[malldian]

So I love the tube sound however my Melos is a bit big for next years living situation. I want to keep the tubes closed so they don't break, what are options for amps around $400 with a preamp function?

 

[Skylab]

Just out of curiosity, why do you feel the tubes would break if exposed?

I always worry about tube amps that have the tubes encased - I would think this would cause a LOT of heat build-up inside the case.

The only thing that comes to mind in your price range is the Musical Fidelity hybrid. Never heard it though. There is the Rudistor that is enclosed but it is significantly more $$$.

 

[MadMan007]

What about some type of cage or other open protection that would prevent damage unless someone really tries?

 

[jpstereo]

ASL MG-Head MKIII (has tube cage) as well as the previously mentioned Musical Fidelity X-Can series. I can attest that both sound great!

 

[jzono1]

Heat in enclosed tube amp isn't harmfull to the tubes themselves, but it harms the surrounding components. However, it doesn't take much at all to get enough cooling, and if an amp runs stable there's enough cooling - so unless you want to do the amp yourself it's not an issue.