In simple terms, a tube amplifier is a musical device that can reproduce sound as faithfully to the original as possible. Such equipment is essential for listening to Hi-Fi music or intricate instrumental compositions. We’ve put together this list of the best Chinese tube amps for audiophiles and aspiring audio enthusiasts looking to take their sound experience to the next level.

How to Choose the best Tube Amplifier

There are a few things to consider before buying a Chinese amplifier, namely:

  • Wattage roughly describes how loud the amplifier will be. For home use, almost any amplifier will be ‘too loud’ for your neighbors, but it’s still good to choose a device with twice the wattage you need to have enough headroom.
  • Frequency Range. Nowadays, almost all tube amplifiers have an optimal frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 KHz, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check this.
  • Audio input. You need to be able to connect your devices to the amplifier, so make sure the device supports Bluetooth, RCA, USB, or any other input interfaces that you need.

Additional features include removable tubes (so you can easily replace them when needed), headphone support, and more.

Top 10 Chinese Tube Amplifiers

Model Certification Channels Aliexpress
10 PJ.MIAOLAI 6K4 2 (2.0) View
9 Nobsound Super Mini Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier CE 2 (2.0) View
8 Douk Audio X1 CE 2 (2.0) View
7 Old Chen Tube Amplifier El34 2 (2.0) View
6 FX-AUDIO TUBE-01 PSE 2 (2.0) View
5 VOSE PM50 RoHS View
4 Ampapa A1 CE 2 (2.0) View
3 Nobsound 6P1 Home Audio Tube Amplifiers 2 (2.0) View
2 Fosi Audio BOX X2 CE View
1 AIYIMA HiFi T9 BT 5.0 Vacuum Tube Amplifier RoHS 2 (2.0) View

10. PJ.MIAOLAI 6K4

PJ.MIAOLAI 6K4

Specs: Certification: NONE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: NO POWER, Brand Name: PJ.MIAOLAI, See all.

Equipped with two 6K4 vacuum tubes, this amp produces warm and soft sound while eliminating digital noise to enhance your Hi-Fi experience. In addition, the default tubes can be replaced with other supported models due to the removable design.

It supports wireless sound transmission via Bluetooth 5.0, meaning that any Bluetooth-supporting device – smartphone, laptop or tablet – can be easily connected to the amplifier.

However, this amp is not very popular among customers, which explains its low ranking.

6.3
Rating

9. Nobsound Super Mini Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Nobsound Super Mini Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Specs: Certification: CE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: NO POWER, Brand Name: Nobsound, See all.

The idea of buying a Chinese amplifier can be intimidating at first. After all, the device is considered a part of a serious sound system. But if you just want to try it out, or need something small to complement your desktop setup, then this mini amplifier by Nobsound is a perfect option.

With a 3.5 mm AUX output, you can connect passive/active speakers, an amplifier (using this one as a stereo preamp), or a headphone set, making it a perfect choice for a PC system.

The amplifier uses a 6N3 vacuum tube, known for its ability to soften harsh digital sounds, providing warm and clear Hi-Fi sound.

The only reason this amplifier is ranked lower is that it’s not sufficient to significantly improve sound quality – you’ll need something more powerful for that.

6.5
Rating

8. Douk Audio X1

Douk Audio X1

Specs: Certification: CE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: 131-200W, Brand Name: Douk Audio, See all.

While not necessarily ‘affordable’ – after all, this amplifier costs more than $150 – this device is loved by customers due to its impressive output power and low-frequency output. To amplify and improve the sound quality, it uses two GE5654 vacuum tubes, delivering intense Hi-Fi sound with soft deep basses.

In terms of connection to devices, besides Bluetooth 5.0, it supports Stereo RCA and MM Phono inputs, allowing you to use X1 as a tube amplifier and an MM phono amplifier. In addition, you can easily switch the input signal thanks to the input selection option. To put it more simply, the amplifier will support most of the smartphones, PCs, CD/DVD players and so on.

Customers note that the amplifier is fairly easy to set up, and the sound is deep and rich, but the price remains a major drawback.

6.9
Rating

7. Old Chen Tube Amplifier El34

Old Chen Tube Amplifier El34

Specs: Certification: NONE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: 10W, Brand Name: SUQIYA, See all.

As the brand name suggests, this Chinese amplifier can be a ‘good old buddy’ for audiophiles and audio enthusiasts, thanks to the high level of customization offered by the manufacturer.

For example, when choosing the preferred model on AliExpress, you can request an amplifier that supports Bluetooth wireless connection. While a bit more expensive compared to the default configuration, it will give you more flexibility in terms of sound transmission from your Bluetooth-supported devices.

According to the manufacturer, the working voltage of this model is more than 300 V, which is 10-20 times more powerful than ordinary transistor amplifiers.

Depending on the configuration, the amplifier will be equipped with 4 or 5 tubes, which perform incredibly well with full-range speaker vocals and strings.

As for customer reviews, they are mostly positive, except for a couple of recommendations to replace the default tubes with better ones.

7.2
Rating

6. FX-AUDIO TUBE-01

FX-AUDIO TUBE-01

Specs: Certification: pse, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: NO POWER, Brand Name: NF J&FXAUDIO, See all.

The Tube-01 Amplifier by FX-Audio, a brand famous for its CHi-Fi devices, is one of the cheapest offers on the market. You can get it for less than $40 and enjoy deep, warm, and detailed sound at home.

The amplifier is designed to be used for mid-range and high-end equipment: you can connect it to a lamp amplifier or an active speaker as a preamp, or use it to improve sound quality transmitted from your smartphone, laptop or CD player.

It uses two 6K4 tubes, which render the vocals in a dense fashion, allowing you to fully enjoy the high-fidelity sound.

