Joined Mar 15, 2016 Messages 4,727 Likes 7,726 … The different classes refer to the amount of time that the actual amplifier is able to amplify the signal. Recommended Amplifiers . It is also wise to look for a manufacturers’ warranty to provide that extra layer of protection. When it comes to the tube sound, the previous two amps are easy choices. The extra tube of the Gemtune GS-01 M Tube Amp is able to provide just that bit more depth to the bass sounds. We spend 68 hours on researching and comparing 31 of popular models to determine the Best Tube Stereo Amps 2020 you can buy. Dec 9, 2018 #2. The Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier meets this requirement easily; with a maximum size dimension of less than six inches and weighing in at a mere one and a half pounds. When it comes to the purity of the sound, a Class A Amplifier will provide a better-quality sound, but will consequently be more expensive and require more componentry. The best budget tube amplifiers at a glance. Finding the best budget stereo amplifiers is not at all a herculean task if you know what you are looking for. The unit used to measure power. The Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier is limited in its input and output jacks, in that it only uses 3.5mm jacks, however as mentioned previously that covers such a large majority of the audio devices you would use this amp for, that we don’t really consider that to be major. The 5 Best Budget-Friendly Stereo Receivers of 2021. That is why the Gemtune GS-01 M Tube Amp (with five tubes) has a better-quality sound but is also more expensive, than the Gemtune X-1 Tube Amp (with four tubes). Okay, some people will probably say over-simplified. We have voted the following tube amps our winners, when it comes to value for money, based on researching the opinions of actual users. With that said, … No matter how good a company’s quality control department, the chances are that at some point they are going to ship a faulty product. Input and output for the GS01-M Tube Amplifier are via RCA sockets. Both amplifiers have been getting absolutely rave reviews. OldHand 27 February 2020 11:24. When it comes to listening to those sweet sounds, we all know just how much a tube amp can enhance the quality of those sounds and the listening experience. But if you've got the budget, however, the Mesa/Boogie Mark Five: 25 is just about the best guitar amp we’ve heard for the money. Audiophiles usually prefer Class A amplifiers. Supro Blues King 8; Fender Bassbreaker 007; Vox AC10 Custom; Blackstar HTR-MKII; Egnater Tweaker 15; Laney Cub Super 10 ; Marshall Origin 20 Watt Head; Fender Pro Junior IV; Harmony 8418; Supro Blues King 8. When it is a choice between the sterile coldness of a solid-state amp, versus the warm tones from a tube amp, it is no wonder that people go for tube amps. I like my hi-fi direct, simple, and personal. From time to time I collect stand-out products for a gallery, and this time I'm bringing you the best receivers and amplifiers. Built in a tiny chassis, spanning 40x100x100 that you could easily hold in your hand, the Stereo Box S still manages to pump out 25W of power. Our runner up in the stereo amp category is the GS01-M Tube Amplifier, also by Gemtune. Dared MP-5BT HiFi Vacuum Tube Amplifier, Audiophiles Professional Stereo Integrated AMP, Hybrid Amplifier, Bluetooth/USB DAC/Line Input, 25W x 2 Output, with 6N11,6N21,6E21 Tubes 4.7 out of 5 … It can offer 1100 mW at 32 Ohm and can drive 18~600 Ohm headphones & headsets. Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 Established in 1955, this small manufacturer of high-quality amplifiers set the standard with the Stereo-70 in 1959. www.henleydesigns.co.uk. Achieving the tone and crunch of a fully cranked 100 watt amplifier without damaging your hearing (and that of those around you) is nigh on impossible, yet the team at Blackstar Amps have managed to reproduce those characteristics in a 10 … To get a little more insight, we asked Garry to share the most popular receivers and amplifiers that people come to his shop for. Written by Paul Rigby. Though their first CD player featured a vacuum-tube output stage, California Audio Labs is recently known for making good-sounding, moderately priced solid-state CD players, like the Icon Mk.II that Jack English reviewed in July 1992 (Vol.15 No.7). AIYIMA Tube T2 Audio 6J1 Preamplifier Bluetooth 5.0 HiFi Vacuum Tube Preamp with Treble & Bass Adjust DC12V Audio Preamp for Home Audio Amplifier … An ideal centerpiece for … Many of us need a smaller practice amp or something with less volume to satisfy the neighbors. The amp has a wireless Bluetooth that enables you to stream music from your laptop, smartphone, computer, iPad, and tablet. If your speakers are not able to handle the output power… well you can probably guess what it means for your speakers. This subreddit is