First time DIY tube

squiggy · 14th January 2007, 08:34 AM

I am just now getting into the DIY audio world. I love tube guitar amps. Mesa Boogie is one of the bests. I am going to take my first DIY tube amp. This would be my first DIY period. I would like it to be able to push my Paradigm's Studio's, and maybe pull double duty as a guitar amp. I know mono would probably be better. I need help with an easy kit at first, remeber total newbie here. Price should be reasonable. Thanks

Eli Duttman · 14th January 2007, 01:30 PM

IMO, you should forget using a single amp both for HIFI and MI service. A MI amp is a controlled distortion machine. OTOH, a HIFI amp should not alter (other than strengthen) the driving signal. While many of the "building blocks" used are the same, they are put together differently for HIFI and MI purposes.

Paradigm Studio Reference Series speakers have efficiencies in the upper 80s. Approx. 35 WPC of honest tube power will mate well with the speakers.

What sort of SS equipment are you currently using? A good 1st DIY project is a preamp. If your SS gear is separates or has preamp-out/amp-in capability, a DIY tube preamp could be used to drive the SS power amplification you already own.

squiggy · 14th January 2007, 11:52 PM

Hello, thanks for the reply. So no double duty tube amp. That is fine, I am trying to learn. Anyway currently I use a Yamaha RX-V730 AVR. I am looking to purchase a Rotel amp soon. So the pre-amp might be the way to go being a rookie.

14th January 2007, 08:34 AM	#1
squiggy diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2007	First time DIY tube I am just now getting into the DIY audio world. I love tube guitar amps. Mesa Boogie is one of the bests. I am going to take my first DIY tube amp. This would be my first DIY period. I would like it to be able to push my Paradigm's Studio's, and maybe pull double duty as a guitar amp. I know mono would probably be better. I need help with an easy kit at first, remeber total newbie here. Price should be reasonable. Thanks

14th January 2007, 01:30 PM	#2
Eli Duttman diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Plainsboro, NJ	IMO, you should forget using a single amp both for HIFI and MI service. A MI amp is a controlled distortion machine. OTOH, a HIFI amp should not alter (other than strengthen) the driving signal. While many of the "building blocks" used are the same, they are put together differently for HIFI and MI purposes. Paradigm Studio Reference Series speakers have efficiencies in the upper 80s. Approx. 35 WPC of honest tube power will mate well with the speakers. What sort of SS equipment are you currently using? A good 1st DIY project is a preamp. If your SS gear is separates or has preamp-out/amp-in capability, a DIY tube preamp could be used to drive the SS power amplification you already own. __________________ Eli D.

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14th January 2007, 11:52 PM	#3
squiggy diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2007	Hello, thanks for the reply. So no double duty tube amp. That is fine, I am trying to learn. Anyway currently I use a Yamaha RX-V730 AVR. I am looking to purchase a Rotel amp soon. So the pre-amp might be the way to go being a rookie.