TooB NooB: Options?

[cotdt]

Even if the amp can't get super loud in a large room with your speakers, it will be very listenable, and you can get another 1000W amp for party use.

 

[cogitech]

Mine is called a MingYue Mini from eBay. It comes with 6N1 driver tubes and 6P14P output tubes. I replaced with Amperex 6DJ8 and GE EL84s, but the stock 6N1s are actually very good.

Receivers are often overrated for power. "50W" is at best 20W rms into 8 ohms before onset of clipping. A push-pull EL84 will give just slightly less output in the real world.

Ahaha. I found it. Music Angel MINI L4 EL84 6p14 Vacuum Tube Hi-end Tube Integrated Amplifier PUS | eBay

I know about the wattage overrating typical, however I do think my Yamaha R-S300 (a far better-sounding amp than any of you might imagine it is) can push considerably more than 20w consistently before clipping. My Lepai, however, is only good for about 5-6 watts clean into 8 ohms and I had no trouble getting it to clip while driving my dual-EL70 towers (and it happened long before I was satisfied with the volume).

As I said, I don't need 1000w for parties. My Yamaha SS is all the wattage I need. I just want to try tubes without making too much of a power sacrifice. 15wpc sounds good to me.

 

[vinylkid58]

A $200 EL84 PP is something I would consider.

There's a good chance you will have problems with a cheap amp from China. I see lots of posts from people having issues with these cheap amps, and without the knowledge to fix them.

jeff

 

[cogitech]

"Hello rock, meet hard place."

 

[cotdt]

Yep! That's the one. It's true that they keep modifying the circuit, but if it's the same circuit as the one in mine, then it will sound very good with simple mods.

 

[cogitech]

Yep! That's the one. It's true that they keep modifying the circuit, but if it's the same circuit as the one in mine, then it will sound very good with simple mods.

Tube rolling isn't new to me, but what's all involved in swapping the coupling caps? Is it dangerous?

 

[vinylkid58]

"Hello rock, meet hard place."

The odds are not in your favour. If you want something to play with, look around for a Dynaco ST-35.

jeff

 

[cotdt]

Tube rolling isn't new to me, but what's all involved in swapping the coupling caps? Is it dangerous?

It's those four blue rectangular things. I replaced mine with Mundorf Supremes.

 

[cogitech]

The odds are not in your favour. If you want something to play with, look around for a Dynaco ST-35.

jeff

What about a $400 amp from China, via Alberta?

Chuguang (Grant Fidelity) I-25.

2 x 12AX7B, 2 x 12AU7, 4 x EL34B, 25 wpc, free shipping...

 

[cogitech]

It's those four blue rectangular things. I replaced mine with Mundorf Supremes.

Looks simple enough. (Famous last words)

 

[cogitech]

I just went to the Grant Fidelity site again to do some comparisons between all my options. When I was there, I read the message from Ian Grant's partner regarding Ian's cancer diagnosis. I had not known this before, and the news floored me.

Ian is opting for alternative (not free) cancer treatment, so they need to sell stuff. For $400, compared to other options, I think the I-25 looks to be a hell of a deal.

I bought one.

My thoughts go out to Ian and all his friends and family.

 

[cotdt]

Looks good. With 25W you should get all the power you need. I hope Mr. Grant makes it.

 

[vinylkid58]

I think the I-25 looks to be a hell of a deal.

My thoughts go out to Ian and all his friends and family.

Same here.

jeff

 

[cogitech]

Looks good. With 25W you should get all the power you need. I hope Mr. Grant makes it.

The only drawback is EL34 aren't cheap, but the unit comes with some nice power tubes. Already have my eye on some nice NOS 12ax7 and 12au7 tubes for a reasonable price.

Either way, seems like a solid "first tube experience."

 

[cotdt]

Try 12BH7 over 12AU7. They are compatible and sound better to my ears.

 

[cogitech]

Received the I-25 today.

UN-F#*%ING-BELIEVABLE!

Seriously. This amp is a whole new world of sound for me. I'm flabbergasted.

 

[cotdt]

welcome to the world of tube amps enjoy your stay

 

[cotdt]

Is the 25W enough?

 

[cogitech]

Thank you! Enjoying it very much already.

Certainly, 25 watts is plenty for my speakers and I.