Tubes?

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've been thinking about getting into tubes for a while, and a response in a recent thread brought this back to the surface.

Does anyone have a good reference for a starting point? Assume I know nothing about tube electronics (but I'm pretty smart and learn quickly). I've heard it's not necessarily best to have an all tube set up, but rather some tube and some SS...stuff like that...

Anyway, if someone can give me some pointers or direct me to a good resource, I'd be grateful...

fireshoes

I'm kinda interested in this too, but don't know anything at all about them. Like I remember someone (BlueMD?) talking about tubes from an organ working. When I was at the goodwill store today they had three organs and I could see one had tubes showing on the backside, but it was so completely dusty I couldn't see any writing on them. The organs were $50 each. I did get 6 pairs of pants, 21 records, and 4 books for $31 though.

madmax

The best advice I can give is to buy yourself a nice integrated tube amp such as a Jolida 302 or 502. There are a lot of different ones out there, I just have experience with these particular ones. Used ones go for $400 to $700. You should look at the speakers you plan on driving. If they are lsi series, for example, you may not be happy. They should be somewhat efficient. Some are happy with a tube preamp only with SS amps and while I think that is better than no tubes it still isn't the same as haviing a tube output. I would check out AudioAsylum. They have a great tube forum.
madmax

BlueMDPicker

Originally posted by madmax
Some are happy with a tube preamp only with SS amps and while I think that is better than no tubes it still isn't the same as haviing a tube output.

Hi Chuck,

I haven't gotten all the way there (yet), but am working on it. I've been running the tubed CDP, with a tubed preamp, into a fairly healthy SS (400 wpc) amp - and I like that sound with the SRSs.

Recently, I picked-up a pair of SDA 2As from Emlyn. Since my new preamp has two sets of outputs, I decided to set the 2As side by side with the SRSs and drive the 2As with the same source/preamp combo - but, with a 100 wpc tube/mosfet hybrid amp. Magical! More dynamic bass, velvet edged vocals, sparkling highs (I swapped the SL2000s out with RD0194-1s as soon as I got them home.)

Eventually, I'd like to go to a tube power amp or tube integrated. But, this is pretty nice in the interim.

Does Jolida make an integrated with remote? I'm putting together another 2 CH rig for the MBR and that would be a selling point in that setup.

BTW - I stumbled on another tube find yesterday. Several years ago I re-tubed my current Hammond B3 (just for the hell of it, really) and stashed the original 1950's vintage tubes in a baggie held with stage tape to the inside of the cabinet. I decided to give the B its annual oiling and noticed the baggie (it had always been there, but I had no real interest.) There was a black plate RCA 6X4 and a Westinghouse branded 12AU7 in the stash and both are excellent sounding in the new preamp. Somewhere in this house I've also rat holed another box of organ/leslie tubes that I've yet to find. Big fun!

Mike

madmax

Here is a link to Jolida. No, I don't see any with remote control.
http://www.jolida.com/catalogue/tubeamp.shtml

I like the tubes but I also like a lot of power. The SRS's are great with 400+ watts! For me, I keep swapping around amps between high power and high definition (tubes) and I always end up with the tubes. If only I could have both. One thing you may find interesting is that the SRS will be much louder than the 2A's with the same power. As far as loudness goes, the 50 watt tubes are about equal to 250 to 300 watts SS. Crank up that 30 watt leslie and you know what I mean. :eek:

madmax

BlueMDPicker

Thanks for the link! I see Jolida has added a remote control unit to the product line. Wonder what that little jewel costs! :eek:

Yep, the Leslie wil get with the program for sure @40 watts. Has enough bottom end to break out a window and go dig a hole in the yard too.

organ

Originally posted by madmax
The best advice I can give is to buy yourself a nice integrated tube amp such as a Jolida 302 or 502.

I agree. Also check out the AQ1003DT from ASL... http://www.divertech.com/aq1003dt.html

The Jolida looks more classy though.

There's nothing like the sound of tubes pumping out of efficient horns. The best 12w/ch I've ever heard:cool: .

Maurice

madmax

Originally posted by BlueMDPicker
Yep, the Leslie wil get with the program for sure @40 watts. Has enough bottom end to break out a window and go dig a hole in the yard too.

I know this all too well. I recorded a band in their practice basement. The only place for me to sit while controlling the CD recorder was right next to the leslie. After the first test recording it was obvious the B3 wasn't being played loud enough for the recording so I told the player to bring it way up. It was a tough night after that. Ear plugs solved the loudness problem but that thing can shake you to pieces. :eek:

audiobliss

hmm...I'm glad this thread popped up.....I'm also really interested in getting into tubes.....

Does anybody have any thoughts on ASL's new Wave mono-blocks? They put out 20 or 25 watts a channel and are only $350 each. For a stereo set-up this is only $700; sounds pretty good to me.....but then, I don't know anything about tubes.....

madmax

You have to have very efficient speakers to make them reasonably loud. Even with the big SRS I know 16 watts per channel doesn't cut it. Most people moving from SS to tubes will be happy with 50 to 60 watts per channel. Good tubes to start with are KT-88, 6550 or EL-34. Of course you could be happy with others but most of us want at least this much power.
madmax

audiobliss

I guess you're talking to PolkManiac......I'd say my speakers are pretty efficient.....lol

organ

Originally posted by audiobliss
hmm...I'm glad this thread popped up.....I'm also really interested in getting into tubes.....

Does anybody have any thoughts on ASL's new Wave mono-blocks? They put out 20 or 25 watts a channel and are only $350 each. For a stereo set-up this is only $700; sounds pretty good to me.....but then, I don't know anything about tubes.....

Check my reply to your post on the 2ch forum regarding tubes. Save a little more and go for an int. A 2ch ss pre or receiver as a pre is no good compared to an int or a tube pre. Your speakers are super efficient. Mine rocks the house with 12w/ch.

Maurice

madmax

Originally posted by audiobliss
I guess you're talking to PolkManiac......I'd say my speakers are pretty efficient.....lol

I couldn't remember what speakers you had. I knew you had a jeep...

madmax

organ

Madmax,
He owns the same speakers as me. Klipsch RF-35 98db/w/m.

Maurice