Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Living in a dorm and Tube Amps...
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Living in a dorm and Tube Amps...

post #1 of 33
7/20/08 at 1:27am
Thread Starter 
So this fall I will be a freshman at the University of Maryland, and I'm not really sure what to do with my headphones stuff. I really would like to bring my DV 336i, but since we aren't even allowed to have halogen lamps because of the fire hazard, I doubt the DV would be allowed because the tubes run at 300°F. But if I glued some wire mesh over the tubes so nothing could actually touch them, I think I could avoid that problem. But even so, the rest of the amp still gets very hot (I'd estimate around 50°C).

Now the obvious solution would be to just get a SS amp and not have to deal with the complications of a tube amp, but every amp I've tried so far doesn't come close the the Darkvoice. I've tried the Arietta, Gilmore Lite (w/ elpac), and now the Little Dot MK V, and I just prefer the tube sound with both HD580s and especially AKG 701s. Sibilance is a big problem with the 701s and MK V, but much better with the Darkvoice. (I plan on only keeping one pair of headphones and right now it's between the HD580s and 701s.)

I suppose I will try the wire mesh idea and put a desk fan near the amp so the rest of it doesn't get as hot and hopefully that will be enough. I mean I don't even know if they inspect things in your room. Does anyone have any experience with using a tube amp while living in a dorm?

And if I'm not allowed to have the Darkvoice, can anyone recommend a tube amp that either doesn't get too hot (the amp itself, not the tubes) or an amp with internal tubes that doesn't get hot? Or are there any other SS amps I should try? My budget is around $300, though I could spring for something around $500 if it's really good. And again I will be using either the HD580s or AKG701s. I like all kinds of music, though I mainly listen to rock pop, classic rock, and orchestral (like the Lord of the Rings soundtrack).
Reply
post #2 of 33
7/20/08 at 1:36am
You could try a used Musical Fidelity X-Can V2 or V3, those can be good amps when upgraded with Rock Grotto kits and a little Pinkie power supply

Dunno about the dorm thing......or at least I don't remember much of it
I do know we got away with things that should have burned down the place tens times over.

Peete.
Reply
post #3 of 33
7/20/08 at 1:39am
First off most RA's wouldn't even have the slightest idea what the hell a vacuum tube is. If anyone asks what it is just say its part of your stereo system. Remember,don't give them any more info than is absolutely necessary.

I used my tube amp in my dorm room and my room was inspected regularly and all RA's care about is if there is a clear path from your bed to the door. I've stored my 1965 Honda C100 motorcycle in my dorm room and my RA didn't even bat an eyelid. It didn't interfere with my path to the door so she really didn't care.

Save your money and spend it on something cool and chill out man. =)
Reply
post #4 of 33
7/20/08 at 1:47am
Give it a shot. I doubt the RA will even notice, but if he does, just say, "you HAVE to hear this!" and tell him to go get a CD or his iPod. That should get his mind off potential violations, etc.

If you really want a cooler running tube amp, look into getting a Millett Hybrid. Those run off of a low voltage power supply and use tubes that were designed for use in old tube car radios.
Reply
post #5 of 33
7/20/08 at 2:22am
When I was dorming I was contemplating bringing a tube hifi speaker amp, but figured it would cause a stir.

My vintage gear made everyone's jaws drop though--we used to have stereo contests and at one point my suite-mate's all-in-one Aiwa speaker went up in smoke trying to keep up !!!!

My advice, bring it, and keep it as low-profile as possible. Good luck and happy listening!
Reply
post #6 of 33
7/20/08 at 2:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunseeker888 View Post
When I was dorming I was contemplating bringing a tube hifi speaker amp, but figured it would cause a stir.

My vintage gear made everyone's jaws drop though--we used to have stereo contests and at one point my suite-mate's all-in-one Aiwa speaker went up in smoke trying to keep up !!!!

My advice, bring it, and keep it as low-profile as possible. Good luck and happy listening!
Man I love doing that. I have a combined 800 watts from Sony and Onkyo heads running to two 15" Fishers,two 10" Cerwin Vegas,two early 70's Jensen 10's and two Technics L32's. I can make the entire floor shake if I have it anywhere past halfway up. The fun thing is that despite some of the budget leanings of some of the equipment it sounds better than most $2000 setups I've heard.
Reply
post #7 of 33
7/20/08 at 2:51am
I'd lean towards what most of the guys have said in here - probably only a small chance that the RA would know what a tube amp was, and if he did, he might be enough of an enthusiast enough not to bother you about it.

