Best Stereo Tube Amp under 1000 (2022 Reviews Updated)

The consensus with true 'music connoisseurs' is that amplifiers made using vacuum tubes help produce better sound when paired with the right speakers. The only problem is people tend to think that this technology is much more expensive than solid-state amplifier technology. Well, we want to put that myth to rest by looking at the best stereo tube amp under 1000 dollars and a few more that are very similar. If you genuinely like high-quality sound when you listen to music, then that is not a limited budget for this critical stereo component.

Suppose you want to know our topic pick for the under 1000 category. In that case, the YAQIN Vacuum Tube Integrated Push-Pull Amplifier combines serious sound quality with a very reasonable price tag.

Editor's Picks

Tube or valve amps were popular, well, the only choice to power stereo and guitar amplifiers in the 1950s and 60s. Still, they faded a bit into obscurity as new guitar amplifier technology hit the scene. But in the last 20 years, stereo tubes have made a tenacious comeback. Even alongside such technological advancements as digital and hybrid amps, the demand for these vintage gems is high.

The consensus of true music connoisseurs is that tube amplifiers produce the best sound when paired with the right speakers, and we are inclined to agree. But unfortunately, a common misconception is that this world-class, stellar sound is significantly more expensive than solid-state amplifier technology, but that's not always the case. As with any amp, there are many options at various price points. So no need to worry about taking out a second mortgage on your home to enjoy the great, pure, warm tone of a valve amplifier.

There are heaps of stereo amplifiers around to choose from. From high-end to low-end and everything in between, there is something to fit everyone's budget. Based on overall sales and user reviews, we've assembled a list of the best stereo tube amplifiers today. We'll tell you what features we like about them, what we feel could use a slight improvement, and reveal our overall top pick for the best stereo tube amp under 1000 for 2019 in our review.

But first, we'd like to share this helpful list of a few things to consider when purchasing your shiny new tube amplifier.

TUBE AMP BUYING GUIDE

You don't want to make an ill-informed decision, run out and buy the first or cheapest valve you run across, and then hope that it works out for you. A few critical components to consider when searching for the best vacuum tube to complement your stereo system.

Price: For many of us, price is a major driving force in persuading or deterring us from purchasing. The tube amps on our list are all between $290 to just over $700, which we know is no small chunk of change. But, if you consider that price within the realm of vacuum tubes, which can range from $1,500 to over $5,000, suddenly, 290 to 700 bucks doesn't seem such a bad day.

It's not always the case, but we've found a direct correlation between price and the quality of tube amps, so keep that in mind when browsing. That, of course, doesn't mean that you won't be able to find a good deal on a great amp; you may have to take a bit more time, investigate further, and scout for deals.

Distortion Reduction and Low Noise Features: It doesn't matter how reasonably priced or aesthetically pleasing the tubes are. None of it matters if the amp is noisy or doesn't have proper distortion reduction. You don't want to hear the amp humming or buzzing through your speakers. You'll also want to ensure the tubes have a distortion reduction feature. Both are vital components for looking for the best tube amplifier.

The amount of distortion a tube amp has is easy to spot because most manufacturers list this information on the packaging and other specs about the amp. The noise level of a tube amp isn't often included in the packaging, so you may need to take it to Google and read some user reviews.

Watts Per Channel: Watts per channel is the amount of power your tube amp has. The higher the watts, the louder you can crank up the volume without distorting the sound. Higher-priced tube amps generally have more watts per channel than lower-priced ones. More watts equal louder music, but that isn't always the best thing for the overall tone. Often louder music doesn't have the same crystal clear sound quality as softer music. Bigger isn't necessarily better, so keep this in mind when narrowing down your list of tube amplifiers.

Bluetooth Compatibility: Purchasing a tube amp with Bluetooth connectivity will allow wireless music streaming from your phone or mp3. Many users also like to connect their tube amp to a turntable to play vinyl records for a more old-school sound. It's basically like having a remote control to operate your system.

Construction: Vacuum tubes tend to be fragile stereo components just by the nature of their design. They have sealed glass bottles with all the air removed and resemble light bulbs. Avoid tube amps that are flimsy and have fragile metal shells. Also, beware that some companies may also use cheap plastics in their construction.

Some tube amps have a very cool, vintage look, so it's no surprise that many people proudly display them in their homes. But remember, these tubes are delicate, so maybe you should consider purchasing a clear protective cover to protect your tube amp if one is not already included. One that lets the natural glow from the vacuum tubes spread warmth around the room.

