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
listener111
26 posts
 
I currently have Musical paradise MP-301 MK3 and definitely it's one of the best kept secret - reason being you can get it for $400, it's integrated so you will not need preamp, I have used other amps like NAD, Odyssey and few other SS amps currently I have are coincident mono blocks and even though they are better definitely not by not by the margin you are paying for those, Musical paradise is the one amp I will always keep, so much value for the Money and it's really musical.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Thank you for all the suggestions. I'm looking into all of them.

zd542- I'm not sure what you mean by "gain" issues.

Both amps work. However the CJ sounds better to my ears if only a little darker.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
I've decided to try the Music Paradise MP-301 MK3. Seems like a safe bet for my first venture into tubes. I'll keep this thread posted.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,098 posts
 
Anthem Amp 1 is a nice 40 watt EL34 amp that can be had for around $500....
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"zd542- I'm not sure what you mean by "gain" issues. "

Gain related noise. When you have very efficient speakers, like the ones you have, its very easy to get some noise coming from your speakers. It's kind of like a hissing sound.

As an example, I have a pair of Wilson Cubs in one of my systems. Source is a Wadia CD player going directly into a VAC 30/30. The Wadia has a volume control, but it also has dip switches internally that you can use to change the global volume. So if I have the overall gain on my Wadia too high, I get noise. When I lower the overall gain, the noise goes away. What this means for you is that you really need to try components in your system before you commit to a purchase.
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