Another source for pre-built all things Dynaco is: GetDynaco GETDYNACO. My understanding is that Kenny Russell is the builder. I have no connection to his products, but learned about them from the You Tube channel drD E Audio who uses a Kenny Russell ST-70 and Pas-3 preamp. The combination sounds stunning with his Klipsch speakers.
Your journey with lower-watt tube amps -- Can a kit be good enough?
Looking for stories about your low-watt amp journeys.
Here's the situation: I have new speakers, 97 db. Trying them with lower watt tube amps (45/211, 300b, etc) seems generally wise. I am attempting to borrow some from audiophiles in the area.
The horizon beyond trying these things involves actually buying some. I'm looking at a budget limit of about $5k.
Curious as to folks' experience with lower-watt amp kits vs. those of good makers (e.g. Dennis Had, etc.).
If you have any thoughts about the following, I'd be interested:
Did you start out with a kit and then get dissatisfied? Why?
Did you compare kits vs. pre-made and find big differences?
Did you find you could get the equivalent level of quality in a kit for much less than the same pre-made version? How about kit vs. used?
Also: did you find there was a difference between "point to point wiring" vs. "PCB" in these various permutations?
I realize that there are good kits and bad ones, good pre-made amps and bad ones. I'm hoping you'll be comparing units which seem at comparable levels of quality and price-points.
Thanks.
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Wow! Thank you @jetter and @atmasphere for the additional comments. The thread is really becoming a resource for others, as well as for me. |
I built the Analog Ethos 2A3 Legendarium kit. Perry is very helpful and the instructions are easy to follow. Along with the instructions is a section explaining how it works. Good parts, I didn’t feel the need to upgrade anything but the coupling caps. You can download the instructions on his site. I have to say though, a James Burgess 2A3 amp sounded a bit better for just a bit more money. |
I have plenty of dynamics, no roll off at frequency extremes with my Tron 211 amplifier used with my Mhorn speakers rated at 93db. I easily get sound in the 90db+ in my 15x18 listening area. It’s all about speaker matching and how well the amplifier is built in reference to power supplies. The amplifier needs to have power reserves when needed. I have use 45, 2a3, 300b and 211 tubes in amplifiers I have owned over the years. I agree with most on the 45 and 2a3 power output that you need 98db efficiency plus speakers(I prefer 100db +). I used both of these tubes in Yamamoto and Triode Lab amplifiers with Klipsch Forted IV and that was in a larger room and was satisfied with the sound. The 45 tube is the best sounding to me but your only going to get so much volume out of it and that’s a tube that I think needs 102db or better to get the most out of it unless your in a smaller room or near field setting. PM me if you want to chat more about it. Good luck Don |
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