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Need A 10-30 watt Tube Power Amp, Lower Heat Output, Which Sounds Great, Under $1500 Used

I am in need of a mid-spring to mid-autumn power amp. This is for my office system that gets a LOT of use and is therefore very important, in terms of sound quality. I have been using a great SET amp, but the 845's it's based around simply heat up the smaller room space too much during warmer weather, even when running central air. I've been in the tube audio game a long time, though, and know there are amps with designs and tubes that run far cooler and wouldn't present the room heating issues. 

I pondered something solid state, but there simply isn't much in the power range, which is also within my price range. Also, I would want an amp with at least some tube-like sound qualities, which makes it even more difficult. In a perfect world, something like a First Watt F7 would be ideal, but its twice my budget, used. 

10 watts would do it, but anything up to 50, or so would be fine, of course. It will be powering Omega, single driver speakers of 94.5 sensitivity and be paired with a Zesto Leto preamp. 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

nightfall
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 

I would definitely go vintage + restoration (or "modern" vintage, like maybe the Latino amps) at that price & power range. Your only other option would be Chinese amps, which are not made to last. Amps in this class often use 6L6GC / KT66, EL84, or EL34, all of which have beautiful tone and "tube" qualities. 

Dynaco, Heathkit, Eico. The only thing I dislike about vintage tube amps is the crusty old RCA's and output screw terminals - ugh. You can fix that in a restore, too. I've used Heathkit W4, W5, and Eico EF-87 to much pleasure. The Eico had rather small soundstage, but such a lush sweet tone. 

Many of these old amps are cathode bias which makes tube rolling easier, but the downside is a bit more heat and lower power - BUT at these power levels it's still going to be cooler than an 845 or 80+ Watt tube amps.

qjm101
109 posts
 

There is a NOS Sophia Electric Baby (original version) currently available on the Sophia Electric web site for $1500.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,623 posts
 

I have an original version baby amp.  Nice and surprisingly powerful for a 10 lb amp.  I'd give the Decware SE84UFO quite the higher performance rating over the baby and just as powerful although the decware is rated much lower in watts.

 

For that price, or even $500 less, I should list my baby.

Jerry

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,888 posts
 

Lab 12 Mighty might be just right.   

gotog
135 posts
 

Have Kenny Russell at GETDYNACO build you an ST35. He does great work and the amp sounds beautiful.

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