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Thread: Valve amplifier recommendations!

  1. #1
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: peak district uk

    Posts: 30
    I'm nick.

    Default Valve amplifier recommendations!

    Hi Folks,

    I'm a new member, I've just introduced myself in the Welcome area.

    I used to have a Rogers valve amp when i was a kid (yes i'm that old!) and many years later i find myself wanting to get another Valve amp.

    I've been slowly bringing my system to the point where i can introduce one as a 'test' against my current solid state amp (a Sonneteer Orton).

    My current setup is: Well Tempered Amadeus, Sonneteer Sedley phono stage, Sonneteer Orton, Audio Note AN-J.

    Most of my listening is Jazz and acoustic music.

    So far i've been thinking along the lines of:

    Audio Note OTO
    Icon Audio Stereo 40.2 Mk III
    Unison Research Prelude
    Audio Innovations 1st Audio
    Leben CS300X

    My listening room is an attic room and fairly narrow but long!

    I've seen good examples of all of these amps currently for sale in classifieds or with dealers.
    Auditioning them is difficult though!

    My budget is around 1.5k but could be more if I decide to sell/trade the Orton.

    Any thoughts/experiences with these or other valve amps would be gratefully received!

    thanks in advance

    Nick
    Last edited by jazzy; 14-04-2017 at 10:56. Reason: typo

  2. #2
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Dagenham Essex

    Posts: 11,215
    I'm Allen.

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    Hi Nick
    Not sure you need to spend that amount
    Our very own Alan ( Firebottle ) builds a full range of Valve amps and I think he does home auditions ? best check that

    Also lots of used amps turn up , I have a Audio Innovations 500 integrated with built in phono stage , also a pair of Quad 2's and a Mighty John Wood custom built KT88 integrated , All good fun
    [

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: peak district uk

    Posts: 30
    I'm nick.

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    Some great kit you've got there. Have always admired the Quad II's. Proper vintage kit!

  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: Middlesex, UK

    Posts: 4,481
    I'm Alex.

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    Radford STA15 or Radford STA25, new ones from Radford Revival.

    If I did not already have an vintage STA25 III in very good condition, I would be tempted to get a Radford Revival one.

    I also have Quad II's which are very nice, but the Radford is capable of driving most speakers very well, the Quad has less control of the bass into some speakers, and is of more limited power output.

    Rogers valve amps are great, even the Cadet into suitable speakers can sound wonderful.
    Spendorman

  5. #5
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

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    I'm Grant.

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    No idea what a Radford costs, but it will be many times what this old codger can afford. Fantastic amps and i dont say that often. Build quality second to none really.
    Regards,
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  6. #6
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: Middlesex, UK

    Posts: 4,481
    I'm Alex.

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    Jazzy says

    "My budget is around 1.5k but could be more if I decide to sell/trade the Orton."

    Ah, you're are right, 1.5k won't cover it:

    http://www.radfordrevival.co.uk/item...ta25-re-issue/
    Spendorman

  7. #7
    Join Date: Oct 2012

    Location: NE England

    Posts: 4,173
    I'm Jez.

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    Quote Originally Posted by spendorman View Post
    Jazzy says

    "My budget is around 1.5k but could be more if I decide to sell/trade the Orton."

    Not checked the price recently of a new Radford, but 1.5k might cover it.
    Double it and you're there! £1.5K is a good price to get a second hand one needing an overhaul for!
    Arkless Electronics-Engineered to be better. Tel. 01670 530674 (after 1pm)

    Modded Thorens TD150, Audio Technica AT-1005 MkII, Technics EPC-300MC, Arkless Hybrid MC phono stage, Arkless passive pre, Arkless 50WPC Class A SS power amp, (or) Arkless modded Leak Stereo 20, Modded Kef Reference 105/3's
    ReVox PR99, Studer B62, Ferrograph Series 7, Tandberg TCD440, Hitachi FT-5500MkI, also FT-5500MkII
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  8. #8
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: Middlesex, UK

    Posts: 4,481
    I'm Alex.

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    Not perfect cosmetically, but open to offers:

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RADFORD-ST...-/282432440290
    Spendorman

  9. #9
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: peak district uk

    Posts: 30
    I'm nick.

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    Thanks Splendorman. Intrigued by the Radford. I take it this is considered to be in a different league form the amps i mentioned? Might have to do some investigating!.

  10. #10
    Audio Al is offline Pishanto Specialist & Super-Daftee
    Join Date: May 2012

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    I'm Allen.

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