The Best Stereo Tube Amp For The Money 2023

Most audiophiles wouldn’t just settle for a home theater system to enjoy Hi-Fi sounds. Instead, they like to build their system from scratch, choosing speakers, amps, and other components with care.

best stereo tube amp for the money

If that’s the case with you, you might be looking for the best stereo tube amp for the money. So, we’ve decided to help you out by suggesting the top tube amps out there to match each budget.

Are you ready to learn more?

Reisong - BOYUURANGE A20 Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier KT88 Tube Single-end Class A 4ND VU Meter
BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp
Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth USB Aux Phono in Sub Out 100W
Rockville Blutube WD 70w Bluetooth Tube Amplifier/Home Stereo Receiver with Optical and HDMI Inputs - 2-Tone Finish
Reisong - BOYUURANGE A20 Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier KT88 Tube Single-end Class A 4ND VU Meter
BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp
Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth USB Aux Phono in Sub Out 100W
Rockville Blutube WD 70w Bluetooth Tube Amplifier/Home Stereo Receiver with Optical and HDMI Inputs - 2-Tone Finish
Reisong - BOYUURANGE A20 Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier KT88 Tube Single-end Class A 4ND VU Meter
Reisong - BOYUURANGE A20 Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier KT88 Tube Single-end Class A 4ND VU Meter
BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull
BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp
Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp
Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth USB Aux Phono in Sub Out 100W
Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth USB Aux Phono in Sub Out 100W
Rockville Blutube WD 70w Bluetooth Tube Amplifier/Home Stereo Receiver with Optical and HDMI Inputs - 2-Tone Finish
Rockville Blutube WD 70w Bluetooth Tube Amplifier/Home Stereo Receiver with Optical and HDMI Inputs - 2-Tone Finish

How Much Should I Spend on a Stereo Tube Amp?

There isn’t a direct answer to this question because it’s not the money you should be worried about when buying a tube amp. Instead, you should focus on how compatible the amp is with your speakers.

Still, it hurts no one to have a general idea about how much you must spend on a stereo tube amp.

First of all, everything depends on your budget. Are you ready to buy a product that’ll cost you $100, $300, $500, $1000, or more?

Second of all, your usage is another factor you should take into account when deciding how much to spend on an amp. If you’re going for a movie-oriented sound system, a budget-friendly tube amp should be sufficient.

Yet, if you’re building your stereo system for musical needs, you’ll want an amp of higher quality. That might cost you a lot more, but it’ll satisfy your inner rocker.

Lastly, let’s discuss the ratio of money spent on an amp vs. speaker. A lot of people think that the speakers and the tube amp should be around the same price to get the best out of them. That’s not entirely correct.

Some tube amps might cost you twice as much as your speakers will to give you fascinating results. Or, it could be the other way around. 

The bottom line is that you should pay more attention to how all the system components fit together to give you the desired effects. Once you figure this out, you can weigh your options regarding the price.

How to Match an Amp to Your Stereo System

Before investing in a tube amp, you must ensure that it’ll work seamlessly with your speakers. By taking a look at a few specs, you should be able to match both components without breaking a sweat.

Speaker Impedance

The impedance or resistance of your speakers is the most important thing to consider before shopping for a tube amp. You’ll find the impedance of the speakers in the specifications. 

Usually, its value ranges from four to eight ohms, sometimes it can be more.

The amp you’ll be buying must support this impedance for the resulting sounds to be clear and not distorted.

Power Rating

Your speakers will also come with a recommended power rating. This value refers to the power output of the amp that your speakers will be connected to. 

To find the perfect match, make sure that the rated watts per channel of the amp are the same as the rated power handling of the speakers. 

Yet, if you can’t find exact values on both products, it’s okay for your amp to be a bit overpowered or underpowered for the speakers. This is acceptable as long as you don’t turn the volume up all the time. If you do, the speakers might get damaged.

The Size of Your Room

Your room size will help you decide how big your speakers will be and the power of your tube amp. A large room will require a big amplifier with a large output so that the sounds will fill every part of it.

Alternatively, smaller rooms don’t need that much power from your amp, unless you prefer loud volumes anyway.

By figuring out the suitable amplifier power for the size of your room, you’ll be able to put together the perfect stereo system. Of course, this step comes after picking the right speaker size to match the dimensions of your room.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of matching a tube amp to your home stereo system, let’s take a look at our favorite amps!

Best Tube Amp Under 1000

We’ll kick off our reviews with the top three high-end tube amps that you can get for under $1000. Ready to meet our powerful beasts?

