I have been looking at integrated tube amps to try with my Cornwall II's.  Is this a decent unit to use to experiment with tubes?

I think about all of the mainstream vintage tube amps would be satisfactory.

The bigger question would be the condition of the amp. It would almost certainly need some technical attention if it hasn't been rebuilt.

The sound of heritage speakers on tubes is pretty sweet.

 

YES .........................

The seller was asking $200 for the amp.  He now says he would take $50 off of that because there are issues with one of the channels.  From pictures he has sent me it looks to be in good cosmetic condition.  How much would it cost to have someone go through it and get it into good working condition?

I asked the seller a few questions and got the following response:

I just brought it out and it hooked up and there seems to be a problem with right channel. Left working fine, but the right's a little crackly and low volume-I'll take off 50 bucks for that-These older babies are funny, three weeks ago it was working like a charm!
Didn't build it, don't know who did-  Yes comes w/cover or cage.  I replaced the 6bm8 that were in it with a matched quad.

The seller lives 3 hours from me, so I want to understand what I'm looking at before I go see the amp.  Any input would be helpful.
 

I think that price sounds pretty good. If one channel is good and the other is limping along, it should be repairable.

I'd suggest to contact Craig Otsby at nosvalves.com.

He's got some info on refurbing gear on his site and he does very good work. He's a forum member here ID NosValves.

I think the most basic rebuild is about $125 labor plus parts. All out jobs are more. Craig is a pro and he will treat you right.

Maybe it just needs to be balanced and biased ......................

That would be a great scenario.

I'm not a tech type, but I often hear folks advising caution with a piece of unreworked vintage gear.

I couldn't find anything out about that model, except HiFi mag had a review

 http://www.roger-russell.com/magrevhf.htm

but I think 30 tube watts (IHF probably, not RMS) is all the Corns need, at $300-500 for a stereo unit with refurbishing, that should be a bargain, even if it does not include the pre-amp

NOSvalves is your man

http://www.nosvalves.com/

heard nothing but good things about him

I don't see a Lafayette on his list

Thanks for all of the input!  I really want to experience tubes with my Cornwall II's and my Chorus II's.  I'm torn with buying an older unit like the Lafayette that I would end up putting $400-500 into.  I'd really like to have an integrated amp, if possible with a phone stage, but I don't really want something that is going to be high maintenance.  For the same money I could get a newer Jolida 102B (integrated but no phone stage) or a rebuilt Dynaco ST70 (non integrated).  I wish I knew more tubaholics in my area so I could audition some tube equipment to get a better feel for what is the best option for me.

Find a SCOTT Intergrated and be done with it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That Lafayette is probably a good unit ........... Lafayette was a Big Electronics, oops, I mean Hi-Fi store in the 70's before closing here in the Northeast ............. Good quality products ...........

Video Guy:

Thanks for all of the input!  I really want to experience tubes with my Cornwall II's and my Chorus II's.  I'm torn with buying an older unit like the Lafayette that I would end up putting $400-500 into.  I'd really like to have an integrated amp, if possible with a phone stage, but I don't really want something that is going to be high maintenance.  For the same money I could get a newer Jolida 102B (integrated but no phone stage) Less performance then a well rebuilt integrated or a rebuilt Dynaco ST70 (non integrated) still would need a good preamp to take advantage of an ST 70.  I wish I knew more tubaholics in my area so I could audition some tube equipment to get a better feel for what is the best option for me.

 

You just have to buy something and live with it. I auditon less and less every year.

I would wait for a NOS Valves rebuilt vintage integrated (Scott preffered, they have the best phono sections) to come up on Garaage Sale or Audiogon, and jump on it quick they do not stay for sale long.

Audiogon has other rebuilt Scott now but I cannot attest to the credibility of the techicians noted in the advertisements.