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 5 responses by invalid

invalid
1,254 posts
 
Tube sound is a myth save your money for better speakers.

I used to think that way, until I tried a tube preamp with my solid state amp, less ear piercing and more enjoyable, never a headache at loud volumes.
invalid
1,254 posts
 
"Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio" http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Buffers/BUF-102.php

Check out this guy's stuff, he has tube dacs also in your price range and tube preamps.
invalid
1,254 posts
 
Now were talking! Thank you for the link! I will check into these this is the direction I really wanted to go. Or think I want to go!
Thanks again!

I have one of his affordable model preamps with the separate power supply, it made my krell amp sound way better than the solid state preamp I was using.
invalid
1,254 posts
 
Any deviation is distortion.

All audio equipment is flawed, none of it is capable of perfection, that's why we have so many opinions on what sound best.
invalid
1,254 posts
 
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. 


The Aric Audio stuff gets great user reviews, all hand built. I find that the smaller audio companies like Aric Audio, space tech labs and Don Sachs give you great sound for a lot less money.
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