2. amps-preamps
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Need help picking my first tube amp

Hey guys i want to get into tubes, i have heard wayyyyyyy to much and am dying to try a tube amp.  I have a budget of 650 us dollars, not sure if i want a pre amp, or full tube amp.   Im thinking pre amp cause i would really like it to drive headphones and then run it into a amp and then to speakers.

Been reading alot about Chineese tube amps and not sure what to think.  I have my eye on Xduoo TA-26 gets rave reviews has anybody used it ?  anyways looking for any input i can get, thanks.

 

Michael

128x128audiomike33
audiomike33's avatar
audiomike33 OP
117 posts
 

Agree Chorus, but out of my price range, thinking i need to save more money.

charles7
110 posts
 

I had the Xiangsheng 728A preamp, a Chinese product. Once I worked through a couple of quality control issues, it was a workable tube amp. I didn't notice glaring defects in the sound, nor did I hear any notable excellence from it.

I went to a Van Alstine Transcendence RB 10 tube preamp, around $1000. By comparison, the sound is accurate yet not oversharp like some solid state preamps. All in all, a delight to listen with.

 

rockaway07866's avatar
rockaway07866
5 posts
 

Watch from of Thomas and Stereo reviews - he does a great job and most of his offshore amps are below $1k.

 

 

mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 

Chinese tube amps are good. Many mainstream manufactures like PrimaLuna are made in China. No worries. I'll look for a basic push-pull EL34 tube integrated that is hard wired because the circuit design is simple and repairs are as well down the road.

audiomike33's avatar
audiomike33 OP
117 posts
 

Yeah I actually watch his reviews he's very good and I've been looking at some of those amps but I need to have a headphone jack too.

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