Starter Tube or Hybrid Integrated Amp

scubalab

Looking for a starter tube or hybrid tube/SS integrated amp for modest listening in our living room. Anyone have any of the following (or something comparable) they'd be willing to part with?

* HCT HMS-100
* Dared MP-5
* Fatman iTube
* Jolida FX-10 (realize this is another level... but it sure is nice)

Full discussion on what I'm looking for is HERE, but the cliff note version is this:

Will be replacing an mp3 dock (Logitech 2.1 powered computer speakers). It's likely going to sit on the floor (hearth) in front of a gas fireplace with two small bookies. Main (and likely only) source will be our iPods, iPhones, or tablets with music libraries or streaming. Must be small, LOOK GOOD (WAF), and decent sounding (i.e. a nice improvement over the Logitech!). Doesn't have to be end-all audiophile quality sound as it's not a critical listening rig. Budget is $500 max all said and done (I need speakers too...). I figure I'll likely have $100 - $150 in decent (SMALL NICE LOOKING) speakers. So, I'd like to keep the first three options in the $100 - $200 range. The Jolida... would be nice to find a decent used one for $300 - $400.

Also open to trades. I will likely be parting with a Parasound HCA-750A very soon... Might also have a recently-serviced B&K 5-channel amp (if I can find someone local to fix 3 channels that are slightly low and have some static in the pots). I wouldn't feel right parting with it as-is.

So, Whatcha got?

Anyone have any good (efficient) speaker suggestions? Again, must be small and look nice.

Thanks - Al

heiney9

Hey Al, when I get a chance I will pull those Pinnacle's out I mentioned in your other thread. Nice small bookies.............just won't have much time before the weekend to get them out of hibernation.

H9

scubalab

Brock - no rush! I did Google something close to the model you mentioned in the other thread, and it looks like they are rated at 86dB... does that sound right? I'd be curious to see what you have. The search results yielded some pretty bland (and larger) speakers - depending on the model. I have to remember the WAF... since it was made abundantly clear to me that this is HER room! So, any speakers need to disappear, or blend in nicely with the room. I might have to paint them white or light blue! I know there has been some success around here painting speakers black... that is if you could find black paint.

Let me know what you've got! I was hoping you might be willing to part with one of your amps!

heiney9

At this time the amps are staying . The Pinnacles are small.

starkiller

Would have just the unit for you but does not have a cover. Jolida 1501RC. No remote and the headphone jack was disconnected and in place there is another set of outputs for a sub. Plenty of power but again...no cover. LMK if you have any interest as I do have some pics and other info.

scubalab

Let me check out the specs. I'm not familiar with that model. Pics via PM would help! Can the cover be replaced? Being open, I'd just be concerned with my kids - wouldn't want them getting zapped!

polkfarmboy

What about this tube integrated on ebay, its new with a warranty and just over $300?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EL34-Single-ended-Class-A-Stereo-Tube-Amplifier-HIFI-AMP-Special-Price/181964356217?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=35006&meid=1ac40cc6ae1a41f1b3a251586262328c&pid=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&sd=281312152025

EndersShadow

scubalab wrote: »

Might also have a recently-serviced B&K 5-channel amp (if I can find someone local to fix 3 channels that are slightly low and have some static in the pots). I wouldn't feel right parting with it as-is

What B&K amp do you have? I have the service schematics for a 200.5 (since thats what I have).

Also where are you located? Anywhere close to Indiana?

scubalab

PFB - looks interesting. Anyone else have experience with that one?

Dan, I have the B&K AV5000, series II. I got it for the price of shipping from DaveMuell since it had a low channel. When I got it and hooked it up, there's actually only 2 channels that are up to par. Two of the other channels are noticeably lower and the last is spotty (VERY static-y and volume level is inconsistent with the POT). Unfortunately, I'm quite a distance from Indiana. I'm in central Pennsylvania. The AV5000 is somewhat similar to the 200.5, is it not? Either way, I'm an idiot when it comes to electronics, so it probably wouldn't be much help to me...!

heiney9

scubalab wrote: »

PFB - looks interesting. Anyone else have experience with that one?

Dan, I have the B&K AV5000, series II. I got it for the price of shipping from DaveMuell since it had a low channel. When I got it and hooked it up, there's actually only 2 channels that are up to par. Two of the other channels are noticeably lower and the last is spotty (VERY static-y and volume level is inconsistent with the POT). Unfortunately, I'm quite a distance from Indiana. I'm in central Pennsylvania. The AV5000 is somewhat similar to the 200.5, is it not? Either way, I'm an idiot when it comes to electronics, so it probably wouldn't be much help to me...!

