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Golden Tube Audio SE-40

I've been picking through the offerings of an estate sale and came across a Golden Tube Audio SE-40 power amp. I can't give it a listen as it's missing a rectifier tube and don't know if I even want to bother with the amp at all.
From what I've read so far, the amp has been known more for reliability issues than good sound. I presently use an Aragon 2004 and a Forte 44 and am wondering if this Golden Tube Amp is worthwhile.
Other pieces I have picked up from the estate are a Dynaco ST70 and a Sound Valves VTP-101 preamp, which I think are keepers.
Any opinions/experience/advice regarding Golden Tube Audio would be appreciated.
heyraz
schipo
1,268 posts
 
well yes it is worth while just to get it up and running without breaking the bank. There are many times a piece of gear can have a terrible trsck record for many and you might be the few that comes out smiling with a long time of listening...buy the tubes and crank it up.
tubeo
72 posts
 
There aren't any Rectifier Tubes in this Amp .

It is a Paralleled Single Ended Amp with 3 6L6/5881 Output Tubes per Channel and a 6SN7 Driver Tube per Channel that has an Output of 40+ Watts per Channel .

If working properly is will sound much better than a stock ST 70.

There is a nice Yahoo Group that can answer questions better than myself .
br3098
994 posts
 
The SE-40 is a good, very under-rated amp IMHO. It's got a very sweet sound, but can be a little lacking in the lower range if not paired to the right speakers.

I have two and there have been no reliability issues (so far). The guy who moderates the Yahoo group is Loc Vu, and he is the goto guru for all things GTA. He can help you with advise, parts and upgrade kits.

If it's too much like work just send the amp to me. I'll make sure that it gets disposed of properly. I'll donate it to the... Nuns. Yeah, that's right. I'll donate it to Sisters of Charitable Audio.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
I owned two of these amps. One had a small problem. I had it repaired/upgrade at a very reasonable price. These are good amps and if you are picking it up on the cheap, I would definately consider it.
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