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My first Tube Amplifier

I have a 40 years of audio history starting with Garrard Turntable, Fisher Intergrated(SS), ADS bookself speaker on 1978.

But I started using tube amplifier on 1999.

Since then I had been using only tube amplifier in my main system.

My last SS main amplifier was Krell KSA 150 to drive Apogee Duetta Signature speakers.


http://www.jadis-electronics.com/photos/ja500/45/3/ja500.jpg

My first tube amplifier was Jadis 500 which comprised of 4 pieces weighing 120 lb each.

B&W 801 driven by Jadis 500 gave most deep and powerful bass at my home.

But it generated too much heat so it was hard to use during summer.

It was memorable experience to use it for 4 years.

I may not go back to such monster tube amplifier again.



How about you?

What is your first tube amplifier?



I bet two cents on no one had used larger one as the first tube amplifier than mine.


shkong78
lowtubes
136 posts
 
Just to mention, I own the Threshold SA/3, very nice amp, very pure and musical. Never had a Marantz tube amp but I own an original Marantz 7 and the phonostage is awesome. Use it in one of my setups and I have a K&K phonostage in my other system. I agree with someone’s post here about the 6550/KT88 tube, once your ears get accustom to EL34’s, 300b’s, and other great power tubes, can’t listen to 6550’s any longer. 
genez
220 posts
 
My first tube amplifier was a *used* MC275.  Today a classic. It was a trade in..  I used to sell audio and was also able to secure with a salesman's accommodation a new Luxman tube amp.  Back then they were not well known. No one knew about burning in equipment back then, and the AC quality was raw.  So, the Luxman was given a quick listen and sold, as the MC275 remained the head rooster. 
The MC275 was impressive with KEF 104ab's. Tube amps did not have good bass control. Their damping factor was weak,. It was years before I liked certain solid state. Yet,finally one Class D amp gave me a certain quality that reminded me of the MC275, but with superb bass control.  Now, its a tube preamp, but Class D amp.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78 OP
1,485 posts
 
@lowtubes

Many new issue KT88 tend to sound unrefined compared with El 34.

But there are also good KT88 like Golden Lions.

New issue Tungsol 120 has overall good sound.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78 OP
1,485 posts
 
@genez

These days sound quality of some Class D amp got improved significantly.

But it is unlikely that SQ of Class D amp will  surpass that of tube amp.

Tube amp have strength in warmth and roundness of timber.


maurice1937's avatar
maurice1937
36 posts
 
First tube amp .... build from kit ... GEC 912+ Used to drive their Metal cone speakers with Periphonic tweeter housed in Octagonal shaped cabinets. 

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