2. amps-preamps
  3. 166972-154522

Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
Did a little surfing with my coffee.

NEW

You could start with a tube preamp/amp integrated: https://heaven11audio.com/billie-stereo-intergrated-amplifier/

Or for preamps, there's still a new QS to go with: http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/line-stage-preamp/ or here for $1295: https://www.donwalkeraudio.com/quicksilver.html or John might do a deal for you: https://www.audioconnect.com/product/quicksilver-line-stage-preamplifier/

You might consider this maker, Erhard Audio. Here's his entry level: https://www.erhard-audio.com/Europa.html
Above this, for a few hundred more, there are nice units that include wood.

Used:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649735683-conrad-johnson-classic-2se-tube-preamplifier/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649657520-conrad-johnson-pv-12l/
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaac7e-conrad-johnson-pv-14l-tube

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649733487-audio-research-tube-pre-amp-ls-2-black-markii-remote/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649666817-canary-audio-c7/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649710703-audible-illusions-l1-preamp-modified/

This one is especially attractive looking but I've not heard of Pear Audio before:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaabaf-pear-audio-blue-reference-preamplifier-tube
mesch
3,476 posts
 
+1 lowrider. If your Peachtree is driving your current speakers to satisfaction and has preouts and amp inputs I would suggest you get a tube preamp. Quicksilver is a great option. Also check out Aric Audio, give him a call.  

You could then compare the tube pre to use of the Peachtree pre.
You could then save for a tube DAC to serve your CD player and the Node.
As mentioned your speakers are not the most tube friendly so sticking with SS may be your best option. 
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. I have the original Unlimited that I run with a couple different First Watt amps,(F5,J2) and occasionally a pair of Monarchy Audio amps with,what I feel ,are really great results. Just a recommendation since you're looking at tube preamps as a possibility. 
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaaef2-aric-audio-the-unlimited-tube

 Here's the link. 
invalid
1,182 posts
 
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. 


The Aric Audio stuff gets great user reviews, all hand built. I find that the smaller audio companies like Aric Audio, space tech labs and Don Sachs give you great sound for a lot less money.
More to discover