ordering from China.....which Chinese Tube Integrated at 3k?

AI for what it’s worth

"AI Overview

No, Cayin does not make PrimaLuna. While both are tube amplifier brands, they are distinct companies. PrimaLuna is a Dutch brand, founded by Herman van den Dungen, that designs its products in the Netherlands and manufactures them in China according to Durob Audio. Cayin, on the other hand, is a Chinese brand according to Vinyl Revival. Some early Cayin models and PrimaLuna models share design similarities, and it’s been suggested they may have been manufactured in the same factory. However, they are not the same company. "

seller here is promoting Cayin

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbf8i6-the-king-of-integrated-amplifier-under-3000-period-new-2025-cayin-cs-88a-audiophile-i-tube?refsource=hifishark

this one includes MM Phono and USB 2.0 in for your digital source

https://www.ebay.com/itm/357445788828?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=67bcd5f0-7a17-11f0-b253-643236336433

based on this

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/cayin/a88t.html

I took a chance on a used Cayin A88T on eBay. I’m very glad I did, it is impressively built, and sounds as good as my Fisher 80az Mono Blocks.

It allows 22 wpc triode or 45wpc ultralinear which I prefer, and came with 6550’s, I changed and prefer KT88’s.

I use a McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp with it.

I needed the mk1, to get 16 ohm taps for my 16 ohm speakers. It's bias is an internal adjuster, no bias meter. Later versions dropped the 16 ohm tap, and added both external adjusters and meters for bias.

Why bash Chinese made? They can be as good as any Merica made stuff. I'd go for the Muzishare X9 if I where you.

I have a BlackIce tube DAC and love it. Also a bargain for how good it sounds. Jerred is great. US based small business.

I owned a Line Magnetic LM-88IA tube amp but bought it locally here in SoCal for $3K new, which I thought was very good for the money, so why buy from China? 

My understanding is that Line Magnetic manufactures their own products to quite high standards to compete well internationally, as opposed to a brand based in the US or anywhere else using a China-based contract manufacturer. Not that a contract manufacturer can’t make decent gear, but LM is directly responsible for engineering, manufacturing and quality control.  

I would take the advice from @oddiofyl Quicksilver. 

Consider this: https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=66&product_id=55

Or any other of Garry Huang's remarkable products.

I had a LSA VT-70 (EL34 outputs) that I was very pleased with. They run about half the price you gave. They are Chinese made but you buy them from a US seller, Underwood Hifi.  LSA also has a larger unit, the VT-150 with KT88s that is still well under your max budget.

Black Ice (formerly Jolida) makes things in China but finishes, backs them up, and services them in the US. I owned a Jolida tube amp for years and it was a great sounding amp that worked perfectly. A bargain.

I believe Cayin makes the amps for the Primaluna line here in the USA and those are highly regarded.

Potentially spend a bit more and get a Cayin. They are the best built among the Chinese amps. 

Save yourself money and grief and check out the Quicksilver Integrated.    20 watts EL84.  High quality $2500

Skunkie Design also has a bunch of fixes/mods for the Willsenton in case you pursue it.

They may offer refunds,  but shipping it back may eat up that refund. 

I would look at Muzishare...I had an X7($1500ish)..driving 87 db Von Schweikert speakers...and had no problem. But your budget allows something more up the chain...or not. The x7  plus  a nice tube upgrade would be my suggestion. 

Skunkie Designs does a nice china amp shoot out and the X7 is the winner.