Plus, you could always keep it in a cabinet, or fashion some sort of protective box to cover it with, when you're not listening to it, so if there are any surprise "compliance raids", it'd be out of the way.
Reply
post #8 of 33
7/20/08 at 2:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 928GTS View Post
Man I love doing that. I have a combined 800 watts from Sony and Onkyo heads running to two 15" Fishers,two 10" Cerwin Vegas,two early 70's Jensen 10's and two Technics L32's. I can make the entire floor shake if I have it anywhere past halfway up. The fun thing is that despite some of the budget leanings of some of the equipment it sounds better than most $2000 setups I've heard.
then you haven't heard m/any good $2000 dollar stereos

for under 1k you can put together a very nice little system running under 50 watts especially if you're using tubes or class d amps - far better than anything coming out of cerwin vegas et al

sometimes I honestly wonder how people can come here and figure out how to make it out of the mass marketing hype in the world of headphones (ie several cheap cans destroy bose et al) and yet they can't quite apply the same rubrics to non-headphone related hi-fi

-

to the OP go with the DV and if the RA gives you trouble an X-can or go DIY
Reply
post #9 of 33
7/20/08 at 3:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrosenth View Post
then you haven't heard m/any good $2000 dollar stereos

for under 1k you can put together a very nice little system running under 50 watts especially if you're using tubes or class d amps - far better than anything coming out of cerwin vegas et al

sometimes I honestly wonder how people can come here and figure out how to make it out of the mass marketing hype in the world of headphones (ie several cheap cans destroy bose et al) and yet they can't quite apply the same rubrics to non-headphone related hi-fi

-

to the OP go with the DV and if the RA gives you trouble an X-can or go DIY
I've heard quite a few expensive setups so I have a good baseline.

Due to being a college student I can't exactly dump $1,000 on products just one fine day because oh I do believe I don't like the way that coffee mug is looking at me. I'm dejected! I shall spent $1,000 on a fancy new stereo because I've got the bottom line in my checkbook.

What you don't realize is that I spent many hours mix and matching speakers to get speakers that complemented each other. The Fishers are awful at anything but bass but their bass is simply fantastic,my Jensen's don't have much bass but they have some incredibly detailed mids and highs....I could go on for another hour about how I carefully selected each component. Then I spent quite some time EQ'ing the entire system together. Every person I've had listen to the system including my uncle who has been working in the recording business for 35 years+ has commented on the clarity,tightness and soundstage of the system.

Why is this so? Because I put a lot of time and effort into developing the system. I started out with a goal to put together a great sounding stereo system for a minimal amount of money and I do believe I have succeeded. The price tag is NOT the bottom line.
Reply
post #10 of 33
7/20/08 at 3:36am
I'll be a freshmen at Slippery Rock University this fall...

But I'm taking a KT88 PP amp...

Our windows don't open, so I expect I'll be taking it home shortly after...

Then I'll replace it with PA5 (Nelson Pass designed, 100w in Class A)

I'll PM you with the stories... haha
Reply
post #11 of 33
7/20/08 at 3:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick 214 View Post
I'll be a freshmen at Slippery Rock University this fall...

But I'm taking a KT88 PP amp...

Our windows don't open, so I expect I'll be taking it home shortly after...

Then I'll replace it with PA5 (Nelson Pass designed, 100w in Class A)

I'll PM you with the stories... haha
Please do

Nothing is more fun than announcing to your hall mates that you have woken up than sweeps from 250hz down to 10 and back up over and over again!
Reply
post #12 of 33
7/20/08 at 3:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrosenth View Post
then you haven't heard m/any good $2000 dollar stereos

for under 1k you can put together a very nice little system running under 50 watts especially if you're using tubes or class d amps - far better than anything coming out of cerwin vegas et al

sometimes I honestly wonder how people can come here and figure out how to make it out of the mass marketing hype in the world of headphones (ie several cheap cans destroy bose et al) and yet they can't quite apply the same rubrics to non-headphone related hi-fi

-

to the OP go with the DV and if the RA gives you trouble an X-can or go DIY
Something I've noticed, when it comes to subwoofers in the "general market" is that people don't look at them as musical drivers, which they are. They seem to think all subwoofers are supposed to do is to make a lot of really loud noise in the lower ranges, say 100hz down to 35hz. While, granted, most people haven't heard anything but junk subs in junk generic boxes from places like Circuit City and Best Buy, hearing something like a RE XXX or Adire Brahma, or even as much as it pains me to say it, a JL W7, in a properly designed 4th order bandpass or ABC box shows how musical these 80lb behemoths can really be, while maintaining an ungodly SPL output.
Reply
post #13 of 33
7/20/08 at 10:11am
Try a TTVJ Portable Millet Hybrid amp. The tubes are on the inside, and nobody would probably know anything. Its small and portable and cant get too hot because people carry the thing, so.

I havent heard one, but its the smallest amp with internal tubes that i can think of, and i think its been described as having a warm sound, so id imagine it wont sound siblant.

TTVJ Millett Hybrid Amp - $459.00 : TTVJ, Todd The Vinyl Junkie


Maybe someone will have one used at a good price for you.
Reply
post #14 of 33
7/20/08 at 10:24am
I'd say just put your tube amp(s) in your listening corner and keep a low profile. By all means, let your room mates know what that thing is, etc, etc, so they don't mess around with it while you're gone.

I'm not sure what kind of dorm hall you're going to get but hopefully you'll be around a bunch of trusty and sensible people. If you decide to bring it, maintain it well. And also, watch out for "ground vibrations" if you know what I mean.

Best wishes
Reply
post #15 of 33
7/20/08 at 10:34am
When I was in college (1984-1988) I was definitely the only person in my dorm with tube gear. I brought a Dynaco Stereo 70 amp and a PAS-3 preamp to school with me. Connoisseur turntable and Boston Acoustics A150 speakers. MAN that was a sweet rig Everyone loved it.

So I say: GO FOR IT.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › Living in a dorm and Tube Amps...