Tube amp questions

newbie308

I started putting together my audio system about three years ago, and I have benefitted greatly from reading the posts of other forum members. The primary sound source is a Technics sl-1200 turntable with a Grado cartridge. I enjoy undertaking new projects, so many of the items in my meager system were DIY rebuilds (Dynaco PAS-3, SDA-1a). The only component in my system that I simply purchased and pluged in was the amplifier (Carver TFM-35). I have no reason to dislike the Carver amp, but I am curious about tube power amps, and I can no longer contain my desire to go all tubes. I noticed an immediate improvement when I replaced the Adcom preamp with the DIY rebuilt Dynaco, and I can't help but wonder how my system will sound if I go with a tube amp. Maybe a DIY project or kit?

All that being said, I don't know how many Watts I'd need to drive the SDA-1A's efficiently with a tube amp (the Carver is rated at 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms). From what I have been reading, many tube amps are rated at 12-35 Watts per channel, and cost $400-$600, and then there are some 100 Watt mono block amps that cost $900-$1500 each which I probably don't need, but definitely lust for. I know that whatever I buy will need to be common grounded for the SDA's, so does that exclude mono block amps? Can The monoblock amps grounds be bonded to achieve a common ground? Where do I begin? Please help!

organ

I don't have experience with the SDA so I can't help you there, but since you're looking for a kit/DIY, you can have a look here.... http://dynakitparts.com/store/catalog.aspx?cid=1 and here... http://bottlehead.com/ BUT someone else would have to confirm if the units on those websites are common ground or not.

heiney9

One thing to keep in mind is the higher power tube amps put off a fair amount of heat so if you end up going the mono-block tube route be prepared to abate the heat, unless you have an unusually large room. Just something to keep in mind as most people don't realize how much heat 4-6-8-12 power tubes actually produce.

My solid state amp can heat my living room area up 3-4*, in the winter not bad, in the summer the difference between 75* and 79* is quite noticable. 75* with a decent breeze may not need the air on. 79*, probably turn the air on.

H9

Jim Shearer

organ wrote: »

I don't have experience with the SDA so I can't help you there, but since you're looking for a kit/DIY, you can have a look here.... http://dynakitparts.com/store/catalog.aspx?cid=1 and here... http://bottlehead.com/ BUT someone else would have to confirm if the units on those websites are common ground or not.

I recently built a Dynakitparts.com ST-35. Don't know about the others, but the ST-35 is common ground.

And I can recommend dynakitparts for their excellent customer service. Kevin returned my emails very quickly--even after business hours.

Cheers, Jim