2. amps-preamps
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Recommendations for a small tube amplifier?

I have a modest office system for near-field listening that I spend a lot of time with and have been gradually evolving over the last couple of years.

I'd like your advice about a tube power amp to use with a pair of JohnBlue JB3 single-driver speakers and a NuForce Icon used as a DAC and preamp.

Preferences would be for a small footprint and the use of fairly common output tubes. I have a box full of EL34's, KT88's and 6L6 tubes I could use but would be open to other easily found tubes like EL84's.

I don't need a lot of power, the 12 watt Icon has plenty of power for the JB3's. Bass isn't a major consideration since I have the NuForce W1 subwoofer in the system.

I'd be open to building an amp from a kit, my first piece of audio gear was a Dynaco SCA-35 I built when I was 19.

One option I've looked at is the Sophia Baby but I'd like other ideas, as well. I'd like to spend $400 or less if possible.

Thanks for your help.
128x128sfar
onemug
784 posts
 
Sfar,

The Glow does have a volume control but I think of it more as an amp with a gain control. To me, a true integrated has several inputs because it is a combo of an amp and preamp and what preamp would just have one input for source. The Glow just has one set of inputs like an amp does, the volume control just allows someone to hook up one source, like a cd or tuner, and not have to buy a preamp. Like Armstrod, I use it as an amp and leave the volume control wide open.
sfar's avatar
sfar OP
1,758 posts
 
Thanks again for the good information, everyone.

The Almarro, Dared and the Glow amp sound like interesting options. It's true that the JohnBlue JB3's are not very efficient, the 12 watts of the Nuforce Icon seems to be just enough but a little less tube power would probably suit them fine in my office space.

They're incredible speakers, by the way, and one of the reasons for wanting to retain the Icon as a DAC and preamp is that the combination of the JB3's and the little Nuforce subwoofer is pretty remarkable.
911audio
1 posts
 
I like the small rouge products, built tough sound good and if there is ever a problem the factory is after all a short ride from nyc.
sfar's avatar
sfar OP
1,758 posts
 
911audio - thanks, yes, I had a Rogue Cronus integrated for awhile but didn't find it as nice sounding as the AES/Cary amp I had and it seemed to really push the tubes much harder, particularly the input tubes.

You're right, the service from Rogue was exemplary and I would recommend them to anyone as a great company to deal with. Is there a Rogue power amp you would recommend that's close to my budger?
vman71
218 posts
 
Get yourself a JWN tube amp. There's one on the bay right now. Easily the best small tube amp you can buy. Jim Nichols makes some great little tube amps and backs them up with great service if it should ever be needed.

I bought an amp of his, never even heard of him or heard one of his amps. All I can say is that I'm a believer!
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