A guide to tube amplifiers

Tube amplifiers for all budgets.

If you’ve ever had a home set-up, you’ve likely heard the debate between tube amplifiers and solid-state amps — it’s like choosing between a vintage classic car and a sleek sports car. Both have their die-hard fans, but tube amps, with their warm glow and rich sound, bring a touch of old-school magic to your setup.

They amplify vinyl’s natural character, adding a lush, dynamic quality that makes your records sound more alive, especially with genres like jazz, classical, and rock. Tube amps introduce a subtle, pleasing distortion that smooths harsh edges, delivering a musical, immersive experience that’s hard to beat. Sure, they need a bit of TLC, like occasional tube swaps and dealing with extra heat, but for many, the trade-offs are worth it.

Upgrading to a tube amp can transform your setup, but finding the right fit is key. Consider power and compatibility; tube amps have various power ratings, so match one with your speakers’ sensitivity to avoid overworking your amp. Ensure your tube amp has a built-in phono stage if your turntable doesn’t, as this boosts your turntable’s signal to a usable level. Pay attention to impedance matching, especially if you have a moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridge, and check how easy it is to replace the tubes — you’ll want replacements that are accessible and not overly expensive.

Size and aesthetics also play a huge role when deciding which tube amp is right for you. Tube amps can be bulky and generate heat, so make sure you’ve got a spot that suits their vintage vibe. With some research, you’ll find the perfect tube amp to make your vinyl collection sing.

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Fosi Audio Box X2

Price: £60

Pros: Excellent sound for the price. Tube-swapping capability for sound customisation. Dynamic, lively bass. An affordable entry into tube preamps with great customer service and warranty.

Cons: Hybrid design. Not a full tube preamp, limited to MM cartridges.

Verdict: The Fosi Audio Box X2 punches way above its price tag, delivering warm, dynamic sound with tube-swapping fun, making it a steal for vinyl lovers.

At just £60, the Fosi Audio Box X2 tube phono preamplifier is an absolute bargain for vinyl enthusiasts. It delivers a lively, dynamic sound that beats most built-in phono stages, especially in the low end. The option to swap tubes is a fun bonus for tweaking the sound to your liking.

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Bellari PA555

Price: £150

Pros: Warm, analogue tube sound. Multiple inputs and versatile controls, excellent build quality with vibration-damping feet. Affordable price for high performance.

Cons: Limited to four channels, some may prefer more modern features.

Verdict: This tube amp delivers impressive sound quality, not just “for the money,” but for any price range. It offers warm, analogue tube-driven performance and excellent value.

Bellari’s PA555 is a standout 4-channel tube preamp, delivering exceptional audio performance with its 12AX7 tube. Its all-analogue design, free of feedback circuits, creates a warm, rich sound, enhancing any line-level input. With multiple RCA inputs, volume control, and a sturdy metal casing, it’s highly versatile and well-built. The PA555’s sound quality exceeds expectations, offering warmth and depth that rival more expensive units. It’s an excellent option for audiophiles seeking affordable tube-driven sound.

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Monoprice 25-Watt Stereo Hybrid Tube Amp

Price: £175

Pros: Warm, rich sound from tube preamp, stylish design with exposed tubes. Multiple input options (Bluetooth, USB, optical, coaxial). Affordable.

Cons: Limited to 25 watts, no full tube design.

Verdict: Retro charm meets modern connectivity, delivering warm sound and versatile inputs. Perfect for vinyl enthusiasts and Bluetooth streamers alike.

This 25-watt stereo hybrid tube amp brings warmth and rich sound to your music, whether you’re spinning vinyl or streaming via Bluetooth. With a sleek black design and exposed tubes, it’s a stylish addition to any room. The amp’s hybrid setup breathes new life into digital tracks, while the variety of inputs — from optical to USB — makes it incredibly versatile. For the price, it’s a powerhouse of performance, blending retro sound with modern convenience.

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Dayton Audio HTA100 Hybrid Tube Amplifier

Price: £300

Pros: Warm tube sound with 100-watt output and multiple input options, including Bluetooth 5.0 and USB DAC. Vintage design with modern features, customisable sound with bass/treble knobs, subwoofer output for added bass depth.

Cons: Limited to 50 watts per channel at 4 ohms. Bulky design may not fit all setups.

