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China built tube amps

Well I had an interesting conversation today. I contacted a large dealer and let him know I would like to buy a certain integrated tube amplifier that is made in China. I was told he wouldn't sell me one. He said they are all junk.  Prima Luna, Line Magnetic, Cayin, etc, etc, he said forget it. If you want a tube amplifier buy an American or European built unit that can be serviced.

So, I am new to valve amplifiers and I want to try one to understand what they're all about and sort of get my feet wet with tube rolling etc. I don't want to spend a lot of money at first which is why I was looking at Chinese built integrateds. So my question is, without getting into any particular brand other than what I have already mentioned, what is your experience with Chinese built tube amps? As a whole are they reliable? Am I wasting my money if I buy one according to this dealer? I have to admit I was rather taken aback by how adamant he was. Thoughts anyone?

128x128falconquest
mesch
3,472 posts
 

@falconquest The dealer you spoke with seems to me one I would not wish to deal with. I agree with those saying country of origin need not be the only criterion for product selection. I would want US based service facility for non domestic products however.  I have had tube gear from Jolida (parts and boards sourced from China, product put together in USA, great service),  Line Magnetic (China based  company with US service and dealer network), and Aric Audio (USA owned small company selling direct). Like yourself I am approaching tube amplification as a learning experience. Started with PP designs. 

Prior to making suggestions for tube integrated amplifier companies to search out I have a couple questions. What speakers are you planning on driving with the proposed tube integrated amplifier? What is your budget for said amplifier?

 

secretguy
1,693 posts
 

I currently have an American made tube amp. It's excellent.

I used to have a SS amp from China. It was the best amp I ever had.

I'd say run...don't walk...to another dealer. This guy sounds like a clown.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,581 posts
 

Leave Hyundai out of it smart guy. Try Yugo.

Apos is as good as Amazon, fresher stock (DHL from China), better (match) prices, painless returns. He sent me a shipping label for the only piece I was dissatisfied with.

falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 

The dealer told me to buy Ayon or wait for it.........Atma-Sphere! I told him sure, I would love to buy those amps, but that was way more than I wanted to spend on my first tube amp in my second system. I get the whole buy American thing for serviceability but you have to match the gear to the customer. You can't sell a $10,000.00 piece amp to someone wanting to spend $2500.00 or less. 

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 

@falconquest ,

Looking at some of the prices for the amps you listed, I see they are well north of $2500.

How much power do you need?

bob

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