I highly recommend the Schiit Freya. I have the original (which should sell in your price range used) and the ability to switch from passive to SS to tube really proves the value of 6SN7 tubes in the system. There is NO headphone jack however. I have several cheapo chinese hybrid amps (not really very good sound, one I use while on my noisy treadmill). The APPJ EL34 tube amp ($300-400) (not a hybrid) is great driving my open baffle 98db Lil audio speakers plus a small powered sub (in my kitchen system). The power switch while lovely, failed after about 100 uses. So I unplug the amp when not in use.
Need help picking my first tube amp
Hey guys i want to get into tubes, i have heard wayyyyyyy to much and am dying to try a tube amp. I have a budget of 650 us dollars, not sure if i want a pre amp, or full tube amp. Im thinking pre amp cause i would really like it to drive headphones and then run it into a amp and then to speakers.
Been reading alot about Chineese tube amps and not sure what to think. I have my eye on Xduoo TA-26 gets rave reviews has anybody used it ? anyways looking for any input i can get, thanks.
Michael