Topic: Old Tube Gear

[run_run_run]

I kinda curious about how tube stereo amps sound and would love have one, but my I can't spend allot of money.  I saw this post http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=47235.0 and I am wondering what old tube gear can be picked up for, under $200ish? Also what skills are needed to restore such things?   

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

I kinda curious about how tube stereo amps sound and would love have one, but my I can't spend allot of money.  I saw this post http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=47235.0 and I am wondering what old tube gear can be picked up for, under $200ish? Also what skills are needed to restore such things?   

If you're thinking of a Dynaco amp:

http://www.geocities.com/vintageaudio/cdrom.html

Hthey have an e-mail link at the bottom also.

I'm not sure about the Dynaco amps, but I know some can be a bitch to find the necessary parts for (correct values etc.)  Personally (just me) I'd be careful, it's possible you could end up spending close to what it would have cost to buy an amp in good working condition.  If you like projects and you have patience it might be pretty fun.

Unless you can visually inspect the amp and get a decent assesment (and knowledge to do so) on what needs to be restored I'd be cautious.

[Stagger]

Think more in the $500 range to get a decent used tube amp on http://audiogon.com/. Unless you know what you are doing/have expierence with these things, stay away from the words "vintage" and "tube" unless you enjoy  . You should be able to find my amp (a Rogue 88) for about $500 these days. It is a great amp and a good into into tubes. It's self biasing and you can run EL34, 6550, or KT88 tubes in it simply by pluging them in. Come to think of it, I may be tempted to sell you my amp (for no other reason than I've had it for a year and I'm just due for a change... I still love the sound and all I'm thinking of buying Skalender's DNA-1 but need a push) if you want to ask me nicely

[Nick's Picks]

DNA....
look for the rev A model.


I've seen some jolida amps and integrateds for under 500.

[cheshirecat]

I've rebuilt a half dozen Dyanaco ST70s in the last few years, along with 3 or for PAS pre-amps, a pair of Mark IV monoblocks, an Eico HF-85 preamp, and a some other kit here and there.  I got into it with absolutely no experience, read a lot, and learned a lot.  Many of the dyanco gear, heathkit, eico, etc... were sold as kits with fairly detailed instructions on how to build and troubleshoot the gear, plus there is a plethora of info out ther today.

If you're looking to get into it, you can't really do it for under $200.  Best bet is probably $300 or so for a decent ST-70 which you'll have to sink ~100+ into.  If you do go that route, try to get one that still has the original tubes, not a new set.  The new tubes that tend to come with amps generally suck ass, and should be avoided.  A mullard GZ-34 will outlast you, the EL34s i've seen generally have a couple years worth of life left in them (some much more, others less).  Buy one that already works, then replace at a bare minimum the bias circuit, the electroylytic can cap, and the selenium rectifier stack.

The parts are readily availble for most things except maybe the electrolytic caps on the Mark II and Mark III amps.  Try www.dynakit-parts.com they even sell new kits if you so desire, I bought a new power tranny for a Mark IV from them, and they are very well made.

Amps like the Marantz 8-B and HK Citation II are among the best ever made, they may be old, but they're still kickass.  Old school gear kicks ass, and the fact that there is so much of it still around is a testament to it's build quality.  There is tons of info out there on it. 

[Stagger]

I've rebuilt a half dozen Dyanaco ST70s in the last few years, along with 3 or for PAS pre-amps, a pair of Mark IV monoblocks, an Eico HF-85 preamp, and a some other kit here and there.  I got into it with absolutely no experience, read a lot, and learned a lot.  Many of the dyanco gear, heathkit, eico, etc... were sold as kits with fairly detailed instructions on how to build and troubleshoot the gear, plus there is a plethora of info out ther today.

If you're looking to get into it, you can't really do it for under $200.  Best bet is probably $300 or so for a decent ST-70 which you'll have to sink ~100+ into.  If you do go that route, try to get one that still has the original tubes, not a new set.  The new tubes that tend to come with amps generally suck ass, and should be avoided.  A mullard GZ-34 will outlast you, the EL34s i've seen generally have a couple years worth of life left in them (some much more, others less).  Buy one that already works, then replace at a bare minimum the bias circuit, the electroylytic can cap, and the selenium rectifier stack.

The parts are readily availble for most things except maybe the electrolytic caps on the Mark II and Mark III amps.  Try www.dynakit-parts.com they even sell new kits if you so desire, I bought a new power tranny for a Mark IV from them, and they are very well made.

Amps like the Marantz 8-B and HK Citation II are among the best ever made, they may be old, but they're still kickass.  Old school gear kicks ass, and the fact that there is so much of it still around is a testament to it's build quality.  There is tons of info out there on it. 

+T

All absolutely excellent advice! vintage DIY is a different world than vintage end user (plug 'n play). If you have the knack you will save a truckload of money and get great sound.