If you are just getting into trying tubes look at the Carver Crimson 275. A giant killer at $2750. KT 120 power tubes (or it 88 or 6550) gets you all kinds of power. Five year warranty on the entire unit including tubes. Change the signal tubes to some NOS and being it up another level. Bob Carvers proprietary transformer design. And you can try it out from Jim Clark Stereo with no questions asked 30 day return policy, no restocking fee.
China built tube amps
Well I had an interesting conversation today. I contacted a large dealer and let him know I would like to buy a certain integrated tube amplifier that is made in China. I was told he wouldn't sell me one. He said they are all junk. Prima Luna, Line Magnetic, Cayin, etc, etc, he said forget it. If you want a tube amplifier buy an American or European built unit that can be serviced.
So, I am new to valve amplifiers and I want to try one to understand what they're all about and sort of get my feet wet with tube rolling etc. I don't want to spend a lot of money at first which is why I was looking at Chinese built integrateds. So my question is, without getting into any particular brand other than what I have already mentioned, what is your experience with Chinese built tube amps? As a whole are they reliable? Am I wasting my money if I buy one according to this dealer? I have to admit I was rather taken aback by how adamant he was. Thoughts anyone?