Top 5 Tube Amplifiers Under $1500

[@wanderlustjohn]

Stephe, my decision to actually BUY the Muzishare x7 (made by the same hands as Line Magnetics) was due to the video you made over a year ago, and never looked back. You are the most ethical and trustworthy voice I have found on these amps. So thank you!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Awesome!

[@RomiPetrut]

Hi Steph, I like the way you explain the criteria for choosing every tube amp. Very nice job! My respect

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

Are there people in here knowing if the Muzishare X9 is built with equal quality in it's technical design as the X7? Great video as always. One of those "just give me a list with good products" vids and I highly appreciate that!

[@brucebarbour9583]

Steph, don’t overlook the Decware Zkit1 $45. It is a PC board that comes with a full set of instructions including a parts list so that you can build your own version of an SE 84 UFO. No waiting list for that. I got one and love it.

[@michaelfrancalanzo4485]

I bought the Muzishare X7 about 4 years ago on a gut feeling (I don't know jack about tube amps). In other words, I took a shot in the dark. Man, this thing still sounds unbelievable. I now listen to it with a preamp, with a pair of 3 way Elac speakers. Can't express enough how much I love this setup. Magical. You reviewed it (and my preamp) a while back and confirmed my feelings on it. It is awesome, but I happened to get lucky because I l bought it before I discovered your channel. On the fence? GET IT! Thanks Stephe!

[@Pksparty2112]

Not sure if you have watched a channel called Tube Lab? It’s from a small company in Canada that sells vintage tubes and parts. The name of the company is Valves And More. I’ve purchased from them and they are great people. They also have a channel called Mellow Tone Amps. They manufacture kit tube products that look pretty decent

[@thelowprofile9767]

I have no experience with any of those mentioned amps but I really want to have one eventually. Your video is a great help in making a short list of what to look for. As always, thank you.

[@toddhupp]

consider Prima Luna.Well made with top quality parts and transformers.Dutch designed.

[@thelowprofile9767]

@@toddhupp are they below $1500?

[@052RC]

@@toddhupp I think they start out at a bit higher than $1500, but that's not the issue. You get to deal with uncle Kevi, the man that doesn't need your money and is very eager to tell you that and hang up in your face. Good luck with that. The last time I spoke to him, I was trying to buy a new preamp and I had the audacity to ask him a question. He just hung up on me. It was well over 8k. I know he doesn't need the money, but I should be able to ask a question. At the time I forgot Cable Company was a dealer for the same preamp. I just got if from them instead.

[@marksmusicobsession]

Thanks for another great video. I use an X7 in my number two system and love it. I did install some really nice tubes across the board and downsized those bias resistors to one watt precision units. It doesn’t touch my 1957 MC-60 Macs in system one but isn’t miles away.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

It's a good amp for the money.

[@cameronwilson8561]

Bought the X7 about 3.5 years ago. It’s been running well with no issues at all. I exercise the meter switches maybe once a month given the common problem with oxidation. Would definitely recommend it, happy customer here.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

That seems to be the trick to keeping these running!

[@cameronwilson8561]

@ also, when are you going to share some of your darkroom prints ? 😉

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Hmm maybe on a future MM.

[@kurtusservice8503]

Jolida?

[@mvh6455]

Very useful overview of this price point! If you ever have time it would be great to hear your opinions for a price point above this.

[@Apexdetailing]

Thank you for your labor of love and keeping your reviews honest. It’s a breath of fresh air and much appreciated by those of us that notice.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

You are so welcome!

[@alfapk8478]

Great comparison video Stephe. I have both Reisong A12 EL34 tube amp and the Muzishare R7 KT88 tube amp and I am thrilled to own them. Thanks to you.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Cool, thanks!

[@MS-pw8yu]

Thanks for the work, Stephe!

