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?
What? You mean that there are still amps NOT built in China?
Seriously, a lot of very good circuits are now in the public domain and it's many of those circuits that the Chinese use. The Shure M65 phono preamp is excellent and will run you about $500 or so on EBay. But you can get a Chinese clone for about $150 fully assembled and less if you're willing to build a kit. Tubes make a HUGE difference in sound, so if you get a cheap Chinese tube amp, plan on trying other tubes. |
I also 1 million % heartily agree w/gkr7007 if your going to buy an amp start with Carvers Crimson (or black) 275. for $2750. 5 yrs on everything they pay to ship it back if repairs are needed (almost never) made in USA, plays well above its power rating, tubes stay well below most others heat radiation, you can put your hand on them. It's a no brain er. No reputable Carver dealer lowers the $2750 price btw,so don't waste time looking, it's an agreement with Bob, everyone sells at the same price |
@inrealtime Realistically it's impossible to avoid Chinese products. And if even if somehow the entire world were able to boycott buying their products (tough to believe no country would continue buying the most cost effective products in the world), the result would be massive unemployment to the very oppressed Chinese people who you are supposedly standing up for in the name of morality. Would they be better of unemployed? Would the government convert to a democracy as a result of the boycott? We are all free to do what we like in this regard and I respect your decision. As a pragmatist I don't think the actions are helpful to the chinese people. |
