2. amps-preamps
  3. 166972-154522

Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
noromance5,770 posts05-24-2021 9:28pmUsed pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.
Use the pre out on your Peachtree.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaa875-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THIS is a good deal.  Pay attention OP.. Very good start and to tell the truth end with.. Flexible well made amps.. A lot of wiggle room for sound change..

Regards
mboldda1's avatar
mboldda1
575 posts
 
get in contact with silk audio, they are in the US.
Silk Audio | eBay Stores
Also check out Musical Paradise out of Canada.
MP-402 MK2 FU25 1625 Tube Amplifier (musicalparadise.ca)
johnfritter OP
62 posts
 
@oldhvymec He doesn't want to ship the Quicksilvers I contacted him.
14point1
41 posts
 
When I decided to go the tube route I bought a Jolida Fusion 6802 from Underwood Hi-Fi when Walter was blowing then out at a $1000 under MSRP. I didn’t want to get in too deep and figured I couldn’t go wrong. I absolutely love it. It’s powering 87db bookshelf speakers nicely. My next tube piece will be a phono amp. I’ll then start chasing speakers. With all that said a Raven will be next integrated amp.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Mechanic, see comments above:  40W monoblocks
These are beautiful amps, need to find the age and provenance.

atmasphere9,468 posts
05-25-2021 1:24pm@johnfritter If you get a tube amp use the 4 ohm taps for you connection to the speakers. Your speakers are not particularly tube-friendly due to the low impedances in the bass region (3.1 ohms). If you like what you hear, consider a speaker that is higher impedance and otherwise easier to drive- that is where tubes can really show off what they do.
More to discover