DIY tube integrated for relative beginner

[Moon Indigo]

Hi all. My wife has approved an integrated tube amp purchase for our living room. I want to power my Kef Q100 speakers

(Kef Q100 specs are: FREQUENCY RESPONSE 49Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES 2.5kHz MAXIMUM OUTPUT 107dB (SPL) AMPLIFIER REQUIREMENTS 10 - 100W SENSITIVITY 86dB (2.83V/1m)IMPEDANCE 8 Ohms).

I want to DIY this amp. I am relatively new to electronics, but I don't mind taking on a challenging project.

Can anyone recommend a diy tube kit amp with reasonable build guides that would be suitable for this?

Budget is about US$500 (which eliminated frequently recommended diy amps like bottlehead).

Thanks!

 

[lexx21]

There is a proven 6v6 pp schematic based on a dynaco design that will work well with those speakers. You can find it under the schematics section at diyaudioprojects.com


That was my first build and it works well.

 

[Galu]

Here in the UK, a high standard is set in integrated valve amplifier kits by:

index

The prices, particularly when shipping is added, are above your budget. However it is worth looking at the site, if only to see the quality that is obtainable in a tube amplifier kit.

The KEL84 15W sells for £795 and the KT88 35W sells for £1,345.

 

[Moon Indigo]

There is a proven 6v6 pp schematic based on a dynaco design that will work well with those speakers. You can find it under the schematics section at diyaudioprojects.com


That was my first build and it works well.

Thanks Lexx. At my level I think I need a more detailed build guide.

How about this:

Elekit TU-8200DX Stereo Tube Amplifier Kit
| TubeDepot.com

 

[Galu]

Hi Moon Indigo!

Re Elekit TU-8200DX. The price looks good but costs may have been saved in the choice of output transformers. The fact that they are physically quite small may ultimately restrict bass quality.

Being a single-ended configuration the power output is quite low at 8.2W maximum. This is less than may be comfortable with your speakers. The kits I mentioned are push-pull configuration and consequently more powerful. Worth making the comparison to help guide your search.

 

[Moon Indigo]

Thanks Galu. Unfortunately those kits are outside my budget.

 

[Alllensoncanon]

For $500-$600 price range, I would consider a Dynakit ST35.

 

[maty tinman]

I LOVE my cheap tweaked KEF Q100 coaxial speakers but...

True sensitivity is between 84 and 85 dB.

Min impedance is 4.7 Ohms.

These speakers want watts.

If you listen bad recordings and with low DR maybe but...

A SS amp is better idea with low sensitivity speakers.

 

[maty tinman]

If you are in Australia -> SS with H2 predominant like SE tubes amplifiers.

SAKSA 85

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/aksa/

You can build it easy.

Aspen SAKSA85 amplifier - Product Reviews & Opinions - StereoNET

 

[pl802]

Worth a look.AMP-25 - 25W Tube Power Amp with Matching Power Supply

 

[Moon Indigo]

For $500-$600 price range, I would consider a Dynakit ST35.

This looks really interesting. Have emailed Dynakit.