2. amps-preamps
  3. 166972-154522

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 1 response by bogbeat

bogbeat
33 posts
 

Hey johnfritter,  no you are definitely not alone.  I am a beginner as well, and on this same intro to tubes journey.  I too have been looking into the similar amps out of China, etc. and some of them sound awesome for the money.

I ultimately decided to pursue Black Ice.

I called Mike at Black Ice, had a long discussion with him today, then  Walter at Underwood.  Both gentlemen are awesome, btw.  I recommend giving them call and see what they have to say.  There’s also a review of the F11 and F22 up on hometheaterhifi.com if you are interested.

I pulled the trigger on the Black Ice F22 tonight!  For now I will use the Peachtree as a DAC until I can determine the next move.  If I end up preferring the Black Ice tube sound, then the Peachtree will get sold and I will buy an external DAC, maybe streamer like you have.  I only stream Tidal & Quboz currently…


Maybe someday I will tread into Carver, Raven, Primaluna et al territory, and some higher sensitivity speakers as well.  Well, I can dream for now anyway.


FYI, I also have a Peachtree Nova 300, and I am running the Black Ice SS-X through the Nova’s loop section.   FWIW, definitely “smoothed” out the sound and makes a difference in the bass as well in my small 8x10ft room.  (there is a whole forum on the SS-X BTW)

We shall see how this experiment turns out!  Best of luck with yours!


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