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 pinthrift

pinthrift
200 posts
 
Hi johnfritter 

IF, a big IF you don't need a lot of power and have efficient speakers, a used Music Reference RM-10 MKII is a great, great amp with modern tube sound, easily maintained & repaired with an inexpensive tube complement.  With a subwoofer or two, one can roll off the bass frequencies to a pair of less efficient monitors, allowing 35W per channel to serve say above 80hZ without draining the amp.  It's a truly reliable deep dive into the high end without a lot of cost.  Good luck and More Peace, Pin
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