I went the Amazon route as someone already mentioned. I bought the Muzishare KT88. I set it up with my Focal Kanta No.2s and a Rega RP8 with an Ortofon Cadenza Blue and Hegel V10 phono preamp. It sounded good. I was going to allow it to break in and see if it would sound great. I had it two weeks and got my hands on a set of Rogue M-180 monoblocks and the rest is history. I sent the Muzishare back to Amazon. Not a fair comparison I know but my point is go with the Amazon tube amp as you can send it back after a test drive if you are not happy with its performance. You won't be able to assess longevity but you will know if you prefer tube sound to SS.
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?