2. amps-preamps
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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
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?
s23chang
619 posts
 
Getting an amp is not an issue. There are plenty of good integrated tube amps for under $200. However, finding a good high efficiency speaker for bargain price is not easy. Unless you're willing to build him a Fostex speaker or pick up a pair of old Sansui XPs from some where.
Heathkit SA-2, Pilot 240, Dyanco SC-35, Lafayette LA-224.. fisher... scott... You get the point.
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