Do you have your media player connected to your high definition DAC, but still the sound from the speakers doesn’t have the warmth you would like? The solution could be to “color” the sound with a dedicated tube amplifier, to act as a bridge between digital and analog, and let us savor sonic details that were previously hidden.
A tube stereo amplifier provides that analog sound that is often lost with digital and is also a good option for those who want to experiment with sound customization. Just change the tubes to hear a good difference in the acoustic result, so that we can find the right balance for our hi-fi system.
There are integrated tube amplifiers where the tubes take care of both the preamp and the final amplification, these are all-tube amps.
Then there are the very common hybrid amps that use tubes for the preamp and solid-state for the power amp.
Some tube amps are made for hi-fi headphones, and others are better for stereo systems. Then there are some models that are good for both purposes.
With the advent of new technologies, tube amps have also modernized, and you can find models that integrate useful features such as internal DAC, Bluetooth connectivity, and digital file reading.
Now let’s see the ranking of the best tube amplifiers with prices and features, to help you choose the most suitable model for your needs.
Related: Best Turntable Amplifiers
In-depth reviews on the Best Tube Amplifiers for Hi-Fi
1. xDuoo TA-30
Tubular amplifier with Bluetooth audio and integrated DAC
The possibilities of input connections are USB, optical, coaxial, analog, and Bluetooth 5.0. On the front, we find the headphone output, the menu controls and the volume knob. The output power is 3W per channel into 32 ohms, so it is capable of sending an amplified signal to the hi-end headphones.
There are no connections for hi-fi speakers, the only way to send an external audio signal is through the pair of RCA aux on the back.
From a sound quality standpoint, this tube DAC is truly exceptional. It is possible to customize the sound at will not only by acting on the 3 valves (the two front valves are pre-amp while the larger one is the rectifier valve) but also through the digital settings of the digital-analog converter.
This way you can determine the attack type of the audio track, and the release amount, depending on your listening preferences.
2. XDuoo TA-20
Tube amplifier for Hi Fi headphones
One of the best Chinese tube amps we recommend today is the XDuoo TA-20. It is especially suitable for those who listen to Hi Fi music with headphones and are looking for a tube amplifier to integrate with the DAC you already use, or if you are planning to buy an external DAC.
To connect your DAC to this tube amp, you can use the XLR ports, which have been specially implemented to receive a balanced signal. In addition to these, we find two pairs of auxiliary RCA inputs, and a pair of RCA outputs to send the signal externally.
The front features an XLR port for hi-fi headphones that accept balanced outputs, a headphone jack port, and a multi-control knob for volume and input selection.
On the upper part sit the two 12AU7 type preamp valves, protected by small removable magnetic arches.
The XDuoo TA-20 is classified as a hybrid amplifier because it combines tube preamp with Mosfet-type transistor amplification. The output power is 2000mW @ 32ohms in both balanced and unbalanced mode. The gain is + 18dB, so you will have no problem amplifying any hi-fi headphones you have.
- No integrated DAC
- Not suitable for speakers
3. Dynavox VR-70E II
Warm, smooth sound with outstanding soundstage representation (Best for UK market)
The Dynavox VR-70E II is suitable for fans of tube stereo and for achieving a warm and vibrant sound. This is a mid-range all-tube (non-hybrid) amplifier, with six interchangeable tubes, a very interesting sound, and an excellent output power of 40W RMS per channel.
The lamps in use are two 6F2 and four EL34. It is possible to connect an analog source via the pair of RCAs on the back, and there are gold-plated output terminals for the speakers for both 4 ohm and 8 ohm impedance.
The frequency response is 10Hz – 40kHz and the harmonic distortion of the amplifier is 1%. The dimensions are 400 x 260 x 190 mm and the weight of 15 kg.
The sound quality stands out immediately, even with simple stock tubes the amp works wonderfully, giving the track a feeling of smoothness and warmth. If you want to experiment with the sound and further improve the sound quality, you can buy premium tubes, to hear the difference even more.
