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Help with a first tube amp Please

I am looking to buy an amp.I have never heard a tube amp but I keep reading all the rave.Right now I have a Mac1900,Sansui Tu and Au 7900 and a couple Luxman recievers, all powering speakers as Sansui SP 1200, H H Scott from 1964 and ADS and a pair of newly purchased Magnepan mg2 for 75.00, that was a deal. I have a budget of up to 1000.00 tops.I don't think I want a Ying Yang amp from Ebay and I can't buy a vintage MC 275 either.I wiould like to buy an integrated amp to start with.Well thanks for your help from Rochester,Mn.
ridemypanhead
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
Ahendler - What's the other half of the story?
They were very unhappy with Jolida so they got an XYZ and were very pleased?
They were very unhappy with Jolida and didn't find another tube amp in that price range?
I have owned 2 Jolidas and although not the best, I have always considered them good value, good amps, and something that will do very well for someone in Ridemypanhead's situation.
I can't comment on the brands Grinnell mentioned.
ridemypanhead OP
1 posts
 
What do you think about the dynaco style amps from Bob Latino or Will Vincent both assembled?
sibelius
256 posts
 
I have a Will Vincent Dynaco and really like it. It will give you a very good taste of the tube life at an affordable cost. The other nice things about the Dynaco's is that they can be biased to use several different tube types so you can roll to your hearts content. Some EL-34's will give you a nice warm sounding 35 watts. Will is also responsive via e-mail. Welcome to tube world. Once I tasted tubes I've never gone back to SS.
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
"I am looking to buy an amp.I have never heard a tube amp...”

Please, first listen to a couple of tube amps before you make an investment. Folks rave about sushi, but nobody knows if they like it until they try it. Likewise, after you’ve experienced the unique contribution to the reproduction of music that tubes can offer, then the advice of others will be worthwhile. At the least, I recommend that you listen to one modern and one vintage tube amp. Good luck.
ahendler
416 posts
 
Sebrof
One gentleman bought a used VAC 100/100 and is very happy.
The other bought a used VTL ST-85 and is enjoying that amp very much. By the way I was just reporting on the opinion of two friends and my own which again is just opinion. Many Jolida owners seem very happy with their amps
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