|   Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | agorena
May 28, 2002 7:55 AM | | Recently replaced my adcom ss gear for an Outlaw 1050 and 5.1 speaker setup for family entertainment purposes.
I'd now like to get a tube amp for two channel stereo listening. My budget is $300 - $500 and would like to buy something used to get me started. I would only use one source input, a cd player, so would like just an amp with volume control, no preamp.
I'll be shopping audiogon, ebay and audio classifieds over the next couple of months and wanted to get some ideas on particular equipment that I might find in this price range. I've read some good things about the Decware Zen, and this unit seems to be a good entry level tube amp.
Any suggestions on other equipment to look for would be appreciated. Thanks! |
| re: Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | Paul L
May 28, 2002 9:54 AM | | What speakers you are using?
Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc. |
| re: Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | agorena
May 28, 2002 10:18 AM | | Using Ascend Acoustics cmb-170s in my 5.1, probably not the best for tubes. Rated 89bd, 4ohms. |
| re: Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | Paul L
May 28, 2002 7:47 PM | | Are you building a separate system or want to use the Ascend for the tube system as well? If you are building a separate system, you can use Axiom M3Ti or M22Ti with ASL SI15DT-S. The SI15DT-S has switching mode between pentode and triode which like have two amp in one package. One thing, don't expect the bass authority as your SS amp.
Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc. |
| re: Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | agorena
May 29, 2002 6:33 AM | | Initially, I would probably use the Ascends for the tube.
Also, I'm don't think whatever tube amp I buy for now will be a keeper for the next twenty years. Its just something to try and if I like the qualities, then look to upgrading to a more substantive tube system when the kids get a little older. I would probably get more efficient speakers at that point as well.
A couple of other names that come up in my search are the old Dynaco ST-70's - there seem to be alot of these around in various stages of condition, usually around $300+/-. Bottleheads, usually over $500. Also both of these don't have volume controls and I was hoping to plug my cd player straight in like the Decware..... so some type of pre may be neccessary. Heathkit, very inexpensive, but you probably get what you pay for.... And Antique Sound Labs, but it seems their lower end stuff doesn't get good reviews....
If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. |
| re: Yet another newbie seeks some equipment advice | Paul L
May 29, 2002 11:44 AM | | Just curious why you think the lower end ASL does not get good reviews? The Wave 8 monoblock has been proved very popular. You can go to harmonicdiscord or audioasylum tube asylum to do a search. There are plenty of info. The second cheapest is the MGSI15DT-S that I mentioned also got rave review by Listener mag and positive customer satisfaction in harmonicdiscord and AA.
If you are good in recon, some of those older units are good value.
Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc. |
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