$130 Amp vs $900 Amp! How is this Even Close?

Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3NCLkTW or Douk amzn.to/3946god (same thing) $129
Yamaha AS801 howl.me/choSew... $899
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[@AllboroLCD]

Yammies manufacturing quality is second to none, and thats across their ENTIRE product range, be it grand pianos, motorcycles, or integrated amps.

[@hillarykane5175]

Based on your previous, initial review of the T-9, I jumped on buying one. I LOVE it. I also compared its sound through my system similarly to you and came to the same results. Thank you, Randy, for providing a real world, down-home comparison and justifying my time, money, and effort to expand my positive listening experience.

[@brandonwelton8165]

I did the same and I am really enjoying the T-9. I has it set up on a desktop in a small rrom, so the volume is always pretty low and it sounds great!

[@cheapaudioman]

******Do Not Answer any Messages from Telegram or Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3NCLkTW or Douk amzn.to/3946god (same thing) $129 Yamaha AS801 howl.me/choSewvdXc2 $899 patreon.com/cheapaudioman Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9

[@tommybrennan4362]

Randy.. hi do you have a link to Disney plus. This only gives you Amazon Music ? Big thanks.. I watch daily and between yourself and Darko saved cash and gave me ideas on how to plan a system.. Thomas

[@overnightdelivery]

Really love the LOUDNESS feature with the Yamaha. What it actually does is add more detail to the music at low volumes. It lowers the midrange frequencies which is more prominent at low volumes. This makes the low and high frequencies blend better with midrange. Makes a big difference in hearing more detail at low volume listening.

[@chrisharding5447]

Yeah a lot of ppl w "less idea" shall we say, like to have loudness on at high levs ' cos it's more bassy' (duh) but it isn't designed for that at all. It's for exactly what you describe imho

[@scottboettcher1344]

The Yammie's variable loudness is one of the features that made me buy my first Yamaha IA.... in 1979!

[@overnightdelivery]

@@chrisharding5447 Yep. It's basically like adjustable Digital Sound Processing (DSP) for passive non-DSP speakers.

[@racerx3669]

It just adds +10 db in high and low freq like most other loudness buttons.

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

@@racerx3669 Wrong, wrong, wrong.

[@kevink8321]

Once again, hats off to you for staying true to where you started. I'd admit to a bit worry of you might be off after achieving fame and glory. But no, you came roaring and gutsy as ever. Hope you great success!

[@kevink8321]

@@TonicofSonic How he chooses to relate is purely his prerogative. I do hope there's respect for those non-paying followers who really are the ones put him here today. Whether he does of not is between he and his God. I judge only if his content is worth my time. Happy to say that mostly does.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Cheap Audio Man is great channel to subscribe to . Listening to music 🎶 through higher quality equipment should be as accessable to as many people as possible. Testing much more affordable kit for us mere mortals helps us to do this 🇬🇧 🙂

[@cheapaudioman]

@@kevink8321 what was this comment about? Did one get deleted or something. It looks like you were responding to someone else. I’d love to respond to every comment but unfortunately I just can’t. I get hundreds of comments each day. I also get dozens of emails, Instagram dms, Facebook messages and patron messages. I truly appreciate every person that watches and those that comment. It means the world to me. But I just can’t respond to everyone. If I did I wouldn’t have time to make more content and I try to make as much as I can. I appreciate the well wishes so much. As more people have watched I get more negative comments about me and implications about my character. I’m not sure what this comment was about but I’m going to keep in making videos. And hopefully people keep watching.

[@kevink8321]

@@cheapaudioman I was responding to a Tonicofsonic’s comment that “he only respond to comments of Patreon members”. Can’t find it anymore. You’re cool Randy, big thumbs up!

[@einstein9901]

@@cheapaudioman hello, been watching your videos as a guide to get a suitable amplifier for for my yamaha ns-bp300 which I got off from a thrift store. This speaker has a nominal input power of 60w, maxing out at 110 Watts. I was wondering if the aiyima or yamaha amplifiers would be suitable for my speakers? I don't wanna break the bank. Thank you

[@teresashinkansen9402]

Based on price, I think the improvement in audio quality nowadays its kinda like optics in the amateur telescope market. You can get 85-90% of the theoretical performance by buying good quality mass produced optics, however to get that last 15-10% the investment becomes almost logarithmic, to the point of spending a fortune just for an extra few percent of improvement in performance. And sure there are many great pieces of craftsmanship that justify some of the price but still not a necessity to have something that performs good.

