Norh SE 9 - EL34 based Integrated Tube Amp

heiney9

This has been a difficult decision because I love tubes so much. I currently have 4 integrated tube amps I swap in and out of my secondary rig in the office/computer room. I can no longer justify having 4 pieces like this, as mostly the other 3 sit for long periods in a closet. I chose to move this along because I have another integrated that can use EL34's or 6L6's, so I can get my EL34 flavor if I need it. Not because of any performance issues.

The biggest plus for this unit is it uses tube rectification, which really gives this a full tube sound. One of the reasons it's been difficult to part with as all my other tube integrated's have SS rectification. By far the best rectifier is the Mullard made GZ34. Details to follow as far as what's included in the price and what's available as "EXTRA". But the Mullard rectifier will be available to purchase as well.

Specs:

This is single ended tube integrated using a pair of EL34 power tubes. Outputs 9/wpc. Plenty to run 90+ dB efficient speakers. I run my Polk 5B's and RT35i's with ease in a typical sized bedroom.

Auto Bias, so no need to worry about biasing.

Driver tubes are a pair of 12AX7/ECC83 signal tubes

Rectifier is a single GZ34

Line level pre-amp stage which is essentially passive (less is more). You may find the ALPS volume pot needs to be turned up higher than a typical vol control, that's normal and is a good thing as it lends itself to a more linear output.

2 inputs

Potted transformers, which you usually find in much more expensive units. Better vibrations damping and keeps moisture out of the windings. Adds some weight.

4 and 8 ohm output taps.

Because it's single ended, it will run slightly warmer than a typical push/pull tube amps. But it by no means runs terribly hot.

$250 I'm not going to really dicker on the price as it's priced right. And frankly if I have to sell if for much less, I'll just keep it.


Read the rest carefully:

For the above price it will come with the stock tubes - not terrible tubes in the least, but I will be offering some upgrades at a separate cost.

1/PR lightly used Electro Harmonix (EH) EL34's
1/PR lightly used Phillips ECG 12AX7's (1980's vintage)
1 - Russian 5AR4 rectifier
Basically what you see in the photo's

Extra Tubes:

EL34 pairs:
1/Pr late 70's/early 80's Tesla EL34 (brown bases), double O getter, in plain boxes. Very nice sound, close to Original Mullard EL34's at a fraction of the cost. Used, but strong $75/pr

1/Pr Siemens E34L in original boxes with low hours. These are based on the original KT77 tube and are slightly larger and run at higher plate voltages. Huge bottom end and still very balanced. I traced these to the final run of Tesla tubes made in the 80's before JJ took over the Tesla plant. These have thick glass and are very robust. These are not RFT (German sourced tubes like most Siemens EL34's. Siemens never produced their own EL34) One of my favorites. $75

1 or 2/Pr. SED =C= EL34's. By far the best current production EL34, very reliable and a killer tone, sweetness, great midrange, very linear bass. Slightly used $60/each pair.

1 1969 RCA branded Mullard made GZ34 rectifier: Code: f32 B9xx in original box. This really made the amp come alive vs. the Russian rectifier. Almost all Old Stock GZ34's were made by the Dutch/Belgium Philips plant, regardless of the tube label. Telefunken made their own for a short time and they are really rare and expensive today. Most Telefunken labeled GZ34's are Philips made. On one hand there seems to be ample supply of used GZ34's since they were so common in the 60's and 70's, but they still command a fairly robust price.

Identified by:

- single ring getters

- 7-ribbed plate side

- red shining plate borders

These are very robust rectifiers and last literally forever. Many that were originally installed in 1960's Dynaco amps are still running. Prices for this particular version are all over the place. I'm going to set mine at $70.

If the buyer of the Norh isn't interested in the extra's I will consider selling them separately to other buyers. For now I want to give the buyer first opportunity to purchase the extra tubes to go with the amp. Also keep in mind this amp is very heavy so shipping will be a challenge. I will ship it as economically as possible while still keeping it safe. Will discuss shipping with serious buyers.

Pics are with various tubes.

SDA1C

You meet half way?

Hold on let me not get ahead of my self...would this run my 5jr+?
Any issues with source impedance? I.e. can I plug my ipod and into it for a little bedroom rig?

If yes on all accounts consider it sold. And yes I'll still bring the beer.:twisted:

cnh

She's pretty! And I'm pretty sure if this can run 5Bs it should have no problem with the juniors. Wish I had a little spare change around because this would be "perfect" for my KLH 17s!

GLWTS!

cnh

tonyb

Brock, I only see 2 pairs of inputs, no line level outputs ? I guess using this just as a pre is out then ?

AsSiMiLaTeD

If its still available by the time you get to my post let me know, sounds like you've got it sold though

SDA1C

PM sent.

SDA1C

Sorry you didn't receive my PM.... I kinda' figured you wouldn't sell it to me. No worries man, I'll find one.