[@rufiorules]

Great video. Happy with my X7, im definitely going to get the little mods done when it goes in for its caps doing. I use the headphone jack quite a lot, but im considering getting a dedicated tube headphone amp. Any chance of a top five chi-fi headphone amp list or any you would recommend? Your insights are invaluable!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I do plan to look into headphone amps, most seem to be chip amps with a tube buffer, I know the Sparkos Gemini sounds really nice.

[@adamphillips1263]

I echo the commendations for your honest and straightforward communication. There is so much bad information out there, people are gambling when they choose who to learn from. How do you know what you don't know. How do you know you are getting good info from some youtuber. What's in it for the youtuber? I know you're not a pufferfish or trying to gain favor from commercial interests and I appreciate you spending your time to run this channel. Yesterday, I watched a guy do a review of tube amps (EL34?) and he explained the reason he was wearing cloth gloves was because he had been handling tubes....I didn't hang around for the rest of the video.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Thanks!!!

[@Richard-Isley-Bigsley]

Great perspective for this price point of amps .... MY price point. I'm really liking my X7 with SDE mods. I've been wondering about the 300b amps and nice to know that an acceptable one such as A50 can be had for not much after mods. I really don't think good audio has to be expensive after experiencing it for many years. In the last 10 years, I've used more than a handful of Chinese made products. I know there is questionable stuff out there, but if you do your homework before diving in, in can be very rewarding. Of course having an awesome channel like this one is invaluable. Thanks for all the help!

[@toulcaz31]

It’s a nice selection to use also as a baseline for future reviews. Looking forward to your next videos. 2 years wait list would concern me personally in the inability of a business to transfer knowledge and avoid dependence on one person. Healthy businesses need continuity and succession planning.

[@chrislj2890]

I was interested in getting a Decware amp some time ago, but those crazy wait times was a non-starter for me. I'm perfectly happy with my Willsenton R8 (revised) amp and have you to thank for that. I was interested in the Black Ice Audio Fusion F22 V.2 due to the diversity of tubes it can handle, but at almost twice the price of my R8. But apparently they use circuit boards, and state how that's better than point to point, so that's a turn off for me. That Muzishare X7 is a very pretty amp.

[@georgeswanson9483]

You should try the RH84 SE amplifier as well as a build of the Decware ZKIT1 amplifier board. I've built the ZKIT1 and it sounds great. Another thing I can suggest is the Kirishima single driver loudspeaker, it's tall but doesn't take up a lot of space and all of the cuts for the panels are 90 degree angles. Using the 8" Fostex full range drivers it rocks with two watts.

[@edhuslik]

Rolled the dice and bought the R8 MK11 directly from China Hi Fi. Used the savings to upgrade the tubes with the Horizons. Can't believe an amp this inexpensive could sound this good. Of course, curiosity got the best of me and I purchased EL34's from Mullard. I was concerned sound quality might be a bit mushy with the EL34's, but paired with my Gustard A26 dac, I was pleasantly surprised how great it sounds. The EL34's will sacrifice a bit of clarity, but offer a more musical presentation and a vastly improved soundstage. For the nominal additional costs of switching power tubes, I now basically have two fantastic formats to choose from depending on my mood and choice of music. My days of solid state amps are gone forever.

[@Chris.from.1950]

Good stuff, Steph! I wish this list had been available to me a few years ago! I got caught up in all the buzz on SET amps, got bummed out by the waitlist for the DecWare box, and bought a Bottlehead Single Ended eXperimenter kit… which I unpacked and have, still, on the shelf, unassembled. Sheesh. 🙄 😂

[@biketech60]

Bottlehead has a build service . You could contact them , ship it to them and pay to have it assembled . Sure , it raises the total cost but then it is a working amplifier .