[@donde2k]

Speaker placement is at least 70% of the sound quality of any decent audio system. Watch Zero Fidelity’s L.O.T.S. video, follow the instructions, and be amazed.

[@miagi1337]

@@donde2k I have cheap Edifier self powered speakers, the R1850DB. Got it for a very good price as PC speaks just so that my PC can make sound into the room, no higher expectations. Didn't had much free space so I put it on the windowsill facing the room, they are front ported. The windowsill is nearly as wide as the room with 3 separate windows next to each other and one combined windowsill. Sound was okay, didn't expect much. Than I turned the speakers 90deg to the side so the backs of the speakers are facing each other, fitted even better on the windowsill. And then the speakers made the sound in the windowsill cavity. I was listening to something and suddenly it hit me, it sounded so natural. Really significant difference with the same speaker.

[@Cerebrosoft]

No, the situation is much worse. A cheap amp like the Topping LA90 will literally outperform $5,000+ amps where technicals and performance is concerned. At this point, people are just paying for build quality, design and premium materials when they go high end, but not sound quality! The pinnacle of discernible performance in amps has now been reached in the Audio world and it is attainable for under $2,000. Speakers are in a similar situation

[@racerx3669]

@@Cerebrosoft tell that to Denmark audio group. Lol.

[@glenngogoll6166]

Hey Randy, youve confirmed my thoughts on my T9. One day I’ll get around to comparing it to my Yamaha AS1100. I was gobsmacked when I first heard the T9.(purchased on your recommendation) I could not believe how ballsy it sounded in my bedroom. I played it long & loud when I got it. No problemo. Small, efficient speakers. “She who must be obeyed “ was away for the weekend, so, I was able to give it the beans. I never heard the speakers sound so good. By the way, you called the two amps integrated as they both had on board DACs. This is not technically correct, an integrated amp has a pre amp & a power amp in the one box. ( I’m sure you know this & it was just a gooficalogical error. That’s what they were called a long time when I started in audio & way before DACs were invented. I’m a retired, 30 veteran of the Australian hifi industry.

[@thomaswachter7782]

I bought the Yamaha A-S301. That is the least expensive Yamaha integrated. I am very happy with it. I bought it because I thought it would be a good reliable amp and I wanted a substantial build and clean look, but in the back of my mind, I just knew that all things being equal, there would only be small differences in amps. I could have spent way more or way less and could have been happy that I did so. This video will be helpful for many that might be shopping around. Great job as usual, Randy.

[@ttownscott]

That is a great amp and a great choice. I picked up an A-S301 off Craigslist while my Marantz HD-AMP1 was in the shop and really enjoyed it. I re-sold it when the Marantz came back but then I realized that I liked it better than the Class D Marantz and sold that too. Living with my Dynaco for now, but I liked that Yamaha so much I'm going back to get either the 501 or 701. I don't need the USB dac in the 801.

[@DougMen1]

The S301 punches well above its weight. There's another YT channel, called E Project, who doesn't do reviews, he does audio comparisons of a wide range of amps and speakers, and, in those comparisons, the Yamaha sounds better to me than many much more expensive amps with a lot of speakers, including the $2200 KEF R3s.

[@danielbrown2715]

don't forget the AS201 which is even cheaper and strangely more powerful at 100w per channel 🤔

[@maddhendrix]

I also have the 301. I have zero complaints. The 60 watts is plenty to drive my bookshelves. I do use a different phono pre, but that's it. I imagine all of the Yahama AS amps sound great. That CD direct that the 701 and 801 has me interested, but not enough to spend.

[@consultancy4277]

pump up the volume to make your money worth

[@cpta03]

Thank you for the excellent comparison and analysis of the two amps. Based on your review of the Aiyima T9, I bought the twin Douk Audio ST-01. The ST-01 is an excellent amp and compares favorably to my Marantz PM6004. I hooked up an old Sony DVD/CD player using the Coax connection and an old pair of Polk R20 speakers. I listen at low to moderate volume and I thoroughly enjoy listening to this set up. Thanks Cheapaudioman!

