Best Chinese Tube Amplifier | Chinese Tube Amplifiers on Aliexpress & Amazon
by Tim Blue on Sep 26, 2024
Tube Amplifiers are used to get the best, and most genuine sound of the instrument. In layman’s terms, they pick up great signals and deliver the best you can possibly get out of the instruments. Physically speaking, it functions as a tube inside your amplifier, heats up and gets running. That act itself produces high-quality sound. They have tiny electromagnetic components that are used to boost electric current in your devices to improve their performance. In other words, it’s what makes your hearing aid pick up sounds through a microphone from all around you.
These are the traditional kind of amplifiers, are hard to find and high in demand. The audio signal produced from tube amplifiers doesn’t cause clipping distortion when the audio signal is overdriven. That is one of the main reasons why people prefer tube amplifiers. Before I get into the specifications, let’s talk a little about how many stages a tube amplifier has. The preamp stage is responsible for amplifying and buffering the weak pickup signal. Second, comes the power stage, it intends to further boost that very signal so it can drive the speakers.
The more complex tube amps enable you to control the flow rate of sounds with the assistance of control grids. Either way, I have kept your sound interests at heart and made a list of some of the best tube amplifiers I found online that offer multiple ways to control the sound you want to produce. Keep reading!
Best Chinese Tube Amplifier | Where to get it |
Willsenton R8 Stereo Tube Amplifier | Find it on AliExpress |
AUDIOROMY FU29 Tube Integrated Amplifier | Find it on Amazon |
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier | Find it on Amazon |
Nobsound Latest Little Bear T7 6J1 | Find it on AliExpress |
Meixing Mingda MC-5S 5.0 KT90 | Find it on AliExpress |
FEIXIANG FX-AUDIO TUBE-01 Buffer | Find it on AliExpress |
INFI Audio Hybrid Class AB Tube Amplifier | Find it on Amazon |
Fosi Audio T20 Tube Amplifier | Find it on Amazon |
How to choose a Chinese Tube Amplifier
Tube Amplifiers are a great option if you're a music lover. Here are the things you should consider before buying one.
- Tone: No matter how valuable the input of the tube amplifier is, tone is one of the most important things to consider. Tone is usually a personal preference and is subjective on the kind of music you play. What is best for someone else might not work out for you. Listen to the tube amplifiers in person and select the one that matches your preferences the best.
- Tube type: different types of tube have different sounds due difference in tube profiles. For instance, a 6L6 tube is known for clarity and roundness while KT88 are known for their super clean sounds with low frequencies. Go for 6V6 or EL84 if you’re into smooth and harmonic sounds. Otherwise a 6L6 is perfect for high bass.
- Price: High price tag doesn’t guarantee good quality sounds neither does low budgeted models mean they’re worthy. For tube amplifiers, everything is a gameplay about tone. Listen to the tone of amplifiers and choose a pocket-friendly option.
- Wattage: Get high wattage tube amplifiers only if you can play loud. There’s no point getting a high wattage tube amplifier and playing it in low volume. If you want to play the tube amplifier in low volume then better go for low wattage options.
Best Chinese Tube Amplifier Reviews 2022
Willsenton R8 Stereo Tube Amplifier
The Willsenton R8, quite frankly, is one of the most raved tube amplifiers. If you have the means and can afford it, buying this is a no-brainer! This baby boasts production of beautiful sound while displaying fantastic modern day features. The amplifier has nine tubes that are protected well by a mesh cage to sustain the manual welding. The entire body is hand-made and delicate.
You can easily switch between triode and ultra-linear sound with this tube amp. While the triode produces a mellow and pure sound (perfect for vocals and strings), the ultra linear working mode works best with music that has momentum and dynamics.
Specifications:
Input impedance: 100KΩ
Output impedance: 4Ω, 8Ω
Frequency effect: 10Hz 40kHz (+/-0.5db)
Signal to noise ratio: 91dB
Input sensitivity: 380mv (when Integrated amp input), 820mv (when pure power amp input)
Total harmonic distortion: 1% (1kHz)
30 second long power on, mute, delay function
Thick silver plated signal leads used
Power consumption: 310W
Working conditions: Temperature: 0°~40°C
AUDIOROMY FU29 Tube Integrated Amplifier
This AudioRomy FU29 Class-A Tube Amplifier is truly A1. The KT88s, EL34s, and 300Bs tubes are for novices. What really sets an audiophile apart is this device, sporting a FU29 Tube. Believe it or not, this tube was originally made for broadcasting transmitters. You can imagine the load it can take and the clarity it can produce.