I would stay away from the one PFB linked. It looks like a cheap Chinese unit and uses some odd tube designations.

EndersShadow

scubalab wrote: »

Dan, I have the B&K AV5000, series II. I got it for the price of shipping from DaveMuell since it had a low channel. When I got it and hooked it up, there's actually only 2 channels that are up to par. Two of the other channels are noticeably lower and the last is spotty (VERY static-y and volume level is inconsistent with the POT). Unfortunately, I'm quite a distance from Indiana. I'm in central Pennsylvania. The AV5000 is somewhat similar to the 200.5, is it not? Either way, I'm an idiot when it comes to electronics, so it probably wouldn't be much help to me...!

I will see if my schematics will work for it. If not you than maybe your tech....

scubalab

EndersShadow wrote: »

If not you than maybe your tech....

Agree with this!

Thanks again Dan. Appreciate it.

scubalab

heiney9 wrote: »

I would stay away from the one PFB linked. It looks like a cheap Chinese unit and uses some odd tube designations.

Right back to square one with the cheap Chinese hybrid from Monoprice, but more money! Thought (optimistically) it might be a hidden gem.

starkiller

A cover can be sourced from Michael at Jolida though i do not remember how much he said it would cost
.

polkfarmboy

I am an optimist too but dont knpw the tech or anything about it. Right now though Starkillers offering is better than an average casual listeng rig and my money would be on that one for sure if I was in your situation scub.

scubalab

Starkiller - PM sent earlier today.

vlam

scubalab: Where are you located? I may be interested in parting my HCT. I hate shipping these days so it would be good if you are semi local.

scubalab

vlam - I'm in Central PA. I'm very interested in your HCT. Where are you located? I'm doing a lot of traveling (within the borders of Pennsylvania) in the next couple months. As for shipping, I've had very good success... but I pack things to withstand a bomb blast. I do understand the concerns shipping something more fragile though. Please feel free to PM me pictures and discuss pricing. What all is included with your HCT? I believe they originally came bundled with an ipod dock, some cables, a remote for the ipod dock, and el-cheap-o speakers. Wouldn't necessarily be interested in the speakers, but could put the dock and remote to use...

Thanks much!!!!

-Al

vlam

Al,

I am pretty sure I still have the iPod dock (stored somewhere). Still have all the cables and remote and speakers. I Don't have an iPod to test it though. I also have an extra pair of 6N1P-Vi tube (I believe I got these from heiney9).

BTW. If I remember correctly, the remote and dock controls the volume of input, not the amp.

Email me and we can discuss further if you ever come out to Philadelphia area.

scubalab

Van,

Email sent! Would love if we could work something out. My direct contact info is in the email. Feel free to call me any time today. I'm observing a class today and can break free if I need to take a call!

Thanks again,
-Al

EndersShadow

scubalab wrote: »

EndersShadow wrote: »

If not you than maybe your tech....

Agree with this!

Thanks again Dan. Appreciate it.

The schematics for the 200.5 only cover the 200.5 & 200.7 per the coverpage. If you still want em I can upload it no problem.

heiney9

Al, here are the photos of the Pinnacle PN-5+. Dimensions are 7W x 7D x 11.5H. They are in very good shape. No nicks or deep scratches, grills are in very good condition, no snags or rips. Maybe a few scuffs on the veneer, but you have to look closely to see. You can see the new terminal cups I installed, those weren't factory. Much better.

scubalab

Dan, if the schematics you have say they don't cover the av5000, no need to upload. I'll either see if I can get the ones for the av5000, or leave it up to my tech. Thanks though!

Brock, the PN5+ speaks are in nice shape and the upgraded terminals look great! I'm supposed to be picking up a pair of Andrew Jones Pioneer bookies locally on Monday that I will try so I'm going to pass for now. But, if they don't work, I'll let you know. Thanks so much for the offer. Curious if you ever hooked these up to your HCT and if so, how they sounded.

Also, I was able to order a B stock Jolida FX-10. I honestly can't see the 'flaw', so it was fine with me! Most importantly, the wife liked the look of the Jolida the best. Happy wife and happy me for staying under my budget (even have $50 to spare should I decide to buy speaker stands instead of making them!)

I want to thank everyone who helped out. Great knowledge base here! I'm sure I'll be back with questions on tube rolling!

-Al