[@atlasboogie]

I own the Aiyima T9 and pair it with the Sony SS CS5, it's my daily driver in an apartment setting. Incredible value! I find the T9 slightly colored in the 2k area due to tubes and can be unnatural at times. The sound stage and instrument separation is remarkable for this price. The low end is surprisingly fun and warm. I rolled the tubes with $25 replacements and got even more clarity and depth. The DAC is super clear and detailed. Plus blue tooth! Are you kidding? It's just a fun and attractive amp that never gets boring. Definitely not powerful but enough for a small living room.

[@larryleyba6496]

What tunes did you roll? How are they compared to the original tunes? I have the Douk version of this amp.

[@atlasboogie]

@@larryleyba6496 River Stone matched tubes on amazon. They slightly improve clarity of the top end.

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I enjoyed this comparison. I am glad to see that the cheap amp gets to be cheap by limiting inputs and outputs and not by trying to do everything.

[@m.a.taylor6908]

Totally loving your self-blind comparison testing. Such a novel and effective way - cycle the switch quickly until there is no way you know which one is being played!

[@docwells7]

I have to say that I bought an Aiyima T9 that I hooked up to an old pair of Bose speakers and have been impressed. I just stream Spotify through bluetooth with minimal tone adjustment and it sounds very good. Thanks for all you do Randy!

[@tomdavis6371]

You know Randy, had I heard of some of these low priced products back in the 80's or 90's and of people comparing them to the major brands out there I would have thought they were nuts, but it really is a wonderful time for audio these days. There are tons of new and "newer" brands out there which never existed back in the days of old serving up budget products which are so far superior in sound quality to the cheap stuff of old. Brands like Emotiva and Audioengine and many which you highlight and talk about on your channel, which weren't on the market only a few years ago really do offer high value to those of us without tremendously deep pockets. It's a great time for those who are just getting started to buy NEW gear at the beginning rather than to have to look at and deal with some of the absolute garbage I owned as a kid, where used speakers had been partially modified so that only one of them had an additional brand new tweeter cut rather crudely into the cabinet, or the busted dust cover on that old vintage turntable. I'm happy with my Burson but it's nice to learn about this less expensive stuff because I have friends with kids who are just getting into the hobby. Thanks for everything you share!

[@westelaudio943]

Low-cost but name brand amps from the 80s and 90s were pretty good.

[@tomdavis6371]

And the first that comes to MY mind is Adcom. In the 80's and 90's there were products from the big name brands that wouldn't kill you, brands like Aiwa and Harman/Kardon, Denon, Onkyo, etc. Maybe not their TOTL but still pretty great. Not to overlook Pioneer, which may have been the most value line-up of the majors out there once upon a time. I don't believe the same can be said about Pioneer and others today. Hell, Nakamichi was outstanding once but find something with that name on it today and it's not from the same company or pedigree. I just think that today a newb can put together a great starter system on a modest budget.

[@westelaudio943]

@@tomdavis6371 Don't forget Kenwood

[@tomdavis6371]

​@@westelaudio943 Yes. Kenwood too. And I kind of did forget Kenwood but because for the most part Kenwood was a brand that my local dealers didn't carry until Kenwood got into car audio. And then there was Technics, too. My gosh I'm feeling old now!

[@markyoung7470]

I just got mine yesterday and after letting it burn in for a few hours it has got even better playing threw my DIY speakers it has brought such clarity female voices like Eva Cassidy our so clear and crisp it is like I am setting in front of her at a club in DC back in the 1990s just beautiful!

[@traildoggy]

I bought this a few weeks ago based in part on your recommendations in a previous video, paired with the Moukey M20-3 speakers. I absolutely love this system. It does not play loud, but I live in a small apartment. Super crisp sound, Whole system cost less than $250 with cables and plugs. It does not have a headphone output, so be aware of that. One other thing... it's cute. Seriously, it's tiny and lit up all warm at night. If you grew up with 1970s systems it's just shocking that something so good sounding could be so compact. I can't thank you enough for the recommendation for this thing. I've had a parade of cheapish boomy bluetooth speakers for years. This is a game changer. Plus I used the money I saved to get Tidal. I'd love your suggestion on a good sub in an appropriate price range. I can't really see getting a subwoofer that costs more than the rest of the stereo.

[@rianredfield5252]

RSL, REL, BiC, or HSU might be great sub options for the $400 range.

