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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 1 response by mofojo

mofojo
2,314 posts
 

I’m not sure it’s exactly Xenophobic. When companies say a product is made in the US or stretch the truth it pisses people off and it should. Also nothing at all wrong with trying to buy made in America IMO. I do ok but if money were no object that’s exactly what I would do. 
 

I do know from experience that knock off parts are rampant in China. Bought and continue to buy a lot of tooling there and it’s a big problem. Some of this stuff looks exactly like the original. I would be a Skeptical of Fancy capacitors and such. Line magnetic seems to be a reliable company as does Cayin but some of these too good to be true outfits I would 2nd guess.

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