"...At this point, he really wants to experiment with tube amplifiers...He feels that he can stretch his budget much farther when buying used equipment, and I concur.."
For a first timer into tubes, I recommend buying a fresh new unit. Let him be the one that gets all the cream out of the new gear. Tube equipment gets hot and that ages all the components after time, best to be the first owner especially if you are new to tube gear. That will maximize his enjoyment. IMHO.
For a first timer into tubes, I recommend buying a fresh new unit. Let him be the one that gets all the cream out of the new gear. Tube equipment gets hot and that ages all the components after time, best to be the first owner especially if you are new to tube gear. That will maximize his enjoyment. IMHO.