Tube Amps from China

Why don't you try a tubed pre-amp? I use a Conrad Johnson PV3 with a solid-state amp and it sounds wonderful!

Alphaattitude06,

Better sound is not just a matter of tube vs. solid state. More important is matching your amp and speakers. IMO, due to the higher cost per watt of tube amplification and the Maggies well-documented need for power you will have a much better range of options if you look in the solid state arena.

It isn't that you can't run tubes with Maggies, it is just that the tube wattage needed for Maggies will cost more than your stated budget.

It is all about synergy, especially between amp and speaker.

For example, when I had less efficient speakers (SP Tech Minis) that were known for liking power, a Butler hybrid amp was a great solution for me. When I moved to more efficient speakers (Von Schweikert VR-4s) I got a Rogue tube amp. Driectly comparing the amp & speaker combos, the hybrid amp sounded better with the SP Techs, while the Rogue was preferable with the VR-4s. The other combos lacked something. FWIW

Roscoeiii,
Makes a good point along with others here.I love tube power amplifiers but you'must' match them to an appropriate speaker or disappointment will be the result.
Your current speaker is`nt ideal for the lower cost tube amps you`re seeking.
Regards,

I have said it before that tubes and Maggies may not be ideal, and was drowned out by blind enthusiasm. I still think it a less than ideal choice. Use high current SS IMO, if not I still love my Oper Consonance Cyber 800 Mono blocks but closer to $1000/ea.
Micheal is the system listed your current set up. I have been apart from my stuff for a while now. If you speak with Joe he can give you my new e-mail. Dr. M

I agree a tube amp within your budget probably won't work well with your Maggies. Why not look at a Sunfire 300 or 600 for under $1000 used. A ton of power and has a lush, warm sound; very different than most high current SS amps.
I know many people hate Bob Carver's amps, but the Sunfire IMO is outstanding. (Class AB amp).