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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
 
How about something completely out of the box, like a Response Audio Bella Extreme 3205i integrated amplifer? It's a highly modded Jolida 302 or 502. 50wpc with EL34 tubes, or 60wpc with 6550/KT88 tubes. Should drive the Sonata III nicely, and it's only $1650.

Or, if you prefer a separate preamp, there's the Bella Extreme 3205 stereo amplifier. 50 or 60 watts per channel for $1699.
711smilin
513 posts
 
Blindjim I would look for a wright sound 300B pp, Vac 30/30, et...definately go PP, or you will not have enough balls. Make sure to do yur homework, s you can buy, try, and resell with little of no loss, until you find what is right for you. Email me off line with yur #, if ya wanna talk
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
Musicfile
Thanks... by "with little tinkering" ... What do you mean? Do you have to roll tubes right off to get it to sound great? OR are other items being upgraded the consideration?

I think mods and upgrades are options... and not prerequisites. If mods and/or tube rolling is a must do, or even a should, I'd not be interested quite as much as that would be additive costs to the experience.

Tvad
out of the box? I doubt I'm in one actually, could be though. the preamp I have is a keeper, unless you want to trade me yours for mine. Amps only is the desire here. I do appreciate the thoughtfulness though.

I did run across something interesting this weekend, "Melos"

Anyone know anything about melos? Any support for them? I see one review that lauds them and the VSA VR8... and a number of threads asking about a repair facility no longer in business.

Has Melos died off?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I agree with the VAC 30/30 suggestion. It'd be hard to go wrong with a VAC. I've heard the 30/30 with Merlin VSM-MMx loudspeakers, and the combo was very, very good. You give up a touch of bass extension and control with 300B tubes versus KT88 (and the 300B tubes cost more than KT88). That's about the only downside I can envision.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I'll also chime in on the side of the VAC 30/30 suggestion. Absolutely outstanding products from a lights out high-end audio manufacturer.

One benefit that cannot be underestimated is that you are joining a family run by one of THE BEST people in the hobby - Kevin Hayes. Aligning yourself with such people never fails to pay dividends over the course of ownership.
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