budget tube amp and tuner

[av8181]

what would you recommend for a decent tube amp 4 channel and tuner setup for under 200$ used is ok... I want to wire 3 pair of speakers but only use 2 pair at a time...
mostly for radio ......if this is a no go then how about a receiver that would fit the bill
under 150...thanks

 

[ImcLoud]

tube amp will be tough for that price...

I would look into lepai, topping, and other tripath/class t amps...
This would work Amazon.com: Monoprice 109995 4-Channel Speaker Selector: Electronics with this amp Amazon.com: Lepai LP7498EA*200W Class D Digital Amplifier with Bluetooth (Black/Silver): Electronics

for an input you can use anything, if you want a tuner grab one of these Amazon.com : Compact MP3 Player with FM Tuner - Line Output Player - USB and SD Card : Stereo System : MP3 Players & Accessories but I think an ipad with blue tooth would be much better or your phone, ect anything with blue tooth and radio access...

 

[markw]

A wake up call.

1) the terms "budget", "good", and "tubes" are mutually exclusive.

2) I haven't seen a tube tuner manufactured in about fifty years.

3) I've never seen a tube amp with more than two channels.

4) As for all those speakers, you'ge gonna want/need an inpedance matching speaker selector.

Now, if you want to drop that tube requirement and accept that that a proper speaker selector might bring up your budget somewhat, perhaps some help can be provided.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Research and eBay might be your friend.

For tuner suggestions I'd recommend Tuner Information Center - Vintage Stereo Tuners which covers a myriad of tuners from various years. The author gives some subjective analysis, along with general features, what they go for on eBay, etc.

Marantz 125's are nice but may be out of budget (see attached). They're popular on eBay.

Amplifier will depend on your speakers. A speaker switcher on a tube amp might be a problem if you forget to turn off the amp before switching...

For budget tube amplifiers, might need to go DIY:
diytube.com • Index page

I agree that a solid state amplifier might be the better way to go, but also understand there is some novelty with tubes.

Hope that gets you started!
-Midnight

 

[Speedskater]

The best places to find good tube equipment at good prices are:
a] Empty Nesters moving to small apartments.
b] Estate Sales
c] Goodwill stores

But read Mark W's post about what is available.
All old tube equipment will need a check-out and maybe maintenance.

 

[zieglj01]

what would you recommend for a decent tube amp 4 channel and tuner setup for under 200$ used is ok... I want to wire 3 pair of speakers but only use 2 pair at a time...
mostly for radio ......if this is a no go then how about a receiver that would fit the bill
under 150...thanks

You can play 2 sets of speakers at the same time - and you get a remote
DENON DRA-295 AM/FM Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less

 

[av8181]

the receiver is better I guess...
what would you recommend for 4 mini cube speakers that have a very decent sound..???

 

[zieglj01]

the receiver is better I guess...
what would you recommend for 4 mini cube speakers that have a very decent sound..???

Cube speakers do not have balance sound, because of the lack of bass

However, if you are determined to go cube - then I would look at
the Monitor Audio Radius R45HD speaker (only black is left)
RX8* Rosenut and Walnut Only

 

[ImcLoud]

cube speakers normally need a subwoofer...

the smallest I would go would be the psb mini imagines...

 

[av8181]

a bit pricey what would you get if you had 200 for a pair.....
i just found these...what do you think of these..??

Presonus Eris E4.5 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor
pair for 199.

 

[zieglj01]

a bit pricey what would you get if you had 200 for a pair.....
i just found these...what do you think of these..??

For passive speakers with a receiver - the Cambridge S30, they are good
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO S30 4½" 2-way Bookshelf Speakers Pair Dark Oak | Accessories4less

However for a tight budget at $140 a pair - JBL Studio 130
For 2 pair, it will be $280
Amazon.com: JBL Studio 130 4-Inch Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair, Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

Now if you want to go active - that is a different story and option

 

[av8181]

not made anymore...keep running into that.... how about another brand????

 

[crossedover]

not made anymore...keep running into that.... how about another brand????

What's not made anymore?

 

[zieglj01]

not made anymore...keep running into that.... how about another brand????

That has nothing to do with overall sound quality of the speakers - and it is one of the reasons for good prices.
It is not un-usual for good speakers to be discontinued - sometimes companies like to change things, or they do
upgrade the product, and then raise the prices. Speakers are one of the most reliable products around.

 

[av8181]

so you think the JBL are good??

 

[zieglj01]

so you think the JBL are good??

Yes, that is why I recommend them.