I’m interested in a tube amp kit to pair with some full range drivers. Currently using a little TubeCube 7 and looking to upgrade but staying under $1k. Here are the amps I’ve looked at:
-Tubelab SSE (most work/room for error)
-Dynakit ST-35 (old school design, would need to modify, out of stock until at least December)
-Oddwatt DMB (looks nice but only 5W)
- Buying a built UL amp from Audio Nirvana (no build needed)
Any others I’m missing?
-Tubelab SSE (most work/room for error)
-Dynakit ST-35 (old school design, would need to modify, out of stock until at least December)
-Oddwatt DMB (looks nice but only 5W)
- Buying a built UL amp from Audio Nirvana (no build needed)
Any others I’m missing?
Not sure how I agree Tubelab SSE is most work, especially considering the community here who are very helpful.
Do want to build your own box, or have all parts?
Do want to build your own box, or have all parts?
Well part of me would like the challenge and flexibility of the Tubelab project but seeing as how I’ve never done an amp before (I’ve done speaker kits from GR Research but that’s it) I don’t want to get in over my head or make an expensive mistake. I’m not opposed to it but I’d like to know I’d be getting better quality for the extra work.
Build the ST-35 in completely stock form. There is a very good construction manual.
After you complete and use the amplifier for a while, you can consider any changes,
if you feel that necessary. This would be simple to do with the open and sparse layout.
Thanks. Aside from wattage, is the ST-70 a big improvement sonically? It’s not so much more for the base kit than the 35 and it’s in stock now.
There is no such thing as a "full range speaker". There are some with "wide range" but here is a hit in the bass and HF.
As far as a tube kit goes, there are some very inexpensive ones on eBay that are fine to learn with. EL34 output tubes would give you quite a bit of power. I would build a single ended amp first.
As far as a tube kit goes, there are some very inexpensive ones on eBay that are fine to learn with. EL34 output tubes would give you quite a bit of power. I would build a single ended amp first.
I have both in stock form and find myself listening (and enjoying) the ST35 more often than the ST70. Your mileage may vary due to speaker requirements and musical preferences. I have 92db/w speakers and mostly listen to classical and folk music and Jazz.
Thanks, I’m not 100% sold yet on my “wide range” drivers but I do like the efficiency.
The ST70 is the better overall amplifier, and the chassis is stronger.
I would build it stock, and only after it has worked properly for a time
consider upgrades to the driver board.
The ST35 does very well at the highest frequencies due to the smaller
transformers, but that would not matter much with full range drivers.
In either case do not buy the top cage unless it is absolutely necessary, as it is
expensive, impedes ventilation, and also the ST70 looks much better without the cage.
Last edited:
Thanks, I got a couple six year olds in the house but they are usually good about not touching the stereo.
Between the Dynakit and the Bob Latino designs, any advantage of one over the other? The Dynakits are more pure stock and the BL ones are updated but basically the same price.
tubes4hifi ( bob latino) uses all current production tubes, all triodes
in the pre part. It has UL/triod switches in the kit if you want.
Both uses stainless steel chassis.
The Latino looks pretty reasonable, but please only use 6CA7/EL34 output tubes.
That's what the output transformers were intended for, and they will sound better.
Last edited:
YAQIN MC-100B is decent too but it's integrated, however; you can connect to preamp as well. I runs it in triodes mode for 30w. 1/3 volume is killing my ears. How did I compare with ML 532? The bass is warmer but the midrange sounds better. My speaker is 96dB sensitivity and the room is 20'x20' shield with extra insulation all the walls and ceiling.
Attachments
It says on the site they are not stock transformers so they are capable of handling a KT88s.
That refers to the power transformer, not the outputs. All US vendors are selling the same,
larger stack ST70 power transformer.
The Dyna A-470 output transformers were designed for the 6CA7/EL34, and is how the amplifier works best.
The larger Dynaco A-431 output transformer was intended for the KT-88 or 6550, in their MkIII amplifier.
larger stack ST70 power transformer.
The Dyna A-470 output transformers were designed for the 6CA7/EL34, and is how the amplifier works best.
The larger Dynaco A-431 output transformer was intended for the KT-88 or 6550, in their MkIII amplifier.
Last edited:
I have to disagree that there's more room for error with the Tubelab SSE.
I finished building one last spring - my first ever tube amp. George's documentation and his involvement in the forum here left nothing to guess about, not to mention all of the members who pitch in.
However... I did choose to use only the recommended and tested components that have been proven to work well, like Edcor transformers, etc.
I did not try to modify the design, or add extra features. I built it completely stock and it worked on the first power up. This is what George recommends; it's his design.
I also researched kits, but I'm glad I didn't go that route. I learned a ton, and really enjoyed the process.
I'm now hooked on building tube amps. I just ordered the parts to build my fourth one. And, this amp is my original twist on an old design with some of my own modifications and changes. I'll have to see how it sounds! I know it will be dang loud, at any rate.
I finished building one last spring - my first ever tube amp. George's documentation and his involvement in the forum here left nothing to guess about, not to mention all of the members who pitch in.
However... I did choose to use only the recommended and tested components that have been proven to work well, like Edcor transformers, etc.
I did not try to modify the design, or add extra features. I built it completely stock and it worked on the first power up. This is what George recommends; it's his design.
I also researched kits, but I'm glad I didn't go that route. I learned a ton, and really enjoyed the process.
I'm now hooked on building tube amps. I just ordered the parts to build my fourth one. And, this amp is my original twist on an old design with some of my own modifications and changes. I'll have to see how it sounds! I know it will be dang loud, at any rate.