Opinions - GLOW Amp One

[MasterBlaster]

Alright folks, I've been eyeing up the Glow Amp One tube amp for use with my PC.
I like it because its got a built in DAC/usb interface, 5w/ch + headphone out which should work well for desktop use.

The point-to-point layout inside is very clean and should be easy to service if needed.

I would like a few more port options, and given the price it seems like it should offer more, but then again
that's more that can break I guess and I'd hate to have a brick because some unneeded component/feature failed.

It has received good marks on 6moons and enjoythemusic.
Has anyone heard of them before? Thoughts?

http://www.glow-audio.com/glowstuff.html

[tinpan]

Well,

I am also looking at tube amps and this was an email exchange with a buddy. I am looking for an amp to drive a new pair of Cain & Cain Abbeys

Though I have not heard it personally, the Glow Audio Amp 1 gets
rather rave reviews and supposedly has much more drive that its tiny
wattage spec's would have you believe.

I can personally, very highly recommend the Sophia Electric Baby amp,
the thing just rocks, and is really nice looking. It says 10wpc, it
sounds like alot more, though it is not a single ended design so some
of the SET magic is not there like in a 300b design.

The Baby is a tube amp. done right, it really is great sounding.

[bmwr75]

never heard of this amp before.  Didn't see a price on the web page.  How much does it sell for?

The note stating that European/American EL84 tubes will cause premature failure of the tubes or amp is a concern.

[MasterBlaster]

It sells for $650 on their site.
 They have open box units for $480 or so.
I noticed the tube restriction as well.

[bmwr75]

Here's another option, the Ming Da MC 84 C07 for $414 (I have one and like it).  It runs two EL84s and two 12AX7s, plus a 6E2/6HU6 ?rectifier? tube.

http://www.pacificvalve.us/Headphones.html

Then you could get a Nuforce Icon Mobile DAC + headphone amp and connect it between your PC and the Ming Da.  Cost is $100

http://www.amazon.com/NuForce-Icon-Mobile-headphone-amplifier/dp/B001LS0AAK
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce10/mobile.html

[MasterBlaster]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I was also looking at the FUBAR DACs over at audiophile products.
The fubar2 in particular looks like a good no frills option.
Its fully plug-n-play, windows/mac compatible with no extra drivers needed.
Plus I like the capability to swap opamps.

http://www.audiophileproducts.com/fubar2

Some of the higher level models also have toslink/coax inputs too.

Decisions....

[BrianT]

I was also looking at the FUBAR DACs over at audiophile products.

Decisions....

And the winner is ?

[MasterBlaster]

I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(

[thuffman03]

I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(

Ouch!  Hope it is not too bad.

[BrianT]

I've decided to go with the Ming + Fubar.
The purchase has been put on hold though - my wife hit another car in a parking lot ;(

The Ming looks real nice, to bad it has to be put on hold.
Looks like your wife plays the same games as my daughter.

Brian