Simple, small footprint tube preamp ?

atmasphere9,154 posts02-15-2021 10:26amWe started 'making' one recently. Actually I built it to be a small amp for my bedroom system. It make 5 watts per channel.

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I really like your approach, cute little unit. Your getting 5-8 watts with 3 12AX7s and they don't run out of gas like a SET... That is cool.. My biggest complaint about SET, they sound great until they don't.
 If you keep turning them up.. I continue to loose more and more interest..

Single ended is ok, BUT I'm still a push pull guy. Some I like a LOT more than others and inherently, run cooler..

Compliance and heat are the issue for sure with SET.. If your gonna sell the stuff, anyways.. 

What about a cool dozen for the driver valves..  15-20 watts? Be a looker for sure, SR71 stuff... Desk top V24? :-) Now I got an Idea.

A 5U4 and OA3 valve (glow tube) for a quieter ride yet? Might have to do that twice, but I bet with a 12 pack of 12AT, X, Y, Z or 12BHs, Things could get lively.  I think I would like the look and idea V12 or 24. Be nice to be able to bias lower for a lower valve count, like Cary does. Great idea. Can run 2, 4, or 6 valves per rail, just by re-bias. Maybe in quads.
50.00 - 100.00 quads are quite plentiful. 3 sets of quads per side.. or just 1 set with a re-bios. Sure look cool!..

Wow volcano mouth, eruption!!! Clear the joint out...:-)

Regards

@ atmasphere, are you saying I should use you amp as a preamp?
@ oldhvymec, I apologize for my ignorance, but you lost me.
I may not have made myself very clear. I should have said, I am inquiring about the really small, and cheap tube preamps like sold on Amazon under $100. These pretty much fit in your hand almost. I'm wondering if there is anything like these, only truly well made with quality parts? They are perfect for a laptop system, in size. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087CLCQZN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_K9C1VTPWTCHKJZ46A5FN?_encoding=UTF8&...

Hi, flaxxer.
Check out the Schiit Saga+ as mlsstl suggested.
atmasphere and hvy are simply having a friendly side chat.

Check out a Conrad-Johnson PV10 B pre amp.  It fits your criteria.

I’m a proud owner of an Audio Note system, and today I bought a Musical Paradise tube amp for 450 dollars as a back up amp. Bought NOS tubes on eBay and Upscale Audio for a total of 680 dollars. I’m pretty exited as a sound engineer told me two days ago it was fantastic.