Any Recommendations for Tube Amps under US$ 1,000 budget?

[rey rye]

Hi,

Can anybody provide recommendations for best value Tube Amps under US$1,000 budget? My speakers are Tannoy Revolution Floor standing DC6TSE. Really appreciate any response. Thank you.

Rey Rye

 

[Al ears]

I take it that you are actually in the US.

Might have been able to help if UK based but I have no idea what is available in the US and there is little chance of you getting one shipped from abroad that would fit into your budget.

Any US based forumites able to help the OP??

 

[npoguy]

There won't be many options under $1k--have you thought about building your own? Take a look at the Dynaco ST-70 kits like this http://triodeelectronics.com/st70buildkit.html. Lots of other options if you're willing to go down this path.

 

[npoguy]

Of course, I assumed--probably wrongly, that you looked at Jolida? They have some great little amps that are in your price range.

 

[rey rye]

Hi Npoguy, thanks for your reply. Would you know how Joilida Amps fare with class A china tube amps like Cayin? Thanks again. Rey Rye

 

[rey rye]

Thanks Al ears, Im from the Philippines. But I have a mother who stays in the USA and would be coming home this Christmas. Appreciate your recommendations though. Thanks again. Rey Rye

 

[BigH]

Thanks Al ears, Im from the Philippines. But I have a mother who stays in the USA and would be coming home this Christmas. Appreciate your recommendations though. Thanks again. Rey Rye

Won't she have enough to carry without several kilos of tube amp, I know how filipinos travel

 

[npoguy]

Hi Npoguy, thanks for your reply. Would you know how Joilida Amps fare with class A china tube amps like Cayin? Thanks again. Rey Rye

I've never heard them head to head, but I have friends who own both and IMHO, the Jolida is a smoother amp. Take that for what it's worth b/c they're obviously in different rooms, different sources, etc. I've been tempted to buy a Jolida, but a group of us decided to order the Dynaco kits and build our own next year.

 

[rey rye]

Thanks Npoguy! Really appreciate your insights.. Rey Rye

 

[James7]

Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP or Stereo 25 Mk 2 would be worth checking out if you can get hold of them and they are on budget where you are - they are in the UK.

 

[Singslinger]

I'm pretty sure that PrimaLuna make affordable tube amps, but I'm not sure if you could buy one brand-new for that price.

If you're not averse to buying secondhand, then it might be an option?

 

[Rethep]

I don't know "Jolida" but sure i know "Cayin". That might be above your budget, but is by no means sounding sharp! But it is very clear sounding! It "shows" you everything that's in the music! Maybe stretch your budget for an "A55T".

 

[rey rye]

Hi all,

Thank you for your insights. Im closing now between a Jolida and a Cayin Tube amps. Also, there are some discussions on EL34 and KT88 tubes, which would you recommend for a newbie in tube audio? I understand Cayin A55 uses KT88 tubes also. What could be the main difference between the 2 tube class? Thanks all again, and appreciate the insights.

Rey Rye