Hi!
I’m looking at changing my main system to all tubes and need some suggestions.
I currently have a Micromega PW400 amp (400w into 4ohms) bi wired (the amp has 2 outs/side) to my PSB Gold i (completely rewired and rebuilt xovers).
The setup sounds quite nice, especially with a custom built tube buffer between source and preamp. For a while, I wanted to get a second PW400 to do a proper biamping, I used to see them regularly second hand for a good price but of course, since I decided I needed a second one, I’ve been unable to find any for sale in Canada…
Anyway, while the amp is great and has enough juice for the power hungry PSBs, it also sounds a bit boring/sterile. Since I enjoy building things, I thought I’d build 4 tube monoblocks for the speakers: 1/woofer and 1/mids-tweeter.
I was thinking the MKIIIs would be good candidates. I’d use the modified circuit by tubes4hifi, a pair of KT88s and 12BH7s (maybe e80cc) and a triode switch just ‘cause.
If I was to go with these amps:
-What OT would you guys recommend? Is there anything better than the Dynakit or Triode transformers?
-I’ll build my own chassis out of MDF and steel plates, any designs you’d recommend? I kinda like the look of the Thomas Mayer 845 monoblocks.
-The PSBs are power hungry, so I can’t do EL84SE amps… I think 4x 65w is good enough. Would you guys suggest another design for a PP KT88s amp that would sound better than the tubes4hifi version of the MKIII?
THANKS
I’m looking at changing my main system to all tubes and need some suggestions.
I currently have a Micromega PW400 amp (400w into 4ohms) bi wired (the amp has 2 outs/side) to my PSB Gold i (completely rewired and rebuilt xovers).
The setup sounds quite nice, especially with a custom built tube buffer between source and preamp. For a while, I wanted to get a second PW400 to do a proper biamping, I used to see them regularly second hand for a good price but of course, since I decided I needed a second one, I’ve been unable to find any for sale in Canada…
Anyway, while the amp is great and has enough juice for the power hungry PSBs, it also sounds a bit boring/sterile. Since I enjoy building things, I thought I’d build 4 tube monoblocks for the speakers: 1/woofer and 1/mids-tweeter.
I was thinking the MKIIIs would be good candidates. I’d use the modified circuit by tubes4hifi, a pair of KT88s and 12BH7s (maybe e80cc) and a triode switch just ‘cause.
If I was to go with these amps:
-What OT would you guys recommend? Is there anything better than the Dynakit or Triode transformers?
-I’ll build my own chassis out of MDF and steel plates, any designs you’d recommend? I kinda like the look of the Thomas Mayer 845 monoblocks.
-The PSBs are power hungry, so I can’t do EL84SE amps… I think 4x 65w is good enough. Would you guys suggest another design for a PP KT88s amp that would sound better than the tubes4hifi version of the MKIII?
THANKS
Tubes4hifi is has very good amps.
I would however in your case get 2 M125 for bass and one VTA70 for
use as mid/treble. I also would build them as kit in their standard form,
this will make it possible to sell them later.
If you want MkIII the have a look at dynakitparts.com . Same applies here,
something in "original shape" is possible to sell with a profit.
As for transformers, both these suppliers has the best possible transformers,
anything else demands you to adopt circuit and NFB to fit the amp.
I would however in your case get 2 M125 for bass and one VTA70 for
use as mid/treble. I also would build them as kit in their standard form,
this will make it possible to sell them later.
If you want MkIII the have a look at dynakitparts.com . Same applies here,
something in "original shape" is possible to sell with a profit.
As for transformers, both these suppliers has the best possible transformers,
anything else demands you to adopt circuit and NFB to fit the amp.
Thanks Peter!
I’m really looking at MKIIIs or a better sounding design for a pair of KT88s.
The tube4hifi mods seem really good, any other mods you guys would suggest?
I know the Dynakit OTs have a good rep, any alternative I should consider?
I’m really looking at MKIIIs or a better sounding design for a pair of KT88s.
The tube4hifi mods seem really good, any other mods you guys would suggest?
I know the Dynakit OTs have a good rep, any alternative I should consider?
At one time Tubes4hifi would sell just the iron for his amps.
You could inquire as to if he still does.
That may give you another option.
You could inquire as to if he still does.
That may give you another option.
The whole kit for a VTA120 is available from Bob Latino for under US1000. Get two and you have your 4 channels for biamping.
See tubes4hifi amplifier KITs page
See tubes4hifi amplifier KITs page
I’m set on the monoblocks.
I’ve been doing some research and it seems Electra Print transformers could be an option. I’ll look into the Lundhal as well.
I take it there is no other design in PP that delivers 60W or more that are known to be “clearly” superior to the Tube4hifi MKIII/VTA120?
I’m not interested in full kits since I already have a bunch of parts and really want a different chassis than the Dynaco style (I enjoy building the chassis, it’s part of the fun for me).
I’ve been doing some research and it seems Electra Print transformers could be an option. I’ll look into the Lundhal as well.
I take it there is no other design in PP that delivers 60W or more that are known to be “clearly” superior to the Tube4hifi MKIII/VTA120?
I’m not interested in full kits since I already have a bunch of parts and really want a different chassis than the Dynaco style (I enjoy building the chassis, it’s part of the fun for me).
dynakitparts.com sells ( normally) A-431 ( MkIII transformers)
A-431 Output Transformer - Dynakit Parts
They are currently out-of-stock but i understand they will have restocked soon.
A-431 Output Transformer - Dynakit Parts
They are currently out-of-stock but i understand they will have restocked soon.