Using only 30 Watts, the quality of sound produced by the Audioromy FU29 has a lot of depth and is quite detailed. The vocals amplified have clarity but are not too warm. The perfect blend that’s soothing to the ears.
Specifications:
Input/Driver Tube : 6N3 x 4
Frequency: 20Hz-30KHz +/-1 dB
Input Power: 110V - 240V AVAILABLE
Output Power: 30watts x 2 Class A
Ohm: 4 ohms 8 ohms
Output Tube: FU29 x 2
Distortion: Less than 0.5% at full power
Signal/Noise Ratio: 90dB
Audio Input: 2 groups
Input Consumption: 160w
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Amplifier
This Reisong A10 tube amplifier boasts five illuminating tubes that are set in a stainless steel, hand-welded chassis. Keep in mind that this is a very low powered tube amplifier. You must hook up the speakers to it that at least have a sensitivity of 91 Db approximately. This is one of those amplifiers that might require a lot of driving if you pushed the speakers to high volume unless you pick the right bookshelf speaker.
Specifications:
Power consumption: 78 watts
Input sensitivity: 750MV.
Input impedance: 100KΩ (2 groups input)
Output Impedance: 4,8Ω.
Power Supply Voltage: AC 110V - 120V / 50Hz-60Hz
Output Power: 6W * 2
Single ended ultra-linear sound
Frequency response: 20Hz - 28KHz.
Total harmonic distortion: ≤ 1% (1kHz).
Nobsound Latest Little Bear T7 6J1
To sum it up, this Nobsound T7 6J1 is the definition of low budget and high performance. Connect your amp to a vintage turntable and you’ll hear every little nuance and every mellow enhancement. If you stick with the lower grain, you’ll find the sound quality to be rich with a dynamic range, picking up on various little details.
This tube amplifier works best when it’s away from strong signals like that of our smartphones, wifi and the Bluetooth. This can be pretty hard, especially now since we are solely dependent on digital means. You can’t completely avoid it, but surely minimized usage will benefit you. Live in the moment, they say.
Specifications:
Power range output: 0.2 W
Output impedance: 100K
Input impedance: 50K
Signal to noise ratio: 96 dB
Total harmonic distortion: <3% (1 KHZ)
Nominal/max output:300mV / 1.8V
Output impedance: 200 ohms,
Input impedance: 47k ohm / 220 pF
Input voltage: AC12 ~ 18V
Frequency response: 20 HZ - 20 kHz
Input sensitivity 300 mv
Meixing Mingda MC-5S 5.0 KT90
Incredible as it is, this all in one 70W five channel power amplifier comes with a set of precautions. Always remember to connect the tube amplifier to the speakers before actually turning it on. If your voltage power supply is too high or too low, it can cause some irreversible damage to your amplifier. It is recommended that you use within 5% of the recommended range. Another recommendation includes closely monitoring the cooling and ventilation required to keep the amps cool. The tubes tend to heat up a lot when they’re working.
What's Interesting though is that this amplifier spots a two channel mode which can be used with a stereo pre-amplifier for music listening purposes.
Specifications:
Output Power : 70W x 5
Input Voltage : 1000mv
Input Impedance: 100K
Output Impedance: 6Ω、8Ω
Inputs: 5 Groups
Outputs: 5 Groups
Distortion Factor: ≤1%
SNR: 95dB
Power Dissipation: 620W
Frequency: 20Hz-60KHz ± 1dB
Vacuum Tubes: KT90×10 ECC82 x 5 ECC83 x 5
FEIXIANG FX-AUDIO TUBE-01 Buffer
This 6J1 FX-Audio TUBE-01 tube buffer preamplifier proves to be an almost intuitive tool and plays an important role in completely rectifying the dullness in any sound installation that you may have. The preamp shows off a stereo input and output that is gold plated along with a class D power amplifier.
If you’re a novice in the audiophile world, it is kind of the perfect introduction in the way to becoming an enthusiast. For a significantly low price, you’d be surprised by how this amp does more than just make the music loud. It produces rich, lush sounds, making the entire room ambient and you can ear instruments in isolation.