[@JerryWDaviscom]

@@rianredfield5252 Polk sells a $100 powered sub that has good adjustment capability. I had one for several years and eventually gave it to my son (age 16), who loves a genre of music called "Rap" with the boom boom boom. He also likes Sade and Frank Sinatra, so there's that. I see that you posted this over a year ago, and maybe you found the Polk already. This comment is for the next guy.

[@treyd1906]

One of the best comparisons I've seen on youtube, great work!

[@hablamejoringles]

Please do more comparisons like these! I like how you adjusted the levels to try to make them sound similiar. I would also like to see two sets of speakers compared, each with its own amp (same model of amp), each amp adjusted so the sound is as similar as possible. Would also love to see blind A/B where you don't know which is which.

[@skeet5150]

I got the T9 based on your review... I hooked them up to an old pair of sony speakers (ss m90n) and I cant believe what I'm hearing!!! Amazing little tube amp!!!

[@Bozo_Destroyer]

I got the T9 based on your videos and am very happy with it! I replaced the tubes and it sounds wonderful. Only problem is the dang clicking when its not playing anything. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@AndyBHome]

I just bought the T9 because of this video and the fact that it is back in stock. I have the A07 and like it so well that it haS become my primary amplifier, along with a Topping E30 DAC. I own a McIntosh amp and preamp. Yeah that McIntosh is great, but it doesn't have a DAC in it, and a lot like Randy says in this video, unless you're going for higher volumes, it's pretty hard to hear a difference.

[@lovemeditation8981]

I also bought the T9 and use it in my studio very happy with it so thanks for the initial review Randy

[@007JHS]

I love the retro look of the little valve amp.

[@Sharkwedge]

I got the updated Version from DOUK You now can disable auto Standby and the VU meter has a sensitivity poti

[@ufarkingicehole]

Well.... amazon is now sold out now. Good Job Randy 😆 Please note # The Douk version is very similar with a different op amp. Some people believe the opamp in the Douk version is superior (supposedly measures better) but from what I have read, most People prefer the opamp in the Aiyima T9. I ordered from Ali Express for $110 (shipped for free with power cord and remote). I am looking forward to see how this compares to my t8 pre and A07 combo. I will be dropping in the sparkos opamp in my second Aiyima A07 and will be looking forward to playing with the T9 opamp and tube roll as a bi amp configuration.

[@crashedcorvette9979]

I watch so many of your videos. I thought I drank a lot of coffee, but not even close! :)

[@taoresonance3144]

Good morning Randy. I picked up a T9 on your recommendation. The noise floor and sound stage improved with some tweaks to the power supply. The T9 is driving a pair of Energy CF-70 tower speakers making sweet music with deep bass in my living room. Ha! My speaker cables weigh more than the T9. Great fun!

[@mikey7278]

What tweaks did you make, better caps?

[@taoresonance3144]

@@mikey7278 I used a couple of Z-sleeves on the power supply cord. A quick test to see if the power supply was influencing the sound. Installing better caps and bypass caps inside the power brick would probably make an even greater improvement.

[@mikey7278]

Nice. Could even add RC filter to the output maybe

[@taoresonance3144]

@@mikey7278 If I could find an appropriate battery, I would replace the power brick with it. I replaced the wall wart that came with my Modi 3 DAC with a cellphone battery/charger for a nice bump up in sound quality. A 24 volt battery will be a bit harder to find and more expensive - we'll see.

[@charlierowell9910]

I use the Douk version that I use in my elementary school classroom. It powers 2 Focal 100 ICW 6 ceiling speakers. It sounds very good. I had a Cambridge Audio Azur 40 watt integrated amp and I replaced it with the Douk. The sound of both were very good, but the size of the Douk won me over.

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

Love this channel and have a crush on this amp….love to see a system build around the T9

[@ianyates7742]

Thanks for your reply. My friend has recently bought one of those Yamaha amps very happy with it keep up the good work yours Ian

[@bodavis99]

I was surprised to see that amps today still have bass and treble adjustments. I rebuild old tube amps and I always bypass the RC circuits of the tone controls. The tone controls are a carry over from LP records: treble for the hiss and bass adjustment for turntable rumble.

[@cucoboo]

I'm replacing my old Onkyo receiver for a T9 and this video is helping me to decide, I don't like the music to loud so the T9 will do ok. Thank you.

[@LawofAxis]

Had to click on this , because I have the little brother of that Yamaha (the a-s501). I'm very very happy with it. Actually happy to hear that the difference between the T90 and the s801 is so small, because it means that even if i dished out the extra cash for the more expensive amp, It would not have been much different either.

