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Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,484 posts
 
Here ya go!
https://medium.com/collectors-weekly/could-an-old-school-tube-amp-make-the-music-you-love-sound-bett...
bigkidz
3,324 posts
 
Simple answer - go to eBay and purchase a Counterpoint SA-100 hybrid tube power amp probably $500,  In stock form they sound very sweet but they are great once upgraded.  Send it to me for upgrading to Nichicon power supply capacitors, Audio Note/Amtrans resistors, AC filter choke and V-capacitors.  Then you won't be looking for another amplifier for a long time.

Happy Listening.
scchengmus
93 posts
 
There’s always the used or DIY market. For me the Willsenton R8 has been great. 
johnfritter OP
62 posts
 
@artemus_5  I actually really like the idea of the st120 kit. I enjoy stuff like that. I used to rebuild carburetors years ago as a side gig. I might actually buy one just to build for fun. I have it in the cart, just got home from work and the scotch is tasting good....!

@millercarbon Im guessing you have about a decade on me. I worked on the farm though. Started at 10 saved all my money but I was into hunting. So I bought my first Remington 870 Wingmaster 12ga. I was in 4th grade. In my head I THINK I would like to end up with a Raven Osprey and a pair of ZU Omens. But for now I would like to play with what I have acquired for pennies on the dollar. I know its far from perfect but it actually sounds pretty damn good. I also know it could probably be worlds better. So why not play a little? As long as I pay attention I think I can recovery pretty easily in the end as I said I am in this literally 20-25 cents on the dollar. I got everything for less than the price of one speaker new. I would love to hear your system honestly. Yours and @oldhvymec's are two that I would like to experience.  

I appreciate everyones input. Thank you.
rickallen81
65 posts
 
Easy advice. Try it. If you like it, keep going. If you don’t, you’ll know. I’ve tried both solid state and tubes and tube hybrids. I enjoyed the tube amps far more. I’m not gonna argue science or measurements. I like it. That’s it. That’s all there has to be. Try it and see if it’s for you or not. 
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