Tube Amp Under $1,000

I've been experimenting with a little TubeCube7 from Tube Depot in Memphis. It's a $199 gem. Not a hybrid. Puts out a very excellent sound.

OK now I'm spoiled by that valve sound. I'm looking for a step up in a tube amp:

* Under $1k or thereabouts
* Not made in China
* Not a hybrid
* Doesn't have to be a lot of valve watts. The 3.5 watt TubeCube7 drives the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary or Dali Spektor speakers I've been experimenting with.
* Doesn't need an on-board phono stage
* Doesn't need an on-board DAC
* Inputs and outputs can be pretty minimal.

Please throw suggestions my way. Thanks!!!

 

If 3.5W is really enough and you're handy with a soldering iron: Stereomour II Stereo Single Ended Integrated 2A3 Amp | Bottlehead

I built their (discontinued) Paramount 300B amps (a mighty 8Wpc) several years ago ...
Paramount V1.1 300B/2A3 Monoblocks Pair Kit – Bottlehead Archives

the upgraded/updated stereo version of my amps: Kaiju 300B Amplifier Kit | Bottlehead

 

Why not made in China? Line Magnetic offers some terrific amps, including the LM-211IA which can be had on the used market for about 1K. Best sound you're likely to get in that price bracket, IMHO.

 

"Not made in China" makes it pretty hard in this price bracket...

 

Easy - contact Bob Latino at Tubes4Hifi - build your own - or have him build it. You cannot go wrong.

 

I can second the recommendation for a Line Magnetic 211ia. Some vintage Amperex or Telefunken tubes in the preamp section make it even better

 

This choice from Decware might be worth considering and seems to match your criteria:

The DECWARE Zen Triode Single-Ended Amplifier model SE84UFO

 

Thanks. My other thread on Decware what do I get for the $$$$ explored this option. A few guys commented on the lousy customer service from Decware they received. Makes me wary.

 

Look for something used in that price bracket

Or, keep an eye open for specials / used gear at Upscale Audio, he often has good deals. I bought my PrimaLuna Four new from him for under a grand.

 

I think he’s looking for an integrated amp unless I mis -read something. Does Decware offer an integrated?

 

All Decware amps have volume control, so in a sense they are integrated. He also mentioned minimal inputs - it comes with one, a second one can be an option. Checks all the boxes.

 

HiFi-Do McIntosh/JBL/audio-technica/Jeff Rowland/Accuphase

enjoy the browse
Or just visit Japan with a large suitcase

 

To be Devil's Advocate: what does that mean? You say the sound is excellent and you don't need more power, so it seems like you're just done.

P.S. Far more than solid state, tube amps interact with speaker impedance. A LOT. So it is absolutely indispensable to try for yourself at home with a reasonable return policy. Even the most excellent amp may interface disharmoniously with your particular speakers.

 

In this area especially, an old restored a console amp. Maybe an integrated sort like my old Silvertone stereo amp from the late 50's. It meets all the listed requirements and sounds amazing. Several long time forum members were impressed.

 

A used Audio Innovations 500 can be found for under 1k

 

Decware customer service is actually pretty good. You can speak directly with Steve Deckert if you give them a call, and he's cool to talk to and a straight shooter. Their main customer service/front desk person is Sarah. She's nice enough, but seems to have a "relaxed" work ethic, so might not return an email or call back if you leave a message asking a general question. They are very responsive to real problems, though, and will always make you whole. I wouldn't worry.

 

There was only one person (not a few) in your previous thread that spoke about their customer service in a negative way, I'm not saying there aren't any others who feel this way, but it's not been the norm in my experience.

It's better to contact them through a phone call rather than email. They are not really responsive to "tire kicking" emails that can easily be handled by posting questions in their forums. But if you are an owner/potential-owner with a real technical issue or question they are very responsive by phone and they stand behind their products.

 

I needed some help with my Decware amp a few months ago and Steve returned my call rather quickly after speaking with Sarah. He was really friendly and helpful. It was a nice touch, honestly.

 

Thanks!

 

Reiterating some of the above comments, since I commented in the other thread how much I love my Decware "Rachael", I've had it for 6 years without issue. The forums also have a lot of information and pretty responsive for general questions specific to the amp, or the other components Decware sells. I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but, damn this amp and the ZP3 make a great combination. Listening right now to "All Things Must Pass", US original LP and it sounds phenomenal.

 

Some of the Chinese amps are better built than some of the American stuff...JS.

 

If you can get away with 2wpc I’d grab this one

Oliver Sayes 45 DHT Korneff Clone

I have a 45 based Oliver Sayes and no longer looking for another amp

 

I recommend you buy a Nobsound Hood 1969 amp, which has mostly US and non Chinese parts in it. Then pay $700 for someone to rehouse it and resolder it so it is "made" by a person of Country you approve of. It won't sound better, but even at $1000, this $300 Class A amp will blow away your Tube Depot amp. Don't forget to have the builder put a "Made in xxx" label on it!!

 

Used is your only option with USA built and $1K price. Low power, go for a real triode power tube single-ended amplifier. Bottlehead makes great amplifiers in your price range. I would look for a Bottlehead 300B amp.

 

That was helpful.