Warranty: A great warranty will give you peace of mind when purchasing a higher-priced item like a tube amplifier, so be sure to review the contract before making any purchase. The type of quality insurance offered can also give you a bit of insight into the company's confidence in the quality of its product. Companies generally don't provide excellent warranties on poorly made products that they know will have to be replaced or repaired frequently.

Best Stereo Tube Amps under 1000- 2019

We want to put the myth of the break-the-bank, extravagantly priced vacuum tube amplifier to rest. Look at our selections for the best stereo tube amplifiers under 1000. We're sure you'll see something that tickles your fancy.

Editor's Pick - Top Pick

1.YAQIN MC-13S EL34 (6CA7) 4 Vacuum Tube Integrated Push/Pull Amp - Editor's Choice

Yaqin is a famous Chinese tube amp manufacturer. They have an outstanding reputation for making some of the best stereo tube amps in the audio marketplace. The YAQIN MC-13S EL34 is a prime example of one of the quality products that earned them that notoriety. This tube amp is an impressive addition to any sound system.

The MC-13S EL34 tube integrated amp has a sleek and modern appearance and includes covers to protect your delicate tubes from the elements like dust and kids getting handsy with your shiny, new toy.

This vacuum tube amp generates smooth, crystal clear, distortion-free sound and has a calming glow that can be seen in low light. The sounds this amp projects are incredible; the tones stay clean and warm no matter how far you push it. It's an audiophile's dream. This amplifier is our pick for best amp under 1000 because it's a top-of-the-line unit, available at a much less than top-of-the-line price. This is the perfect amplifier for the budget audiophile.

Specifications:

• Output power: 40 watts + 40 watts at 8 ohms
• Distortion: ≤0.9% measured at 28 watts
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥85 decibels (A-weighted)
• Two speaker output impedance posts rated at 8 ohms or 4 ohms
• Four switchable line inputs
• Power consumption: ≤220W
• Input Sensitivity: ≤0.26 volts
• Four CA7T, two 12AX7B, and two 12AU7 vacuum tubes
• 47cm L x,31.5cm W X 17.5cm H
• One power cable
• Hex screwdriver
• Instruction manual
• 48lbs

PROS

• Class A push/pull power amplifier helps to reduce distortion
• Low noise level feature, so there is no humming or buzzing
• Delivers clear distortion-free sound even when cranked up to capacity
• The top and bottom of the amp are made with stainless steel materials
• Aluminum-made panels and bezels
• This amp looks aesthetically appealing as a centerpiece or on a bookshelf.
• An analog VU meter monitors the average of the two-channel output levels
• Many of the materials used in the amp are produced by well-known Japanese, American, and European companies, ensuring a higher quality product.

CONS

• During our review, we found that there is no phono stage. If connecting a turntable with no built-in phono, you need to purchase a phono stage to connect it to the amp.

Yaqin has an outstanding reputation for making some of the best stereo tube amps in the audio marketplace. This model tube amp nicely backs up that statement. It is a tube amp that looks sharp, helps generate crystal clear sound, and does it all for under $1000. That is a combination that we feel is hard to beat, which is why it's our number-one-rated tube amp.

The audio that comes out of this device is so smooth and distortion-free you will be amazed. It is a pure music lover's dream. Quite stated, all the electronics that combine to produce this unit are top-of-the-line products.

This is also a beautiful amplifier; when you use it under low light conditions, it gives off a kind of Christmas tree effect. It's also one of the few amps with a cover to protect sensitive vacuum tubes.

2.YAQIN Hi-Fi Integrated Push/Pull Stereo Tube Amplifier (MC-10T)

Occupying the second spot on our review list, yup, YANQUIN amplifier. They are known for producing quality amps at a fair price, and the MC-10T is yet another example of why they are one of the leaders in the world of stereo tube amps. The MC-10T amp produces not only high-quality sound but also looks good.

Besides featuring push-pull operation, this product features four EL34B tubes, resulting in a brighter, warmer sound than your standard EL34 tube. This is thanks to its use of the SRPP preamp circuit, which helps boost signals so the lines can further amplify them. You can also expect a more comprehensive response range from this product—another great amp from YANQIN at a fair price.

