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Tube integrated amp for my son's first system.

Hi I am looking for some advice for a integrated tube amp for my 10 year old's first system. I started to build a system for him out of extra pieces I have from past systems,I put in the CDP, cables and new stereo stand but when I went to put in the integrated amp I had in storage I found out that it had some service problems. I have seen an ad today in the paper for a nice mini stereo for less than couple of hundred bucks and showed it to the wife and she shot me down saying that he was looking forward to the system I was building for him? To make a long story short I have always had a tube system as my father built me one from his old Mcintosh system so I have decided to do the same for my son. I myself have always loved tubes, and want to pass that same love onto my son. What would one look at in the 200.00 range for a integrated amp?? I want an integrated amp because it is not feasible (money wise) to get an amp and preamp. I know it is not a lot of money but I have to be reasonable too. Thanks for any ideas in advance.
Jake
jake7
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,597 posts
 
Jake:

I have read about a few single source kit tube amps (-w- volume pots) over @ AA in the Tube Forum (around $135), and they may also come assembled.

Might be cool to build one of these with your son (think you would have to make a wood base, as well, which is just an open box).

One of the kits is/was available @ Parts Express/Parts Connection, something like that. Soundwise, they are said to be pretty good (probably 6-8 watts per channel).

For a killer vintage amp a Pilot 240 (generally less expensive than the 245 which has heavier iron) would be a last stop for quite some time.

I have been using mine (240) off and on for a few years now and only had to bring it up on a variac (all of the caps reformed well), but to be safe I would recap it as decent replacement caps are inexpensive if you restuff VS replace the can cap.

I think that one of the simple kits would be more fun (for both of you) though.
drrasta
224 posts
 
I like the idea of the Wave 8's. I think they're stopping production so now would be the time to buy. On Audiogon there's a hybrid Jolida 301 for $200 from jeffssoundvalues.com and a Dec Zen for $350. If you want something that will last and to do a diy project for him, look at the Ella at diycable.com for $559 + tubes.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
The Jolida 301 30w hybrid int. amp would be an excellent choice. $200 used sounds like quite a deal. (I wouldn't sell
mine that low.) Really good sounding amp.
natnic
33 posts
 
I have used a Luxman LV-1030u and a 105u A mid to late 80's Hybrid. Have had it up againt the Wave's. The wave's dont even remotly come close. They have no headroom at all and if your spearkers are less than 92Db they are sadly underpowered. Unless you want to use some large corner horns 100db + . Look for one of these on ebay , they are in the 200 range and a true killer sounding amp. One of those rare tresure's to be found.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Wow, I don't think a vintage fisher or scott would cut it for a 10 year old. They may sound great but are delicate and don't play loud. Kids will be kids and do something stupid and blow the amp.

How about a neat solid state amp and tube pre to get him started. Dynaco 120 and a pas 3? This would be much more abusable, play louder and still look vintage. You could even get him a matching tuner?
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