2. amps-preamps
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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
elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 

+1 for CAYIN.

this gave me confidence to try one, very glad I did.

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

you do want to consider where you will get support, I'm lucky to be 35 minutes away from VAS.

 

 

shtinkydog
617 posts
 
OP: I think he had an integrated for like $900 off, which was a great deal for that piece. So I asked questions. Then he ripped into his tirade. Just bizarre.
keithsax
107 posts
 

If everyone avoided/ deeply considered using Amazon the world would be a better place

larsman's avatar
larsman
1,789 posts
 

I wouldn't trust that dealer for a second - he's got an agenda of selling you something and apparently believes that a good way to do this is to make some idiotic blanket statement like 'All amps made in China are junk' or something like that. I'd trust a Chinese amp before I'd trust this dealer. 

8th-note
364 posts
 

I don't have a tube amp but I can give you a dealer recommendation. Gig Harbor Audio (Gig Harbor, Washington near Tacoma) carries Line Magnetic and Eric is a great guy to deal with. I've heard a couple of the LM tube amps at his showroom and they sound wonderful. If I eventually buy a tube amp I will definitely buy it from a dealer because I can be more confident that the gear is durable. Dealers are not in the business of making enemies by selling lousy gear.

Gig Harbor Audio

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