"Nick Gorham" wrote in message
...
Will Reeve wrote:
Not the easiest speaker to drive (they need a bit of power) but I fancy
giving valves a try. Anyone have a recommendations where to start. The
system is 'budget' and well chosen, with a DPA Little Bit 3 DAC as a main
source and currently running a Cambridge Audio A1MkIII SE transistor amp.

Will

I don't know the speakers, so I am not sure just how much "a bit" of power
is.

One choice would be WAD's ket84, which is a cracking little amp.

http://www.worldaudiodesign.com/cata...hp?cPath=26_31

Onother (though not DIY) would be one of the el34 amps Keith got from
ebay, I am sure he will post some details, or if you look at some of the
older posting you should see details of them,



Indeed I will - see the 'cheapychinky' pix on my Show N Tell page:

http://www.apah69.dsl.pipex.com/keith_g/show/show.htm

.....for a selection of snaps of the rather good little Chinese amps that are
on eBay for £213 + P&P atm. (Search 'Dynavox'). Loopy VFM and these amps
will drive any Wharfedale, I'm sure. (Not too 'diy' though!)

For DIY, as Nick says, the World Audio kits are to be very highly
recommended, but the prices are starting to look a little high compared with
the recent influx of Chinese amps. A WAD kit would arguably give you a
'better' amp, but the Chinese amps are looking to be really quite good
indeed for the price. Cheaper than a WAD kit would be to have a go at a
'build from scratch' from a kit of parts - contact Phil at Bluebell Audio:

http://www.bluebellaudio.com/

who would, I'm sure, be pleased to discuss your requirements. He would be
able to supply everyting you need as well as the circuits and maybe a pic or
two of a similar project. Talk to him nicely and I believe he'll also punch
out the chassis for you....???