2. amps-preamps
  3. 1415933330

Inexpensive tube amp

I'm looking for an inexpensive but yet decent quality tube amp to pair with my new Zu Omen bookshelf speakers. I've noticed that there are a lot of integrated amps out there, but I would rather and Stand alone amp to pair with my existing Preamp. The preamp is a modified Acurus unit from back in the day. However if I cannot find an inexpensive amp an integrated unit might be okay. My budget will be between 300 and $400 new or used. The source will be an old pioneer turntable. Nothing special just an inexpensive analog front end to listen to music in my small room.
last_lemming
brauser
526 posts
 
Look on E-Bay for 'tube amp' and you'll find a number of items in your price range. Most are Chinese imports, but my limited experience with these types of products is that most sound pretty good as long as they are not pushed too hard.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
I can probably stretch my budget to around 500 or so. This is more of an experiment than need for an amp. I'm using an Vincet hybrid amp now and I have an old mf100 Conrad Johnson I can try as well. Another thought I'm having is a tube preamp with SS amp.

While not apples to apples this is what I'm using on my main rig with my Thiel speakers. There I run a BAT pre with a Parasound A21 amp with good results.
grinnell
1,110 posts
 
nice used vista audio 500-700

some of the cheap chinese stuff scares me. It looks like no CQ on the units.

good used Decware unit? Grommes PHI-26 used
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,661 posts
 
Run a WWW search of the "Musical Paradise MP-301 MK3" single ended tube integrated amplifier ($339 plus shipping).

Looks interesting (to me) and reviews are quite positive.

To use it as a power amp turn its volume pot to maximum and just run your Acurus through one of the MP's line inputs.

Would also be interesting to try the phono section (only) of your Acurus by running it via "record/tape" out through one of the MP's line inputs.

Considering it to simplify the Bottlehead (separates) system I've been using for the past 12 years.

Anyway, a taste of SE tubes for $400/new and it should be fine with Zu's in a small room.
manoterror
216 posts
 
I agree that tubes in the preamp stage, with solid state for power, is the best combo. I use the Roth MC4 in my office for this setup.

Having said that, if you really want tubes in the amp stage, check out the Dared VP-300B SET tube monblocks on eBay. Six Moons loved them, and they should work well with the ZUs. I owned a Dared integrated, and it was really well built. Worth a look.

Mot
More to discover