absolve2525
Super Member
Looks like a heck of a deal. Has anyone tried it? Not a hybrid, according to the literature. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p...IrfSrX78YP-4tT6ojMEYWkIrdLwxW52xoCjSEQAvD_BwE
Monoprice Pure Tube Amp?
- Thread starter absolve2525
- Start date
It's kinda got to be a hybrid, at least in some sense.
There's not enough tubes, for the phono stage to be tube (it would take at least one more input tube- a phono stage needs at least one dual triode per channel, and a PP tube amp also requires one full dual triode per channel), so the phono stage has to be at least partly solid-stage.
Obviously, the Bluetooth circuitry isn't tube, either.
Cosmetically, this reminds me of the Eastern Electric stuff... but I have no idea if it's the same manufacturer building it...
Regards,
Gordon.
There's not enough tubes, for the phono stage to be tube (it would take at least one more input tube- a phono stage needs at least one dual triode per channel, and a PP tube amp also requires one full dual triode per channel), so the phono stage has to be at least partly solid-stage.
Obviously, the Bluetooth circuitry isn't tube, either.
Cosmetically, this reminds me of the Eastern Electric stuff... but I have no idea if it's the same manufacturer building it...
Regards,
Gordon.
absolve2525
Super Member
I was wondering about that too lol. I wonder if the tone controls are tube also?
Unless the tone controls are in the feedback loop for the amp- then they've probably got to be SS, too...
I can't imagine someone trying to do tone controls in a global feedback loop, any more, at this date and time. It has historically usually been akin to the proverbial trainwreck, IME...
Regards,
Gordon.
I can't imagine someone trying to do tone controls in a global feedback loop, any more, at this date and time. It has historically usually been akin to the proverbial trainwreck, IME...
Regards,
Gordon.
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
it is cosmetically identical to the infamous Nobsound -- with the addition, however, of three more vacuum tubes.
The MP amp's specifications (10 watts @ 1% HD) is more than plausible for PP EL84.
Three 6N3s in the MP gives 'em six triode sections to do... whatever... with.
The MP amp's specifications (10 watts @ 1% HD) is more than plausible for PP EL84.
Three 6N3s in the MP gives 'em six triode sections to do... whatever... with.
Ask for a schematic before buy !
absolve2525
Super Member
For example?
Not really, about base price for a prepped console amp.
A working tube amp is way better then a faked one!
As i said : "ask for schematics" first before buy.
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
Here is a low price option. Chinese sourced, of course, low powered -- but not a toy:
https://www.tubedepot.com/products/tubecube-7-stereo-vacuum-tube-amplifier
The other cost effective option, of course, is a kit.
https://www.tubedepot.com/products/tubecube-7-stereo-vacuum-tube-amplifier
The other cost effective option, of course, is a kit.
I would suspect the phono stage could be solid state - but otherwise, I quote:
The tube amplifier has seen a resurgence in recent years due to the warm, pleasing sound that only a tube amplifier can offer. The Monoprice Pure Tube Amplifier utilizes four EL84 tubes for the power output stage and three 6N3 tubes for the preamplifier stage to deliver that rich, full-bodied tube sound. This is no hybrid, with a solid state power amplifier stage here! This is a full-blown, all tube amplifier. The black panels, lighted VU meter, and the warm glow of the exposed tubes present a retro look, which enhances any home or office environment with that hint of old school styling. Featuring Bluetooth®, line-level, and phono-level inputs for maximum flexibility. This all-tube power amplifier has all the features to meet the needs of today's music enthusiasts!
The tube amplifier has seen a resurgence in recent years due to the warm, pleasing sound that only a tube amplifier can offer. The Monoprice Pure Tube Amplifier utilizes four EL84 tubes for the power output stage and three 6N3 tubes for the preamplifier stage to deliver that rich, full-bodied tube sound. This is no hybrid, with a solid state power amplifier stage here! This is a full-blown, all tube amplifier. The black panels, lighted VU meter, and the warm glow of the exposed tubes present a retro look, which enhances any home or office environment with that hint of old school styling. Featuring Bluetooth®, line-level, and phono-level inputs for maximum flexibility. This all-tube power amplifier has all the features to meet the needs of today's music enthusiasts!
Dandy
Addicted Member
Self-build with parts from a used amp, fixing up console amp (as Pio1980 says), or restoring a used amp. These options will involve looking out for a good deal of course. I have a number of push pull amps with good transformers bought cheaply in non-working condition, but now working well, e.g. Eico, Heathkit, Trio, etc.
Starting with something cheap (and thus built with low-quality components--think about it) is not a way towards good sound. YMMV.
Last edited:
Dandy
Addicted Member
Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. Let's leave this discussion and let others reply to the OP's question.
For what it's worth, I bought one and have been using it for 3 months straight. Love it's warm Feeling and sound. I have a Pioneer SX-1080, Technics SE-A70, Yamaha RX-V1050 to compare it too. It sounds as every bit warm as a tube amp should. The 10 watt output goes a long way.... I'm driving Marantz HD-880's and Pioneer HPM-100's and I can't hear any quality loss. Trying to find out if this amp is self biasing on the tubes. Any One Know ?????? Thanks..
I bought a less expensive, similar Monoprice "Tube" amp, product 13194 for $142. It was sold as, "Stereo Hybrid Tube Amp with Bluetooth®."
I pulled off the bottom plate and did some checking. The tubes I inspected were just for "decoration" -- they were not part of any active circuit. There is no way the voltages on the pins could amplify anything. If you pulled a tube out, it disabled the circuit.
In my personal opinion, it was fraudulently presented piece of junk. Caveat emptor.
The good thing is that Monoprice gave a full refund with no hassles.
I pulled off the bottom plate and did some checking. The tubes I inspected were just for "decoration" -- they were not part of any active circuit. There is no way the voltages on the pins could amplify anything. If you pulled a tube out, it disabled the circuit.
In my personal opinion, it was fraudulently presented piece of junk. Caveat emptor.
The good thing is that Monoprice gave a full refund with no hassles.
VinylHanger
Navigaret ex ironia
I'm sure there may be better out there for similar pricing, but this would be something I would buy. I don't want to build. I don't want to repair. I just want to turn it on and have it work. Bluetooth is a bonus, as I am also lazy and use my phone and Spotify more than anything else these days. I think there is a perfectly legitimate place for these types of units.
That being said, I would rather spend twice the money and find a nice vintage unit for someone else to repair and service for me.
Sheesh, this thread reminded me I have a 500C and an 800C in the attic. Maybe I should just grab those and have them repaired. Probably spend the same money.
That being said, I would rather spend twice the money and find a nice vintage unit for someone else to repair and service for me.
Sheesh, this thread reminded me I have a 500C and an 800C in the attic. Maybe I should just grab those and have them repaired. Probably spend the same money.
