Tube integrated amps -- new Value Leaders?

@alan60 

Your prime driver seems to be just getting a perceived bargain, so you can say to yourself this sounds good and it only cost me X. I don't see how you can dispel Line Magnetic just because it is 'slightly older' brand they make fantastic amps at a very reasonable price.

I'm not sure how you can presume what my primary driver is. By the way, I've owned several amps that are up to $10K, so please keep your assumptions to yourself. The only reason I didn't include Line Magnetic is that it is a well-established, and well-known entity on these forums. I have heard LM amps on a few occasions and agree with everyone that these amps can hang with the big boys like ARC or VAC. I wanted to focus on the players in the lower price brackets that are not discussed on these forums as much. My intention was to understand if these are really a bargain, and how do they compare to other middle of the road models like Raven Blackhawk or Primulana amps.

@danager Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think TubeHifi offers an integrated amps. But you're right, they seem to be a very good deal compared to the other brands I mentioned in this thread.

Black Ice is owned by Underwood HiFi.

Wally is a standup guy.

I understand Prima Luna amps are made in the same Chinese factory as Cayin.

One point not in consideration- When China takes Taiwan this year after the

Olympics, will anyone want to own the Chinese gear? Yes I have a Chinese DAC

so the finger points both ways. 

+1 on Line Magnetic. Comparable to Audio Research in SQ.

@arafiq 

With a volume control it will work as an Integrated with a single input.  You'd have to add a switch box to be true integrated without a  phono input.