Thanks anyway.

shadowlight

Will the amp take kt77 tubes? If not sold, would be interested in purchasing it.

Thanks

SDA1C

shadowlight wrote: »

Will the amp take kt77 tubes? If not sold, would be interested in purchasing it.

Thanks

Better send a reception confirmation with your pm.....

jchouston

Ooof, I've been looking for one of these for years. Of course, the DAY I don't check the forum....

Put me in line if all others back out.

Conradicles

SDA1C wrote: »

Sorry you didn't receive my PM....

You may be on his ignore list.:redface:

AsSiMiLaTeD

Sorry fellas, it's all mine

heiney9

Conradicles wrote: »

You may be on his ignore list.:redface:

Indeed he is, for good reason.

SDA1C

Good job assimilated, I'd be interested in what you think and how it performs on the speaks you use. did you take just the stock tubes or are you trying any of the others?

@ Conradicles, Yet he sent me a pm saying he didn't get my pm ? hmmmm :rolleyes: I am guessing it has to do with his inability to meet me face to face and own up to some of the crap that has fallen out of his mouth but either way ...matters not. Lots of little tubes out there. I'll find one. That Yaqin mentioned this morning from agon is !SWEET! for just a few bucks more.

shadowlight

Conradicles wrote: »

You may be on his ignore list.:redface:

Congratulation AsSiMiLaTed and H9.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I grabbed the amp and rectifier tube, on the lookout for some decent 12ax7

SDA1C

They use those in linear cb amplifiers correct? There is a guy about an hour away that has a whole shed full of NIB old stock tubes. Imight go pop in and see what he has. might have a spare amp laying around.

jchouston

Assimilated, let me know when you may want to sell this to a fellow Texan.

Can't believe I missed it. These f**king things never go on sale...

Polkie2009

Congrats on the sale guys! Looks like a sweet tube amp and who knows jchouston, maybe another one will come along here at the FM:).

heiney9

SDA1C wrote: »

@ Conradicles, Yet he sent me a pm saying he didn't get my pm ? hmmmm :rolleyes: I am guessing it has to do with his inability to meet me face to face and own up to some of the crap that has fallen out of his mouth but either way ...matters not. Lots of little tubes out there. I'll find one. That Yaqin mentioned this morning from agon is !SWEET! for just a few bucks more.

It had nothing to do with that. Your behavior and a few PM's from people you actually bought stuff from convinced me to pass on your interest. What goes around comes around as they say. Plus, I don't want the amp parted out as soon as it's delivered.

H9

AsSiMiLaTeD

heiney9 wrote: »

Plus, I don't want the amp parted out as soon as it's delivered.

H9

wait...what???

SDA1C

Well at least now you are honest instead of some BS about not receiving my PM. Honesty matters Brock. You may not like what I have to say but you damn sure know where I am coming from.

Nice jab though. If you had seen the work on the cross overs, cross threaded bolt to the coil, failing adhesive on the side panels and the warping in the grills you would have not been so keen on defending failing pieces of equipment. The parting of those shabby 1c's brought many others to life. Get over it bud.

heiney9

Well at least now you are honest instead of some BS about not receiving my PM. Honesty matters Brock. You may not like what I have to say but you damn sure know where I am coming from.

Nice jab though. If you had seen the work on the cross overs, cross threaded bolt to the coil, failing adhesive on the side panels and the warping in the grills you would have not been so keen on defending failing pieces of equipment. The parting of those shabby 1c's brought many others to life. Get over it bud.

You may not know, but no PM's are received if the person is on the ignore list. In fact I was alerted to your interest by a few other Polkies. I mostly roll with the mobile version on my phone, and there is no way to view a persons posts if they are on ignore.

So yes, I was aware of your interest, but not before Assimilated's, as I didn't see your interest immediately as you posted it for the above reasons. Hence the reason I took the time to PM you and explain I was already working a deal. If you weren't on my ignore list perhaps the outcome might have been different. But I can say a few Polkies were less than thrilled with past experiences with you as the buyer.

As far as the jab, it was suggested by another member in a PM. I thought you'd find humor in it, I know I did.

H9

P.s. A PM was never received from you.

heiney9

jchouston wrote: »

Assimilated, let me know when you may want to sell this to a fellow Texan.

Can't believe I missed it. These f**king things never go on sale...

I'll give you first shot if I decide to sell another of my amps. I am on the fence at this point as I don't want to be hasty, but closet queen gear doesn't do anyone any good. Don't pass on another deal waiting for me.

H9

SDA1C

I did find humor. In fact I though it funny to mention to charley95 that I wasn't going to part out these 2.3. I was thinking of you LOL. I am glad assimilated got a cool little amp. I know how it goes with the timing of pm vs. post as that happened with the 5 x200 Sunfire I sold. Its a mess and a total Pita. No matter what you do it's wrong, been there done that.

