2. amps-preamps
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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
clearthink
1,421 posts
 

powemi"This is the reason I have a hard time with "audiophiles" they are mostly pretentious dicks"

English is not my native language and I still struggle with it but understand that in American English the term "dick" is slang for penis or private police officer so would you please explain what definition you are using here? Perhaps you mean private police officer because most of us do listen in private and penis does not make sense. Do you mean you wish their were more women as in "vaginas" hear? If you want us to understand you please be more specific, direct, and concise. 
speakermaster
738 posts
 
I would look for a good vintage tube amp in that price range but remember that you can easily drop about 1500 to 2000 on good tubes for it just a thought to remember when you talk about tube amps.
johnfritter OP
62 posts
 
Well I missed the Aric Unlimited 2 listed here. So I will keep looking I might just end up contacting Aric about a new one. The little interaction I had with him was first rate. He is off for some vacation time but I think I will be giving him my money when he returns. 
Thanks to everyone for the input. Everything was valuable to some degree and I very much appreciate that!
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
 preamp...

https://midwestaudioexchange.com/product/aric-audio-unlimited-tube-preamp/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649741233-aricaudio-unlimited-tube-preamp/



johnfritter OP
62 posts
 
@lowrider57  Thank you. I did see those and realized they have no remote volume control. I will change volume on different tracks quite often. I am to lazy after work to get off my arse to do it! All said I am happy to spend a little more to support the man. As well as the comfort of some warranty coverage and return period if I don't like it. I feel those extras are worth his asking price for the current model which includes remote!
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