There is an excellent separation of instruments and soundstage, the sound stage is represented in a sublime way, with the revelation of the details that other more basic amplifiers will struggle to reveal.
- Heavy
- Unrefined design
4. Dared I-30BT
Hi-Fi tube amplifier with integrated DAC
The Dared I-30BT is an exceptional tube amplifier for the home hi-fi system, with a decidedly refined design and many connectivity options. It is suitable for those who want high-quality sound quality, to connect Hi-Fi speakers, and to listen to high definition music from different sources, both analog and digital.
The design and build quality are the first features that catch the eye. The finishes are accurate, and the central VU Meter is certainly a touch of class. This Dared perfectly combines the classic with the modern and contributes greatly to the decor of the room dedicated to Hi Fi.
The output power is 30 Watts per channel, and 8 ohm or 4 ohm impedance speakers can be connected. The frequency response is from 20Hz to 20kHz, and the tubes are 8: 4 of the 6L6G type (5881), 2 of the 12AX7 type (ECC83) and 2 of the 12AU7 type (ECC82).
Very good connections, there are 3 pairs of RCA inputs for analog sources, the USB type-B input to connect the PC (the integrated DAC takes care of converting the digital signal into analog), and the integrated Bluetooth receiver to send a wireless audio signal. On the front, there is the headphone connector.
The only drawback (typical of tube amplifiers) is the lack of the PHONO input, so to connect a turntable an external Pre-PHONO must be taken ( here the ranking of the best ).
- PHONO input absent
5. Nobsound MS-10D MKII
The best mid-range hi-fi tube amplifier
The best mid-range HiFi tube stereo amplifier for your stereo system, great for versatility and features, is the Nobsound MS-10D MKII.
First of all, we like the design, which is not bulky and looks good. Build quality is good, with 4 valves on the top (two 6P1X2 and two 6N1x2).
With the Nobsound MS-10D MKII, we can connect both analog and digital sound sources. The backplate offers two pairs of RCA inputs and the output for passive speakers. On the front, we find a USB input for reading digital files.
This is also a modern tube amplifier, and also offers the possibility of connecting a Bluetooth device to listen to music from a smartphone or tablet through tube amplification.
With a power of 25W per channel, this hi-fi amplifier is capable of handling good passive speakers, and the sound is very warm and detailed, typical of tubes. We like the versatility of being able to choose the different sound sources between MP3 stick, analog source, or smartphone via Bluetooth.
6. Dared MP-5BT
Tube amplifier with APTX Bluetooth receive the option
The Dared MP-5BT is a modern Bluetooth tube amplifier model, built to receive audio signals both wirelessly and via cable. It is a typically warm-sounding amplifier, with three valves, with the possibility of connecting both analog and digital sources.
We recommend it for those who want to buy a model that is good both for the turntable and for listening to digital music from a CD player or smartphone. Leaning on the cabinet next to the HiFi speakers, it will certainly make a good impression.
We will be able to connect a device such as a smartphone and a tablet to the amplifier via Bluetooth connection, APTX technology is supported, and it is also possible to connect a PC for reading digital files via the USB type B port. The integrated DAC takes care of the conversion from digital to analog.
To connect an external component such as a CD player or turntable, you can use the analog RCA connection. In the case of a turntable, you will also need an external phono preamp.
The amplifier delivers 25W RMS power per channel. The frequency response is 20Hz – 25KHz and the impedance is 4 to 8 ohms for external speakers. There is also the pre-amp output for a possible additional subwoofer. The dimensions are 26x16x15.5cm and the weight of 3.79 kg.
We can attest that the reproduced sound is very good, the Dared MP-5BT definitely deserves the attention of all music lovers, and its versatility is almost unbeatable in its price range.
- Only one RCA line input
7. DynaVox TPR-3
Price-quality tube preamplifier
The DynaVox TPR-3 is the best tube preamp in the price-quality range, it offers the ability to preamp different audio sources such as turntables, CD players, and other analog sources, and then be sent to the power amp.
