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This is a fair ask, sitting almost exactly on the recent comparable median of £151. It is neither a bargain nor ambitious: the broader range runs from £108 at the 25th percentile to £213 at the 75th, so £150 is sensible provided the unit is complete and working properly.
The MS-23B is a well-liked, tweakable valve phono stage with a lively, full presentation, two 12AX7 tubes, active RIAA equalisation and useful low-noise DC heater supplies. It is a strong match for MM cartridges and high-output moving-iron designs, but not a choice for conventional low-output MC use. At this price, confirm the correct UK-voltage version, both tubes, power supply, grounding terminal and—most importantly—quiet operation without hum.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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.
