Do chinese tube preamp/amp clones interest you?
I bought a Chinese tube amp (Music Angel XD-800 MkIII) about 12 years ago just to play around with upgrading it. IIRC, it was around $500. When I received it, I opened it up. It looked like the tech who assembled it, just put in whatever parts he had handy on his bench. Most resistors were out of spec. Once I changed the resistors and caps, it was a pretty decent 30W Class A amp. The tube complement was 4 x KT88, 2 x 12AU7, and 2 x 12AT7. I ran Psvane KT88 and 12AU7 tubes and 50's era RCA 12AT7. Not including tubes, the upgrade cost me just under $200 (and many hours of my time). |
I found some of the opinions expressed here about Chinese Amps to be based on prejudice & lack of knowledge rather than listening to the product. It is true a lot of rubbish came out of China , but, this apply more or less to most countries. I am not Chinese( I am British -Egyptian & Ex Hi Fi plus publisher. My day job is Orthopedic Surgeon) I have superb Hi Fi system ( Clearaudio Goldfinger , Acoustical Axiom & Kuzma 14 inch arms..Wafac PRT1 , Burmister, Lamm, Jadis, CJ, Audionet , Acostic Arts ,, Krell, BAT.. Giya -Vivid Speakers.) But , My Pride & Joy ; AM 833 MKII 140 watt single ended of pure magic. I have 4 monobocks. 2 monos : silver edition, RRP around 25000 US $ & 2 monos ULTIMA of All Silver Transformers , RRP aound 50000 US$ plus. this is is probably one of the best Amps regardless of the price. It is made in China By a Genius called Fang & the website is am-hiend.com. Apart from brilliant design , customer service is second to none. if you do not have distributor , contact him directly, you will not be disappointed |