Features:

• Output Power: 40Watts +40 Watts at 8 ohms
• Sound distortion is at ≤0.9% (28 Watts)
• Signal-to-noise-ratio is at ≥85 decibels
• Signal-to-noise-ratio input sensitivity is at ≤0.26 Volts
• Frequency response is from 10 Hertz to 76 Kilohertz at ±2 decibels
• Load impedance is from 4 ohms to 8 ohms
• Power consumption is at a maximum of 220 Watts
• Four EL34B, two 12AX7, and two 12AU7 vacuum tubes
• Driver stage has a push-pull design
• One power cable
• Hex screwdriver
• Instruction manual
• 47.5 pounds

PROS

• Class A push/pull power amplifier helps to reduce distortion
• Low noise level features, so there is no humming or buzzing
• Delivers clear distortion-free sound even when cranked up to capacity
• Features EL34B tubes which result in a brighter, warmer sound than your standard EL34 tube
• The top and bottom of this tube amp are made with stainless steel materials
• Aluminum-made panels and bezels
• Many of the materials used in the amp are produced by well-known Japanese, American, and European companies, ensuring a higher quality product.

CONS

• During our review, we found that these amps do not have auto bias whenever a tube is changed. You'll need to do this manually, which can hurt the overall sound if done incorrectly.

We mentioned that Yaqin was well-known (1) for producing quality tube amps at an affordable price, and now we are believers too. After all, they now occupy the top two spots on our review list. This model would be good enough to be number one on most lists if not for the fantastic YAQIN MC-13S model that holds the top spot on our list.

Why do we like this tube amp so much?

The sound this tube amp produces is almost 100% distortion-free, even though this amp has an excellent 40 watts per channel power output. It is a very well-designed product. It has a built-in SRPP preamp circuit that helps make some of this incredible sound possible.

This is another Yaqin product that produces high-quality sound and looks good. It will even put on its little light show as it is working. We feel anyone who purchases this model tube amp will be delighted.

3.Dared MP-5BT HI-FI Audiophiles Integrated Amplifier & Preamplifier

Based in Hong Kong, Dared has been a famous manufacturer of high-quality valve tube amps for over 20 years. They are known to offer a range of quality hi-fi tubes at various price points to accommodate the budget of every consumer.

The popular Dared MP-5BT HI-FI amps combine old-school engineering with modern features. This amp has an analog USB to connect directly to your computer and Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your phone or other devices. The straight-forward control panel features an on-off switch, volume button, standard headphone jack, and an input switch. This allows you to swap between USB, Bluetooth, and analog options. The rear of the unit houses the analog input and a preamp output, both on RCA jacks, the Bluetooth antenna, USB input, and speaker terminals.

The glass vacuum tubes on the Dared MP-5BT amps are flanked with two wood-sided plates covered with a lacquered black piano finish, adding a touch of luxury. The rose gold base and exposed tubes offer a look of classic simplicity, which looks great in any home or office.

Features:

• Max. Power Output: 2x25W
• Frequency: 20-25kHZ
• S/N Ratio: 86dB
• Distortion: 0.1%
• Input Impedance: 100kohms
• Output Impedance: 4 ohms, 8 ohms
• Max. Power Consumption: 110Watts
• Input: 2.4GHz Wireless Audio Input, USB DAC, LINE
• Output: Speaker, Headphones, Stereo Preamp
• Voltage: AC100-120V/50-60Hz
• AC220-240V/50-60Hz ．Tubes: 6N1, 6N2, 6E2
• Dimensions: 260x160x155mm (LxWxH)
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Power cable
• USB cable
• Instruction manual
• 8.4 pounds

PROA

• These amps have a low noise level feature, so there is no humming or buzzing.
• Delivers clear, distortion-free sound.
• Bluetooth compatibility to connect your phone or other devices
• Straight-forward control layout. There's an on/off switch, input switch, volume button, and headphone jack
• The rear of the unit features preamps and analog input on gold RCA jacks, a Bluetooth antenna, a USB input to connect a computer, and two pairs of speaker terminals.
• Sturdy construction with beautiful rose gold accents

CONS

• None that we found during our review. The Dared MP-5BT HI-FI amps are compact and perfect for the home or office.

4.Nobsound 6P1 6.8W x 2 Vacuum Tube Power Amplifier

Is high-quality analog sound your thing? Then look no further than the Nobsound 6P1 6.8W amplifier. With deep and powerful bass and sweet and intoxicating vocals all encompassed by a classic design, this amplifier is fit for display atop your desk or bookshelf. With VU meters and vacuum tubes on full display, it's easy to see that Douk Audio has put as much thought into the exterior design of their amps as they did the internal components.

Inside the chassis of the Nobsound 6P1 6.8 power amplifier, Douk Audio has adopted a transformer parallel output to reduce the internal resistance in their amps by half, thus doubling the power. Anti-magnetic transformer covers have been used to shield from interference with the current and achieve the lowest static noise levels possible.

