Newbie looking for first tube project. Maggie 9308 or like suggestions?

[Giarcpnw]

Hey all,

Been living in the Solid State world for a while but was quite blown away at how good a friend's console pulled Maggie 9308 sounded. Now I'm wanting to try out the other side.

Looking for suggestions on amps that are attainable semi cheaply and can be worked on. I like to tinker and mod so any that are also in that category. 12-25 watts I guess. I know you don't need much with a tube amp.

I see a ton out there and on AK but some seem either seem difficult to fix or hard to mod. Not sure what to avoid.

Thanks!

Craig

 

[gadget73]

Avoid things with no power transformers, and tube numbers that start with 35 or 50. Those will be hot chassis things that are prone to electrocute you if you aren't aware of what they are. Also, quite frankly, they tend to sound kind of awful anyway. Death by electrocution to the sound of poor music reproduction doesn't sound like a fun way to go.

 

[Giarcpnw]

I do not want to electrocute myself to a Christopher Cross song. That would be unfortunate.
I heard there were later or mid 60's "hybrid amps" that had tube and some solid state stuff mixed that are to be avoided. Who made those or how do I identify those?

C

 

[gadget73]

I know Fisher made one, but I don't recall the model number. That one is simple to ID, it has a pair of ELL80 tubes, and two long heat sinks where the transistors mount. The others I've seen pics of were similar, big heat sink for the power amp and small tubes for rest of it. Tube output sections rarely involve a heat sink.

 

[62sunbeam]

I would imagine your inbox would be ful by now with people wanting to unload their untouched tube restoration projects.

I'm sure there are a few hundred project amps in the possession of fellow AKers.

Maybe a query in BT is in order.

Good luck

Eric

PS: I might have a VOM tube amp you can have super cheap.