for the budget minded audiophile that wants to grow out of soundbars, boomboxes, mini systems, portable bluetooth and lifestyle speakers, and PC branded audio solutions. We are not alone in this, as there are many other audiophiles who will tell you the same. These options will improve the sound quality of your tube amplifier and still meet any budget. When you try it out you will understand exactly what we mean and why it was our winner. The Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier really is a remarkable headphone amp for such a small investment. The Gemtune X-1 Tube Amplifier uses four tubes, in this Class-A single ended amplifier to produce eight watts of output power. AudioQuest DragonFly Black – best under $100. While greater selection would have been nice, in all fairness the humble 3.5mm jack is the common jack type for the kind of output sources that a headphone amp like this is intended for. The new version adopts a 6J3 vacuum and valve tube, which has warmer tube sound and more replaceable tubes. Whether its through Blue tooth, Aux or USB this tube amplifier has you … BLACKSTAR 10TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES ONE COMBO AMP. Now, many generations later, this model has stayed fundamentally true to its original version and is the most popular tube amplifier ever made, with over 300,000 produced, thanks to its distortion-free tones and faithful … There are many best stereo integrated amplifiers in the market and you need to just look for the perfect one for you considering all the features and also your budget requirements. One obvious difference is the switch from TV sweep tubes to audio power tubes. Technically it refers to the fraction of time that the actual device has electrical current passing through it. said: If you want great sound from a … This section is intended to explain some of the various terminology that buyers will come across in their search for the right audio equipment. One of the problems that can arise for people, not familiar with choosing a tube amp, is how to get value for your money. This is the amount of power (watts) that an amplifier produces. Bravo is a little known, niche manufacturer of audio amplification technology, that has been getting positive reviews for the quality of the sounds their amps produce. This is the amount of energy something uses per second. Here are our top picks for the best stereo tube amp: When it comes to an amplifier for your stereo that will have the warmth and wonder of the tube sound, our easy winner is the Gemtune X-1 Tube Amplifier. While clearly not lightweight, it is this solidity due to greater components, that helps to give it the awesome warm tube sound. Sound quality is rich, but not overly so. I don't mind buying second hand. Best Tube Stereo Amps 2020 – Top 10 Rated . The Gemtune X-1 Tube Amplifier is our easy winner in this category. Hi everyone. Once we’ve tested a sufficient number we’ll start to compile lists of the Top Rated Tube Stereo Amps. Carver A-400X stereo amplifier The A-400X was the affordable powerhouse amp of 1996. As a very general rule of thumb, the more tubes than an amp has, the better it is able to amplify the different parts of the sound. 7. When it comes to buying any piece of electronic equipment, you will want to know that there are some guarantees available. A 3.5mm jack or an RCA jack. The key criterion that everybody is going to want to know when it comes to a tube amp, is going to be the quality of the sound produced. The SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier produces the sweet warm tube sound that we would expect from a tube amp that was significantly more expensive than this one. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more budget alternative, we would have to recommend the Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier. Best Budget Stereo Amplifiers. Not intentionally. This Marantz for example, boasts a price tag that many would not consider to be that cheap. Once we’ve tested a sufficient number we’ll start to compile lists of the Top Rated Tube Stereo Amps. The SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier incorporates helpful blue LED indicator lights that will flash when initially turned on, changing to solid blue once the SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier has warmed up. They all are Bluetooth-enabled but the Fosi Audio amplifier offers a wider range. Tube Sound, More Power. It is the output power that will be fed to the speakers. Published on February 20, 2020. NS-08E is a Hi-Fi unit that is considered as the best tube headphone amp in terms of budget models. This is an amplifier that combines a pre-AMP and a power amplifier into a single unit. The Yamaha A-S1100 Analog Stereo Integrated Amplifier. Related Buyer’s guides … Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp, T20 Bluetooth Tube