Tube amp comments???

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,961
edited June 2010 in Electronics
http://cgi.ebay.com/JWN-Stereo-KT88-EL34-6L6GC-5U4GB-tube-amplifier-/200479998167?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2ead8a00d7

This looks like some 'new' product. Is this worth a shot, and at what price? It's almost local to me.

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
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Comments

  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2010
    Looks like they are trannies from a Baldwin-- shoot jerryj12 a pm,, he has a pair in use.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2010
    http://contact.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ShowAllQuestions&ShowASQAlways=1&frm=284&iid=200479998167&ssPageName=PageAskSellerQuestion_VI&redirect=0&requested=jimbee01

    I wouldn't do business with him.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2010
    kinda' arrogant isn't he? Good call Mr. Face.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    I'm not sure I'm going to cross it off the list just because the seller may be a jerk :) Especially since he's local, it's a lot easier to do business with I think. I'm more concerned on the quality of the product. It lists the tubes it uses, different specs, etc. and I know nothign about that. I'm just wondering if it's worth a shot if the price is right.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    I'm not sure I'm going to cross it off the list just because the seller may be a jerk :) Especially since he's local, it's a lot easier to do business with I think. I'm more concerned on the quality of the product. It lists the tubes it uses, different specs, etc. and I know nothign about that. I'm just wondering if it's worth a shot if the price is right.

    James

    I don't know James he seems likes he just wants to get rid of it and won't be open to any followup. BE CAREFUL! If he is truly a curmudgeon and anything goes wrong or you need advice on this piece being that it is not a manufactured run, the price is not right no matter how cheap.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    george daniel wrote: »
    kinda' arrogant isn't he? Good call Mr. Face.

    ARROGANT! You're so diplomatic George. He just seems like an every day creep.:rolleyes: In both replys. I wouldn't do business with him either Mike.
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    He has 100% rating, and everyone who bought says they lvoe the amp. Any suggestions on how I should ask about service? If I just tell him I'm interested in bidding, and wondered what he would be able to do if there was a problem - is that enough? Is there something more specific I should ask?

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2010
    As him if he had to widen the doorways in his house so he could fit his head through them.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Face wrote: »
    As him if he had to widen the doorways in his house so he could fit his head through them.

    WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

    Seriously James. Tell him you are new to tubes and have been researching for a long time acquire the right piece and ask him what his policy is concerning helping setup, any problems that may like "it doesn't sound right" arise, any support for making tube rolling suggestions etc. Let him know you are serious. Then see if he is still a curmudgeon with these questions as they are valid questions from a new comer to tubes.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,193
    edited June 2010
    It is a lot easier to deal with someone nice, patient, and sans attitude, especially for a (no offense) newbie (with respect to vacuum tube amplifiers).

    Plenty of good guys out there. Come up to Manchester, NH next fall (Oct 2) to the NEARC swapmeet and meet some of 'em up here. www.nearc.net Mike Urban is very good for vintage stuff (not cheap, though): http://homepage.mac.com/urbanradio/urbanradio.html

    Probably some in New Jersey, too... George G. tends towards the solid state.
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,256
    edited June 2010
    This guy is over by the old Hafler site in Pennsauken. I wonder if there is any connection at all.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,193
    edited June 2010
    now that's innerestin'.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,933
    edited June 2010
    Pennsauken......UGH!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Shorty's Bar and Grill Pennsauken, NJ . . . .anyone remember that joke?:eek::D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    F1nut wrote: »
    Pennsauken......UGH!

    Talk about the armpit of the USA!:D
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited June 2010
    george daniel wrote: »
    kinda' arrogant isn't he? Good call Mr. Face.

    George,
    He is a bit arrogant but right off the bat the first question is calling him a liar. "I am going to read your google stuff, but at this point I am pretty doubtful as to some of your claims. BB"
    I don't take kindly to being called a liar by an idiot on the net. The seller didn't have to post the question at all. Personally..."I get it".

    The second question.."Which sounds best, 6L6, EL34, or KT88? Does that depend on my speakers or what?"
    Now, how do you answer that? You're getting into a lot of variables with types of tubes, rolling, speakers, matching it all up like with any system. How would you answer that. It'd take a bunch of keyboarding to answer it in full with just an opinion of what you personally like to hear.

    The guy's local, and picking up the amp would be a possibility? Service would be a possibility and obviously a "Tube Newby" question.
    I'm not saying the guy couldn't use a more diplomatic approach but taking in context the questions...well, I can see some attitude. I'll say he's in need of "salesmanship" and "marketing skills". LOL!