Reisong A20 Hi-Fi Integrated Amplifier

Reisong - BOYUURANGE A20 Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier KT88 Tube Single-end Class A 4ND VU Meter
  • KT88-98 power output.
  • 6J8P-J pre-voltage amplification.
  • The new power amplifier 0.35 cores do to ensure stable power supply.
  • Output power, maximum output power of 8W+8W.
  • Output amplifier uses no big loop feedback technology to ensure high sound reduction, powerful

There are many reasons why this amplifier has made it to the first place on our list. Let’s explore each aspect of the Reisong integrated amp.

For starters, the amplifier comes with KT-88 tubes, which produce powerful bass according to many users. Also, a lot of people seemed to like its smooth sounds.

With an output wattage of 8 watts, the amplifier should work beautifully with most speakers on the market. Plus, it matches an output impedance of 4.8 ohms, which is, again, easy to pair with many speakers.

Another thing we liked about this product is its durable mirror stainless steel chassis. Besides its strength, the body is a beauty to behold, adding to the aesthetics of your entertainment room.

However, the amp comes with a few downsides including its heavy weight and the tendency to heat up.

Pros

  • Durable body with mirror stainless steel chassis
  • Easy to install
  • The 0.35 cores deliver a stable power supply
  • Awesome bass sounds and smooth audio

Cons

  • Heavier than other similar products on the market
  • Might heat up due to its large power

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

Willsenton R-35I EL34 x4 Tube Amplifier

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The second amplifier on our list is a bit pricier. Yet, we’re positive that the Willsenton amp can transform your home stereo system entirely.

This handmade amp uses 12AX7 and 12AU7 vacuum tubes for voltage amplification, giving you ultimate power. Plus, it comes with EL34 tubes to grant you push-pull power amplification. These details can improve your musical experience greatly.

We also like the sound quality of this beauty, offering you deep bass and clear treble and mids.

Other things to admire about this amp include its infrared remote control, easy installation, and boot mute delay function.

Pros

  • Great overall sound with deep bass and clear treble and mids
  • Works with headphones
  • Handmade using point-to-point welding
  • Easy to set up and make improvements in the future

Cons

  • Some users thought that the included DAC could be better

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

BoyuuRange Tube Hi-Fi Integrated Amplifier

BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Tube Hi-Fi Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull
  • Vacuum tube: 5Z4P x1, EL34 x4, 6N1J x3
  • Input jack: CD / AUX / TAPE
  • Output power: 2 × 25W (ultra-linear connection), 2× 15W(Triode)
  • Signal to noise ratio: 88dB,Input impedance: 100KΩ
  • Come with tube cage.

Our final candidate for the best amplifier under $1000 is this buddy, also by the company Reisong. It’s available with three different types of vacuum tubes for an enhanced acoustic experience.

What’s more to like about this amp is its solid design that promises longevity and incredible performance. Sure, it’s a bit on the heavy side, but it shouldn’t be a problem once you put the amp where it belongs in your room.

The ultra-linear mode works best with rock and roll, bringing out everything we love about it. On the other hand, the triode setting is more laid-back, which you might prefer with blues or jazz.

Finally, the beautiful tube cage paints the perfect picture of a must-have amplifier.

Pros

  • Durable materials and top-notch manufacturing
  • You can choose from triode and ultra-linear modes
  • High dynamic range to match every musical taste
  • Equipped with three types of vacuum tubes for a wide range of sounds

Cons

  • A bit heavy
  • Might heat up after a while of use

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

Best Tube Amp Under 500

Now, if your budget doesn’t work with the previous products, don’t worry. The following tube amps fall under the mid-range price tag, and you might find the right match among them.

Reisong A10 Tube Amplifier

Reisong A10 EL34 Hi-Fi Audio Stereo Tube Amplifier Single-end Class - A Amp
  • Please pay attention before buying!!Nice sound but LOWER POWER.We received feedback from many buyers, reflecting that Reisong A10 Amp have not enough power. Please confirm that your speaker is a bookshelf speakers with a sensitivity 89db or more. We don't think Reisong A10 work well with a floorstanding Speaker or the low sensitivity speakers.
  • Point to Point hand welding, preferred audiophiles, output transformer switch to the 76x40 higher end output transformer.
  • If there is no sound from the machine after waiting for a few minutes, Please make sure the power is connected properly. And try pressing the Black Circle Button on the back of the machine (for switching between AUX and CD modes)
  • Tube EL34 x 2,6N2J x 2,5Z4PJ x 1
  • Reisong A10 Amp come with tubes protective cover and a circuit diagram.

The A10 stereo tube amp is so popular in the audiophile community that it’s only natural for us to include it in our list. This powerful amp works great with a speaker sensitivity of 89 dB or higher, and you can match it with most bookshelf speakers.

With its point-to-point manual welding and durable materials, it’s hard to beat the quality of this amp. The body is made of mirror stainless steel and aluminum to stand for years by your side.

