Do chinese tube preamp/amp clones interest you?

I've bought a Chinese Tube amplifier about nine years ago that is still my preferred every day amp. But when I received it and plugged it in, the sound was dark and totally closed in. Fortunately, I found an upgrade on a DIY forum for that exact amplifier. Music Angel 845 Class A amplifier upgrade.  After a total circuit remake and installation of top quality audio parts, this thing sings to it's hart content.  Of course, you have to know your way around electronics, and you have to make sure to not get electrocuted. This thing packs roughly 1000 volts. I would not recommend it for the novice. For me, it was much cheaper to buy the amp and redo the circuit than building from scratch. Not to mention of a better finish.  I also had to change all the tubes with NOS, as they where poor quality sounding. But super quiet. The only repair I had to make was to change the turn on relay after two years. Hopping this information will help. 

If cost is a big issue for you and you'd like something truly hi-end, build the SP14 kit from VTA.  The full kit cost is $1099 and they have excellent tech support.  The well received Don Sachs preamp, which sells for about $2500 new, is just the SP14 in a custom chassis.

VTA offers their preamp fully assembled or you can buy just the boards and parts and build your own custom chassis. 

They also have lower cost tube preamps for those who haven't the budget for the SP14.  Their lowest cost tube preamp kit is the SP11, which is only $425.  I have little doubt it would perform at least as well as any of the bogus Chinese amps.

Hm.

Wonder how many of you in this thread own Apple products?

Or any other items that are made in China?

Those who are presenting a holier than thou attitude should consider getting off your high horse if there is anything in your home/life that was made in China. 

Most likely purchased because it was cheaper.

Just sayin'...

Well I use a Triode TRV 845 amp.  Made in China, in the Line Magnetic factory.  Excellent build quality and sonics.  Bias has held rock steady for several years (I measure after each listening session).  

But- this amp is not a clone or a copy or a rip off of someone else's design.  It is an original design, created by a Japanese company, and built in China.

OTOH- There is undeniable crap coming out of China; ripoffs, theft of design, stolen product etc.   How many times have we read about a successful product that is made in China and sold by a reputable brand, then find the same product with a different "name" selling factory direct at a bargain price ?   In many cases this is the same or nearly the same product, being sold out the back door by "local entrepreneurs" or made in a different factory located just down the street from the authentic production line.  Western companies have learned to put their people on the ground in China to ensure that what is produced is exactly what was contracted for.  Why ? Because they learned that if left unsupervised, many Chinese companies will produce what they think the client will accept rather than what the client contracted for.

Everything that happens or doesn't happen is directed by the Party.  Western companies are required to "share" technology with local Chinese companies.  Chinese courts do not generally recognize western concepts of property law or prior use.  You would be surprised how many Western companies find that their Chinese market copyright is owned by some unknown Chinese company and they have to pay a royalty (!) to use their branding that is known the world over.

Several years ago, Apple and the Chinese Govt were negotiating over the sale of Apple products in China.  China wanted the ability to access  Apple networks, iphones and software at will.  Apple said no.  Apple executives were taken to an Apple store in downtown Bejing.  It looked exactly like any Apple store world wide.  All of the products were shiny, white, and perfectly packaged.  All of the products, the store- everything was fake.  The Govt made its point, and Apple quickly allowed access.

So no- I do not buy ChiFi fakes.

I am using and loving a 2003 Sophia Electronics EL34 A/B amplifier. Parts made in the PRC to U.S. (Chinese) owners specs and assembled in Northern Virginia. Previously I owned a Chifi Class A based on 6N1P outputs. The class A benefited from a $100 tweak. It blew up here in the U.S., after a bench tech error. Both amps sounded better than any solid state gear I have ever owned.