Beginner's tips for buying your next or first tube amp.

#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Integrated amp #tubes

Some of the tube amps I have used in the past
Cayin CS100 tube integrated amp
Cayin CS88 tube integrated amp
Cayin CS 55 tube integrated amp
Cayin CS 150 tube integrated amp
Doge 10 tube integrated amp
Willsenton R8 tube integrated amp
Willsenton R800i tube integrated amp
Reisong A10, A12 and A50 tube integrated amp
Audio research VS110 tube power amp
Luxman SQ N150 tube integrated amp
Leben CS 300X tube integrated amp
Fluxion E-1BT tube integrated amp
Finale F208b tube integrated amp
Mcintohs MC275 power tube amp
Wyetech labs Onyx monoblocs tube amp
DIY 45 tube poweramp
Synthesis A40 tube integrated amp
Synthesis Rona 96 DC integrated amp
Unison Research Simply Italy integrated amp
Unison research Tirode 25 integrated amp
Prima Luna prologue one integrated amp
Yaqin integrated amp
and many more

[ThomasAndStereo]

Let me know 1) What is your favorite tube and why? 2) Do you prefer push-pull or single-ended? 3) Do you like your tube amp? 4) Are you planning to try a tube amp in the future?
Here are some comments from Mr. Vintage that I left out from the video. Please keep in mind we are generalizing here.
Mr. Vintage: For me, the biggest difference between Single-ended and push-pull design is the image (結像力), the SE is sharp like the Zeiss lens while the push-pull is a little loose by comparison. It was 6V6 that inspired me to enter the "tube world". The magic of the 6V6 tube driving a pair of Dynaco A25 could not be found on all my Marantz, Sansui, Pioneer, Kenwood...SS amplifiers. The 6L6 follows the footprint of the 6V6 but has blended in the flavor of the EL34. I find the 6L6 performs the best on the McIntosh 240 Poweramp and even today I don't think you can find another amp that surpasses the 6L6 of the Mcintosh MC240. The NOS 6V6GT tubes are still available and affordable, this is something I like to explore，I think its mid-range rivals the SE designs in Push-pull. The bass is a bit lean but it is tuneful and has a good definition.

[luisperez-fsgz]

Thomas, you are one of the great voices in the audio community. Your style and storytelling is so illuminating and unique. You should write a book- I bet it will be a best seller!

[unityoc]

6:00 thank you so much for giving this rough guide to tube sound, you don't find this anywhere else online! Instead reviewers focus far to much on build quality, inputs / outputs, price etc. and leave out the most important part. Keep doing what you're doing, you're one of the most helpful hifi channels on Youtube.

[vproven]

Can listen to you wax poetic on hifi gear all day. Thank you for your vlogs. Love them.

[legionecapone]

Thomas your a legend. I appreciate all your knowledge and how well you convey your message.

[Nonsensei-OG]

Thanks, Thomas, for laying this out at the beginner level, which is pretty close to the mark for me with tube amplifiers. Given the limited efficiencies of my speakers, I may not get to try tubes anytime soon despite my interest in them. Nonetheless, I appreciate how with all of your videos you show your reasoning as you inform and explain about the topic at hand. Knowing more about things, even those I may never buy or experience, is allowing me to better understand how my system components work together and choices to be made as I look to improve or add to what I have.

[johnloesche]

I found this presentation to be very informative and offering key points on what to consider before purchasing a tube amp. The vast world of tubes and their combinations can be overwhelming and again you help us so very much. Thank you.

[MusicLover-]

Absolutely brilliant Thomas, this video is very close to my heart as I am on this tube Journey with you. I will say that having a sensitive speaker opens up lots more options and should be a careful consideration.

[rainman]

I use the Primaluna prologue pre amp running Mullard gz34 & Mullard CV4003 12AU7 valves paired with a Plinius RA 300 solid state power amp running into Focal Sopra 2 speakers ... Changing to NOS tubes made a huge difference, All going well so far, Thanks Thomas for an excellent audio channel that's very informative ... 😎

[GH-zseq]

Great video Thomas! Keep your stories/opinions/approach videos coming! Love tubes!

[audiorick]

Great overview of some popular tubes. Thank you!

[gregorycostello]

As a “newbie” to the world of Tube amps, I must say that this video is incredible. I learned so much and at least have a base to begin investigating what is right for me. I am looking forward to binging through the rest of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of information in a very clear and concise manner

[richardraine]

I have been looking for a video like this for a long time. Very, very informative. Thanks!

[yourmomsfatburner]

This is fantastic information for an audio enthusiast that understands personalities of different amps. I have never had a tube amp before and had no idea where to even begin. Thank you so much for explaining.

[elthamlad]

I am learning about amps little by little. It's so hard when you do not have access to different types of amps to know what you like or dont like, without of course experimentation, which can be prohibitively expensive. As I take my second foray into tubes I am trying to read and watch as many videos as I can, but there's no substitute for having the item in your home hooked up to your equipment. I very much look forward to your video on the R800i

[markscott]

Great video - the categorization of sound differences helps those beginning/already in a tube journey.

[jdplus]

Nice job of finding an interesting angle and explanation of the overwhelming experience of listening to so many reviewers and their personal opinion on a vague subject . ( the norm in hiring?) As always a great informative listen . This should be a amplifier 101 even before they start listening to individual reviewers . Especially with resurgence and popularity of tube integrated amps .

[CHEEPHARDWARE]

dang, you do a great job explaining these. super glad to have found your channel!

[filipedecarvalho]

Just found your channel. I have zero experience with tube amps and this was extremely enlightening.

[jblesser]

Fantastic. Thank you. Clear, conscience, insightful. Much appreciated