[@zTheBigFishz]

I have Magnepan/NAD in my main listening room. However, I did outfit my office with a T9 w/a pair of Sony CS5's hooked up to my PC. Sounds great for what it is, doesn't come close to the Maggies and the NAD equipment but hey for ~400 bucks it's da bomb.

[@habu7]

Hi there, just bought a Trends TA-10.2P second hand for €115 (price new around €200). Had to buy interconnects as well since I use a Marantz NR1200 network 2.1 AV amp that has DAC's and streamer built in (bought second hand for £400 when I was living in the UK, over here on the mainland between €600-€800 new). Saw a set of QED Performance Audio 40i 2m for €32,50 (normally around €75-€100). I hooked it up so now using the NR1200 as preamp and the tiny Trends as power amplifier. My speakers are Q Acoustics 3050i, budget kings themselves (bought second hand in Arctic White for €400 the pair, normally around €800-€1000). Speaker cables are Dynavox Perfect Sound (around €30 worth, 2x2.5m). Absolutely insane how the sound has improved! It sounds crystal clear, I had to move the 3050i's further from the wall because bass output increased. Treble and mids have gotten clearer and more well defined. And all that from a little box smaller than my reading glasses. Had to use a 1.1kg doorstop to weigh it down because the cables were that heavy that it made the tiny Trends lift up like a hot rod 🤣 Many high end reviewers love that amp and I now fully understand why. It has completely transformed my modest budget setup to new heights. I do think it helps that I have a good preamp in the Marantz but I have seen reviews that mention the TA-10.2 as being excellent on its own. My main music source is Qobuz. Base quality is CD quality and the service has a substantial amount of hires music as well. I love, no, adore this little box, was looking for power amps and ready to spend a few hundred euros on a second hand one until this little magical box crossed my path. Highly, highly recommended!

[@lyrrag1]

Got the Douk audio version I noticed you used the stock tubes so people can expect what you’re listening to. Starting back into the audio trip after settling on a video projector I like and trying too many over priced sound bars for music and video. I like imaging and sound stage which sound bars don’t really well. Thanks for all you do and yes I value your opinions to guide my purchasing as well as having a little fun, something the audiophile community needs.

[@ginom407]

Great Review!!!👍 I love when the comparison results differ from what's expected. Bravo!!!

[@williambaker3912]

Hey CAM, Loved the revue, I think the cost vs value vs quality vs sound is a real rabbit hole we all deal with. Currently I have 2 systems, one vintage (Marrantz 1152 DC integrated amp) and one cheap (inFi Chinese tube hybrid amp) and guess what...I love both! The more we can compare equipment, the better consumers and audiophiles we become.

[@snuffpappy]

You need only to listen to this amp to know it's one of the most revealing, musical and entertaining amps under $1000. I've owned Cambridge, NAD, AMC, and others. I added a DAC to my AMC and still feel THIS little amp brings music alive better than any of them. I can't address its' longevity but sound quality is stellar and build quality is very good. I played the Titanic soundtrack, Ron Sexsmith, McCartney, Johnny Cash... all showed more detail right down to the quietest sound as songs fade. I'm hearing details in the arrangements that are amazing. Bass extension was better than my AMC, the tone controls are very musical... bottom line, for under $200 Canadian it's a steal. DONT consider it a "little, desktop amp." Mine is paired with a pair of Monitor Audios. This amp belongs in an "audiophile" setup.

[@YoannCharlie]

Hey Randy, I followed your advice and got an Aiyima A07 and changed the Op Amps with some Sparkos ones and what good advice that was ! With a cheap Aiyima DAC with treble and bass control I can't believe how good all my speakers sound, in fact they have never sounded that good, it's probably the best Hi-Fi Amp I have ever owned, thanks man!

[@christhegreek100]

And what about if its broke?

[@CADClicker]

@@christhegreek100 LOL what even was this comment

[@meteroson6428]

Got the Aiyima for my desktop setup last weekend, and I gotta say, it really is an incredible little amp. When connected to my bookshelf speakers, I was hardpressed to notice a difference between it and my Adcom GFA-555 with a Modi 3+ DAC. But it really was a noticeable difference with my 150w living room speakers (obviously).

[@daburabu308]

Great content! Finally someone comparing cheap class D with expensive A-B amps. Can you compare Sabaj A20a or A20a 2022 with most expensive amplifiers you have?

