Are there any really good quality Chinese tube amps that can be obtained on Ebay? I truly believe that since the Chinese manufacture everything, cut out the middle man, and have less overhead they can provide a good top of the line amp (excluding the tubes which can be replaced) at at low cost.
I am aware of some issues however. Chinese amps have a reputation for low quality iron, under-rated capacitor voltage, poor tubes (easily replaceable), possibly superior 240v transformers vs USA 120v, and circuit designs which ranges from screechy sound to copies of TOTL Japanese/American tubes = good sound.
I AM NOT looking for what sounds good to YOU. I am looking for someone who is really knowledgeable and has possibly torn a good/poor tube amp apart. Or simply knows how to spot a good design circuit-wise.
Any recommendations? Good brands/models? Bad?
I am aware of some issues however. Chinese amps have a reputation for low quality iron, under-rated capacitor voltage, poor tubes (easily replaceable), possibly superior 240v transformers vs USA 120v, and circuit designs which ranges from screechy sound to copies of TOTL Japanese/American tubes = good sound.
I AM NOT looking for what sounds good to YOU. I am looking for someone who is really knowledgeable and has possibly torn a good/poor tube amp apart. Or simply knows how to spot a good design circuit-wise.
Any recommendations? Good brands/models? Bad?
So is a "good" tube amp...one that's well build and sounds like crap?
I can't help you with specifics, but I would avoid anything with printed circuit boards, so perhaps that can be your first criteria: point to point wiring.
IMHO the PCBs just won't hold up to repeated mods and parts failures like P2P will. This will eliminate at least half your options.
One of the issues (and it isn't really an issue I guess) with the Chinese stuff is it seems to come and go pretty quickly, so its hard to draw from the community's long term experiences like you can w/ classic hifi gear, for example. All the limits you cited are probably true of a lot of the equipment, but that was true in the 50's of a lot of US gear as well.
I can't help you with specifics, but I would avoid anything with printed circuit boards, so perhaps that can be your first criteria: point to point wiring.
IMHO the PCBs just won't hold up to repeated mods and parts failures like P2P will. This will eliminate at least half your options.
One of the issues (and it isn't really an issue I guess) with the Chinese stuff is it seems to come and go pretty quickly, so its hard to draw from the community's long term experiences like you can w/ classic hifi gear, for example. All the limits you cited are probably true of a lot of the equipment, but that was true in the 50's of a lot of US gear as well.
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Maybe make it a little bit easier on us and post some amps listed on Ebay that are manufactured in China that you are interested in.
The only tube amplifier I own that was manufactured in China is made by Shanling. The chassis are really nice, it was made with quality parts. It sounds good too.
The only tube amplifier I own that was manufactured in China is made by Shanling. The chassis are really nice, it was made with quality parts. It sounds good too.
If you ever think you will need support then a US well-known brand is better.
Before buying ask for schematics and check that tubes and parts are "current production" or at least available where you live. Otherwise any problem may
convert your amp to an expensive doorstop.
Before buying ask for schematics and check that tubes and parts are "current production" or at least available where you live. Otherwise any problem may
convert your amp to an expensive doorstop.
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