@hilde45 More tubes are used for the power supply in my preamps, being both tube rectified and tube regulated- the two 12A_7 tubes do the stage amplification and buffer job. A tube rectifier is smoother than diodes as there's no diode switching occurring, and instead of using an IC-based "chip" regulator, I use gas-charged neon tubes which were used in lab equipment before solid state was invented. The 5U4GB rectifier will last a good long time (up to 5 years for the NOS tubes) as they're only being used at about 5% of their capacity. The same goes for the regulators, but regulators are a cheaper tube, so they may fail after a couple of years respectively. All of this helps provide a very organic and smooth sounding power supply, and in tube-based gear, all of this is audible as the signal rides on the high voltage supply. Typically good NOS rectifiers run $10-$15 and the OD3 regulators are about the same per pair. Best regards, Aric
Affordable US Made Tube Pre/Power or Integrated Options
I'm considering switching to tube amplification from solid state. I'm fine with separate pre/power or an integrated. I'll be driving Enzo XL's in a smallish room (17x14) and listening levels are almost always <90db so 30-40 watts should be more than enough. My budget is fairly modest, $2-3k all in. I don't need phono or more than 3 inputs but I would like remote for volume at minimum. Quality build and sound is a priority as is ease of support/repairs if needed. The one unique requirement is that my preference would be for US made if at all possible. Obviously, this limits the options quite a bit but I'd like to see if I can make it work. If not, I'm willing to look at other options.
Here's what I've found so far
Preamps:
Mapletree Line 2CRM, $800 (not US but close)
LTA MZ2- $1595
Power Amps:
Tubes4hifi ST70-35w, $1300
Audio by Van Alstine Ultravalve-35w?, $1599
Quicksilver Mid Mono-40w each, $1995/pair
Integrated:
Rogue Cronus- 100w, $2395
Any others?
I'm open to any other options you may know of. Also, if there's any insight or positive experiences with matching pre/power amp please share. I'm new to tubes so I have a lot to learn.
Here's what I've found so far
Preamps:
Mapletree Line 2CRM, $800 (not US but close)
LTA MZ2- $1595
Power Amps:
Tubes4hifi ST70-35w, $1300
Audio by Van Alstine Ultravalve-35w?, $1599
Quicksilver Mid Mono-40w each, $1995/pair
Integrated:
Rogue Cronus- 100w, $2395
Any others?
I'm open to any other options you may know of. Also, if there's any insight or positive experiences with matching pre/power amp please share. I'm new to tubes so I have a lot to learn.
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- 71 posts total
- 71 posts total