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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...
will62
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
752 posts
 
Since when is 3.5 W @ 8 ohms, even tube watts, adequate for anything other than quiet background music or super-efficient horn speakers?
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
Well, efficiency is the key with low watt amps now isn't it. My Omega's are rated at 94.5 and I can assure you they most definitely play loud enough with just 2 watts.
mrdecibel
3,064 posts
 
Besides efficiency, it is relative to the volume desired from the listening chair and the music being played. My home made 1 wpc class A amp ( a modified Citation 12 ), drives my Lascalas very well, but 1 or 2 notches higher on my preamp, or playing a song or 2 from Peter Gabriel ( just as an example ), and it runs out of steam. Enjoy ! MrD
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Lloyd.  My 6 Ohm Mirage OM 10's are fine with this amp.  5 wpc and with a sensitivity of 91 db I get more than enough sound to hear it 30 feet away even with the volume knob around 11 AM.  In the same room or an adjacent room and I can leave it at 9 AM and will be adequate for listening.
dishman442
38 posts
 
Look at YouTube before buying nobsound. Guy takes apart his hybrid tube/SS amp to discover the tube section is fake!  The transformer covers are empty!  

If Yaqin is still on your list, look up the Yaqin group on Facebook. They have knowledge, own the products, and there is a thriving subset of them that do modifications, not just tube rolling. 
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