[@cobar5342]

Thank you for a very interesting perspective

[@fredflintstone8048]

I think you mentioned that you didn't have experience with Dynaco products. I would like to get your opinion on Dynaco amps and Dynaco preamps compared to new products. For example the ST-70 amps, and the PAS 2,3 phono preamps. These of course are legacy products and available on the used market. It would also be nice to get your opinion on the best tube type RIAA phono preamps in the new product market.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I may be working on a pair of ST70 amps soon. My understanding is with some of the available update driver boards, these can be quite good. The best RIAA phono pre I have heard is the EAR834 clones, I've done 2 different build series on those and also sell pre-built ones.

[@GiguereSylvain]

Thanks for the great review Stephe. Your list makes sense. Having built a 1.5watt Se 45 tube amp, I can understand that this Decware amp is not for everybody. But when used within its limits, on acoustic instrument music for example, on a pair of "efficient" speakers (mines are 92db eff) then, One watt (and half!) can go further than one thinks and surprise you. Great list!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

You bet it can!

[@stephenkeever6029]

SO glad you decided to make the videos you want to make! This is the type of content I will always enjoy.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@318ishonk]

The A12 is now GBP 500 on Amazon in the UK, wow. Still a catch if one can DIY and apply the Skunkie mods. Maybe add some ISO FC12s OPTs (ca. GBP 440/pair incl. shipping and customs), a new set of tubes and you have a nice single ended Triode with 6W @8 Ohm for about GBP 1,000...1,100

[@bareknuckles2u]

First time to the channel. I really like your presentation style.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Welcome aboard!

[@MrRonnmaui]

Excellent deep dive! Perfect price point for most of us. Would like to have one affordable tube amp. Your top choice I have been considering for some time. Thanks-time to save for one.

[@tf105db]

Thanks for another great video. I’m little curious if you have tested VTA ST-120 (Dynaco based amp by Bob Latino). Any thoughts on that amp?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Not yet! Honestly, there are SOOOOO many other products out there.

[@rolfmears6160]

Interesting list. For the Reisong A10, why not replace front end design with Cascode to utilise both triodes benefit from wider bandwidth?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

You could, more complicated for people to do and an EL34 in UL is super easy to drive.

[@rolfmears6160]

@SkunkieDesignsElectronics indeed, slightly more complicated, however a design utilised in Reisong A9 kit. Seems to be a worthwhile modification.

[@jesshoward9016]

I just ordered a Frenzel SS472, which is made by an old guy in Texas. I ordered the 50w and KT120 upgrade. No idea how it will sound, but it looks very well made. I have never heard one and I rarely see them on the open market but those who have rave about them. I ordered it because I am one of the audiophools on the Deware waiting list (for a Mystery Amp). If you know anything about Frenzel, I would love to know your thoughts. (Your channel,is very important. It inspires me to want to build my own 300b/845).

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Looks really nice!!

[@yellow_noise3]

How about Muzishare X9 300B? This review would be great, there is one reviewer on YT who like use it a lot...

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Stephe, that is a great list and you have to set criteria to even come up with such list. The important thing is that you provide the criteria so people can use that to reshuffle their rank table according to their personal needs. In a reasonable world that should also prevent melt downs. OK, excluding the Musical Paradise fan boys, they are still allowed to melt down :)

[@junkmangeorge6363]

Of course they can melt down, and when encountering one you should ask them if they can see, because we know they can't hear.

[@orwhat24]

Very useful video, thanks.

[@roa5359]

Interesting, as always. Thank you

[@vendelius]

Great Video... Thanks

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Thanks for watching!

[@charleskatz2606]

Stephe great list.Yeah 2 years we could all be out of electricity from climate change by then.Now I'd love to have you run the Muzishare R100 300B/805 through it's paces

[@erics.4113]

Any opinion on Line Magnetic 216IA? I love it, but just curious if there are any worthwhile elements to consider changing?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Sorry but no I haven't

[@vitt0re]

Hi Stephe, great video! I have an A50 connected to Audio Note AN-E speakers, but the sound is noticeably muffled, almost as if it’s coming from behind a blanket, and the soundstage is nothing extraordinary. Should I go ahead with your mod to improve the sound, or do you recommend trying something else or additional options first? Greets, Vito.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

You describe the out of the box sound well. Without ALL of my mods, mainly rewiring the 6SN7 tubes, it will never sound good.

