Getting into Tube Equipment


Hey there,

I have been gradually getting into vinyl and hi-fi for a while now. I mostly listen to folk, country, and some bluesy-rock music. Examples include the Grateful Dead, Sturgill Simpson, John Denver, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

I have been forward thinking about audio equipment I would like to have in the future. The components I am most eager to upgrade are my amp and phono preamp. For the amp, I am very interested in one of the Dynaco clones people are selling like the ST-70, ST-120 or the M-125 by Bob Latino. However, my first order of business will have to be getting a phono preamp with a volume control because these amps do not have a volume control. I would like to preface, I am not independently wealthy and do not expect to be in my life. Therefore, a $12,000 stereo setup does not seem like a reasonable option for me.

Can anyone please give me direction on either getting a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS or a used EAR 834P?

Additionally, If I could get some direction on an amp, it would be useful. Right now I own the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers and I really love them. The only thing I can see upgrading to is a pair of used Harbeth Super hl5plus speakers but this would be in the more distant future. Based on what I currently have and will be using for awhile, as well as my future considerations, are any of the amps I am considering a best fit? 

-Thomas
128x128captainblackleg
I'd give the Harbeth Super hl5plus speakers a listen.  They will begin to roll off at 40Hz, but the bass will be present into the low thirties and beyond without doubling effects and port chuffing.  They will, however, require some power.  If you are dead set on going down the tube path, however, speakers like the Coincident Technology speaker recommended by a previous poster, or the Tektons, or any high efficiency horn type speaker may go better with the "gestalt" of your system.  Of course, you will be missing out on the incredible natural presentation of the Harbeths (which can be obtained at substantially less cost than you will end up paying for the tube rig).
+2 for the Rogue Cronus Magnum II integrated tub amp. I am driving a pr. of Magnapan 1.7s and it does a beautiful job. It also has a very decent phono stage. Can buy new for under $3,000.00 and sometimes find used for under 2K. Made in the USA and some of the best customer service ever...Jim
Ralph,
I've been reading your posts for a while, very insightful and much appreciated.

About 4 ohms vs 8, couple questions...

- Isn't the lower impedance floor also a key consideration in amp matching? I'm using EL4s (4 ohm port) to drive 4 ohm speakers, that according to JA at Stereophile are" 5 ohms for the entire audioband other than the region between 100 and 300Hz, where it reaches a minimum value of 3.5 ohms at 165Hz". There are some 8 ohm speakers with minimums well below 3, isn't this a significant consideration?

- My volume levels are fairly low, wouldn't material distortion only begin when you push the amp nearer to its limits.

Thanks, looking forward to your comments on this.



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Hi, there are a number of kit tube phono pre's that work very well and are fun to build.  It gives a person great satisfaction to tell others "they built it themselves".  Bottlehead  offer two alternatives at reasonable prices.  Add a passive volume control, the Dyna ST-70 amplifier you've dreamed of, and speakers you like, and together with your turntable setup you will have the system you've always wanted.  Trust your ears to help you choose the items, and you won't go wrong.  Have fun and welcome to the world of a wonderful sounding stereo.  I had a Dyna Pas3 for a few years, and although I enjoyed it, I found the Bottlehead phono pre-amps much better, and I own both models they offer.