Let me see if I get this right....you say there are more that don't have what it takes to be truthful to a persons face/screen name? Disappointing to say the least, I was hoping you were the only one. Or are you referring to your buddy that you suggested try to lowball to get back the 1c's? Funny... I would have given him the 5hun and the 1c's for his story if he would have asked. Money doesn't drive me man, it never has.

Call them up...let them chime in. I'm a big boy, I can take it. Let's hear from this group of unhappy sellers how much of a **** Dan is. I dare you, and I dare those you refer to to put it out on the table right here-right now.

heiney9

Yep, now your bi-polar tendencies are showing up. You wanted an honest answer, I gave it to you even though I didn't have to. I have not been untruthful. I am done with this subject.

Good luck with your search. I guarantee once you hear decent tubes/tube gear you won't go back; and that's the truth.

H9

SDA1C

Short list eh Brock...LOL

Thanks anyway for the insight on the tubes. I am in the market. That Cronus sounded good man, GOOD!

agfrost

In the interest of clarity, *I* was the person who made the crack about the amp getting parted out via PM. That whole incident was, shall I say, 'memorable' to me and probably a few others. Nor have I missed out on the fact that you like to take potshots at H9 whenever the opportunity presents itself, even in threads he's not participating in. And frankly, I was floored that you would be so bold as to jump on a FS thread he made, given the acrimonious history.

If I knew you, I'd probably think you're an alright dude--I've seen how you've been working to help out a Polkie this week and that's cool of you and of all who chipped in. On the other hand, I would like to see you scale back on what comes off as over-defensiveness and paranoia at times. You've committed no unforgivable sins, I doubt anyone has a permanent grudge against you, so why not let the past flow into the past and stop with the periodic attacks? No one's out to get you, to embarrass you, to call you out for anything publicly. That's why I PM'd my crack to H9 instead of posting it in this thread.

Anywho, you can consider it 'put on the table', I chimed in as you asked.

Jay

scottyboy76

Wish i had known all this, although i hate the friction, i could have been the next to pm brock.

My adcom gear is going away, and i would love to get our ears on some quality tube gear, and brock definitely knows and owns that.

And this certainly seemed to be in price range.

selah

SDA1C

agfrost wrote: »

In the interest of clarity, *I* was the person who made the crack about the amp getting parted out via PM. That whole incident was, shall I say, 'memorable' to me and probably a few others. Nor have I missed out on the fact that you like to take potshots at H9 whenever the opportunity presents itself, even in threads he's not participating in. And frankly, I was floored that you would be so bold as to jump on a FS thread he made, given the acrimonious history.

If I knew you, I'd probably think you're an alright dude--I've seen how you've been working to help out a Polkie this week and that's cool of you and of all who chipped in. On the other hand, I would like to see you scale back on what comes off as over-defensiveness and paranoia at times. You've committed no unforgivable sins, I doubt anyone has a permanent grudge against you, so why not let the past flow into the past and stop with the periodic attacks? No one's out to get you, to embarrass you, to call you out for anything publicly. That's why I PM'd my crack to H9 instead of posting it in this thread.

Anywho, you can consider it 'put on the table', I chimed in as you asked.

Jay

That's awesome agrost, Thanks! I do have a great sense of humor. In fact a dry and sarcastic sense might be the issue which in a way is ironic. What I think is dry and funny, others are offended buy while accusing me of not having a sense of humor.

I appreciate your interest but I was looking for those that have sold me something and had an issue. After heiny followed me around for a few weeks ridding my **** on everything I posted he sort of brought the potshots onto himself. I am still seeking those that I have had dealings with me that were unhappy. I am interested only because I want to ask them why they didn't say something then.

I had a feeling there would be an excuse not to sell to me and honestly I was not in any way surprised. It was an opportunity, however, to hear a tiny tube amp on my 5jr that I knew was of at least descent quality. I know if Brock bought a tube amp it is at lease descent even if he is selling it.

As far as Brock not knowing...assimilated said, "If its still available by the time you get to my post let me know, sounds like you've got it sold though", any one with a brain knows he knew I posted. He didn't have what it took to say no. Plain and simple.

I did like the shot about parting out. If I ever come across another set of dilapidated speaks I will part them. My 2.3 however....not likely.

heiney9

SDA1C wrote: »

As far as Brock not knowing...assimilated said, "If its still available by the time you get to my post let me know, sounds like you've got it sold though", any one with a brain knows he knew I posted. He didn't have what it took to say no. Plain and simple.

Get it through your thick head you are on ignore and only if I know you posted something can I choose to see it and PM's don't come through. It is also not possible to view any posts on the mobile app from people who are on the ignore list. I started a dialog with assimilated before I read your post. And secondly, I continued with assimilated by choice (after reading your post) as is my right to choose who I sold it to. To be honest I thought you were taking a pot shot so I didn't bother to read it right away after I was aware of it. You know, the whole thing about what goes around comes around.

Also for absolute crystal clarity, I am at a pc at the moment choosing to read your posts as you are still on ignore.

H9