Specifications:
Use voltage: 100-240V
Power: DC12V 1A
Impedance: 600 Ohm
Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
SNR: 100dB
Input sensitivity : 300mV - 2000mV
Distortion: 1000mV, 0.1%
Input: 1x Stereo RCA
Output: 1x Stereo RCA
Compatible tubes: EF95, 6AK5
INFI Audio Hybrid Class AB Tube Amplifier
This INFI Audio Hybrid Class AB Amplifier is one of the only few amplifiers that come with a USB output. The body of this amplifier is a class apart because of all the exquisite materials used to make it look the way it does. The smooth aluminium metal casing provides the much needed protection to the delicate built-in 6H3N tubes that are replaceable with either the 6N3 or the 5670.
The front panel has a detailed display of the treble, volume and bass knobs. The device is compatible with CD player, Smartphone, TV, DVD player, PC by using RCA & AUX, Bluetooth, U disk, Optical and Coaxial alternatives.
Specifications:
Power Amplifier IC:1941/5198
Bluetooth Range: <10 meter/<33 foot range
AC Power Input:110V 50Hz
Software control fan cooling system
USB Support: WAV/MP3/WMA/APE/Flac
Output Impedance:4-8ohm
Bluetooth: V2.1
Fosi Audio T20 Tube Amplifier
The elegant and simple looking Fosi Audio T20 Tube Amplifier does not do justice to the strong and confident sound produced by this. The amp sports two D6J4 tubes to get clear audio sound. The tubes have a blue filament that is almost mesmerizing and adds to the aesthetic value of the amp. It can just as easily be replaced by any of the 6K4, 6J1, GE5654, 6AK5, 6BC5, 403A/B, EF40, EF95 tubes.
The amplifier is compatible with AUX and Bluetooth, making it one of the most modern devices that makes your broadcast effortless. The Fosi Audi T20 is quite versatile. To play audio from your phone or laptop, the audio actually goes through a DAC before reaching the speakers.
Specifications:
Power Adapter: 24V/4.5A, DC
Input Range: 12-24V
Amplifier Chip: TPA3116, Input Sensitivity ≤ 280mV
Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz (±1 dB)
Input Mode: Bluetooth and RCA
Headphones Output: 16-64Ohm
Terminating Impedance: 2 Ohm - 8 Ohm
MAX Power Output: 50W x 2
Bluetooth Transmission Distance: Up to 39 Ft(12m)
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.2 support apt-X and apt-X low latency
FX Audio Tube-06
The most affordable preamp on this list is the FX Audio Tube-06 preamp with both digital and analog inputs. This tube preamp offers tone controls at the front and at the back are the digital and analog inputs. The analog outputs provide up to 5.8 volts through RCA connectors making it ideal for use with a wide variety of power amps.
I found this tube amp to be ideal if you’re looking for something with fantastic bass production that enables you to only focus on what’s being played, filling your room with crystal clear vacuum tube sound.
Specifications:
Power Amplifier IC: 6N3 USB DAC CM6653 (24Bit / 96kHz)
Tube: 6N3 Vacuum Tube
AC Power Input: DC Power Supply 12V 1A
USB Support: PC-USB
Sample Rate: 24Bit/96kHz.
Neoteck Bluetooth Tube Amplifier
The Neoteck Tube amplifier is a sleek and easy to use Hi-Fi device, which can easily be connected to any source with no installation or software download required. You just need the power from the wall socket, plug your TV's HDMI cable or home cinema speaker's audio cable to the amp and within seconds you’re listening to brilliant warm sounding music.
The design provides clean and detailed high quality audio for long hours without distortion. There’s even an integrated Bluetooth receiver that enhances connectivity upto 15 meter and supports aptX low latency codecs for seamless synchronization between audio and video as you are watching a movie, resulting in better 3D surround sound experience at your home.
Specification:
Power Amplifier IC: TPA3116D2 chip-set
Tube: 6J4 Vacuum Tube
AC Power Input: DC Power Supply 12V 1A
USB Support: PC-USB
Sample Rate: 24Bit/96kHz
Are Chinese tube amplifiers any good?
Yes, Chinese tube amplifiers are good and they work really well. You can find different types of tones and tube types. Also, the Chinese tube amplifiers are much more pocket friendly.
Do cheap Chinese tube amplifiers work well?
Tube amplifiers don't depend on how cheap or expensive they are. They mostly depend on the tone of the amplifier. Chinese tube amplifiers work really well and are comparatively cheaper.
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