Amplifier Stereo Receiver 2 Channel Class D Digital Mini Hi-Fi Power Amp Preamp Compact Integrated Headphone Amplifier for Home Passive Speakers with 6J4 Vacuum tubes + Power Supply, BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull, Nobsound 6P1 6.8W x 2 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier; Stereo Class A Single-Ended Audio Amp Handcrafted, Mini Bluetooth 5.0 Vacuum Tube Preamp HiFi USB Player Stereo Audio Headphone Amp, Rockville BluTube 70W Tube Amplifier/Home Theater Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth, INFI Audio Hybrid Class AB Tube Amplifier, Power Amp with Bluetooth, Home Audio HiFi Stereo Integrated Amp, AUX, Bluetooth, USB, Optical, Coaxial, INFI Audio Tube 80W Amplifier, HiFi Stereo Receiver Integrated Amp with Bluetooth, Hybrid Amp for Home Theater System, Adjustment Audio Headphone Preamplifier, SMSL T2 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, Mini Audio HiFi Stereo Integrated Amp, Nobsound 6P1 6.8W x 2 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier; Stereo Class A Single-Ended Audio Amp Headphone Amplifier Handcrafted (with Headphone Amp Function). VAC Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc mono/stereo power amplifier. The first option is to choose a stereo amplifier that is made for music enthusiasts and designed with a strong focus on sonic performance. Whether using it to amp the sounds from a computer, smart phone or other portable music device, it is highly unlikely that it will have any other type of jack than a 3.5mm. Below are the amplifiers I strongly believe are the best buys today. The output power indicates the strength of the amplification. If you are looking for a stereo tube amp, you will be impressed with the Gemtune X-1 Tube Amplifier. It didn’t reach the support of the DSD format, but the sound improved a lot. As an example, a headphone amp will often have its output power measured in the tens of milliwatts (thousandths of a Watt). The Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier does not disappoint. The original A-9050 featured … They have also, for the most … Dec 9, 2018 #2. The Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier has a maximum size dimension of 4.4 inches and weighs in at a paltry 12.8 ounces. Essentially it makes the waves bigger by adding more power to them. Nobsound NS-10P Mini Vacuum Tube Preamp Audio Hi-Fi Stereo Pre-Amplifier Treble & Bass Control. Forum Donor. Category Features. Get the best performance from your quicksilver product. The best budget-friendly stereo speakers shouldn't require you to sacrifice audio quality to fall within your price range. PRO-JECT STEREO BOX S. Price: £199. Ultimately, a great value stereo tube amplifier will produce the wonderful tube sound, at a price that makes you think somebody made a mistake and accidently undercharged. 6 Best Tube Amps 2021 Under $500, $400 And $300 (& A Low Priced Live Performance Setup) Last Updated on January 12, 2021 By David Andrew Wiebe. We do like the fact that the SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier has a maximum dimension of 3.5 inches and weighs a lightweight 1.26 pounds. There are many things to like about the GS01-M Tube Amplifier. Whether you are going from 30 to 40 decibels or 80 to 90 decibels, each jump will be ten times louder than the start. Share. Amplifiers are rated according to one of four (usually) classes (A, B, C or D). The … Fox) that will help to clarify. VAC's Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc amplifier ($75,000 for a single amp; $150,000/pair mono, as reviewed) is tall, young, and lovely, but unlike the girl from Ipanema, it isn't tan. Unfortunately, the amounts spent do not mean a hundred-fold increase in quality. This Stereo Mini Amp by eSynic is something really interesting. When people who have purchased the GS01-M Tube Amplifier are comparing it favorably to much more expensive amps, it is easy to understand why the GS01-M Tube Amplifier was an easy choice for runner-up in the best stereo tube amp category. 99 EDITOR’S CHOICE – Marantz PM6005 – Credit: us.marantz.com. For those looking for the best tube amp under $500, the GS01-M Tube Amplifier is what we would recommend. The silhouette of a dragonfly cut in the device’s body, in addition to … A common question that people will often ask online is whether an electrical device is available in 110 V or 220 V. Given the many different power types available, we would strongly recommend that you check whether the amp you are considering will be compatible in your area. When it comes to the best value for money when buying a tube amp, it can be especially important to get this right. We spend 68 hours on researching and comparing 31 of popular models to determine the Best Tube Stereo Amps 2020 you can buy. In practice, there will always be some loss of information, though a good DAC will do so