As for the performance, you can expect warm, deep, and rich sound from this amplifier. Whether you’re a lover of jazz, reggae, rock, or more, you’ll probably enjoy how this amp produces its unique sounds.

Pros

  • Set up only takes a couple of minutes
  • Rich sounds and a spacious output
  • Solid materials enhance performance
  • First-rate packaging to prevent breakage

Cons

  • You can’t pair it with less sensitive speakers

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

Dayton Audio Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier

Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth USB Aux Phono in Sub Out 100W
  • Built-in phono preamplifier to easily connect record players
  • Authentic vacuum tube warmth and character with class AB amplifier efficiency produces an articulate and natural sonic experience
  • Brushed aluminum housing with vintage front panel VU meters lends a clean, modern look with a nod to classic aesthetics

Our second favorite tube amplifier under 500 bucks is the Dayton hybrid amp. According to many users, this buddy produces warm sounds of incredible quality enough to appeal to any audiophile.

Better yet, the hybrid amp pays homage to the vintage musical sounds while adding a touch of modern vibes to them. It uses today’s technology to recreate the tube effects that have been around for years, the perfect balance of present and past.

With USB, Bluetooth, optical, phono, stereo RCA connections available, this amp can be one of the most versatile out there.

Pros

  • An awesome combination of modern and classic amplifiers
  • Warm and inviting sounds to suit most musical tastes
  • Supports USB and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Durable body

Cons

  • Many users have complained about the fan being too loud

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

Rockville BluTube Bluetooth Tube Amplifier

Rockville Blutube WD 70w Bluetooth Tube Amplifier/Home Stereo Receiver with Optical and HDMI Inputs - 2-Tone Finish
  • Features of BluTube WD Rockville BluTube WD Audiophile grade tube amplifier with Bluetooth Color 2-Tone silver with wood accent 25 watts x 2 RMS @ 8 ohm 35 watts x 2 RMS @ 4 ohm (1) set of RCA inputs to connect to any audio device like a TV Laptop or MP3 player etc
  • Optical input HDMI input, Coaxial input Sub output Tube amps do not hard-clip even at high volumes and are extremely efficient Due to this the amp sounds more like double the rated power!
  • Built in Bluetooth with 33 foot range Built-in Preamplifier Headphone output VU meter Adjustable bass and treble (2 band equalizer) USB input for music files from USB thumb drive
  • Rear Speaker Terminals Banana plug / binding post outputs for 2 speakers Frequency Response ( 3dB) 22Hz-20kHz Input Impedance 47kO Input Sensitivity 300mV Output Impendence 4-8ohm Total Harmonic Distortion(THD) ≤0 02%
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio(S/N) ≥86dB Bluetooth 2 1+EDR USB Supports WAV/MP3/WMA/APE/FLAC. Unit weight 6 6 lbs Unit dimension 10 6" x 10 2" x 5 1"

Here’s another Bluetooth tube amplifier you’ll likely appreciate having as a component of your stereo system. The Rockville BluTube comes in two tones of silver with beautiful wood accents, but we’re more interested in its other features.

Either using the built-in Bluetooth technology or the RCA inputs, you can use this amp with many devices. Those include your TV, laptop, and more.

Due to its immense power, you could enjoy all your favorite beats with unmatched quality and clarity. Besides the ability to pair the amp with a wide range of speakers, you may also use it with your headphones if you prefer to.

Pros

  • A great amp for beginner audiophiles
  • Provides warm sounds and decent amplification
  • Durable components and appealing design
  • Comes with many connectivity options

Cons

  • The Bluetooth LED may be too bright for some people

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

Read Our Full Review Here

 

Best Tube Amp Under 100

If you’re on a tight budget, these affordable amps can do a pretty good job as part of your stereo system. Let’s take a closer look at them!

T20 Bluetooth Tube Amplifier

Fosi Audio T20 Bluetooth 5.0 Tube Amplifier Headphone Amp Support aptX HD Stereo Receiver 2 Channel Class D Digital Mini Hi-Fi Power Amp for Home Passive Speakers with 6A2 Vacuum Tubes
  • Superior Audio Quality: Experience high-resolution audio with the T20 Bluetooth Tube Power Amplifier/Headphone Amplifier featuring QCC3031chip supporting aptX and aptX HD codecs. Its 24-bit music quality allows you to hear every detail in your music.
  • Versatile Compatibility: Perfect for 16-64ohm headphones/outdoor/bookshelf/computer/desktop/ceiling/floor standing speakers, the device can be connected to Phones, MP3 players, TV, CD players, or Streaming Media players.
  • Powerful Performance: Boasting 50 watts per channel power output, the T20 Hi-Fi Bluetooth amplifier receiver can easily drive most home passive speakers to deliver an unbelievable sound experience. Additionally, it can be easily fitted into your audio system via Bluetooth and RCA input.
  • Upgraded Classic Tube Amplifier: With 6A2 vacuum tubes, you can enjoy a warmer sound. The T20 can be used with various tubes model, such as 6K4, 6J1, GE5654, 6AK5, 6ж1П, 6BC5, 403A/B, EF40, and EF95 for your convenience.
  • What You Get: T20 Bluetooth tube amplifier x1, 24V/4.5A power supply x1, Bluetooth antenna x1, user manual x1, 6J4 tubes x2, our worry-free 24-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

This Bluetooth amplifier by Fosi Audio can be used in more scenarios than we can count. It can work with your computer, TV, iPhone, bookshelf speakers, standing speakers, and more.

