• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Where to start?

Woodcarver

Woodcarver

New Member
Howdy. I'm looking to put together my first tube setup, but I want to keep it relatively simple, as I've always used solid state and I'm new to tubes. I'm sure there's a good thread on starting recommendations, but I can't seem to locate it at the moment.

Anyway, here's what I want to run... an integrated tube amp driving two Energy Connoisseur C-4s. Hooking up a turntable with a MM cart (don't have any MCs at the moment) and a TEAC CD player to it, and that's it. I'll also need a good phono preamp since my current set-ups are all vintage receivers with phono stages. I assume I should use a tube phono preamp?

Not looking to spend outrageous amounts of money for my first tube set up and I'm open to vintage, new, etc. Just looking for good, warm sound in a small room, not a ton of power needed with my room size and speakers. Any recommendations are appreciated... see a lot of those Chinese integrated tube amps on eBay and know nothing about them. I've also heard good things about the Scott amps...

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
Subscribe to AK. Go to Barter Town. Buy a vintage integrated or receiver that a tubeaholic has reconditioned and needs to sell to fund his next binge...I mean project. Be happy.

Scott, Fisher, Heathkit, Harmon Kardon, Dynaco.....no matter, any of them will let you know if tubes are for you.
 
If you already know how to use a soldering iron safely, you can salvage decent amps from old electric organs, consoles, old phonographs- or even bring an old console back to life. Keep a sharp eye out for estate sales and yard sales. Sometimes these can yield "diamonds in the rough".

This can save you a great deal of money. If on the other hand you have never felt the tingle of a Bvoltage rail on your fingers or arm and think a soldering iron is a golf club- probably follow the advice in the previous post.
 
Thanks for the tips... I can solder, but I'm not an artist yet. Sounds like I might be better off looking at an old Scott or Dynaco, etc. than opting for a new Chinese integrated off ebay then.
 
Two words; Sher Wood. Well one word I guess, but Sherwood made some real sleepers, that still fly somewhat under the radar. If you like very clear, dynamic amps, Sherwood can fill the bill. If you want a tubey sounding amp, try a Fisher. IMHO of course.
 
WC, why do you want a tube amp? I like them and have built a number, owned some vintage and so on, I also have owned a number of speakers, each different but good. I also like Transistor Amps for the low end, it's the lacking of low end believability with tubes and mid to high frequency audio realism that makes this system the best that I've heard to date.
KjMcD
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom