In that price range, I would look for a lghtly used Sophia Electric Baby push-pull integrated, rated at 10wpc and runs in class A. Sounds glorious driving my back-horn loaded single driver speakers.
Inexpensive Tube Amps
Anyone have any experience with the following? I want to try one just to see how the sound compares to my Yamaha and Denon solid states. Since the Denon is living on borrowed time I will likely have to replace it this year anyway. Looking at the Nubsound and noted a Germtune that is identical to the Nubsound but costs a bit more. Reviews are largely good including those on other forums.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NWISSGU/?coliid=I2VYW63Z6R35ZH&colid=3O2PB0XPYIL0T&psc=0&re...
https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Amplifier-Single-Ended-Handcrafted-Headphone/dp/B073ZXZ3Z5/ref=pd_sb...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DRUY6EG/?coliid=I1EPHIQ7T6OOPR&colid=3O2PB0XPYIL0T&psc=0&re...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NWISSGU/?coliid=I2VYW63Z6R35ZH&colid=3O2PB0XPYIL0T&psc=0&re...
https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Amplifier-Single-Ended-Handcrafted-Headphone/dp/B073ZXZ3Z5/ref=pd_sb...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DRUY6EG/?coliid=I1EPHIQ7T6OOPR&colid=3O2PB0XPYIL0T&psc=0&re...
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- 116 posts total
So I've been following this thread, not much I can add but good info. So here is my input and saw this" APPJ " tube amp on Massdrop for $280.. don't know much about it... https://www.massdrop.com/buy/appj-el34-tube-stereo-amplifier?utm_placement=19&referer=F9EX4C&... |
As usual, I am late to the party but I will add my $0.02 worth: in general, I try to avoid cheap Chinese products. Actually I avoid MOST products made in the PRC except for a few Hong Kong manufacturers. This is not due to political issues (which I have in plenty) but from experience. But YMMV... IMO, the best Chinese made product I ever owned was the original Sophia Electric Baby amp - not the new MkII unit. Sophia Electric is an American firm w/ Chinese partners. This amp was quite good; 10W (more or less) and it sounded great with every monitor speaker I paired it with in my office. There are still plenty of these amps available on the used market for about $300 or so. |
Will62: I was on a similar search a few years ago for a tube amp and checked out some of the same units You are considering. I had some helpful communications with Garry Huang who owns Musical Paradise. I believe he’s in Edmonton Canada. I eventually brought his MP301; later bought some tube upgrades from him. I have used it with Omega 3i speakers for a few years without any problems. A lot fun, and very good for acoustic/solo instruments. The unit is very heavy, nicely finished, and quiet. I think the quality control is very good. A simple amp without any gimmicks. |
- 116 posts total