Inexpensive Tube Amps

Hi will62,

Trying to answer the question you actually asked.  There were a couple of threads on these amps over at Audio Karma.  Here they are:

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/nobsound-el34-single-ended-class-a-tube-amplifier.669...

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/aiqin-oldchen-tube-amps.720003/

I have the second amp, the 5-tube Oldchen (Aiqin).  It is single-ended and has point-to-point wiring (rather than a circuit board).  It has a good tube sound and ~10W of power.

That said, I have mostly been listening to TPA3116 and TPA3250-based chip amps lately.  Although the Oldchen sounded better for some types of music, I feel the chip amps sound better overall.  But they are all fun!

I hope this helps a little bit, happy shopping!

 

It’s so easy for people to look down upon audiophiles that are new or have a minimal budget . In the price range you listed , avoid circuit boards . Also get something that uses common tubes that you can keep for a better amp when you move on . Get what you can adford and enjoy the learning experience . Someday when you move up/on, this will be the second system in your office . I had a Yamaha RV-X 1400, 105 wpc x 7. I changed it for an Anrique Aound Labs 30 wpc integrated. Had a really fun time . They were in the same price range and the 30 watt tube amp sounded better . If you can get to the $1k range , build a Bob Latino or buy a Will Vincent . You will love it , especially with upgraded driver tubes . New production power tubes are really quite good . Quicksilver is one of many quality affordable amps too . On the used market $1k will get you something that will have adequate power and decent sound quality . Interconnects , cords and tubes will be useful when you move on . As far as the sub $500 stuff , listen to the advise and don’t be afraid to return a couple . You fill find a synergy that will please you . And remember , like alcohol , drugs and women , tubes are highly addictive . Enjoy my friend , life is too short . Regards , Mike B. 

I recommend the McIntosh 275. 

In all seriousness though, I own the Musical Paradise MP-301 and love it. It is an absolute steal for the $$, especially if you upgrade the tubes. It is designed, supported, and shipped by an Asian guy who lives in Canada. It is manufactured in China. The guy has a day job so it is a hobby type of business. The amp is in its 3rd revision. 

Having read this thread and being a long time AG user, it seems a great lesson in the fact that there are many paths and many people in this hobby. Threads like tubes vs SS go on forever, but that is what makes it fun. My own personal preferences are for quality used stuff, just like I never buy a new car. But others go differently. For me the fun is in finding a good or even great piece of classic gear and upgrading it. Will it match my friend's Macintosh outfit? Of course not, but I can't afford that so I do the best I can. I think that is what the OP is after. 

Here's an old standby - Jolida. An old used one might be a good inexpensive investment. I've heard them make magic with Thiel 2-ways, low efficiency btw.
http://www.jolida.com/product/fusion-1102