Plus, it allows you to switch its tubes for other types of vacuum tubes to match your preference. As a result, you’ll be free to experiment with the sound effects you can add to each song you listen to. Pretty cool, right?

We also admire how powerful the resulting sounds are despite the compact design of this unit. In addition, it’s pretty simple to connect to your audio system without background knowledge.

Pros

  • Many connectivity options
  • Easy to set up
  • You can use it with a wide range of vacuum tubes to control the output sound
  • Small design to fit everywhere

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a phono stage
  • The Bluetooth switch location is inconveniently on the back of the unit

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

 

Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier Hi-Fi Valve Headphone Amp Stereo Audio Preamplifier
  • NS-08E is a Hi-Fi tube headphone amp. It can offer >=1100mW at 32Ω and can drive 18~600 ohm headphones & headsets.
  • New version adopts 6J3 vacuum & valve tube, which has warmer tube sound and more replaceable tubes.
  • Upgrade circuit can ensure lower background noise, more powerful bass and more brilliant treble.
  • It can also be used as a stereo preamplifier for other amplifiers and active speakers. For better preamp function, we recommend NS-10P (ASIN: B07719G56B).
  • CNC Aluminum shell with super mini size. Very solid workmanship. Prompt and courteous customer service. For any questions, please contact us on Amazon.

This pretty little amplifier by Nobsound can be connected to your smartphone, laptop, CD player, and more to give you awesome sounds. It works great with headphones and active speakers, but that’s as far as it gets.

The perfect headphones to pair this amp with shouldn’t have low resistance and high sensitivity. If not, you could end up with unwanted sound effects.

Generally, this amp offers decent tube sounds, although you might need to replace its tubes for others with higher quality.

Pros

  • Easy to use with a multitude of input and output components
  • Irresistible tube effect
  • Solid build to stand for years
  • The compact size is perfect for small rooms

Cons

  • Doesn’t work with audiophile-grade speakers
  • Some users thought that the tubes’ quality was poor

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

Read Our Full Review Here

Fosi Audio Phono Preamp for Turntable Preamplifier

Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp for MM Turntable Phonograph Preamplifier with Gain Gear Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier for Record Player with DC 12V Power Supply
  • ❤Tube MM Phono Preamplifier: Converts phono signals to Line Level Signals with low-noise integrated circuits and high-quality components to remove low-frequency noise and ensure clear sound quality. Designed with a grounding post to protect your turntable.
  • ❤Three switchable gain modes: 39, 42, and 45 dB. Adjustable gain levels to give you customizable control and outstanding compatibility. Entry-Level high-end analog sound and top-notch circuitry for an unbeatable low cost.
  • ❤Tube Preamplifier: It's also a tube preamp with 3.5mm AUX Input. Designed and assembled by Fosi Audio from high-quality components. Great warm, smooth-sounding.
  • ❤Applicable vacuum tube model: 6K4/6J1/6J4/GE5654/6AK5/66*In vacuum tubes, etc. You can replace the vacuum tubes to DIY your stereo system. Different tubes with different sounds.
  • ❤What You Get: Box X2 phono preamp x1, Vacuum tubes x2, RCA cable x1, power adaptor x1, user manual x1, our worry-free 24-month warranty, and friendly customer service. [Please note that it's NOT for the MC turntable.]

Our final best stereo tube amp for the money is this Fosi Audio amplifier. With high-quality components and circuits, this preamp could be just what you need.

Besides the great features we’ve mentioned, this amp has three switchable gain modes. You can choose from 39, 42, and 45 dB to give you a nice degree of control over the sounds that it produces.

Also, we noted that it comes with AUX input to allow you to enjoy your favorite music from a multitude of different devices.

Powerful, sturdy, and affordable, there’s no wonder why this preamp is a favorite of many music lovers.

Pros

  • Produces warm and smooth sounds
  • Comes with three gain modes for much-needed control
  • Has an AUX port
  • Top-tier materials and build

Cons

  • You may need to replace the existing tubes with others of higher quality for better sounds

Buy It Now At Amazon.com

Read Our Full Review Here