Need a great tube amp for less than $400

Hello,

Anybody know of any great tube power amps, for less than $400. I dont need much power (5 watts is plenty). I listen to metal and rock so i like a good, tight dynamic bass. I am using Klipsch RF-62's that have a sensitivity of 97dB/watt so even 1 watt is probably enough. These speakers are very clear and revealing so i figure a nice warm tube power amp would be great. I mainly listen to cd's with an occasional record.

 

you can end in a serius mess with a compromised valve amp as it's most likely what you gonna get for this money. cheap valve amps mean too many compromises involved, you really can't make it even with your own hands for this money.

buy trends TA-10.1. if you wouldn't know it's a digital amp, you would almost never tell it apart from a humble valve amp with speakers like yours.

 

Blackthorne buy a TA10.1 . Forget the idea of a valve amp for $400 Esp as you have klipsches - read reviews on 6 moons

If you need source switching use the tape out of your current amp to feed the TA10

just do it
Andy

 

There are a couple of vintage valve amps for less money on Audiogon. Its worth a try. I you have a look at an old valve amp. Look to see if there are any repairs or bodges or so called "upgrades" because you don't know who did them and they will detract from any re-sell value. You may even make a profit on vintage gear.

 

http://www.speakers-delight.de/Elektronik/Dynavox/dynavox.html

With time you can replace the internal components to make it sound quite good, people say...

 

Round about the right money for a Leak Stereo 20 if you can get one. A passive pre will be needed too.

That's a mighty good amp.

 

I agree I think the leak would be the best choice but $400 US. i would doubt if you would find one at that price in the states. It would be nice though.

 

yes, quite right. more like 600$, and hard to find too.

a great investment, and worth the extra!

 

If you can pick up a dynavox vr70e these can be good with a few simple changes ie ditch the cheap and nasty chinese valves [mine blew in less than 3 months from new]. bypass or swap the volume pot, and fit good rca sockets. The amp will give you a very good sound for the price .....magpie tim and davidf are currently running these so it may be worth a pm ...

 

Mods, in French:

 

Ta 10.1

anubisgrau and ADpulley,

wow, good call on this integrated amp, im amazed. The difference in clarity is huge. It is about the same as me switching from some sony towers to these klipsch speakers i use. That TA is amazing!

Do either of you use a dac (digital to analog coverter) at all? Any suggestions?

 

cheap dac beresford or behringer src 2496 both with a couple of mods will perform very well ...better than a bechmark dac1!

 

Glad you are pleased with the TA10.1- Cant help with a DAC recommendation - its oustide my zone of expertese - I can verify that Zanash isnt a muppet and has lots experience with CD stuff so his advice is likely to be sound.

Andy