in a manner that is unnoticeable to the human ear. By Chris Corfield, Alex Lynham 23 November 2020. This flexibility for input is something that is not found in all headphone tube amps, so this just adds to the reasons why we think the Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier is a winner. An elite-level touring guitar amp costs some serious dollar, which puts it out of the reach of most players. All the best products ... so the 3020 is ideal for serious vinyl buyers on a budget. For this reason, we would recommend buying from a reputable online store, such as Amazon, who will stand behind the products that they sell. When it comes to talking about tube amps you will quickly realize that this can be a hot topic for some people, with a wide range of differing opinions to be found plastered across the internet. With the delightful warmth that we associate with the tube sound, this amp will truly delight listeners. There are essentially two routes we can take when we choose an amplifier for our turntable. This is an amplifier that does not have a built in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) on the same chassis. Rank . The amp supplies 6.5 watts and requires speakers of at least 89db sensitivity if I remember right. The amplifier is the piece of equipment which can either break or make your sound, and it is the piece which is the focus point of one’s effort. When looking for those rich tube tones, this amp is definitely all that. Supro Blues King 8; Fender Bassbreaker 007; Vox AC10 Custom Along with its less-expensive, lower-power, stereo brother, the Model 8B, Saul Marantz’s legendary Model 9 was the best tube amp money could buy back in the 1960s. Last update on 2020-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. 0 0 0 0. The Little Dot MK2 MKII 6J1 X 2 6N6 X 2 Headphone Amp Amplifier is one of the best tube amplifiers thanks to its lightweight which makes it portable as well as the design that is durable. Ideally. The device reads the “high digit” to 96 kHz / 24 bits. The amp currently ships with two pairs of Russian KT77s, though the EL34 power pentode may also be used. So you’ve decided to go for a tube amp rather than a digital, solid-state amp. Once it is stronger, it can be amplified again by a power amplifier. Here’s a brief overview of the best budget stereo tube amps out there that will give you the most bang for your buck! For most users who are not planning on using their amp to produce stadium rock concert levels of music, too much power is simply costly and wasteful, since you are unlikely to ever be able to max it out. We recommend you begin with our Upgrade circuit can ensure lower background noise, more … We spend 68 hours on researching and comparing 31 of popular models to determine the Best Tube Stereo Amps 2020 you can buy. As any audio aficionado can attest, it’s easy to spend a whole bunch of money in search of epic sound quality. On that note, let’s check out a shortlist for best budget stereo amplifier. Any good budget stereo amps? Category Features. Not maliciously. For … It’s not the best sounding amp at high levels, but at a reasonable volume this little amp has a lot to offer with excellent focus. DonH56 Major Contributor. You will not want to lug this amp around, and neither you should, but when setting up your home entertainment system, you will be as impressed by the beautiful sounds that this produces, as many of those who have bought and reviewed this online have been. ... nor is in-built dac since I have my own high performance dac so I need something that can output clean to get the very best from my speakers (Klipsch RP150M) It doesn't have to have a headphone amp. The GS01-M Tube Amplifier weighs in at 25 pounds and has a maximum size dimension of just over sixteen inches. Just because you’re not paying much for your tube amps, doesn’t mean you can’t get good quality. In some cases, an audiophile could spend a small fortune for no discernable improvement in sound. Here we had finally launched the updated version of all time best selling tube amplifier at Primecables.com with the dual stereo RCA and USB input. What sort of audiophile are you? Lets Check out ! This budget headphone amp now runs a 32-bit chip from ESS Technology. This section is intended to explain some of the … Ideally the outputted analog signal will be as close as possible to the original sound wave as possible. Today we are taking a look at the 5 best small tube amps in 2020 to get a good look at the best compact options out there. The best budget-friendly stereo speakers shouldn't require you to sacrifice audio quality to fall within your price range. The 8 best budget valve amplifiers and how to avoid getting ripped off. While the price tag is greater than that of the X-1 Tube Amp, it is still remarkably good value for money, which is why we have made this amp our runner-up. What we