Verdict: The HTA100 hybrid tube amplifier merges classic tube warmth with modern convenience, delivering rich, powerful sound through its 100-watt output and versatile connectivity options.

The Dayton Audio HTA100 hybrid tube amplifier offers a compelling blend of vintage warmth and modern convenience. With 100 watts of power, amber-toned preamp tubes, and a variety of inputs (Bluetooth, RCA, USB DAC), it caters to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The backlit VU meters and exposed tubes enhance its retro aesthetic, while tone controls and a subwoofer output allow sound customisation. Whether streaming via Bluetooth or spinning vinyl, the HTA100 provides excellent sound at an affordable price.

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Tube Box S2

Price: £345

Pros: Fully discreet circuit design without OpAmps. Supports MM and MC cartridges. Warm, lush sound with relaxed mids.

Cons: May not appeal to those seeking a more analytical sound. Tube rolling requires additional investment.

Verdict: The Tube Box S2 offers audiophiles an entry into the world of tube-based sound with flexibility and customisation.

Thanks to its fully discreet circuit design and replaceable tubes, the Tube Box S2 delivers a delightful mix of rich, warm sound and customisation options. Its ability to support both MM and MC cartridges, along with adjustable gain and impedance settings, adds versatility. The preamp provides lush mids and a relaxed sound, perfect for those who appreciate a more laid-back listening experience. Additionally, the aluminium casing offers excellent protection from vibrations and interference. Tube rolling enthusiasts will love the sound-shaping possibilities. Overall, the Tube Box S2 is a fantastic choice for vinyl lovers looking for high-quality, adaptable sound.

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Willsenton R8 Tubed Integrated Amplifier

Price: £1500

Pros: Triode and ultra-linear modes for versatile sound. Powerful enough for most speakers. High-quality construction and components,
BIAS monitoring and tube rolling options.

Cons: Heavy and bulky, requires maintenance for tube life

Verdict: The Willsenton R8 delivers powerful, tube-driven sound with flexible triode and ultra-linear modes, making it an excellent choice for diverse music styles and speaker setups.

The Willsenton R8 integrated amplifier offers exceptional performance, driving even 86 dB speakers effortlessly. Equipped with KT88 tubes for strong bass and dynamic sound, it also includes a headphone out for personal listening. The amp’s triode and ultra-linear modes provide flexibility for different music genres, while its hand-made, point-to-point soldering ensures high build quality. With additional features like BIAS monitoring, tube rolling options, and remote control, the R8 stands out as a top-tier tube amp for audiophiles.

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Cayin CS-845A

Price: £5500

Pros: Hand-picked tubes for top-tier sound, customisable sound tuning for perfect audio. Smooth, detailed Class-A sound, gorgeous design with user-friendly controls, remote control for full command.

Cons: Pricey. Big and bulky, needs room to breathe.

Verdict: This tube amp takes Class-A tube amps to new heights, offering jaw-dropping sound, vintage vibes, and endless customisation for audiophiles with a taste for perfection.

The Cayin CS-845A is like the sports car of tube amps—sleek, powerful, and meticulously crafted. With hand-wired silver-plated cables and hand-picked 300B tubes, it delivers rich, detailed sound that’ll knock your socks off. Plus, you can fine-tune its tone with adjustable negative feedback, dialling in your perfect audio experience. Its top-panel controls are super easy to use, and the remote lets you sit back and tweak your tunes like a boss. Pure Class-A power, pure audio bliss.

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McIntosh MC275 MK VI

Price: £7000

Pros: Legendary McIntosh tube sound. Enhanced bass control, illuminated tubes for functional status. High-quality gold-plated connectors, quiet circuit design.

Cons: Expensive, heavy, not ideal for small spaces.

Verdict: Legendary tube sound with modern enhancements blending vintage charm with robust performance for audiophiles who crave power and purity in music.

The sixth-generation McIntosh MC275 takes its iconic tube amplifier legacy to new heights with subtle yet impactful improvements. Offering tighter bass control and a thermally quiet circuit, it produces rich, pristine sound. The illuminated tubes not only look stunning but also signal operational status, adding modern convenience to a classic design. Gold-plated speaker binding posts and balanced inputs ensure top-tier connectivity, making this amplifier perfect for audiophiles seeking power, clarity, and reliability in their audio experience.

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