    The old vintage iron sounds fantastic. His point to point wiring and layout look very good. Quality parts in these old organs last forever. My Baldwin amps are from the '60s and still have the old "bumble bee" caps from the original build. They're dead quiet and have some beautiful sound.

    IF the price is right I'd try one. I'm watching it too and IF it's cheap enough I'd like to hear one.

    My main amps are Baldwin organ 6L6 quad amps with 6SL7s, and a pair of 5U4 rectifiers. I built/modified them. I'll have to give most of the credit to Will Vincent as he helped me out tremendously a few years ago when I was learning about them.
    I love the organ amps. They may not look good on paper as far as huge numbers on output but they'll drive about any speaker with the massive iron and simple design. I've got rid of some very nice amps and kept the Baldwin organ amps as they just sound sweet and kick ****.
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    The guy states that it's approximately 35 wpc per side, and 45 with other tubes. Is it true that tubes can change the power that is provided in some way? I contacted the seller and asked him a few questions. I'll let you know what he says and how he responds.

    Thanks for the input along the way guys!

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,256
    edited June 2010
    James, clean out your PM inbox.
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited June 2010
    James, what's your budget? Maybe you should consider doing what I'm doing, and buy a Dynaco ST-70? There's a guy in Freehold NJ that can help you maintain it at very reasonable prices (you could work on it yourself too, but I know that's not your thing). Plus, there are lots of available forums and upgrades readily available. I bought an ST-70 and a PAS-2 for $350, and will be upgrading the amp later this year. Just a thought.....
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,961
    edited June 2010
    George -

    It's as clean as can be - deleted stuff from January :)

    Dawg - I've looked around for Dynaco. I do get nervous because i do NOT work on anything. I have no skill whatsover with that. Dynaco is in my sights though, and it' snice to know there's someone near that can help with service. If something comes up local, let me know. I'm from central Jersey and am up there often.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,492
    edited June 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    The guy states that it's approximately 35 wpc per side, and 45 with other tubes. Is it true that tubes can change the power that is provided in some way? I contacted the seller and asked him a few questions. I'll let you know what he says and how he responds.

    Thanks for the input along the way guys!

    James

    Yes, different tubes are capable of different output. In the same amp even, within reason of course. If it's self biasing I could see it using a few varieties of tubes that are close electrically. I am looking at an amp that can use 6L6's and EL34's and many of the variants.

    With any of these home built limited distribution amps you just have to jump in and hope for the best or buy from a reputable dealer and many times that costs a lot more. Did you ask him if he's willing to help you out with questions and or repairs if you have issues? If he's not willing to do that, then pass, IMO.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited June 2010
    Pycroft wrote: »
    George -

    It's as clean as can be - deleted stuff from January :)

    Dawg - I've looked around for Dynaco. I do get nervous because i do NOT work on anything. I have no skill whatsover with that. Dynaco is in my sights though, and it' snice to know there's someone near that can help with service. If something comes up local, let me know. I'm from central Jersey and am up there often.

    James

    James,

    I've not met Sal, but I've read a lot of his stuff and what others have said about him, and I've exchanged a number of emails. He advised me when I was buying my amp, and quoted me very nice prices for restoration work. I'm considering an upgrade board over restoration, and haven't yet made up my mind. Sal, who I again have never met, has offered to bring one of his Dynacos over to my house so that I can hear a restored amp in my system. Now that, in my book, is good people.

    Here's the link to his Dynaco page (his main gig is restoring antique tube radios):

    http://www.dynaco-st70.com/

    Dawg
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited June 2010
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1280445709&/Dynaco-St-70-Violet-Black-test

    Here's a Will Vincent (aka autospec) Dynaco ST-70 custom.
    Will built JerryJ12 a pair of Baldwin mono block amps.
    I've known Will for a few years now and his builds are second to none.
    I can recommend Will Vincent for work quality and as a TOP NOTCH person.
    This amp is a little over the top for some people but is a prime example of Will's work.
    Harry
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited June 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I don't know James he seems likes he just wants to get rid of it and won't be open to any followup. BE CAREFUL! If he is truly a curmudgeon and anything goes wrong or you need advice on this piece being that it is not a manufactured run, the price is not right no matter how cheap.
    in business having the right product is not sufficient what provides for good service is good attitude (Polk is a good example, while their product is good their CS is well above it and that counts for a lot!!!
    Pycroft wrote: »
    He has 100% rating, and everyone who bought says they lvoe the amp. Any suggestions on how I should ask about service? If I just tell him I'm interested in bidding, and wondered what he would be able to do if there was a problem - is that enough? Is there something more specific I should ask?

