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Golden Tube Audio SE-40

I've been picking through the offerings of an estate sale and came across a Golden Tube Audio SE-40 power amp. I can't give it a listen as it's missing a rectifier tube and don't know if I even want to bother with the amp at all.
From what I've read so far, the amp has been known more for reliability issues than good sound. I presently use an Aragon 2004 and a Forte 44 and am wondering if this Golden Tube Amp is worthwhile.
Other pieces I have picked up from the estate are a Dynaco ST70 and a Sound Valves VTP-101 preamp, which I think are keepers.
Any opinions/experience/advice regarding Golden Tube Audio would be appreciated.
heyraz
bighead63
53 posts
 
The group on Yahoo is very helpful. These can be good amps to use and yes the GTA name did have a bad rep for holding up. I had a SEP-1 which worked great and I picked it up on the cheap. Matches well with the tube amps, and a very simple design.

Unless they are asking a lot of the amp it could be a fun little project to work on it if you don't mind doing that, yet if its going to be too much trouble I'm sure you could find a buyer for it if it didn't fit your needs.
heyraz OP
177 posts
 
What do you think it's worth? How much should I offer?
triode
263 posts
 
Very good sounding amp for the money, big hearted...but with a well-deserved rep for unreliability.
pcking
49 posts
 
One more thing to add. Sonic Craft performs excellent mods to the SE-40 that will improve the reliability and sound. You can check it out at http://www.soniccraft.com/upgrades/se40.htm

I have had my two amps for 10 yrs after the mods with no problems.
zowie
68 posts
 
I had a pair. Never had any reliability problems (nor with my SEP-1). But I didn't think they were very user friendly with the hassle to bias them from the bottom and the cost of retubing relative to the value of the unit. But I do miss their sound.
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