While most of the reviews are positive, some customers complained that the amplifier ‘distorts’ the bass to a certain degree – such a problem is not observed in the case of high-frequency sounds.

7.6
Rating

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5. VOSE PM50

VOSE PM50

Specs: Certification: RoHS, Maximum Power Per Channel: 80W, Brand Name: SHISUO, See all.

Whether you enjoy listening to symphonies or Hi-Fi music, this CHi-Fi amplifier with improved compatibility can vastly improve sound quality.

It uses two sets of tubes: two 6F1 and two 6U1 model tubes, which deliver rich and clean sound.

With Bluetooth 5.0, you can enjoy stable wireless sound transmission from your smartphones or laptops. In addition, the amplifier supports USB flash drives, smart TVs, DVD players, and more, thanks to the support of coaxial and optical digital interfaces. More than that, you can connect your headphones to fully enjoy the high-fidelity sound.

The design is also impressive; the amplifier is encased in a one-piece metal panel and has two electronic dials, which look incredibly fancy in gold and black colors!

8
Rating

4. Ampapa A1

Ampapa A1

Specs: Certification: CE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: NO POWER, Brand Name: Douk Audio, See all.

‘More than just a simple preamp’ – this is how Ampapa characterizes its A1 tube preamplifier, designed specifically to improve the audio signal from your smartphone, laptop, or any other compatible device, amplifying the sound to a whole new level.

This amplifier uses JAN GE5654W vacuum tubes, which are usually characterized by rich and fine sound with warm undertones. However, the convenient pluggable tube design allows you to replace the tubes with ones you prefer, as the device supports 6J1, 6J1P, etc. models.

In addition, it features excellent compatibility with most headphones – something that gamers or Netflix lovers will appreciate.

Customers’ reviews are mostly positive: the amplifier is praised for “vinyl sound quality” and neat design with no major drawbacks.

8.3
Rating

3. Nobsound 6P1 Home Audio Tube Amplifiers

Nobsound 6P1 Home Audio Tube Amplifiers

Specs: Certification: NONE, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: 4W, Brand Name: Nobsound, See all.

Nobsound is famous for providing DIY amplifier kits. You’ll receive a full set of parts to assemble the device yourself, which helps minimize the price while maintaining excellent sound quality. This approach proved to be effective because, with a total price of 50-60$, this amplifier has lots of positive reviews on AliExpress.

It is a 6P1 Chinese tube DIY kit, characterized by powerful sound with deep bass. It features a VU meter, headphones output, as well as volume, bass and treble regulators. As the manufacturer states, the output power of this amplifier is about 4W, while a speaker has a sensitivity above 90dB.

The tech components are encased in a 15 cm case with wooden panels, meaning that the device is fairly small and will fit well on your table.

There are no major complaints by customers, although some claim that the tubes may have traces of use upon delivery, which doesn’t reflect well on the seller.

8.6
Rating

2. Fosi Audio BOX X2

Fosi Audio BOX X2

Specs: Certification: CE, Maximum Power Per Channel: NO POWER, Brand Name: Fosi Audio, See all.

Fosi is among the top CHi-Fi brands offering high-quality preamplifiers to enhance your sound quality. Equipped with two 6A2 tubes, it elevates the sound, making it “warmer and smoother” as described by customers.

There are two ways you can use this device: as a tube phono preamplifier via MM Turntable RCA input and as a tube preamplifier using the 3.5 mm AUX input. As a phono preamplifier, you can purify the sound by removing low-frequency noise: the sound streaming from your tablet, laptops and DVDs has never been easier.

In addition, default vacuum tubes can be easily replaced to better adjust to your needs. The device supports 6K4, 6J1, etc. models.

Regarding setbacks, one customer complained that the amplifier emits buzzing and humming sounds even when connected correctly.

9
Rating

1. AIYIMA HiFi T9 BT 5.0 Vacuum Tube Amplifier

AIYIMA HiFi T9 BT 5.0 Vacuum Tube Amplifier

Specs: Certification: RoHS, Channels: 2 (2.0), Maximum Power Per Channel: 100W, Brand Name: Aiyima, See all.

Among CHi-Fi brands, AIYIMA offers one of the best tube amplifiers on the market. They are mostly known for outstanding performance and a reasonable price-performance ratio, which attracts both audiophiles and home audio enthusiasts.

By default, it is equipped with a 6K4 tube, which is characterized by clear sound, a fair balance, and weighty bass notes. However, we use ‘by default’ because the tubes can be replaced. The pluggable socket is compatible with 6J1/J2, GE5654, and many more tube models – the full list is available on the product’s description page.

The amplifier has multiple audio inputs (both physical and digital), ensuring that most devices can be connected: you’ll get Bluetooth 5.0, USB, COAX, and others.

While complimenting the sound quality, some customers complain that the tubes were damaged upon delivery, but this could be blamed on poor handling at the post office.

9.4
Rating

Which Chinese Tube Amplifier is the best

As we’ve reached the end of our rating, let’s take a look at the best tube amplifiers available on the CHi-Fi market.

As expected, the AIYIMA T9 BT 5.0 Amplifier takes the first place. Manufactured by one of the most well-known Chinese brands, it delivers high-quality and clear sound for a reasonable price, making it a top choice for audiophiles.

Fosi Audio BOX X2 takes second place. If you are looking for a ‘classical’ smooth and warm sound delivered by vacuum tubes, this model is the right choice.

Nobsound 6P1 is in third place. Of course, you need to be tech-savvy to a certain extent to be able to assemble this DIY amplifier kit, but if you manage, you’ll get the most affordable device that also delivers powerful and rich-quality sound.

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