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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
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
2,016 posts
 
@
.A tube buffer is a good suggestion, but it's a compromise
That was my 1st thought too. But it is his $$$ to do as he please.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
6,193 posts
 
Here ya go!
https://medium.com/collectors-weekly/could-an-old-school-tube-amp-make-the-music-you-love-sound-bett...
bigkidz
3,506 posts
 
Simple answer - go to eBay and purchase a Counterpoint SA-100 hybrid tube power amp probably $500,  In stock form they sound very sweet but they are great once upgraded.  Send it to me for upgrading to Nichicon power supply capacitors, Audio Note/Amtrans resistors, AC filter choke and V-capacitors.  Then you won't be looking for another amplifier for a long time.

Happy Listening.
scchengmus
93 posts
 
There’s always the used or DIY market. For me the Willsenton R8 has been great. 
johnfritter OP
64 posts
 
@artemus_5  I actually really like the idea of the st120 kit. I enjoy stuff like that. I used to rebuild carburetors years ago as a side gig. I might actually buy one just to build for fun. I have it in the cart, just got home from work and the scotch is tasting good....!

@millercarbon Im guessing you have about a decade on me. I worked on the farm though. Started at 10 saved all my money but I was into hunting. So I bought my first Remington 870 Wingmaster 12ga. I was in 4th grade. In my head I THINK I would like to end up with a Raven Osprey and a pair of ZU Omens. But for now I would like to play with what I have acquired for pennies on the dollar. I know its far from perfect but it actually sounds pretty damn good. I also know it could probably be worlds better. So why not play a little? As long as I pay attention I think I can recovery pretty easily in the end as I said I am in this literally 20-25 cents on the dollar. I got everything for less than the price of one speaker new. I would love to hear your system honestly. Yours and @oldhvymec's are two that I would like to experience.  

I appreciate everyones input. Thank you.
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