[@vitt0re]

​@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Thank you! Will upgrade it then 👍

[@RobertClements-z9r]

Great post! Thank you!

[@tmdillon1969]

I'm interested in getting and modding the A12. Are the modification plans for sale somewhere I didn't find or in a group? And I've built and rebuilt speakers but never an amp. This looks simple enough to be in my range if only barely.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Everything I do, including my own products, are all free/open source. www.skunkiedesigns.com/a12-mods

[@garydumas3148]

Using 3 way tower speakers, 4 ohm, 89 db efficiency, rated 20-200 watts, 400 peak handling. I have a great amp for my 7.1 theater set up. However, have been considering a stereo tube amp when listening just to music - my favorite hobby. I have struggled with my research as not much information is out there - am I going down the wrong path in search of tube in this application? I love listening to my record albums run through an “analog” circuit on my preamplifier bypassing any/all EQ. Any suggestions will be most appreciated.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

That's what this video is about :) The choice depends on if you feel comfortable doing DIY mods. out of the box, the muzishare X7 is hard to beat.

[@garydumas3148]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronicsthank you for responding! My sense of things - perhaps wrong - is I might need more watts? Although I have never used a Class A amp…Your response seems to indicate these lower watt amps would be able to push my towers (Aperion) - I usually listen to my music in the 70-80 db range (my budget is about $2.5K +/- range.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Why would you need more than 45W for 89db speakers listening at in room 70-80db? I get "home theater" people say you need 2000W+ but that's just not true. I'm bettering you wouldn't use more than 3-4W

[@barrybunner]

@@garydumas3148 I use 89db effiecency 6 ohm speakers and my X7 drives them to 70-80 db no problem. Buy an X7...roll some tubes...and still have $ in your pocket.

[@arnaldoilagan3217]

Have you looked into Cayin amps?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I haven't.

[@ericthockler]

Hi Stephe, how do you rank your diy kt120 monoblock in this top five list ? I love your channel !!!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

They are not under $1500, none of my amps are.

[@donpettit7107]

Anyone else buy an early model Willsenton R8…any problems develop? Wish I knew to wait for the Mark II…but no problems so far…and I love the sound. Fingers crossed 🤞 it lasts a good long time.

[@pnichols6500]

Had mine a few years now, still working perfect.

[@sgasior6688]

I have a Decware on order. Actually the phono stage and amp. Placed and order sometime last year. Anyway, what speaker would you recommend or be curious to pair with that Decware? One reviewer had it paired with Klipsch La Scala speakers. I cant see a 1500.00 amp connected to 13,500 speakers. Out of my league.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

What in room SPL are you looking for, distance from the speakers and how big is the room?

[@sgasior6688]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics 12x12 room. 7ft ceiling. Speakers can by 18 plus inches from the wall. Listen at a distance of 6ft from the speakers. A comfortable listening volume.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

You should be fine with "real" 94db meter or better measured speakers. I'm assuming you are talking about the SE84UFO

[@Halfie]

I saw some interesting stuff about the Oldchen tube amps. The SE Point to Point EL34 looks particularly interesting for under USD$350 shipped... I saw a german youtuber going over the internals and throw it on the scope, and he seemed impressed. For that price, colour me interested.

[@junkmangeorge6363]

Sure makes you scratch your head doesn't it? To scratch build a SET amplifier my cost is roughly $200 each for the output transformers, another $200 for the power transformer, $200 for the tubes, $100 for a chassis, and call it another $100 for pieces (though it's likely a bit more). That's $1000. I don't believe in free lunches, so where have they cost cut to sell you that $350 amp? Well the tubes are "white box" (might even be factory seconds), the transformers are all "dodgy", and everything else is bargain basement stuff. And that's the difference.

