butchgo
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The Dark Side rules
Posts: 570
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Post by butchgo on Aug 12, 2017 10:58:36 GMT -5
I know I am going to start a little war here but now that I have Tekton Enzo XLs in my system I am thinking about trying tube amplifiers but I know nothing about them.
I have been reading a bunch of stuff in different forums but it seems like the majority of people talk about SET amps.
I would like some opinions of some manufactures to look at that might be more in the budget minded realm.
Any recommendations?
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Post by jlafrenz on Aug 12, 2017 11:04:09 GMT -5
Take a look at Jolida. Good sounding gear at a reasonable price. You can often find used as well.
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DYohn
Emo VIPs
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Post by DYohn on Aug 12, 2017 11:30:21 GMT -5
Does Jolida make SETs?
SET amplifiers can be quite expensive. What is your budget?
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Post by 405x5 on Aug 12, 2017 11:33:44 GMT -5
I know I am going to start a little war here but now that I have Tekton Enzo XLs in my system I am thinking about trying tube amplifiers but I know nothing about them. War?? No, not at all just suggestions. Try to arrange as many tube demonstrations as possible before spending your money đŸ’°. Easier said than done, but when altering your "sound" with any component, your own ears should be the determining factor rather than being TOLD what it will sound like. Bill |
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Post by bluemeanies on Aug 12, 2017 11:55:25 GMT -5
I am not an expert.
SET amplifiers or single ended triode tube amplifiers are relatively cheap in price. You might want to check out CARY.
However I recommend tubes4hifi.com.
Mono-blocks and stereo tube ampliers in kit form or you can have them assembled at REASONABLE prices with or without tubes. Made and built in the UNITED STATES. Customer service is impeccable.
Direct contact via email or phone if needed.
I have the Bob Latino mono-blocks powering my B&W803diamonds.
I can say that your Tekton Enzo XL's can be handled easily with the ST70 stereo amplifier.
I ask that you at least check out the website. Prices are listed on the website.
There are many people who build these amplifiers for tubes4hifi and if you are thinking of doing it on your own...caveats...if you are not good at following instructions perfectly and your soldering skills are less than professional then I would recommend contacting audiobill. He is a member of this forum and has done work for Bob Latino for some time.
audiobill has a STELLAR reputation.
Highly knowledgeable, has worked with electronics for dozens of years starting with the Air Force.
You could PM him and I am sure he will get back to you and give you a short education between the differences of SET amplifiers and Push/Pull amplifiers
At least check out the website.
Good luck in your journey.
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Post by simpleman68 on Aug 12, 2017 11:55:38 GMT -5
I know I am going to start a little war here but now that I have Tekton Enzo XLs in my system I am thinking about trying tube amplifiers but I know nothing about them. I have been reading a bunch of stuff in different forums but it seems like the majority of people talk about SET amps. I would like some opinions of some manufactures to look at that might be more in the budget minded realm. Any recommendations? I'm selling my Cary stereo amp. Not a SET amp but push/pull AB with swithcable triode/ultralinear. If you're anywhere near here, you're welcome to audition this in your rig. emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/50374/speakers-amps-seaton-sub-18017Scott |
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Post by vneal on Aug 12, 2017 12:27:20 GMT -5
You want the best tube equipment?
ART
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Post by leonski on Aug 12, 2017 23:33:04 GMT -5
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Post by Boomzilla on Aug 13, 2017 3:57:50 GMT -5
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Post by brubacca on Aug 13, 2017 6:56:12 GMT -5
I always wanted to try a Decware Zen Amplifier. 2W /ch hand made. Supposedly sounds amazing with high efficiency speakers.
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Post by bluemeanies on Aug 13, 2017 7:07:55 GMT -5
Thanks Boom, A good reminder. I read your review at dawns early light at first print. I think you gave a fair well rounded review of not just the ST120 but also tubes4hifi. I just re-read it and it's as fresh as the first day of print. blue....yes I am prejudice (about my tubes) lol |
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Post by Boomzilla on Aug 13, 2017 8:27:09 GMT -5
LOL - Keep in mind that my reviews & opinions are ultimately worth every penny you're paying for them - but thanks for the kudos anyway!
Boom
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Post by Boomzilla on Aug 13, 2017 11:35:46 GMT -5
And if it's tube mono blocks the OP desires - there's always the VTA M125 amps. I've got a pair in house for review right now! Various output tube options provide various power outputs. The amps can be run with two OR four output tubes. Triode OR pentode modes are available. And if you're a DIY type and want to save LOTS of money, the amps are available as kits. www.tubes4hifi.com |
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butchgo
Emo VIPs
The Dark Side rules
Posts: 570
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Post by butchgo on Aug 13, 2017 15:24:15 GMT -5
Does Jolida make SETs? SET amplifiers can be quite expensive. What is your budget? About $1K. |
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DYohn
Emo VIPs
Posts: 18,489
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Post by DYohn on Aug 13, 2017 16:47:12 GMT -5
Does Jolida make SETs? SET amplifiers can be quite expensive. What is your budget? About $1K. Ok, so for $1K you are on the very low end of tube amplification (in my opinion anyway.) You will probably want to look at stereo amps not a mono pair at that level. I did a quick Google and see there are a few options under a grand out there, mainly Chinese designs. Look for something using 300B tubes. |
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butchgo
Emo VIPs
The Dark Side rules
Posts: 570
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Post by butchgo on Aug 13, 2017 18:35:55 GMT -5
That's what I am finding out.
I didn't realize that they were that expensive.
Maybe I'll just stay with SS amps for now.
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Post by simpleman68 on Aug 13, 2017 19:33:47 GMT -5
Maybe I'll just stay with SS amps for now. And that's cool too. Some really nice offerings out there for you to consider although some of the Dynaco amps are in your range and sound incredible in my opinion. Big snag is getting a combo that works. You don't need gobs of power and mono blocks are mostly out of the question I'm a big fan of combo. Some amps that may review well, may not sound great with your Tektons. Based on my experience I would consider Parasound for a first look. They can be very affordable on the used market and are a tremendous bang for the buck amp. If you're anywhere near me, Eastern PA, you welcome to check out my Parasound A21 (not for sale) to see if you like it in your rig. Lots of used listing for them on A-gon, HF Shark etc. that don't break the bank. Scott |
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Post by Axis on Aug 13, 2017 19:43:40 GMT -5
You can get a single Schiit Vidar solid state stereo amp for $700 along with there Saga tube preamp for $350 and get some tube sound. I hope Schiit makes some tube speaker amps for a Schiit price. Don't you just love saying Schiit.  |
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Post by leonski on Aug 13, 2017 19:48:44 GMT -5
A21 is hugely powerful for the Tektons. A23 at about 1/2 the power might work, too. However, All things NOT being equal, I'd really suggest the audition of anything from the First Watt 'branch' of the Nelson Pass empire. www.firstwatt.com/prod.htmlSome professional guidance thru the line might help. For the Tektons, if you are going to try tubes? Forget that monoblock nonsense. Try one of the rebuilds or copies of the Dynaco Stereo 70. EL34 tube outputs and 'vintage'. Some of the newer versions have Solid State rectification which eases reliability and you don't have to worry about some Crazy rectifier tube in either short supply or very expensive when you CAN get it. |
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