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

Have you looked at Pacific Valve

Hi Rick,

Yes, I have - the Ming Da MC 34 models in 34-EL & KT-88 flavors were interesting. What about the 845 & 300B amps though ?

I've also looked at Jolida, Yaqin & the Grant Fidelity lineup - just wanted to get some end-user feedback.

Mike

Never used one, solid state (Rotel) here.

I own two tube amps. Both are American made. The Chinese amps are a good value but what kind of parts did they use and how well were they manufactured.

I can wholeheartedly reccomend a Manley Stingray (used). It would be perfect. Downside is it exspensive when you buy new tubes (10 of them).

I would also reccomend a Decware Mini Torii.

The Glow Amp One is a neat little Chinese amp.

Tubes are a lot of fun.

I have heard nothing but glowing reviews for Grant Fidelity tube amps.

Mike, welcome. My(I hope)"sage advice", even if it isn't what you want to hear, is that considering spending that much money on a technologically obsolescent device such as a tube amplifier isn't a productive use of your resources. This wouldn't differ in any audibly meaningful way for "twangy surf & rockabilly guitar".

My thoughts are that you'd be better served with placing surrounds(even with your near-field setup)to more fully enjoy that music. A pair of QS4s would work very well. A more up-to-date HT receiver would also appear to be more appropriate.

I have heard the Jolida 302B with M60s and they sound great together. I would also second the opinion on the Stingray as a fine choice as well. The Jolida can be found for $500-600 used on Audiogon or around $1,100 new (approx.). The Stingray varies from $1,100 - 1,500 used. I have not heard the Ming Da but I like the EL34 based amps in general. Rogue also makes some very nice amps.

glowing reviews... ouch.

I don't know a thing about larger tube amps, but I do love my Little Dot MKII headphone amp. I've had it for several years and I have nothing but praise for it. If you go the route of needing a dedicated headphone amp, it gets my vote.

And on a personal note to the OP, I see you're new here. Welcome! Be advised that there are definitely a few camps here regarding amplification and sound quality. Some say it absolutely makes a difference, some say not at all, some say 'maybe'. We tend to keep it civil, but I'm sure you'll get a few more posts encouraging you to abandon your desire to buy a tube amp. I'm not saying you should or should not take anyone's advice, just that be prepared for a difference of opinion.

But again, welcome!

Hi folks,

After reading stellar reviews and talking to Decware's Steve Deckert (reading his body of work and listening to his engineering philosophy have me convinced he's a genius) I ordered a Mini Torii (thanks Lampshade!). Like our beloved Axiom, he offers a 30 day trial - not to mention a lifetime warranty - all for considerably less than I was expecting to pay. So the journey continues.....onto the next post.

Mike in CT

You are going to have so much fun. I truly hope you love it.

Very nice, Mike! Please let us know what you think of the Decware Mini Torii. That is a good looking amp. I've not had the pleasure of listening to a single ended tube amp, yet.

SET tube amps are loved and hated.

I am SYSYGY on the Decware forum.