The Nobsound 6P1 6.8 power amplifier is among the most affordable options for stereo tube amps. You'll be delighted that there is no fuzzing, cutting out, or lowered tonal qualities, even at its highest peak. The tones stay nice and smooth at all volume levels, making this unit one of the best versatile and fully functional units compared to other small units.

Features:

• Output power: 6.8W x 2
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Input impedance: 100 ohms
• Output impedance: 8 ohms,4 ohms
• SNR: 90db
• Input Sensitivity: 500mv-2000mv
• Harmonic distortion: 1% (1KHz)
• Tube: 5Z4P x 1 6H8C x 2 6P1 * 4
• Operating voltage: 110V
• Instruction manual
• Power cable
• 15.5 pounds

PROS

• Their amps have an elegant and eye-catching design
• Delivers clear, distortion-free sound
• A convenient toggle on the front panel allows you to switch between speaker and headphones.
• Don't let its size fool you; this amp can power 60-watt speakers with ease.
• Using total hand welding can decrease sound losses and ensure better sound quality.
• Sound quality is more natural and warmer due to the multiple-paint shield, which lowers background interference.

CONS

• Some reviewers complained of a slight humming in their headphones between songs.

5.DARKVOICE 336SE OTL HEADPHONE AMP

DarkVoice 336SE amps pack plenty of high-quality sound into a compact package. These amps come standard with 6N8P and 6N5P tubes and give you everything you need to enjoy the sweet highs and bass-laden lows you crave. Once you plug into this amp, you'll never want to listen to music any other way.

The DarkVoice 336SE has a way of bringing the upper mids forward while adding a bit of color to the tone, giving more life to your music. This small and mighty unit features superior stock tubes, and there is no tube rolling or swapping out needed whatsoever with these amps. Just plug it in and pair it with your favorite 6.3mm compatible headphones.

One feature we love is the complete silence you hear between songs when your music is on pause. Some tube amplifiers for headphones are known to have a slight hissing or buzzing. Yet another excellent tube amp priced well below 1000 to round out our top 5 list.

Features:

• Tube Used: 6N8P, 6N5P
• Frequency: +/-1dB 10Hz~20kHz
• Distortion: <=2% Output impedance: 32 to 600 ohm
• Power handling capacity: 1W
• Output terminal: 6.3mm Stereo Jack
• Input terminal: RCA Jack
• Power supply: 110V, 220~240V version
• 11.4'L x 6.3'W x 5.3' D
• Power cable
• 12 pounds

PROS

• These Output Transformer-Less (OTL) headphone amps cut out a crucial part of conventional amplifier design to eliminate a significant cause of audible distortion, delivering more precise, crisp sound.
• Includes high-quality 6N8P and 6N5P stock tubes that don't ever need to be rolled or changed
• DarkVoice amps can power headphones with up to 600 Ohms of magnetic resistance; They also function as great tube-based preamps for your speaker system.
• When in between songs or paused, there is no humming or buzzing, just blissful silence
• As solid as a rock, every visible surface on the DarkVoice 336SE is either glass or anodized black metal. This tube amp is built as reliable as it sounds.

CONS

•  None that we found during our review. We thoroughly recommend this tube to anyone in need of a headphone amplifier.

The Right Amp Can Change Your Entire Audio Experience

If you're building out a home studio or Hi-Fi system, one of the best ways to add variety, depth, and visual appeal to your setup is to introduce a tube amp into the mix. But the search for the perfect stereo tube amp can be overwhelming. The complex names and numbers, pricing from 50 bucks to 5,000 and beyond. It can be challenging to know where to begin.

A true audiophile understands how important the kind of vacuum tube you choose is to the overall sound quality. There is no denying that there is a difference between the sound of a solid state versus the warm, robust tones of a tube amplifier. No audio system would be complete without one of these gorgeous, friendly, glowing pieces of art. That is precisely why many music connoisseurs prefer tube amps to complement their home stereo system.

Any tube amps under 1000 we reviewed have incredible durability and excellent sound distortion reduction. They also produce dynamic sound at high volume and are soft but powerful at low volume. They are also made with quality materials inside and out.

No matter which you choose from our review, we are confident you will love it. If nothing on our amps for under 1000 list catches your eye, share our list with your audiophile buddies and see what they think about our picks. Also, be sure to follow the suggestions in our handy buying guide, and you should be able to find the perfect tube amp that best suits your needs.

Additional Reading

• Best Tube Amps