2. amps-preamps
  3. 173969-1453

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?

falconquest

Showing 2 responses by hifijones

hifijones
118 posts
 

Too funny! A month ago I had the same conversation with that guy via email when I tried to source a new remote control for my Line Magnetic 515CD. His response:

"Sorry to hear that you’re having all these problems. These brands from China are simply garbage. We tried them and had tons of technical issues across the board. Line Magnetic, PrimaLuna, Cayin and on and on and on. Oceans of junk. Getting any assistance from Line Magnetic is pretty much 100% impossible. Contact the dealer that sold it to you that’s probably your best bet. Merry Christmas."

Alrighty then. So I take all this with a large grain of salt. Methinks this fellow had a serious axe to grind, for whatever reason. But I’m pissed that this nice chunky aluminum remote failed in less than 50-hours usage, tops. Replacement remotes are not available because LM is no longer in the CDP business. It’ll cost close to $100.00 parts + labor to repair the remote. Having said that I have no regrets about purchasing the 515CD. It’s still one of my most rewarding buying experiences of the past decade. After all it’s only money.

hifijones
118 posts
 

@sns

I could save some $$$ and buy a programmable remote but that’s not how I roll. Besides if I ever decide to sell the CDP I’ll need the OEM remote in working condition.

@runwell

The open/close button on the remote still works so it’s not the sensor. The tech who’s going to fix it placed an order for multiple circuit boards for these remotes from LM so it’s a known problem. I thought I might be able to disassemble it and clean the circuit board & buttons. But the LM remotes don’t use carbon-coated rubber that is commonly used in other remotes. They have individual tact switches instead. I could have the tech send a circuit board to me but if I muck up the installation then I’m back to square one.

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