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This US$130 asking price is a strong bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$140 for used Yaqin MS-23B units and nearly US$20 under the median of US$150.

The MS-23B is a respected, budget-friendly tube phono stage that delivers the warm, organic sound character enthusiasts seek from tube MM preamps, often outperforming solid-state alternatives in the same price tier. At this price, it represents an excellent entry point into tube audio or a cost-effective upgrade for vinyl lovers seeking more depth and presence. While the listing lacks a stated condition, the deep discount relative to market norms makes this a compelling buying opportunity worth pursuing quickly, assuming the unit powers up cleanly and hums are managed by connecting to a line-level input rather than a phono jack.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Yaqin

Yaqin is a Chinese audio brand that appears to have been founded in 1994, with its manufacturing rooted in southern China, often associated with Foshan/Shenzhen-area production. Publicly available information suggests it began as a small family-run operation and was later built out into a more formal factory brand. The company’s exact founding story is not especially well documented in English, so details beyond the 1994 origin should be treated cautiously.

The brand is best known for vacuum-tube hi-fi components, especially integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, tube preamps, and phono stages. Models such as the MC-10L, MC-13S, MC-84L, MC-100B, and MS-23B are frequently referenced by enthusiasts. Yaqin has also claimed broader production capabilities, including transformers and related audio electronics, though its core identity is clearly centered on tube amplification rather than loudspeakers, turntables, headphones, or cables.

In the market, Yaqin sits in the value-oriented to mid-tier tube-audio segment rather than the true high-end. Its appeal is strong among listeners who want classic valve sound, straightforward serviceability, and a relatively affordable path into tubes. It is not generally regarded as a luxury boutique marque, but it has earned a reputation for delivering decent performance for the money, especially for buyers comfortable with a more traditional, component-driven approach to hi-fi.

See all Yaqin listings on RADAR.

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