Professor.Ham.Slap Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 The more and more I think about it, the more I want to get a tube amp for my Cornwalls. The problem is, being a college student I can't exactly jump for a high end Mcintosh because the cash flow isn't quite up to that level yet. Is there any type of at least decent tube amp that would run around $200-$300 on the used market? Or any other suggestions you guys may have? I apologise, but I know nothing about tubes at this point. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T_Shomaker Posted June 14, 2004 Share Posted June 14, 2004 You could get a scott but you wouldn't be able to get it rebuilt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor.Ham.Slap Posted June 14, 2004 Author Share Posted June 14, 2004 ---------------- On 6/14/2004 11:46:53 PM T_Shomaker wrote: You could get a scott but you wouldn't be able to get it rebuilt. ---------------- It's funny you mention that because that was sort of one of my concerns... If I get a tube amp on the used market, will it really need to be rebuilt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T_Shomaker Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 If you don't get it rebuilt you should probably not leave the room while it is on. It won't sound as good as a rebuilt one or be as safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor.Ham.Slap Posted June 15, 2004 Author Share Posted June 15, 2004 ---------------- On 6/15/2004 12:04:48 AM T_Shomaker wrote: If you don't get it rebuilt you should probably not leave the room while it is on. It won't sound as good as a rebuilt one or be as safe. ---------------- Blast... well if that's the case I probably can't afford to do that right off the bat, so I may just hold off on it then until I can get a better job... anyone else have some opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capacitive reactance Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Check ebay for a Scott 222 or 222B, they usually sell for under $200, as do the 200 and 200B. These will need to be rebuilt because they are over forty years old. Also check for 80's Luxman integrated amplifiers. You can usually pick one up for under $300, and it shouldn't need a rebuild, it is a more recently made amplifier with reliable parts. There are several other "less popular" brands like Voice of Music, Sherwood, Lafayette, and Knight that usually sell cheap. These are all quality products, just less popular than your mainstream Scotts and Fishers. These all need rebuilds, but the components are cheap. Eico HF-81, Scott 299-D, Fisher X-101, Dyna 70 would be prime choices, but they sell for more. Xc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Personally I'd try and eBay an HK 430-930 twin powered receiver. Lots of people around here will tell you that they are the best bang for the buck on Heritage. Supposed to sound really nice. And if you go this route you will be able to use the unspent money from your budget to begin saving for your first tube amp. Ask around about the HK twin powered receivers. They are very well received. Good luck with whatever you decide! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible Nectar Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Another option would be to obtain a suitable unit at a garage or estate sale (good time of year for this), then put the leftover $$$ into the rebuild. There's plenty of info on specific models suitable for this on the forum. Look for the following suggested brands/vintages (Scott, McIntosh, Fisher, Dynaco, Eico). Otherwise, if you can double your budget, many, many options are available. $500-600 will get you a suitable unit with the rebuild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiob Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 You may want to check out Dared amps, they seem to be very cheap, I just orded one myself. Check Audiogon and search Dared, I too want to step into tube as cheaply as possible, at first, of course, good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Agreed. At that price point you need to search through the affordable Chinese options. Dared appears to be a good option here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 There is a Scott 222C on AudioClassics.com for $49, it has some rust and is missing some tubes but perhaps could be pieced together in the price range that you are shooting for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 The 222C mentioned above could be a great option and they can get a "safe to run" type rebuild for within your budget. The missing tubes could strain your budget. I would call and ask just how many tubes are missing and of coarse the actual condition of the amp. If there all gone it will cost $100 just for tubes. I'd buy the amp just for parts so let me know if your going to pass on it and I'll call and snap it up. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Ditto on vintage solid-state harmon/kardon receivers, NOT just the twin powered ones, great sound on big ole horns for solid-state, but still NOT tube magic; also consider Rocking With Antique Sound Lab's $99 Wave 8 Monoblock Amplifiers, now more powerful and expensive, but still wonderful sounding with big ole horns and cheap. See: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/archives/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 ---------------- On 6/14/2004 11:44:57 PM Professor.Ham.Slap wrote: The more and more I think about it, the more I want to get a tube amp for my Cornwalls. The problem is, being a college student I can't exactly jump for a high end Mcintosh because the cash flow isn't quite up to that level yet. Is there any type of at least decent tube amp that would run around $200-$300 on the used market? Or any other suggestions you guys may have? I apologise, but I know nothing about tubes at this point. Thanks. ---------------- My first tube amp was a Decware Zen. Not the most powerful amp around, but if you're room is on the small side it would give you a great intro into tubes. You can sometimes find one for about $300 on Audiogon. Not to mention you could easily sell it for what you paid. IF not for the lack of power in my rather large room, I'd still have one or two of the little buggers. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 ---------------- On 6/14/2004 11:44:57 PM Professor.Ham.Slap wrote: The more and more I think about it, the more I want to get a tube amp for my Cornwalls. The problem is, being a college student I can't exactly jump for a high end Mcintosh because the cash flow isn't quite up to that level yet. Is there any type of at least decent tube amp that would run around $200-$300 on the used market? Or any other suggestions you guys may have? I apologise, but I know nothing about tubes at this point. Thanks. ---------------- The oft overlooked Dynaco SCA 35, 17WPC, integrated amp is well within your price range. Most work very well with just a minimum cleaning of the controls, have a phono stage, multiple inputs, tone controls, and will return the investment when upgrade time comes along just for the transformers. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Professor, Whatever you do, do not get a Zen tube amp. One-watt amps are useless for reproducing music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 How would you know, you've never heard a 1 watt amp before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 I've heard a few that had, maybe, 1W of useable output. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 That's true, you did hear the QUADs didn't you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 ---------------- On 6/15/2004 10:10:28 AM paulparrot wrote: Professor, Whatever you do, do not get a Zen tube amp. One-watt amps are useless for reproducing music. ---------------- Sorry Paul, at the risk of arousing your vitriol, gotta disagree here. In all honesty, the sound reproduced by my Zen amp was as good or better than just about anything I've heard or had since (Cary, Scott, Fisher, McIntosh and various other tubed gear). However, it was underpowered. My room at the time was about 20'x30' with a 12' ceiling. The Zen definitely ran out of steam at levels over moderately loud. But, up until then it was very nice indeed. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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