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Hello everybody,

I would like to build an tube amp for my bookshelf speakers. I currently own a pair of Wharfedale 220, sensitivity 86db w/m. I currently listen trough a Yamaha as301.

I have narrowed to these Dynaco st70 (vta board) with kt88, OddBlock kt88.

I usually listen at lower volume, i think I'm not dialing the knob more than 11 a clock as the speakers are about 1m away from me.

Could you please recommend one from your experience ? I am interested in sonic quality and the ability to drive the speakers.

Any other amp suggestions are welcome, as long as the build is well documented :D.
Thanks

Do you have a preamp?

I really like integrateds, but I don't know of any kits. A cheap integrated is a Eico ST-40 or ST-70. You can find them used on ebay, but you'll have to replace most parts inside.

I don't have a preamp, for the moment I'm going to use as a source, the pc sound card. From the specs i see it can put up to 2Vrms out. If it is true, i believe it would be enough for the time being.

Hi,

I'mma Wharfedale dealer and stock the 220's. We've driven those from 10W/channel tube amps. A little integrated SCA35-or-ilk would do fine for a small room, like an office or bedroom, or lower volume (as you said).

Cheers!

I second “Geeks” recommendations. An EL84 output tube amp, delivering 12 to 20 watts output should be sufficient for the conditions you describe.
Due to the nature of hearing, power and loudspeakers, keep in mind that to double the maximum perceived sound level (volume) provided by a 10 Watt amplifier, a 100 Watt amplifier would be needed, not a 20 Watt amplifier.

Hi, if a 10-20w amp could drive the Wharfedale on low level volume, i think i'll stick with the ST70 amp. It should have plenty of power, and i can drive them in triode mode too.