[@Halfie]

​@@junkmangeorge6363 100%, but as a gateway into the world of tubes, it could be interesting as a holdout until something nicer like a Muzishare X7. Then you pass it along to get another friend addicted :) That's what I did with my turntable stuff!

[@jacksound5471]

Hello, do you have any opinion about the " YAQUIN MC-84L." ? For me with my Beovox S55, its magic here. 🤩

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

That's one of the 10,000+ amplifiers I haven't looked at...

[@newardthelman6871]

Are you saying that the Muzishare X7 has a rich tube sound, with 2nd order harmonic distortion featured for tube distinctiveness? Or, is it a neutral, "transparent", solid state sound?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

It's not going to sound like a single ended amp, but it's def not a "solid state" sound either.

[@newardthelman6871]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics Thanks.

[@rene_magritte]

I was looking at the A12, but apparently they have printed circuit boards now. So modifying is out of the question?

[@junkmangeorge6363]

I just, right now, looked on Amazon.............. * Point to Point hand welding, preferred audiophiles, output transformer switch to the 76x40 higher end output transformer.* An amp with a circuit board can be modded, the method is different, but the result should be the same.

[@rene_magritte]

www.china-hifi-audio.com/images/boyuu-audio-amplifier/REISONG-A12-EL34B-TUBE-AMP-SINGLE-END%20CLASS-A%20AMPLIFIER%20BOYUURANGE-03.jpg

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I was only aware of the low budget version of the A10. Now there is a PC board as part of the power supply on the A12.

[@ahmedshamsulhuda9729]

Pls do a review of Muzishare R100

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

If one was sent to me, I would.

[@paulgood2218]

Fun list

[@lesterwyborny7990]

Hey Stephie, you criticized SE amps in general when you commented on the inverted 5687 tube amp you designed. How would you compare the 5687 tube amp to your current 300B amp?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

When did I criticize SE amps ever?

[@lesterwyborny7990]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics You said this in your description of that inverted OTL amp: "How does it sound? As you know, I'm not a particularly big fan of single ended amplifiers, but this one sounds remarkably good. It almost sounds too good for a SE amp." I took from this comment that you did not like the sound of SE amps, but preferred the SE OTL amp. Maybe you could clarify your previous comments?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I don't recall ever even listening to any OTL amp and I'm a huge fan of single ended amps, that's all I listen to. My production amp is single ended. I think you have attributed someone else's comment to me.

[@lesterwyborny7990]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics OK, sorry...

[@gerlachsieders4578]

If you include hybrid amps, make sure you don’t overlook the SV-500 by Vincent Audio, both a beauty and a beast….

[@middleearthltd]

Decware four year-ish waiting list Crazy Black Ice has a $750 amp that people really like but I don’t know much about them Looks good from the reviews Th Spud amp is around $800 and has no rectification AFAIK 2 to 3 watts

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Yeah, I know nothing about their products.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Hi. I enjoy listening to your informative videos. One thing that bugs me though is that you never look into the camera. This gives an impression that you’re not talking to us but to somebody else 🤷‍♂️

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I'm not a pro. If you need a polished channel with professional trained actors, there are plenty of those out there.

[@NormcoreGreg]

@ don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult and time consuming it is to shoot those videos. I do it myself. I wasn’t trying to offend you, just note that it’s a good practice to look at the lens when recording so that the viewers have the feeling you’re talking to them. I saw your Monday rant where you reffer to my comment (I guess), hence my response :) Cheers!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

But see I'm not an "Actor" and that isn't natural for me, even talking to people in person I don't do that. For me to force a change like that in my natural speaking style wouldn't be comfortable for me and I would lose my train of thought. (Which is easy for me to do already, I have no script) My videos would no longer just flow. I get this isn't the "professional" way to do this style of content, but I honestly think people enjoy watching my channel because I am relaxed and do these unscripted/speaking casually. Other people have complained I move my hands around too much when I talk and it's distracting. Same thing, sitting still and not talking with my hands is unnatural for me. For me "good practice" is just being myself and staying relaxed in front of the camera. Sorry if that bugs you, I can try to do better, but I'll never be one of those polished pre-scripted online folks.