love:‌ The CXA81, with its Class AB amp section, drives speakers down to 4‌ Ohms with 120W per channel RMS, and 80W‌ per channel RMS‌ into 8 Ohms. This is a special type of amplifier that will boost a low powered electrical signal to make it stronger. The Sigma, a $695 tubed D/A converter, furthers their reputation in both areas. With so many options to consider, this guide to the best guitar amps under $500 is an ideal place to start. While this is not technically a true tube amp, it is certainly a great hybrid of the tube amp sound with the benefits of the lower cost of a solid-state transistor amp. Joined Mar … We will be continually updating this page as we launch new reviews. Today we are taking a look at the 5 best small tube amps in 2020 to get a good look at the best compact options out there. Written by David Murray. When looking to purchase a tube amp there are several factors that a discerning person will want to consider. I got a hold of this unit while compiling this roundup, and the overall performance makes it a worthy contender as one of the best tube preamps on the market right now. VAC Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc mono/stereo power amplifier. The Nobsound 6P1 by Douk (around $299) achieves excellent clarity by employing anti-magnetic panels to prevent the transformers from introducing interference. There are a number of mini amp options out there but the smaller options tend to be solid-state amplifiers as the technology is easier to miniaturize. I don't mind buying second hand. The Little DotMK2 comes at a low price, and this makes many view it as a low quality option. Read Our In-Depth Review . Potentially the best budget stereo tube amp on this list, the Dayton HTA20BT Hybrid tube amplifier provides unsurpassed headphone amp audio quality. This amp will take an input signal and amplify. While its nominal output is only about 13 watts, it works great with a pair of 60-watt studio monitors. A guide to the affordable amps best suited to a contemporary turntable set-up. It’s the case of the Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Mini Audio HiFi Stereo Headphone Amp that gives good performance, despite its small size. eSynic Stereo Mini Amp features the same style with very minor differences in design, but overall it is that same modest looking brushed aluminum casi… … Technical Expert . Music Industry How To is supported by readers. Ideally, an amp should do this without changing anything else about the wave. The list includes both solid state and Tube amps. 0 0 0 0. This is important given the waste heat generated by some tubes. A modern iteration of the amps that started it all back in Chicago during the 50s, the Supro Blues King 8 includes an all-tube … Convenient and lightweight, the Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier will produce a good tube sound, for people looking to amp up their high-performance headphones. The Best Around $1000: Cambridge Audio CXA81 Integrated Amplifier ($1299). By David Murray in Features, Turntables & Tech February 20, 2020. Something that makes an electrical signal “bigger”. Published on November 19, 2015 . For vintage restoration, Garry says that they work primarily on the 1960s vacuum tube gear and 1970s solid-state. While the purists may not be happy with the Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier, it certainly can be a good introductory amp for those on a budget, and don’t sneeze at it just because it is a hybrid, that would be a mistake. There are a number of mini amp options out there but the smaller options tend to be solid-state amplifiers as the technology is easier to miniaturize. They come with a few handy features, but the star of … If you are unsure there is a classic scene at the opening of the Back to the Future movie (starring Michael J. VACUUM TUBE REPLACEMENT. On that note, let’s check out a shortlist for best budget stereo amplifier. Best stereo amplifiers 2019: budget and premium : Read moreI was also surprised that the IOTAVX SA3 amp was not mentioned. Overall, when it comes to value for money and having those sweet tube sounds, it is easy to understand why the SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier won our vote for Runner-Up. In our opinion, that is the Gemtune X-1 Tube Amplifier. We hope this article will come in handy in your search for an amplifier. Ultimately, when it comes to quality sound, value for money is critical, after all it would be easy to spend thousands, or even tens of thousands on trying to get the perfect amp. Special Honors. The only bad audio system, is the one you don't enjoy to the … Sherwood RX-4105 Stereo Receiver ($120) ... the stereo 35-watt-per-channel tube amp … The best budget amplifiers. This will generally take just over a half minute for the amp to do. While many headphone amps may limit themselves to a 3.5mm stereo output jack, that