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Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.

Hello all, I am looking for some input on the best way to add tubes to my current mess. I currently have what I am sure everyone here would consider barely a step up from my parents zenith HI-FI circa 1977. please keep in mind I am lucky if I can afford to look in the window of an actual audio store. 
I currently have a Peachtree nova 300 and a Marantz CD player and a pair of monitor audio silver 500 speakers. A friend gave me a blue sound node 2i also. I have always wanted a tube powered amp. I see these Chinese amps like the Muzishare X7 and Willsenton R8 that have lots of great reviews. Or maybe a tube DAC. Then I see the Black Ice for ss-x. Each having less tubes respectively. Not sure how much that matters but I would think the more tubes the more tube sound one could expect. I would like to be in the $1000. range but would go to $1500 if I had to. My goal is to find the best most cost effective way to enter the tube world.  
johnfritter
chicagoblue1977's avatar
chicagoblue1977
224 posts
 
Quicksilver integrated is a good entry point. Fantastic sound for under $2k and made in the USA.

I have one in my office with a Border Patrol DAC and Node 2i for streaming. Sounds great. 
Just my 2 cents worth. 
Good luck. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,651 posts
 
Yup. You havta go to at least $2K to get any recommendations around here. At your present budget you are on your own.  Buy a Chinese clone and toss it out when it belches.
johnfritter OP
64 posts
 
@willgolf Raven could be an end point I like everything I have seen on them. Believe me I do understand I have a low budget for an integrated or even amplifier for that matter. I could use the nova as a pre so I don't have to have an integrated. I just want to add some tube sound to what I have now in some manner. 

@russ69 That is what I am trying to decide. I have strange ways of doing things. I am giving myself a max of $1k which could be pushed to $1500. to find a hopefully decent component. That will give me a good "taste" if you will of tube sound. If I decide to go with tubes I am fine with the investment.

@chicagoblue1977 I will check into Quicksilver. Thank you.

This will not be my final system. Everything will be up graded and the current and trial equipment will go in the shop in the end. I don't own any vinyl and at this point/age it doesn't make sense to start. So I may just be wasting my time and money as maybe adding tubes may be of no benefit at all. 

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,497 posts
 
Used pair of Quicksilver monoblocs here.
Use the pre out on your Peachtree.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaa875-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube
johnfritter OP
64 posts
 
@fuzztone Exactly! I mean my intention isn't to just throw my money away but if I can make a minimal investment to get my toes wet, great. I don't mean I have throw away cash. I have been seeing a few Chinese amp options that look like a guy could unload at minimal loss if needed.   Yet might afford him a good taste of what tubes could add.
Also as I stated I would be open to the applications of tubes as DACs or tube buffers that fall within my budget as well. Just looking for options hopefully from experience. 
I have come to realize this is a high end often hi dollar site. I have found the best information here vs others. Yes I may be out of my league here but I feel the abuse I will get will be worth the info gained! I apologize if  anyone feels I am wasting time and space here.
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