[@NormcoreGreg]

@@SkunkieDesignsElectronics got it. Anyway, I'll continue subscribing your channel and watching your vids, as I learn a lot from you. All the best!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Thanks for the mention and yes I'm a she, her, hers.

[@nbramaputra]

Seem some amps are not avilable to 120 v system,personly i better recomend buing 2 hand amp , cause you gett much more fore the monney.i had a jolida years ago i was happy with.

[@MasterofPlay7]

How do you test for second harmonic distortion?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I'm using the Audio Analyzer Suite with the Analog Discovery 2.

[@MasterofPlay7]

@SkunkieDesignsElectronics how much dose that cost?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

The software is freeware. You just the Analog discovery hardware. I'm using analog dicovery 2 and I think they are now on version 3, either will work. Google is your friend.

[@thespecialist6831]

Can anyone recommend a integrated tube amp with a phono stage?

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Honestly I can't. None of the integrated phono stages I have heard sound "audiophile" quality. That's including the ones built into amplifiers manufactured during the heyday of vinyl.

[@toddhupp]

I have found Russian reissue Gold Lion tubes to be superior.Detailed presentation.Expensive though.

[@bobcooke4402]

If you want a decware ufo, you can get mighty close with good opt and solder…

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Bought zerozone tube preamp Sold as quite...noisy as Hell Bad circuit design Low end power supply Should of been recalled 😮

[@thedolphin5428]

"... eeeend ..." (for and) 😊

[@gtronn74]

❤

[@el_arte]

The title should have been:”5 tube amps I experienced under $1.500 ranked”

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Isn't that what any honest review is? Why would anyone report on something they have no experience with?

[@el_arte]

@ Of course, that’s how it should be, but this reads as “I tried them all and here are the 5 best.” The YT algorithm will love it, though.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

No one has ever "tried them all". Sorry if my short list of the amps I have tried, with a short enough title to fit on the screen, somehow upset you into responding in this hostile, accusatory manner. Feel free to make you own list and video.

[@antoniojoseandreomartinez9710]

👍❤️🫂

[@ThatOneBrotha-vl1gr]

decware not worth the wait... they told me 3 years

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

That's a long time, they are nice products.

[@joenovak6393]

I have ordered 1/2023 USA built, SET Point-to-Point wiring, Hand Made, Zen Sarah Amp Model: SEWE300B. Their Top-of-the-Line 300B amp and I have no problems waiting.

[@russellharvey7096]

@@joenovak6393 The Sarah is about 3x the price of the UFO, isn't it? I believe it's the entry-level amps that have the long waits. (Not to mention product of the year from a few years ago.)

[@joenovak6393]

@@russellharvey7096 With the options I picked out for the Sarah $5k. Now matter what Amp you choose, there is a waitlist but, in the end, you have a fantastic sound product.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

$5K is about right for a nice 300B amp. I'm sure it will be amazing!

[@ConorHanley]

I don't buy this lack of quality from China or at least high quality is available if the company, say a western or even a Chinese one, has it built in China and pays and monitors for high quality.

[@jungtarcph]

Where is iPhone built?

[@thelowprofile9767]

English please

[@ianyates7742]

There’s not a lot wrong with Chinese made amplifiers just because they are cheaper people assume they are junk. just think on Chinese aren’t payed the same rates of wages as we are in the west hence the prices are lower

[@MrMersh-ts7jl]

​@@thelowprofile9767 what do you mean?

[@junkmangeorge6363]

These guys seem to be building amps to "price points". I am sure there are Chinese amps that are perfectly fine, but they won't be cheap.

[@The-light909]

❤️X7🎉