China built tube amps


Well I had an interesting conversation today. I contacted a large dealer and let him know I would like to buy a certain integrated tube amplifier that is made in China. I was told he wouldn't sell me one. He said they are all junk.  Prima Luna, Line Magnetic, Cayin, etc, etc, he said forget it. If you want a tube amplifier buy an American or European built unit that can be serviced.

So, I am new to valve amplifiers and I want to try one to understand what they're all about and sort of get my feet wet with tube rolling etc. I don't want to spend a lot of money at first which is why I was looking at Chinese built integrateds. So my question is, without getting into any particular brand other than what I have already mentioned, what is your experience with Chinese built tube amps? As a whole are they reliable? Am I wasting my money if I buy one according to this dealer? I have to admit I was rather taken aback by how adamant he was. Thoughts anyone?

128x128falconquest

The dealer told me to buy Ayon or wait for it.........Atma-Sphere! I told him sure, I would love to buy those amps, but that was way more than I wanted to spend on my first tube amp in my second system. I get the whole buy American thing for serviceability but you have to match the gear to the customer. You can't sell a $10,000.00 piece amp to someone wanting to spend $2500.00 or less. 

@falconquest ,

Looking at some of the prices for the amps you listed, I see they are well north of $2500.

How much power do you need?

bob

@falconquest Yep, that's the same dealer I communicated with as well.  I knew it.  He carries both Ayon and Atma-Sphere (among others) so the recommendations make sense - both are great brands but there is no place in this market to disparage entire country's products.  He will never get my business.

I bought a Cayin CS-55A from Musicteck a NJ dealer for $2000. They provide tech support .I have tried a number of different tubes and am using the KT-88 Gold Lions, It sounds fantastic! If you want to get one from amazon check out the Musishare or Willsenton. They have multiple reviews on YouTube. I think the famous Doge 10 is also now available  directly from China.

 

 

idiotic blanket statement like ’All amps made in China are junk’

 

+1 idiiotic blanket statements are what they are, no matter at whom they are directed..