First Tube Amp


I have been listening to a 90's SS amp(200 wpc @ 8ohms) for 25 years and thought I would finally give a tube amp a try.

I ordered a $500-800 chinese push pull(40 wpc) integrated tube amp, with 4 El34 tubes, and  2 12AX7, and 2 12AU7 tubes. 

I figured this would introduce me to the so-called "tube-sound", perhaps an exaggerated version, that I have been reading about on this forum, then after a week of exposure, most likely return it for a full refund and decide if I want to go down the hole further with more prestigious versions.

To my surprise, I am floored by the quality of sound it produces. I wasn't expecting this at all. Initially, I thought it had some distortion of the high frequencies and a bloated low end but after 75 hours of break-in this essentially disappeared. The bass is thunderous, contrary to the limited reviews on the internet. The quiet passages are dead silent. I am hearing very different interpretations of CD's that I have listened to for years(classical) on my SS amp. Particularly when single instruments are played the sound is unbelievably sweet. Pizzicato is more forward. Part of this new experience I owe to the newly acquired speakers, which have opened up a sensitivity to recordings that I have not known to exist - I hear musician movements and breaths in the orchestra at 98.82dB 2.83V@1m .

I am struggling with returning this amp, in the midst of a paradigm shift: chinese junk has become on par with high end, how can it get better than this? What would other types of tube amps of better quality offer? How would other types of tubes("rolling") sound. How would a SET amp sound different(a 300b SET). A PL(also chinese made) with an array of tunes versus some of the boutique models that have half as many tubes?

Thanks for your help.




recluse
First I would like to congratulate you for trying something new. As you may have already heard quality does count so I’m going to tell you it’s a lot better to buy a used high-quality to band that he needs to buy a new Chinese tube amp.
So I’m going to make one quick recommendation Conrad Johnson any of the premier line and a nice quality preamp


The first time I heard tubes was with a pair of McIntosh MC30s a buddy of mine lent me. They belonged to his deceased dad and he had no way to use them then. I had had a Bryston 3B and a Citation 12 in my system. No slouches, they, but I was hooked immediately! The tube sound just can't be beat. I now own a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium Integrated amp and would never dream of going back to solid-state.

P.S., my buddy is getting his McIntoshes back. He's getting the bug again...
The build quality as mentioned above is usually the issue with these amps.  They work great and sound good but the design is usually unstable so in the long run there are usually issues.  There are many other tube amps that you can pick-up that are really very good.  Think older CJ amps used for around $800 to $1200.  These can be upgrade and sound fantastic then.

Happy Listening.
I generally stay away from all-Chinese products, but have read only good things about Yaquin on this forum.
Might consider a hot rod Dynaco 70 from Vincent in Lewiston.  While I do not own one myself, I’ve spoken with quite knowledgeable audiophiles who attest to the premier sound and build of the product.  His upgrades are well thought out and applied.

Or....you could simply consult with Upgrade Audio for tube rolling advice.