I have owned one of these for 2 years and they drive my speakers (SB20FRPC 30-8) with no problems whatsoever.
The snag from my perspective is that the total cost of the amplifier is less than one SE output transformer from Toroidy, who I would consider to be at the value end of OPT construction.
If it is really possible to create a worthy amplifier for $150, then slaving over a Tubelab SSE for a minimum of $500 feels like a fool's errand.
If the Oldchen amplifier could be categorised as a budget, non-hifi, desktop amplifier, not to be confused with the next tier, which would be full range sound at a lower distortion, then the debate is a lot more straightforward.
If it is really possible to create a worthy amplifier for $150, then slaving over a Tubelab SSE for a minimum of $500 feels like a fool's errand.
If the Oldchen amplifier could be categorised as a budget, non-hifi, desktop amplifier, not to be confused with the next tier, which would be full range sound at a lower distortion, then the debate is a lot more straightforward.
I'd say it's not a bad deal if you are willing to spend some more on improvements. It is wired point to point, not difficult to do some mods. As said above, usually these amps come with pretty cheap output transformers, and the cheapest possible tubes and caps. Upgrading OPTs, tubes, maybe some caps and tuning the circuit should result in a decent sounding amp with not so much outlay.
These things are really just toys.Or a curiosity. If you want a cheap Chinese amp that sounds good you are better off with some of the "copy" transistor amps .Something like the MOD 250 which is loosely based on the Naim NAP250 but with a switch mode power supply.Those are cheap but sound surprisingly good and have enough power to drive most speakers properly.Nice warm and musical sounding things .
Agreed, but then you have to buy the power transformer, choke, sockets etc. And good chassis are not that cheap either, although less than $159, yes.
It all really depends on what the OP has in mind. If he wants something ready finished with good sound quality, maybe better to spend some more money and get something else. If he wants to do a bit of DIYing without having to build the whole thing from scratch, then the Old Chen EL34 could be a good thing. Even better if he can get a used one cheaper on e-bay.
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In the end I’m looking to purchase a Single ended for an OB project. I can’t afford the ZEN (Decware) version.
I appreciate all responses. Many thanks.
I appreciate all responses. Many thanks.
Decware amps are a bit overpriced.
You can build a very decent EL34 (or 6L6) amp from scratch for $400-500 (probably even less if you really shop around for parts).
You can build a very decent EL34 (or 6L6) amp from scratch for $400-500 (probably even less if you really shop around for parts).
Thanks TG, I would need a parts list and a circuit diagram. Then I’d hand it over to someone more capable than me. I’m on the wrong side of 75 years now.
Second hand is another option. Keep an eye on the adverts, or adopt an auction site. There is a lot of churn of HiFi gear since there are a lot of people on an epic trip to find audio-nirvana.
A really good little single ended amp is the Almarro 205 A or 205A mk2.If you can find one.Also Sonic Art in Australia made the Legend which was excellent.Or the Silk Audio amps from Thailand.
I have two Oldchen BL-02. I acquired both second hand but almost brand new at very low price because they had issues. The original owners quickly realized that direct import from China of heawy items basically means no warranty, due to high shipping cost. I use them as experimental chassis. Factory circuit is questionable. Point to point wiring looks good only superficially, but is a quick job with hum and huge safety issues. The transformer set is ok for a 6V6 / 6F6 amplifier, but not enough for EL34. Available power is lower than a regular amplifier with EL34. I am now running one of them with 6F6 and the power transformer does not overheat anymore.
Mate of mine has one of these, it's middling. But definitely not like the OPTs are "underspecced" nor cold biased.
Though the PT is probably undersized BUT they were wound for 220V and if you run them in 230/240v countries the transformers would run considerably hotter and be more stressed
Though the PT is probably undersized BUT they were wound for 220V and if you run them in 230/240v countries the transformers would run considerably hotter and be more stressed