2. amps-preamps
  3. 173969-1453

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
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
738 posts
 

Good on you for taking the plunge Falconquest! I hope it meets your needs. I’m more than happy with my Willsenton R8!

mesch
3,472 posts
 

Congrats on your purchase. I once owned the Jolida Fusion preamp and found it to be a great buy. 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Wow! That Carver Crimson 275 sounds like a real dog! $3k for a made in America amp that doesn’t meet specs? Do you know what I can buy for $3k? How on earth are people buying that amp, and who in the world is Carver using to build them?

i actually own the carver amp, bought it used, at a good price

it actually sounds very very good... perhaps the power output does not meet the irresponsibly marketed numbers, but the amp is plays fine, actually much better than fine, sonically, it is excellent -- driving my spendor sp100 r2’s or harbeth mon 40/3s

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/shootout-primaluna-dialog-hp-integrated-carver-crimson-275-elekit-300/post?highlight=crimson%2Bjjss49&postid=2127278#2127278

this blind-as-a-bat piling on b-s is just that -- b-s -- from folks who don’t know, haven’t tried, talking out of their a** - guys, give it rest... there is another substantive thread on this forum dedicated to that particular amp

so you hate the commies and their cheap china crap... but here are ’murican’s making an amp in ’murica... that works well, but sly marketers these particular ’muricans are... overstating the power somewhat, pulling wool over the eyes of other ’muricans... cashing in on old warhorse bob carver’s reputation as a pioneer, iconoclast, against-the-grain designer...

so what do you hate more? that’s the operative emotion here, right? HATE .... talk sh&t... that’s fun, makes your evening, right?

let’s all chill, listen to music... enjoy, don’t hate....just give the hate a rest

falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 

@jjss49,

Couldn't agree more. that's why I was so taken aback by the dealer I spoke to. He sells the brand I wanted but said he wouldn't sell it to me? It's all junk he said. Well, maybe in his mind I suppose but that's no way to talk me into a $10K amp. To your point about hate, just as you indicate if you really dig into facts you usually find the hate is based on inaccurate information. This is a hobby after all. It's supposed to be fun, not divisive.

Post removed 
More to discover