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

Chinese audio is getting better with every passing year, they will compete with every segment of market, including the highest echelon soon enough. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 For years, decdaes, I ADORED Jadis amplifiers,

Now I ADORE chinese amplifiers. DHT’s specifically, Just bought a Yaqin 2A3 push pull, STUNNING, stock tubes!!!!! wait til we rooll to high tech Lin Lai’s!!!! This summer hope to add a DIYer’s 845 design that lists his amp on Aliexpress, it s a DIY , no brand name. I do not have the cash for the higher chinese lines in 845’s. Cayin, Muzishare, Line Magnetic, Wellinston. My interest now in Jadis is zero.

EDIT, I used to place Dared, Ming Da and Yaqin all on the cheap list. Dared and Ming Da have pretty much faded away, leaving Yaqin as the lone survivor in this budget rank.

This 2A3 really places Yaqin up with the big boys now. Although its not scaffold build. Which helps keep price lw, but makes repairs, mods/upgrades difficult, if not impossible.

Last note, 
"Id take this Yaqin 2A3 over any Jadis's amp, as now I have high EFFICIENCY!!!!!!!!!!! speakers, Dont need Jadis monsta power. 

Any manufacturer capable of bringing a product to market is also capable of speccing whatever gradeparts they want. You want a cheap tube amp? OK, I'll spec cheap parts. You want a premium product, OK, ill spec premium parts, extra QC, fancy packaging. 

A friend of mine used to import cheap video cassette recorders targeted at big box stores. Their warranty & service? OTC exchange. The Korean manufacturer knew their 1st year failure rate was going to be around 7-8%, so for every 1000 1 000 VCRs ordered, they shipped 1,080. Problem solved.

Point being blaming country of origin is pointless. Its all made on earth, from 100% terrestrial raw materials, and assembled by 100% humans.

 

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