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Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter

Showing 3 responses by artemus_5

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,993 posts
 
You can get in the game at the $1500. Bob Latino ST-70 is a great little amp. I bought one just t dabble in tubes and it replaced a much higher priced and wattage SS amp. The problem MAY be that it is 35wpc & your speakers 90db sensitivity. Sounded great on my Silverline’s. But they are 93.5 db. So I’m unsure. Bob can tell you though. He is very good service & the amp is a tube rollers dream. If you can stretch to the ST120 though it will give you more head room at 60wpc. Both great amps. If you can solder and follow instruction they also come in kits which is in & below your budget. BTW, no affiliation. Just a fan. My review is at AA 

tubes4hifi amplifier KITs page

Then too check with Underwoodf Hifi. I’ve seen them have great sales on the Black Ice amps w/ 45-50-55 wpc that fall into your budget. I’ve never heard them but they get good reviews
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,993 posts
 
@
.A tube buffer is a good suggestion, but it's a compromise
That was my 1st thought too. But it is his $$$ to do as he please.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,993 posts
 
I suspect your head is spinning now. There is never just the right amount of info available. Either too little or too much. And it can go from one to the other really quick.
Go ahead and build the ST-120 kit. I bought my ST70 assembled by Bob. I hear that the kits have good instructions. And Bob is always easily reached. Besides, you will save some $$$ and I believe it will meet your need and sound really good.  FWIW, I have Don Sachs custom build of this kit. It sounds very good
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