I've got an Yaqin MC13S I really enjoy, but it also has 12AX7s for drivers. Also somewhat under your budget.
Unfortunately no building skills but it is a good idea. Obviously Dynaco ST70 is a strong contender here. Any other options? Mullard 520? Marantz clone?
Damn I wish I could solder....and other skills necessary to make an amp.
I believe the Triode Electronics version of the Dynaco st70 uses 12au7 in the front end. I built one a long time ago but they are still making parts and replacement circuit boards for the st70. So, you might check it out and pick up a used st70 and replace the cb with a trioded one.Looking to get a basic el 34 amp. 12au7 drivers ( because I have a bunch of those tubes, lol ) etc. Suggestions?? Looking for Tubey goodness here. Under $1000 used.
Look up tube amps by Primaluna. They use those exact tubes and it sounds aboslutely wonderfulLooking to get a basic el 34 amp. 12au7 drivers ( because I have a bunch of those tubes, lol ) etc. Suggestions?? Looking for Tubey goodness here. Under $1000 used.
I didn't hear much difference in the rolling of the AU7s as compared to the AX7s. I still use a phono pre for my analog chain, and a tube pre for my digital. All seems to sound good to me. I'm sure I'm not doing things "right", but that's never concerned me.I had a MC10L that I really liked. That would possibly fit the bill. Can you bypass the preamp section? I dont want an integrated really. The MC10L was my first tube amp and really did love that thing. I read in a review that the 12AU7s made the most sonic difference in the 13s...Hmmm.
Look up tube amps by Primaluna. They use those exact tubes and it sounds aboslutely wonderful
You will never find a finer tube amp. Kevin Deal IS THE tube guy. Make sure you check out all the Primaluna amp by upscale audio.I have never heard one but they look like they'd be pretty impressive:
https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collec...ducts/primaluna-prologue-four-power-amplifier
Some of the Dynaco devotees maintain that the older original 'cloth covered wires transformers sound better than ones with plastic insulated wires. This is not something that i have looked into but is a reason some buyers look to get the older manufactured ST70.So it seems like a Dynaco will fit the bill.I am assuming that I should buy one of the newer ones and not a reconditioned original. Any ideas on that?
Caution here, this is a high voltage amplifier , on the order of 425v. A mistake can be costly (and scary). i would get a reconditioned one. Plenty of good, refurbished Dyna's out there still, after all, it was the most popular power amp. ever sold. approx 600,000 pcs in 19 years.If you can find one at a nice price that needs reconditioning that would be a good learning project for you (and again soldering is super easy as you just heat it till it melts and flows and then let cool) as there are lot's of different ways to upgrade or restore it! Plus much support as they are popular! May save big $ this way also!