Fred's Toob amp(s) build.

[WOPL Sniffer]

 

[FredR]

Pretty damn awesome!

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

I was able to turn the heater off in the shop, they get warm for sure.

 

[George S.]

Very nice, really like the red chassis, won't be mistaken for some old clapped out electric organ amp.

 

[62vauxhall]

I was able to turn the heater off in the shop, they get warm for sure.

Did you listen long enough to develop an opnion on brand new tube amplification vs what you are uesd to?

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

They sound great. After years of WOPL's, I'd have to listen to these for quite some time and then monkey with my system to accommodate them. When they get to where they are going, and the system is tuned to be ran with the toobs, we'll let Fred comment. I myself? Well. there is no replacement for a WOPL'd system. Some amps need different speakers, and pre's and and and......... Guy's mess with their systems for YEARS to get the tube sound just right. A WOPL??? Plug it in, hook it up, crank it up, and FUGETT ABOWD IT!!!!

 

[FredR]

Agree with Perry's comments. I prefer the sound and ease of maintenance (and cool running) of solid state. Tube amps are fun to play with and have a different and beautiful sound, but are a pain as a daily driver.

 

[62vauxhall]

Tube equippment was becoming passe for mainstream gear when I first got into audio. Although it was still out there. I've only owned a few pieces of tube equippment since the late 1960's and never regretted their loss. Although I do still now have a small tube amp & tuner plus a receiver.

Guess I've never warmed up to tubes (pun inteneded) but those two amps look so nice. If nothing else, conversation pieces. But I don't think I'd much apprciate their care and feeding.

 

[George S.]

Yup, to me the the "Golden Age" of stereo in terms of equipment and media(records) is the 1970s and solid state. I've never seen a tube amp first hand except in a electric organ or two. I found them intriguing due to the low frequency sound pressures they could create. Always wondered why they weren't popular for stereo, probably what you say, care and feeding. Back in those days days there were some RCA and Zenith TV repair shops around, and Walgreens had a tube tester up by the front door. The Internet wasn't even envisioned Had to be difficult for the average Joe to run tubes long term versus solid state.
Fred, I hope that set of amps meets your expectations and gives you immense enjoyment.

 

[FredR]

Thanks George. I'm sure they will. Might put them in a glass display case in the cave when not in use.

 

[laatsch55]

I guess it was just my luck that the only tubes I tried were the Cary SLM 100 mono's , that were the only set that left the factory that you could not bias the tubes. I know the Larrt fought with Cary for awhile after he got them....they sounded pretty shitty to me. Have yet to hear a good set of tubes...

Awesome work Perry...

 

[krellmk]

I would take the Cary mono blocks over the New York Audio Lab Moscode 600 awfully terrible sound.

 

[laatsch55]

So were the Cary's when you couldn't bias them....came out of the factory that way....erroneously...

 

[Skratch]

All the vintage McIntosh tube amps were self biased

 

[mr_rye89]

The only tube amps I've owned are ones I've built myself and I don't think I've heard any other ones either (except an H.H. Scott Stereomaster). My WE91 clone has been really low maintenance, aside from replacing defective tube sockets and hum balancing a couple times, I've done nothing to it. I way overbuilt everything on it, oversized power tranny and chokes, 25 watt output trannies, 660 VAC motor run capacitors for filters/couplers, oversized power resistors, ceramic sockets......

I wonder how long those KT120s last? I can't imagine 2 matched quads of 'em being cheap. FWIW I wouldn't kick a pair of tubed organ amps to the curb (or out of bed!)

 

[WOPL Sniffer]

I would.... I got enough stuff

 

[krellmk]

The Mac auto bias can be a problem sometimes cause the resistor value can drift i had that problem in a Mac 240

 

[FredR]

Quad of KT120s not cheap. About $200.
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/vacuum-tube-kt120-tung-sol-reissue
What it amounts to is, if you want to go 100% tube you need time, money, patience, and a good AC in the summer.

 

[62vauxhall]

Quad of KT120s not cheap. About $200.
https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/vacuum-tube-kt120-tung-sol-reissue
What it amount to is, if you want to go 100% tube you need time, money, patience, and a good AC in the summer.

Well that's three out of four against so I'm out.