[gwompki]

Could someone suggest a portable tube amp for sensitive IEMs at around $200 that can perform a bit less than ALO Continental that is too pricey at $700?

I think the b4 is pretty good bang for your buck but I have also seen this one

http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp

They also make a version with built in dac
http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp-Dac

I would love to try one but not in the budget right now. Unfortunately I haven't seen much written about these.

 

[harpo1]

I think the b4 is pretty good bang for your buck but I have also seen this one

http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp

They also make a version with built in dac
http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp-Dac

I would love to try one but not in the budget right now. Unfortunately I haven't seen much written about these.

@Brooko Reviewed those.
 
Edit:  Here's a link to his review.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/ims-hybrid-valve-headphone-amplifier-hva/reviews/15617

 

[penmarker]

Could someone suggest a portable tube amp for sensitive IEMs at around $200 that can perform a bit less than ALO Continental that is too pricey at $700?

For a good performing amp which is 1) portable 2) tubed 3) for sensitive IEMs, $700 is a fair price.

 

[Subhakar]

For a good performing amp which is 1) portable 2) tubed 3) for sensitive IEMs, $700 is a fair price.

You forgot to add, "IMO".

 

[Subhakar]

I think the b4 is pretty good bang for your buck but I have also seen this one

http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp

They also make a version with built in dac
http://www.thetubestore.com/Parts-Accessories/Amps-and-Amp-Kits/Hybrid-Valve-Headphone-Amp-Dac

I would love to try one but not in the budget right now. Unfortunately I haven't seen much written about these.

@Brooko
 Reviewed those.

Edit:  Here's a link to his review.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/ims-hybrid-valve-headphone-amplifier-hva/reviews/15617

Thanks. Look great. Reading up more...

 

[penmarker]

You forgot to add, "IMO".

I'm not sure if you've heard of this company, its called Govibe and they have a portable tubed DAC/amp unit called Govibe Porta Tube.
Not known anymore nowadays but a few years ago they were quite favored upon. Don't know if Jaben still carrying them.

 

[golov17]

I'm not sure if you've heard of this company, its called Govibe and they have a portable tubed DAC/amp unit called Govibe Porta Tube.
Not known anymore nowadays but a few years ago they were quite favored upon. Don't know if Jaben still carrying them.

http://www.jaben.com.au/collections/go-vibe/products/gov-portatube

 

[Subhakar]

Thanks.

 

[Brooko]

The PortaTube was an incredible sounding tube amp - more transportable than truly portable though, and had quite a bit of heat.  Definitely one of those amps which I still regret selling though.  If I found one at a reasonable price - I'd probably buy it again.
 
I should be getting one of Martin's new hybrid tube amps soon - now that i know this thread is here, I'll post when I've had a chance to put it through its paces.

 

[MIKELAP]

  The PortaTube was an incredible sounding tube amp - more transportable than truly portable though, and had quite a bit of heat.  Definitely one of those amps which I still regret selling though.  If I found one at a reasonable price - I'd probably buy it again.
 
I should be getting one of Martin's new hybrid tube amps soon - now that i know this thread is here, I'll post when I've had a chance to put it through its paces.

Great been waiting for this upgraded model .Thanks 

 

[Criss969]

I just got my B4 yesterday and decided to dismantle it to see the inside this evening. I played with the trim thingies (4 of them) and now cannot get the sound "centered". Anyone know what each knob does exactly?

 

[penmarker]

  I just got my B4 yesterday and decided to dismantle it to see the inside this evening. I played with the trim thingies (4 of them) and now cannot get the sound "centered". Anyone know what each knob does exactly?

You'll need the schematics for that.
 
Also don't play with trim pots. If they're for gain settings you can very easily fry the electronics. Desktop amps can fry their transformers and output transformers. Its chaos.

 

[gwompki]

You'll need the schematics for that.

Also don't play with trim pots. If they're for gain settings you can very easily fry the electronics. Desktop amps can fry their transformers and output transformers. Its chaos.

I played with the trimpots in mine for fun but had no problem getting them back to normal as I took a photo of settings prior to adjustments. Luckily the tubes in this circuit are only used as a buffer (I believe) as adjusting the pots made very little change to actual volume. I think the chance of frying other components is minimal, but I could be mistaken.

My recommendation would be to set all of them to about 8 o'clock (just barely on) and then make small adjustments from there. The two on the right are for the right channel and two on the left are for the left. To my ears, the pot closest to the op amp, made a much more audible difference when adjusted. Start with those and then dial in with the two closer to the tube pins.

 

[Criss969]

My recommendation would be to set all of them to about 8 o'clock (just barely on) and then make small adjustments from there. The two on the right are for the right channel and two on the left are for the left. To my ears, the pot closest to the op amp, made a much more audible difference when adjusted. Start with those and then dial in with the two closer to the tube pins.

Thanks! This saved me. I tend to always make beginner mistakes when messing with things, unfortunately.

 

[gwompki]

Thanks! This saved me. I tend to always make beginner mistakes when messing with things, unfortunately.

No worries! I personally think that is the best way to learn with diy. My only recommendation would be to take good notes or photos before you start experimenting so you can put it back if need be.