is certainly not so for the Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier. The decibel scale uses a logarithmic scale meaning that adding ten decibels to a sound increases the volume ten-fold. We also think it's one of the best tube amps for those on a budget as it's way under £500! There are many things to like about the GS01-M Tube Amplifier. However, we think that is simply not true. It has received rave reviews in the US and Canada and it is made in ENGLAND. The Yamaha YSP-5600 Dolby Atmos Digital Sound Projector. This can make it difficult to know who is right and who is misguided. This amp is housed in a high quality rolled steel casing, with a matte black finish. When we talk about bigger, it is important to remember that sound is made of waves. These tube amps usually come at a high price, and the cheap ones deliver sub-par quality. Audacious Audio Tube Power Amp Reviews. INFI Audio Tube 80W Amplifier, HiFi Stereo Receiver Integrated Amp with Bluetooth, Hybrid Amp for Home Theater System, Adjustment Audio Headphone Preamplifier 4.7 out of 5 stars 71 $168.99 $ 168 . We did say that this was going to be an overly simplified explanation of things. These are the best combo amps and heads from Marshall, Fender, Orange, Boss, Kemper and more (Image credit: PRS/Kemper/Orange/Mesa Boogie/Boss) JUMP TO: Our top picks Buying advice Full list & … The SMSL T2 Tube Amplifier was our runner-up in the headphone tube amp category, for reasons that will be obvious. Moukey Headphone Amp Amplifier 4 Channels Metal Stereo Audio Amplifier,Mini Headphone Splitter-4x Quarter Inch Balanced TRS Headphone Output and TRS Audio Input, DC5V Power Supply-MHAMP1 4.5 out of 5 stars 368 Michael Fremer | Apr 18, 2020 | 61 comments. https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/hi-fi/best-stereo-amplifiers We like this feature, as it indicates a level of thoughtfulness on the part of the engineer who designed it. If you are looking for value for money, we would recommend one of the amps in this guide. This is an amp that can proudly stand next to the best in its class—switching or non-. For the best sound and for the most enjoyable vinyl listening experience. Let us provide our knowledge and experience to help you choose a vacuum tube package that will work great in your preamp and tube amp. I'm currently waiting for my recent purchase of a Musical Paradise mp301 mk3 integrated tube amp. Now, if its sole input and output was via a 6.35mm jack we really would be concerned but the common industry standard of a 3.5mm will more than adequately suffice for 99% of people, wanting a headphone amp. Relatedly, it’s important to note output wattage is logarithmically related to volume increase. 0 0 0 0. it is the very qualities of the vacuum tubes that the amp uses, that will determine the quality of the sounds produced. You can see the amps here. The Nobsound NS-08E Tube Amplifier produces a tube sound using tubes as a pre-amp while using solid-state transistors for the actual amplification. With that said, choosing a budget amp is something many people find too risky. If you do not find your amplifier listed we can still help you improve its sound. Onkyo A-9110 ($379) Weight: 15.4 lbs Power: 50W/4Ω (RMS) DAC: No What We Like: A stunning budget model with huge sound. 0 0 0 0, Nothing screams audiophile authority like a valve (or tube) amp. This amp is housed in a high quality rolled steel casing, with a matte black finish. While the Bravo Ocean Tube Amplifier is a headphone amp, it is gratifying to see that it is capable of accepting input via one of two different types of jack sockets. While it might be easy to think that you want as much power as possible, this is actually a misunderstanding. 2,421 Reviews Scanned. Class A amplifiers are amplifying for all the time, whereas other classes amplify only a part of each individual wave signal. These models have different power output, design, and set of features. The Gemtune GS01-M Tube Amplifier is a better-quality amp than the X-1 Tube Amp, and consequently has a price tag to match. This means that a 10-watt amplifier is twice as loud as a 1-watt amplifier, and a 100-watt amplifier twice as loud as a 10-watt amplifier. Share. Here are some of the key things that you will want to consider, when making this decision. 6to23.com is reader-supported. Over the years I've had many tube pre's mated with tube and ss amps.I agree with those who have opined that the tube amp has more influence than a tube pre amp.That said,I'm now using a highly rated passive pre with a tube amp and together they yield a distortion floor lower than any combination I've used.It's all good. Carver A-400X stereo amplifier The A-400X was the affordable powerhouse amp of 1996. While clearly not expecting an amp comparable in size and weight to an equivalent solid-state amp, we would none the less expect portability.