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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
panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
518 posts
 

I only buy products made using 100% terrestrial raw materials, and assembled by humans, or with human oversight. Any more granular and the conversation turns stupid. Where was the copper mined? Where was it smelted? Where was it pulled into wire. Were the soyabeans used for the wire insulation organic or genetically modified

panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
518 posts
 

I only buy Terrestrially sourced products assembled by or have their assembly overseen by legitimate humans.

mofojo
2,288 posts
 

I’m not sure it’s exactly Xenophobic. When companies say a product is made in the US or stretch the truth it pisses people off and it should. Also nothing at all wrong with trying to buy made in America IMO. I do ok but if money were no object that’s exactly what I would do. 
 

I do know from experience that knock off parts are rampant in China. Bought and continue to buy a lot of tooling there and it’s a big problem. Some of this stuff looks exactly like the original. I would be a Skeptical of Fancy capacitors and such. Line magnetic seems to be a reliable company as does Cayin but some of these too good to be true outfits I would 2nd guess.

yakbob
465 posts
 

Those weren't legitimate factory made Carver 275s and you know it!  And I'll touch country of origin...made in the USA

However...

At least you get extra screws in case one fails.

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