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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?

128x128falconquest
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 

@tsushima1 Uhm, it's because they advertise it on their website and they show it as being on sale. That's why.

knotscott
820 posts
 

Good sound is good sound regardless of where it's made.  I had a 6.8 watt Nobsound amp that I bought for $235 to use while I was rebuilding my Dynaco 70s with the VTA mods.  It was surprisingly good.  Not as good as my VTA modded Dynas, but I was still impressed with the value.   Changing tubes can vary the sound, and is part of the fun.  Listen to as many as you can, and buy what you love.  You only need to please yourself.  

I'd also highly recommend looking into the VTA amps from Tubes4Hifi.com.  I think they represent extraordinary performance at an affordable price.  

musicmann1
96 posts
 

The above mentioned Black Ice ( formerly Jolida) is excellent. I have their F35. Great bang for the buck ( 3 K I believe when ordered with KT 150’s)

I also have two Chinese integrated amps....The MUZISHARE X 7, and the Willsenton R8. I prefer the Willsenton over the MUZISHARE. With tube rolling I might also prefer the Willsenton over the Black Ice, however haven’t done any  side by side yet.

The Willsenton has only been here for less than a week, so can’t speak to long term reliability yet. The MUZISHARE has been here for a year. No problems so far. As far as build quality all three amps are very, very good. Both Chinese amps are available on Amazon for approximately 1500.00 delivered. An outstanding value in my opinion.

Cheers.....

chorus
976 posts
 

The new ARC I-50 made in MN for $5k is getting some action. 
line Magnetic has US based service but I do not know about 

the others. For my money if I bought a tube anything it would

have to have US based service.

tsushima1
1,165 posts
 

@falconquest

So you are saying this dealer caries the particular line of ‘built in China’ amplifier in their portfolio but wouldn’t sell one to you ! Odd …

Addendum , I have just read your response to a similar query on the mirror thread which sheds more light on the matter.

 

 

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