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?
I own Chinese equipment, and I have no problem with purchasing it. Still, I'd never buy any 845 amp from unknown, dubious Chinese manufacturer, seen these issues for years with 845's. We're running nearly 900 volts here, very demanding of quality parts, design. I'd be wary of some of these push pulls as well.
Less problematic would be lower power tube amps with point to point wiring. I'd always look closely under the hood prior to purchase, get someone with expertise to check for you if not experienced in these matters.
We see ever improving Chinese equipment over the years, stick to the well known brands, let others take the risk with the unknown. The good stuff will persist in market, the others will disappear. |
@hifijones Do you think one of those self learning remotes could be substituted? I too had Chinese dac remote go bad, in my case I found bad solder joint, reflowed, good to go. This only failure I've incurred with Chinese products.
And it is possible that one of these unfamiliar Chinese brands may in fact be good quality. Again, open up and examine.
And oh, by the way, I built a Dynaco clone from kit some years ago, many Chinese parts in that build, and all kit builds for that matter. If one is intransigent on buying Chinese, they should remove all Chinese built parts in everything they own, see how you like your life now. And that dealer should get out of audio business, he's selling Chinese products, just ignorant or in denial.
There is and always has been much injustice in this world, and from every quarter. Moral certitude about these issues is inherently hypocritical in human realm. Faulty rationalizations need be practiced in order for one to not see themselves as part of this system of injustices. |
@dkzzzz Such purity will require tossing nearly every single electronic component you possess or interact with. You're supporting commie regimes and all kinds of injustice from all over the world with nearly all your material possessions and purchases. |
Yes, US people made their CHOICES long time ago, reason I cannot understand all the anti Chinese sentiment. We voted in our gvt. representatives and with our pocketbooks for the present situation, we should only blame ourselves.
@dkzzzz While you're offered more protectionist market in EU, I'll bet my bottom dollar many of the parts that make up many of your goods are make in China. Again, I'll reiterate injustices are world wide, plenty of countries in EU have their problems here as well.
Bottom line for me. leave the politics out of it, people make these products, not countries. Good and bad everywhere. I only make distinction when market entity is wholly owned by a bad gvt., this I would try to stay away from.
Chinese audio is getting better with every passing year, they will compete with every segment of market, including the highest echelon soon enough. |
