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Old tube amp?

What tube amps from the past are worth looking at. I decided to give tubes another try and want to try an older design that will not break the bank. Keeping in mind inexpensive retube, don't want to spend too much when tubes need replacing. Speakers: merlin. Pre-amp: simaudio p-5. Present amp is w-5, and it isn't going anywhere as far as I can see. My system is completely acceptable, just want to have some fun experimenting. Had used a CJ premier four in the past, but my source is much improved and cannot say how sim's w-5 compares to cj's four.
Would like to keep it under $1000.
pedrillo
clio09
3,355 posts
 
The Dynaco is a good suggestion, but you may also want to look at an original Music Reference RM-10. Like the Dynaco an EL-84 design but with a bit more oomph. I'm looking for one myself.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I re-read your post - if you're keeping the ss amp and adding a tube amp as an alternative "for fun"- I don't think you need to spend a ton. IMHO, you'll very likely see a different side of the VSM with any of the amps under consideration here. I would personally go the EL-34 route in this case, as it will probably provide the most contrast to your ss amp. While you may ultimately prefer more expensive and/or exotic (SET/OTL) designs, I wouldn't presume that that will be the case. I've also used a very expensive Cary 805 SET which also sounds great - but isn't my first choice with these speakers.

I've used Prima Luna monos and a Pancor Dyna re-issue, each with EL-34 outputs. The Dyna allows Pentode or Triode operation. Either way it offers a softer warmer sound than the PL 7 monos. It will almost certainly provide an educational experience when compared to your existing amp.

I understand that the PL 6 monos are biased lower than the 7 which should produce more warmth. I don't know about the stereo amps in the Prima Luna line, but check with Kevin at Upscale (PL importer) for advice. If they share the "warmer" bias scheme, they should also provide a pretty dramatic contrast to your SS amp.

I would also add that PL offers wonderful build quality for the price. Very comforting.

Good luck,

Marty
powder
47 posts
 
Why not checkout the Baldwin tube amps that Will Vincent rebuilds. The sound is glorious and they fit your budget.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Thanks again!
Forgive me for all these questions, I still consider myself a novice with this hobby.
I probably should have mentioned earlier some of the things I am seeking from my system.
One of them is for my speakers to disappear.
Another one I would like the sound to surround me, for instance the record(not cd) of 'Jazz At The Pawnshop', with it I hear the ambiance of the location of the recording, since my source is so quiet the setting of this recording makes the room resonate as though I am there. I would like this in spades, could it be discribed as the system sounding wide and with accurate imaging?
Another example the record Queen titled The Game, second track 'Dragon Attack', the drums sound remarkably life-like. These are some examples in which describes what I am looking for!
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