First valve amp setup

[mitolab]

I'm looking to make my first foray into the world of tube amps and was hoping someone could give me some much needed advice on a good beginner amp that costs no more than 5 (ok maybe 6) hundred, second hand.

I am currently running the following:

CA CXA60 amp
CA CXC Disc Transport
Monitor Audio Bronze 6 Speakers

I listen to blues, soul, country. Artists like Jackson Browne, Ry Cooder and Little village. I like the thick, warm, choral quality of tubes - to my ears at least.

Thanks in advance.

[struth]

Probably a biggish one. Think they like a bit of juice up them.

[Edward]

Here are a couple to consider

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?60616-For-Sale-World-Audio-WD88VA-XL-KT88-push-pull-integrated

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?61986-Prima-Luna-prologue-1

[walpurgis]

If you venture into valve amps, you may, like many here, constantly be wondering how much life your valves have left, whether different ones could sound better, if the bias has been set correctly, are the speakers on the best impedance taps, whether some 'audiophile' capacitors could be an upgrade. And so on. But you may love the sound of course. :)

[goraman]

What you spend on the amp will be a fraction on what you will eventually spend on tube rolling'
So get that right first.
What kind of tubes do you prefer? For me it's EL84 's .
How much power will you need ?
Push Pull? single ended? Class A? A/B?
Triode ? Tetrode? Pentode?
Manual bias or self bias?
Get an idea of what you need and want then set your price range and ask lots of questions first .
Getting the amp that fits your needs and sounds good before you start looking for the right tubes is key.

[philv]

I would definately reccomend primaluna.
Good protection in case of valve problems.
My prologue 2 can run kt88, el34,5881, 6559, kt77 etc ec.
Auto bias.
They really are an easy way into valves.
They sound darn good as well.

[Bonky]

I have a WD KEL84 and love it. It does have auto-bias I believe - so you can, within reason 'tube roll' to your heart's content.

http://www.world-designs.co.uk/power%20amps.htm

[mightymonoped]

I have an Icon Audio Stereo 20PP that also uses EL84. Not within your budget new but a second-hand or part-exchange may be.
Absolutely love it to bits but needs efficient speakers and not too large a room. Point to point wiring, auto-biasing and therefore easy tube rolling. Replace the stock tubes and it is a beauty. Never regretted the purchase for a second.
As with all things, system synergy is all.

[AJSki2fly]

Try an Audio Innovations Series 500 a great amp. I had one from new stupidly sold it and then a few years later purchased another second hand/

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264111773823

[Getgaff]

Take a look at the Puresound A30. I have one, my first and only valve integrated amp, and it drives my Monitor Audio PL200s just fine. Responds well to tube rolling too, KT88, 6550, 6SL7 & 6SN7.

Edit: Can’t post w/out a gratuitous valve pr0n shot:

https://i.imgur.com/vLXdzxf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jXxgDUC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6Zwc3zg.jpg

[Lawrence001]

I saw this yesterday and thought it would make a good first valve amp. No connection.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F 323643567612


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[steve-z]

I think you’ll have to fork out quite a lot of money to get a valve amp which can match or better the broad width of qualities that the CXA60 possesses and even then you’ll have to make do with considerably less power. Obviously with valves you’ve got the possibility of “tube rolling” if that’s what you’re after. If you do decide to take the plunge definitely AB your choice against the CXA60 in your own setup to be sure it’s what you’re looking for.


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[goraman]

You may be able to get a nice new amp,
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/jolida-fx10-integrated-tube-amp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIx_mij5fn3wIVex-tBh3Pgw5KEAYYASABEgKlKPD_BwE

[Pigmy Pony]

If you buy secondhand, and look for models which are well regarded on here, you should hopefully end up with something good which, if you find is not for you can be sold on without much, if any, financial hit.

Rather than just look for something that works with your speakers, I'd say get the best you can afford, then at a later date look for better-suited speakers if necessary.

[Pigmy Pony]

We could even try my 7 watts per channel 300b amp with your speakers if you want - I see you live in United Kingdom, which is not far from me :D

[mitolab]

I'd love a suggestion of models that are well regarded. That way I can keep one eye on the classifieds. So far I'm looking out for the WAD 6550 and Puresound A30

Cheers

[JohnG]

Hi Joshua
As stated in a earlier post, your speakers are a little power hungry.
Are these speakers keepers ? If yes, then I would suggest Auditions of Amps, that was
also previously suggested.
My suggestion is start with approx 50 Watt Valves and try other Lower and Higher output models.
Also try other Higher Output Solid State Amps.
There is not any supplied knowledge of your experiences of building your system, so I am assuming, you are new to expanding on building a system, and exploring your options.

[struth]

Could always use a ss power amp and a valve pre. Might be easier to suit your needs and still get a taste of valves

[goraman]

His speakers are 90 db. And the load is 8 0hm.
10 to 20 watts rms is not going to rock a large room but is pleanty for intamate listening .
The biggest important factor ,even more so with an EL84 amp is iron,iron, iron! Valve amps need large well made transformers to control so bass correctly. I like Manley Labs for this one reason.
They wind there own and do a series of tests before they go into an amp. I have seen the factory and watched the operation .
Yes, you will pay a little more for even a used Manley Stingray but you will get loads of slam from El84 tubes because the transformers are made specifically for the circuit and are multiple gauges in perfect padern for an exact number of turns for an exact measure of wire.
There is No close enough or that will do going on in her production.
The people who work there are happy and have fun playing basketball out side on lunch and breaks but when they go to work it is very serious minded. Evana's team is the best in there feilds and really know their jobs.
It is worth paying a little more for but it may not be in the budget at this time .
Here is a nice used amp.

[Intenso]

I'd love a suggestion of models that are well regarded. That way I can keep one eye on the classifieds. So far I'm looking out for the WAD 6550 and Puresound A30

Cheers

I have a WAD KiT6550 with a few upgrades including Sowter OPT amongst others. It is incredibly resolving of detail whilst at the same time warm and sweet but can be really picky about how everything is set up such as cables ect and can easily show up fualts in the chain.

It has responded really well the the inclusion of an Airlink BMU and to my ears sounds fantastic. I would definitely recommend a well sorted WAD6550 .

I also have a WAD KEL84 that I love that provides a very sweet musical sound but just doesn't have the slam or depth of stage that the 6550 has. Nonetheless it just sounds right in its own sense.

Trouble with vaves is they can need attention and unless you have some very kind friends or know a good electronics tech you can run into problems.

There's a WAD 6550 on ebay but well overpriced. If they would rop by a 3rd it may be worth a punt.