I just purchased a pair of Wharfedale W40D's - I had a pair of these when I was in highschool and can't wait to hear them again. Ive always had SS gear - mostly receivers. The Wharfedales I had were powered by Sony 6050 which I beleive is more tube like sound than most SS gear.

Anyway - now that I'm getting the Wharfedales, I'm thinking of getting into some tube gear to go very retro and get the best from these warm efficient British classics.

What would you reccomend to someone like me just getting acclamated to tubes? like idea of all in one receivers but am open. I also don't want to break the bank. So low to moderate cost is in line. I'd also like to know who on AK would be good source of tube gear that has already been gone through for my starter set.

Thanks,

Jim

with warfdales i would look for leak tube products to keep that british "flavor" if you know what i mean

Leak Tube?

Just did a search - and see the Leak stereo amps. Cool looking but sys they are fetching pretty high prices. Would be a nice British match though...

Low to moderate cost varies from person to person. That said...I think that the Fisher 500 and 400 receivers are both good buys and provide reasonable sound at a decent cost. The same could be said of a couple of different Scott receivers - like 380 - and integrateds - like 299. NOSValves might have something in stock that has already been refurb'd. Also, check the classifieds on this board.

EICO HF-81 (you knew I was gonna say it) is great with Klipsch...bet you like it with your Wharfedales too...
Bill

Saw a Eico on ebay. Sweet lookin inttube amp!

Any new stuff worth considering?

I have an Almarro A205 integrated, that is new, and I really like it. BrianB of Venus HiFi is the source for that. Check out the link at the bottom of the page. I don't know if the 4.8 wpc is enough to drive your Wharfedales, as I've never heard them.

Be sure to check out bot the Members' Classifieds and the Business and Vendor Classifieds.

Second the Eico HF-81... Vintage tube amps can be a little temperamental, though. And you've got to keep kids and kitties away...