2. amps-preamps
  3. 160876-151272

Desire to try tubes

So I am new to this have no audio contacts, and low budget it seems based on reading forum. I inherited my brothers Heresy I’s (and LP /CD collection) two years ago and started my journey. First bought a Rega P3 and Rega Fono stage running with existing 20 yo Denon 5.1. Then upgraded the Hereseys from Crites with crossovers and new tweeters (46 yo units). Months later after research and savings bought Stellar GCD and Stellar S 300 amp along with Syzygy SLF 870 sub from Underwoodwally. Nice! Next Marantz 6006 CD as transport and Underwood Emerald Physics and Core Power gold power cords and speaker cables. As able Audio Quest entry connects for all. Each move improved sound. Added a Bluesound node 2i as well only listening to Pandora though. I have no reference to options as I’ve only owned Hereseys and never heard a tube amp in a home and am very curious if a tube pre-amp would be a big plus? If I tried one could muster up to 5k. Just looking for the best sound quality I can afford.
Room is 14.6 x 14.10 x sloped ceiling 8-13’ with 5’ flat section at 13.
128x128bilyeauxbrew
fleschler
2,017 posts
 
Grover Huffman of GroverHuffman.com  He is a cable manufacturer.  I also have another Dynaco waiting for him to remodel.  His Pharoah cables are SOTA quality at hugely lower prices.  I also changed the RCAs and speaker terminals which were inexpensive from Bob's Audio http://www.tubes4hifi.com/ST70.htm  

The ST70 modified has punchy, deep bass driving 6-10" woofers.  It can also drive my Focuses which have 6-12" woofers with a lower impedance of 2.8 ohms in the bass.

For my main system, Grover took a chassis and transformers from an Altec 1569A and built 125w. monoblock, voltage regulated amps.  After hours of use, you can put your hand around the transformers they run so cool.  Unlike the EAR 890 I previously used which is Class A 70 watts and you could cook eggs on after 20 minutes.
jonandfamily's avatar
jonandfamily
123 posts
 
Audio Research VSI 60 Integrated Amp. This is the amp that "hooked" me on tubes. Since then I've moved to ARC Reference separates.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649657751-audio-research-vsi-60-integrated-amp/
drbarney1's avatar
drbarney1
179 posts
 
If you can get someone who had done it to mentor you, consider building a tube amp from a kit such as Bottlehead. Use polypropylene instead of electrolytic capacitors in the power supply so you not only will never have to replace them in the future, they have less internal resistance for better slew rate, at least for push-pull. You will be glad you did it and with guidance it is easier than you think.
rankaudio
154 posts
 
Tried many things and I have the Heresy II. Loving the new PAS-M and Stereo 120 solid state Kenny Russell made for me and I like it better than gear costing several times the price. Kenny can even make you an ST70 tube amp for a great price. His work is world class.  Amazing performance!

https://funtasticvintronics.com/collections



n2tubes
11 posts
 
Hey bilyeauxbrew, 
I have tube and solid state offerings you may want to check out. I'd be glad to talk with you about what you want and what I can do for you. Visit me here https://funtasticvintronics.com/
You can message me through my site if you have questions, we can talk on the phone too if necessary. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
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