    James
    If you are starting in this tube game, don't expect someone with an attitude to patiently provide you with knowledge.
    Pycroft wrote: »
    George -

    It's as clean as can be - deleted stuff from January :)

    Dawg - I've looked around for Dynaco. I do get nervous because i do NOT work on anything. I have no skill whatsover with that. Dynaco is in my sights though, and it' snice to know there's someone near that can help with service. If something comes up local, let me know. I'm from central Jersey and am up there often.

    James
    Then the more reasons for be nervous of dealing with this guy. Home made product + an attitude = your lost!!
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,492
    edited June 2010
    Here you go these look promising

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1281380296&/Dynaco-MKlll-Reduced-Price
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    James,

    I've not met Sal, but I've read a lot of his stuff and what others have said about him, and I've exchanged a number of emails. He advised me when I was buying my amp, and quoted me very nice prices for restoration work. I'm considering an upgrade board over restoration, and haven't yet made up my mind. Sal, who I again have never met, has offered to bring one of his Dynacos over to my house so that I can hear a restored amp in my system. Now that, in my book, is good people.

    Here's the link to his Dynaco page (his main gig is restoring antique tube radios):

    http://www.dynaco-st70.com/

    Dawg

    I wish you would have met him when Antny and I met him (first Polkies for Sal), you wouldn't recognize him as I surely won't.

    He unfolded himself out of this little car, stood up with a full length black leather jacket on, we thought we were going to wacked LOL!!!, and we both strained our necks looking up at him. No only that he easily could fill out a doorway. When he was standing next to Antny, Ant look like a little kid. WAAAAAAAA!!!

    I'm gonna miss the big ole Sal but I'm glad he is doing good with his weight as it would be very painful to loose him.

    BTW Mike, you are in for a treat when you meet him. He is one of the nicest guys around.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    He unfolded himself out of this little car, stood up with a full length black leather jacket on, we thought we were going to wacked LOL!!!, and we both strained our necks looking up at him. No only that he easily could fill out a doorway. When he was standing next to Antny, Ant look like a little kid. WAAAAAAAA!!!
    When he showed up on my doorstep in the same jacket, I could have sworn I saw my neighbors slamming their doors shut. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited June 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    George,
    He is a bit arrogant but right off the bat the first question is calling him a liar. "I am going to read your google stuff, but at this point I am pretty doubtful as to some of your claims. BB"
    I don't take kindly to being called a liar by an idiot on the net. The seller didn't have to post the question at all. Personally..."I get it".

    The second question.."Which sounds best, 6L6, EL34, or KT88? Does that depend on my speakers or what?"
    Now, how do you answer that? You're getting into a lot of variables with types of tubes, rolling, speakers, matching it all up like with any system. How would you answer that. It'd take a bunch of keyboarding to answer it in full with just an opinion of what you personally like to hear.


    +1 on this. Also, with 336 sales, he's at 100% positive feedback. I'd be more likely to buy from this guy than the really nice drool monkey around the corner.
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
    Cart: Shelter 501 III
    Phono Pre: dsachs consulting
    Digital: Marantz SACD 30n
    Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
    Amp: Conrad Johnson Premier 350
    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited June 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I wish you would have met him when Antny and I met him (first Polkies for Sal), you wouldn't recognize him as I surely won't.

    He unfolded himself out of this little car, stood up with a full length black leather jacket on, we thought we were going to wacked LOL!!!, and we both strained our necks looking up at him. No only that he easily could fill out a doorway. When he was standing next to Antny, Ant look like a little kid. WAAAAAAAA!!!

    I'm gonna miss the big ole Sal but I'm glad he is doing good with his weight as it would be very painful to loose him.

    BTW Mike, you are in for a treat when you meet him. He is one of the nicest guys around.

    Joe,

    Do you mean Lasereath? I've met THAT Sal! And, he is a great guy - he opened his house to me and a few other Polkies in the fall.

    This Sal is a different guy, who I don't believe is on the Polk forum, but who has done very nice work. While Will Vincent does cool mods of Dynacos, Sal's thing is to restore them to shiny-like-new stock.

    Mike
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Big Dawg wrote: »
    Joe,

    Do you mean Lasereath? I've met THAT Sal! And, he is a great guy - he opened his house to me and a few other Polkies in the fall.

    This Sal is a different guy, who I don't believe is on the Polk forum, but who has done very nice work. While Will Vincent does cool mods of Dynacos, Sal's thing is to restore them to shiny-like-new stock.

    Mike

    Ooooppppppssss!:o Lasereath, Sal, is still everything I stated above though.:)
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