No doubt, you’ve read about my efforts to return to a more balanced analog-digital audio journey. This shift is reflected not only in my tech choices but also in my overall outlook on life. I am a child of the digital age, having grown up with some of the most groundbreaking advances in technology—Internet, CDs, HDTV, cell phones, personal computers, etc. But in our rush toward perfection, we left something behind—our souls, or what I call that little spark of imperfection. Tube amps remind us that life is untidy, as it should be. Amen? These throwbacks to the early days of Hi-Fi are making a massive comeback. Whereas one could once find bargains on vintage audiophile gear, those days are gone, leaving us to pick among the carcasses of discarded misfits. So, what’s one to do when looking to put a little healthy distortion back into their life? The answer lies in modern equipment from China, based on timeless designs.
Many have asked for my opinions and recommendations on analog gear without breaking the bank. At a sub-$1,500 price point, the Muzishare X7 is the hands-down winner for bang for your buck. You can roll tubes, replacing the factory set, for an even more sublime experience down the road. It has balanced inputs, a remote (which might weigh a pound 😂), and a phono preamp should you need that. If this option is a little rich for your blood, drop.com has an amazing deal on the smaller-tubed Cayin MT-12N EL84EH-based amp. They’re offering it for $479 with shipping right now. I have an order for two from this run, and I’ll let you know how they sound, but at that price, I couldn’t resist since Cayin has a great track record producing solid gear.
Well, have a great weekend. Try to inject a little analog into your life.
#analoglife #analog #audiophile #tubes #chifi
P.S. those are real needles and not some LED screen abomination.
Eng/Adv/Attorney
5moThis technology must arrive at protective equipment for workers in noisy environments.