Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Tube Amp advice requested

Hi folks,

I'm considering a new amp and was intrigued by some of the Chinese tube models on the market.

My current setup (used for near field listening at my computer mostly) :


Axiom M22 v3 bookshelf speakers (93 DB, 10-200 watt)


Paradigm DSP-3100 10" powered subwoofer


Marantz SR3001 60w amp (low-end Home theater amp I bought cheap)


iMac 27" via Toslink optical


In a 22x11x7.5 ' room, I sit in one corner with speakers at ear height next to the iMac - 3ft away, 30" apart toed in towards me, low to moderate volume.


Most of my music is rock & electronica with a smattering of acoustic guitar & bluegrass in Apple Lossless format. I especially love twangy surf & rockabilly guitar sound also, so the idea of a tube amp is appealing if you think it would be a good match.

If so, what tube family ?

Brands/models to consider ?

What is acceptable Signal/Noise ratio and THD % for this music & environment ?

Which DAC & other assorted accessories ?

I'd like to keep this below $2500, but would go higher for exceptional performance.

Also, getting a headphone output off the amp would be a huge plus if SQ is very good, otherwise off the DAC or a separate HF amp.



Thank you in advance for your sage advice.


Mike in CT