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Getting into Tube Equipment

Hey there,

I have been gradually getting into vinyl and hi-fi for a while now. I mostly listen to folk, country, and some bluesy-rock music. Examples include the Grateful Dead, Sturgill Simpson, John Denver, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

I have been forward thinking about audio equipment I would like to have in the future. The components I am most eager to upgrade are my amp and phono preamp. For the amp, I am very interested in one of the Dynaco clones people are selling like the ST-70, ST-120 or the M-125 by Bob Latino. However, my first order of business will have to be getting a phono preamp with a volume control because these amps do not have a volume control. I would like to preface, I am not independently wealthy and do not expect to be in my life. Therefore, a $12,000 stereo setup does not seem like a reasonable option for me.

Can anyone please give me direction on either getting a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS or a used EAR 834P?

Additionally, If I could get some direction on an amp, it would be useful. Right now I own the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers and I really love them. The only thing I can see upgrading to is a pair of used Harbeth Super hl5plus speakers but this would be in the more distant future. Based on what I currently have and will be using for awhile, as well as my future considerations, are any of the amps I am considering a best fit? 

-Thomas
128x128captainblackleg
smrex13
423 posts
 
For what it's worth, I would not recommend looking for a phono amp with a volume control.  You will significantly limit your choices, and there's no guarantee that the volume control will be of high quality or that you'll like the sound of the phono pre directly into an amp.

Your Dentons (and the Harbeths you mention) are lower sensitivity speakers, and a tube amp may not be ideal.  I would suggest going with a tubed phono stage into a high current solid state integrated amp that puts out 100+ watts per channel (Parasound, Musical Fidelity, Bryston, etc.).  You'll get the tube sound that you're looking for, the power to drive your speakers well, and a volume control on the integrated.

Again, just my two cents based on my experiences.  Good luck!
Scott
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
479 posts
 

 Unless you get an integrated amp, you will need a preamp. This is separate from your phono preamp. Maybe a solid state integrated with tube phono stage would be the way to go.

I had both an Dynaco ST-70 (which is only 35 watts per channel and Mark III mono amps way back when. These designs are very dated and syrupy sounding today. They don't sound anywhere near as transparent or detailed as most modern tube amps.

BTW Jerry Garcia always insisted on Mcintosh gear back in the day.


lilmsmaggie
273 posts
 
Therefore, a $12,000 stereo setup does not seem like a reasonable option for me.

$12K may not be reasonable, so what is your budget?

Maybe look into getting a Jolida Fusion 3502 Integrated:

https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/jolida-fusion-3502-tube-integrated-amp

Jolida's are reasonably affordable.

Should drive the Wharfdale's.  Maybe a Bellari VP130  or a Graham Slee  phono stage.

Something to consider.

Have fun!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Two great vintage tube preamps from the late 70's - early 80's are the Precision Fidelity C2 and C7. Both were designed by Bruce Moore (of later MFA fame!) and built in San Francisco. They used rather innovative cascode circuitry and were the best sounding tube preamps of their era! I owned the C7 (phono stage only version with a pair of 5kohm pots - no balance control - and signal switching for 4 sources). It was my favorite phono preamp! If the price is right (under $1k for the C2 and under $500 for the C7) grab one and you will have a great sounding USA-made tube preamp competitive with today's big-buck gear!
captainblackleg's avatar
captainblackleg OP
4 posts
 
Thank you all for your considerate responses. This gives me an opportunity to be pragmatic about the hi-fi that is right for me. 

As far as a budget goes. After a lot of thinking, $12,000 was just too much for me to spend on enjoying music. That said if I am thinking about buying into hi-fi over the next decade, a median of $6,000 and maximum of $10,000 is the most I would feel comfortable spending on a sort of lifetime audio system. The caveat being the equipment is bought over a decade.
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