2. cables
  3. 1178383847

Sweet sounding SE tube amps under $3K USED


I'm looking for some imput on tube amps... mono blocks or stereo, doesn't matter. Needs be SE for sure, XLR in as well as option is OK.

Sonically? Superior mid range, great bottom end, and sweet top end without lack.

I would prefer self biasing, but a stable amp once biased properly or one easy to bias, would be FINE.

Stock tubes should be sufficient to provide a very good sound and the neeed to retube with NOS not a mandatory thing to accomplish that end.

Retubing should not cost a ridiculous amount.

If the overall cast of the sound leans towards the euphonic or musically colored side of the scale... that's all the better too.

Power? I'd guess anything over 10 - 15 wpc, to ???... though I would prefer 30+ wpc.

Are there such amps?

I sure would like to know. BTW the less costly, the better.
blindjim
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Boy, I'll tell you what...there are two pairs of Dodd Audio monoblocks for sale on Audiocircle.com right now. One pair at $2800 and the other at $2500. If I was in the market for tube amps, I'd buy one of these immediately.

They are EL34 amps. 120wpc. Single ended.

As an alternative, you might consider the George Wright Signature AU-15. Boa2 owns these, and says they are the best amps he has heard with his Klipsch speakers.
darkmoebius
899 posts
 
Hey jim!

Sorry I didn't respond o your last email, been boxing up everything in the house getting ready for move-out on the 22nd.

10-15wpc SET range gives a pretty good choice of amps - EL34 (12W), 845(15W+), 6C33C-B(12-18W), etc.

What are your new speakers? Silverline Sonatina's, I think.
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
tvad
Dodd are tubes? or do they also make digi? man, I must be losing it... I'm thinking the HR is tube predetermined, and now the Dodd's are digi... EL34, huh? hmmm.

V man
Sorry to hear aobut the move. Hope it's a positive, overall.

Sonata III's. Maple piano finish... that alone ought to be good for another couple 'db', if not I'll have to live with the 92-93 the maker says it has.

In keeping with my current trend towards a fast approaching encounter with senility, I've been confusing myself with the multitude of Art Audio itterations & reviews today. Some must be too new as they have no press yet at the AA site. ...no matter, I've yet to feel out a favorite. One I can afford anyways.

I thought for a while the manley Snapper... then a Mahi. Still the Thor PA30's are sure on the list.

Coincidentally, the wpc numbers are pretty arbitrary and were taken just off the top of my semi-senile head.
More to discover