[Joeybgood]

I have yet to own a tube amp but would realllly like to check out the signature warmth of their sound. Want a decent amp but not looking to drop big $ right outta the gates. Was thinking Aune T1 MK2 or Little Dot MKIII but am definitely willing to get(and wanting) suggestions from folks with experience(and love for) tube amps.  Looking to stay under $300. tks!!  PS- if you have a moment, please look at my can inventory and let me know which ones pair better with tube amps. tks again.

 

[excolatur]

I'm new to this stuff but I've been doing a lot of research over the last couple of weeks to find an amp for my HD650. I didn't find much for under $300 or even slightly above $350. 
 
I heard okay things about the Valhalla 2 which is $350 and great things about Bottlehead Crack + speedball which was on sale for $300 but I think that's over now.
 
This thread may be of some use to you.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/402585/review-summary-a-ranking-of-32-tube-and-tube-hybrid-headphone-amps

 

[Joeybgood]

  I'm new to this stuff but I've been doing a lot of research over the last couple of weeks to find an amp for my HD650. I didn't find much for under $300 or even slightly above $350. 
 
I heard okay things about the Valhalla 2 which is $350 and great things about Bottlehead Crack + speedball which was on sale for $300 but I think that's over now.
 
This thread may be of some use to you.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/402585/review-summary-a-ranking-of-32-tube-and-tube-hybrid-headphone-amps

Thanks much mate.. I'll give it a read!

 

[Joeybgood]

Anyone else have any suggestions for me?

 

[RedBull]

You should check out Garage 1217 products lines. I have it and sounds GREAT!!

 

[ZachPtheDude]

Buy a bottlehead crack kit, happily build it and have an amazing amp that punches above its weight class and it is fully upgradeable.

 

[richbass]

get project ember supercharged !

 

[Joeybgood]

Well that's 2 votes for garage 1217. Do they only sell direct from their website? In re to bottleneck crack, is there much soldering with their assembly?

 

[ZachPtheDude]

There is, but I was able to finish my kit (which included a choke, and I replaced the stock electrolytic coupling caps with big Solen MKP films) in about 7 or so hours of actual time working on it. It was my first time soldering in 8 years. Anyone can complete the project as long as they work carefully and slowly because the included instruction manual is great.

Now that I've finished my first kit I can't stop upgrading it or starting new DIY projects, which is a nice bonus.

 

[kvik]

Zigis Rock'n Glass, worked well with both HD650 and K701, I thought.

 

[Solrighal]

The new Project Ember Mk2 is a steal at it's price. It works superbly with almost all headphones.

 

[Joeybgood]

I see they have several tubes to chose from. Suggestions?

 

[Amish]

I'll vote for Garage1217. Jeremy is one awesome guy to deal with and his products rock. If you can swing it I would grab the Ember amp. If not he has some lower price amps too. The Ember is one solid amp that sounds totally lush and 3d with the right tube.
 
I prefer 12AT7 and 12AX7 tubes with the ember.

 

[RedBull]

I like 12at7 (cv4024) with hd800 and 6dj8, 12au7 for hd650. All tubes are fine with my planars.

 

[Joeybgood]

Here is Garage 1217's tube inventory. I'm kind of surprised that the tube recommended by two people (12at7) is also one of their least expensive. Am I reading this correctly? That's very cool if I'm understanding this correctly.  I see they have a Sylvania JHS 12at7WA as well. What is the significance of the WA at the end?  how is this different than the standard Tung Sol 12at7?(other than being $19.99 as opposed to $3.99)
 
http://www.garage1217.com/TUBE%20PRICE%20LIST/TUBE%20PRICE%20LIST.pdf