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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
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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
They probably do alright, but the 4 ohm versions can be problematic if you use an amplifier that does not employ loop negative feedback. This is pretty much all SETs as well as a number of push-pull amps. Essentially you may encounter problems getting the bass energy right. Its not worth messing with, since the amp’s ability to play 8 ohms is better and will result with more neutral presentation, one that is more transparent and likely also smoother.
If you’re on a budget, but are also committed to a tube amp, why not get the most out of it? I compare it to buying a Porsche but not setting it up with the right tires. It might be fun to drive, but it would probably be a lot more fun if you had the right tires on it.
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Ralph, these are qualifications to the original general 'phrasing.'

My issue is and was with the generality vis a vis Tekton 4 Ohm speakers, in that phrasing.

I restate that many (not all) low powered amps will work with the 4 Ohm Tektons I own(ed) and they likely will on Eric's other variants similar to the DIs and SEs. 
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
613 posts
 
While Ralph has forgotten more about audio than I'll ever know I concur with David's assessment as I'm driving my 4 ohm Tekton DI SE's with an Aric Audio 300B SET and the synergy is amazing. I drove them with the 1 watt LTA MZ2 before getting the 300b with great success also. While 4 ohm speakers generally might not work with small tube amps, the Tektons don't seem to have issue with them. That would make the DI's a great budget choice for the OP in my opinion. 
barry_s
2 posts
 
Scottinmartin, in reference to your recommendation on Pro-ject tube box DS2, what change did you achieve when you upgraded the tubes to  upgrade to NOS Amperex BB 12ax7
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
@trelja 

I was thinking about building one of Latino’s amps.  Do you own one and have you compared it to an updated/modified ST70? I was also thinking of just buying an ST70 and updating it using modern day parts in key areas while keeping the output trannys. 
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