The advantage of having a tube preamp is that of being able to give warmth to the sound, keeping the preamp stage separate from the final amplifier, and still obtaining a warm and enveloping sound.
The design makes it convenient to be placed inside a stereo system since the chassis allows you to place elements above it, while having the valves in view.
There are 5 line inputs, including the Phono input for the turntable, the latter with solid-state pre-amplification and choice between MM and MC. The input selection is done at the front knob, as well as the adjustment of the pre-amplification volume.
The tubes supplied are 2 of the 6N3 type, while the frequency response is from 20Hz to 50kHz. The dimensions of the amp are 30x22x10 cm and the weight is under 3kg.
- Not suitable for digital sources
- We need a power amplifier
8. Nobusound Douk Audio P1
Great modern tube amplifier
The Douk Audio P1 can be used as a tube headphone amplifier, as a tube preamplifier for the stereo system, and as a quality DAC for reading digital files.
At a price that currently gravitates around 100 dollars, we can safely recommend the purchase to anyone looking for a first tube amp to use for different purposes.
The sound is of good quality, the audio track takes a certain roundness thanks to the tube preamp stage. If we use it with hi-fi headphones, we can hear sound details that were previously hidden, while if we connect it to the speakers of the stereo system we can give our music that analog sensation that was previously missing.
The presence of technology is very convenient Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX support, which allows us to listen to HD music even from our smartphone.
The USB port on the back allows you to connect a PC for reading lossless files, with high resolution 192K / 24Bit digital-analog conversion. The integrated DAC is of good quality, suitable for audiophiles who wish to experiment with high fidelity.
- Coaxial / optical inputs absent
9. Fosi Audio T20
Entry-level hi-fi tube amplifier
The Fosi Audio T20 is an inexpensive tube amp for passive speakers of the stereo system or for Hi-Fi headphones, to experience the warm sound of tubes without having to spend a lot.
The T20 is very simple and essential, it costs little and allows you to enter the world of tube hi-fi amplification with a cost of fewer than 100 dollar while offering good capabilities and build quality.
Let’s see how it can be used. The rear of the amp offers analog-only input connections, there is a pair of RCAs through which you can connect any sound source such as a CD player.
In addition, you can make the wireless connection via Bluetooth between the smartphone and the amplifier, to play any audio track from your mobile device.
The pair of connectors for passive speakers allows you to connect the loudspeakers of your Hi-Fi system directly to this small amplifier. The output power is 50W per channel, and therefore offers a certain boost even to be able to amplify hi-fi speakers of a certain quality.
On the backplate, we find the input selector (to select the source between aux and Bluetooth). On the front plate, there are the tone control knobs (treble and bass) and the volume potentiometer.
- Aux mini-jack input absent
10. FEZZ Audio Titania Signature
Hi-end tube amplifier for the hi-fi system
For those looking for a professional hi-end tube amplifier for the Hi Fi stereo system, the first in the ranking is the Fezz Audio Titania, which stands out from all the other models in this guide for its excellent sound, exceptional design and components internal.
The style is classic and of rare beauty, this integrated amplifier is not intended to be hidden among the Hi-Fi components, because it will surely add a magical touch to your home décor.
The two front knobs are used to change the input source, and to adjust the output volume. The output power is 45W per channel, and speakers from 4 to 8 ohms of impedance can be connected.
The sound quality is superb, we find that the Fezz Audio Titania is a tube amplifier with the right compromise between the warm sound and the correct representation of the track, without being too invasive and with a neutral sound, while maintaining the classic sound of an amp. valves.
This type of integrated amplifier should only be recommended for analog lovers . It lacks the digital inputs that we can find in other models, the rear offers only RCA inputs. Furthermore, for those who intend to connect a turntable, know that you will have to buy an external phono preamp because the Titania does not have a phono input.
- important investment
- No digital connections
Photo: amazon.com