild. Currently considering Antique Sound Labs wave AV8 monoblocks and their matching pre, totalling about $500. Thoughts, suggestions, curses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robforst1 Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 I would recommend the integrated tube amp I use now with my Heritage series Klipsch. If you buy an integrated amp (with the preamp built in), you will not need to spend extra money for a separate pre-amp. The one I own is the antique sound labs MG-SI15. It is awesome! I use mine in Single Ended Triode mode. It also has a switch to operate in Petode Mode for higher output. With the Klipsch high efficency speakers, 5 watts in SET mode is more than enough. It can get very loud with just 5 watts!!! The list price is $750. You may be able to find one at www.audiogon.com for under $500. Remarkable amp for the money... Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 When I was looking around wondering where to start with tubes, I was really glad to run across a Scott 299b that had been rebuilt by NOSValves, who is a member of this forum. He does alot of checkout for folks and has got a fine rep. If you decide to get a vintage amp, he's really good. There are some posts on this forum, that suggest that in this price range, vintage has an edge over some new stuff. Noticed a post on this forum, earlier on today, where someone wanted to sell a vintage Eico tube amp. It was quite reasonable in price, $350, I think, and it was a NOSValves rebuild, too. Sorry not to know the location of that post. Regards, Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 Check out EICO FOR SALE post just below. $375. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddc Posted May 31, 2003 Author Share Posted May 31, 2003 Thanks for the suggestion on the EICO, I'll try and go find some articles on them. Seems to be a lot of discussion here about Scott. How will the vintage gear compare in sound to the newer? How would one describe the sound differences? BTW - are the Forte's part of the heritage line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 This could go on forever... If you wanted a Scott made today it would cost $ 2000-2500 most likely. Search previous threads for Scott, Fisher, Eico and never downplay Heathkit. Certain vintage integrateds can be better voiced for different kinds of music. Some people would say an Eico is not a hard rock amp. But better for small group jazz. And so on and so on.... Read back over the past 9 months on this forum; great notes. PS Guys with Scotties rarely give them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T2K Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 I've got a Scott 222-C that I'm considering selling. Actually, I've got 2 of them. The one I use has been restored by Craig. The other one is original, as far as I can tell, but is in working condition. You could buy a Scott and have it restored for about $500. They sound great. I've got a couple wood cabinets and metal 'Leatherette' cabinets too. May sell this stuff soon. Let me know if you're interested. Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnsonhp Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 I'm listening to the 222c and have a long thread on this board about it...recommended. There is a thread running about a Scott 299b and Fortes. Mobile Homeless (kelly) pushed the Eico and wrote a lot about it on this forum. Read the MapleTree Audio Design thread on this board. Their new equipment looks attractive and in the old spirit. There was another recent thread about other vintage amps (Dynaco) that are great buys for the money. I would determine your need for phono and compare the cost of amp/pre/phono vs integrated. I've been impressed with the 222c integrated. I reading the opinions right with you...enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 Keith, I have first dibbs on a Wood cabinet I need one for a Scott 130 Preamp ! Please !! Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheltie dave Posted May 31, 2003 Share Posted May 31, 2003 Keith, I have a 299c and would be verrry interested in getting the second wood cabinet if you are willing. If Craig is not paticular, I'll take the walnut cab to match my walnut Belles Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddc Posted May 31, 2003 Author Share Posted May 31, 2003 Yeah, I've been following that other thread. When is that darn box gonna arrive at his place already? Postings from people who have forte are so rare that I was really looking forward to a review with a vintage amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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