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
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Well granted this was an experiment, but one that was suppose to compliment Zu bookshelf speakers that by most accounts crave tube amplification.

This is my secondary rig so it allows to me experiment to some degree with too much risk.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
The Musical Paradise gets rave reviews both pro and owner. I'd tube roll.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
I've read that the rca's I have are pretty good in this pre. I'm gonna try some Genelex Golden Lion KT88's to see what they do for me. They are suggested units.

I've been running in the amp all day, so I got a good 8 hours on it. I'm happy to report that it has opened up substantially. The highs have smoothed out as well.

One thing for sure,is that interconnects make BIG differences in sound. So finding the right one might be long road. Especially since any good interconnect will cost as much as the amp. The trick will be to find one that's inexpensive and works.

I will say I can see what all the fuss is about with tubes. The presence of the music can be really life like.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Especially since any good interconnect will cost as much as the amp. The trick will be to find one that's inexpensive and works."

There's an easier way to do this. If you are looking at cables that cost as much as your amp, a better strategy would be to buy an amp that's twice as expensive and just use cheap cables.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Ahhh but what fun is that. If you start making logical decisions like that you take all the beating your head against the wall and kicking yourself for making bad decisions out of the process.

Zd542 you make logical and concise arguments. As you usually do from other comments on other threads I've read. I have no counter argument with what you say. But I'm not looking for audio bliss out of this system. Just some fun and to dip my toes in the tube water so to speak. Without breaking the bank. That's what the main rig is for.

Just an update, I found some old Strait Wire interconnects I had stored away and threw them on. As luck would have it they seem to do the trick.
More to discover