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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
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Keep saving. Get 4-5K rolled in a sock. Then make a purchase. This is what I did. I saved for 4 or so years, squirreled away every dollar, coin I,could. 
 When it was time to buy, it was awesome!

  Patience will be worth it!!
sid120
4 posts
 
Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio (thebestamp.com)

for $800 you can get a Buf-101...he is a bit of a mad scientist but his gear sounds good
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
@johnfritter, sounds like a plan. That's a very nice preamp from what I've read.

rushfan71
291 posts
 
Johnfritter,

Since these entry level Chinese tube amps have peeked your interest, why don't you search out the YouTube channel called Thomas and Stereo.

Thomas has reviewed more of them than any other channel I've seen. It will give you a good up close look, a run down on all specs and features, and he does speak comparatively about them.


madrac
13 posts
 
Take a look at Rogue RP1 preamp or the RP5 - the latter is over your budget but more features (if needed)
for integrated, Rogue Cronus - used , although probably still a bit over budget
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