[@axebeard7677]

Digging your channel man. Lots of audio channels out there but yours is the best. Thanks

[@gregmoore1661]

Really like the comparison format. Suggestion for an extension on this David and Goliath compare … maybe try a separates setup w/ Aiyima T-10 and A-07 compared to a moderately or high priced preamp / amplifier setup.

[@dgregory4178]

Appreciate all the effort here but you were going through each units DAC and no doubt, the T9's DAC is bottom of the barrel at it's price. Would be very interesting to hear your impressions with the DAC taken out of the equation and just reviewing the audio quality of the amps. I bet the Chifi unit would be VERY close.

[@larryleyba6496]

I get what you say. I am not thrilled with the BT or DAC however I purchased it to power my phonograph and for that application I couldn't be happier.

[@zardoz2627]

I put a T9 in my garage and it works great for that use case.

[@AudioGuyBrian]

Congratulations! You just discovered that modern expensive amps in general are a total rip-off in many cases. Class A, B, A/B and D circuitry designs have been out for decades and the parts are not all that expensive to obtain. There are lots of DIY videos with parts lists and circuit board designs to build you own amps for less than $300 in total that will compete head to head with $10,000 amps that are out there for sale today. In fact sometimes at audio trade shows, you will see a high priced amp with its guts exposed and see how little there is actually inside that massive shiny case they must be charging the additional $9,000 for because it damn sure isn't for the parts inside.

[@zenos.5315]

Thank you for all of your hard work, much Appreciated.

[@infn]

The base competency of cheap amps is what has gotten better over the years. Where 10 years ago, a $100 Amp would have lacked any kind of fidelity to be even remotely called entry level hifi, these days they've caught up.

[@ptg01]

Those ONE LITTLE BEAR device is amazing. I don't hear any degradation. I have it connected to one pair of speakers, driven by one Solid State Integrated and an all tube Class A integrated. Best of both worlds.

[@kevingest5452]

I have had similar experiences when comparing some of these small class-D chip amps to full sized amps. Different amps have different sound signatures, but once you correct that with tone controls or EQ, sound stage is the bulk of the difference. I think it's a matter of having space to run the left and right channels far enough away from one and other than the L and R aren't inducing their signals on one and other.

[@BatteryAz1z]

I think Class D with tubes is a great combo. The tubes smooth out any top end harshness typical for cheap class D and livens up the soundstage a bit. For the bedroom I'm using something akin to the T9, an SMSL SA300 (infineon chip) with an xduoo MT-602 as a tube preamp and Dali Spektor 2 speakers. By itself the SA300 sounded too dry and unengaging. But with the tubes it sounds great, especially after I switched out the stock tubes with Mullards, which are a bit warmer and thicker sounding on the bottom. So yeah, tubes, do recommend.

[@ziggy8757]

currently i own the smsl sa300, do you think theT9 would be a significant upgrade to the smsl sa300? which is more analitical, what differences do you find on both?

[@BatteryAz1z]

@@ziggy8757 I don't own the T9 so I can't answer that question. I like the SA300 for its tone controls, and SDB works nicely for lower listening levels. Any differences between the T9 and the SA300 can probably be solved with tone controls. Mind you I'm using the SA300 only as an amplifier, I'n not using its internal DAC because it sucks, especially the bluetooth.

[@avjake]

You can get the Yamaha A-S701 (which doesn't have the DAC) for about $600. Go for the clean high end and tight bass. You'll be happier, longer. But if you are cursed with 'golden ears', don't settle for anything less than the A-S2200. Fully discrete, fully balance circuit design. And it looks cool AF.

[@Larwiz]

Hey. Good video. As a Yamaha AVR owner turned fanboy, I was definitely rooting for the Yamaha. I think, however, it would be helpful to have sound demos with comparisons like this. Though we appreciate your detailed descriptions, I believe that it would be most helpful to the viewers to hear the differences for themselves. Actually, I think every reviewer should do this.

[@aanon2550]

How would sound demos of amps be useful on KZbin?

[@Larwiz]

@@aanon2550 If I played music from an AM radio station on a GE boombox, and then played music from a b&w speaker with all McIntosh gear, both via KZbin, do you think you wouldn't be able to tell the difference in sound quality?!? Could you pick up on some sound signatures and nuances? Stop acting like you can't get reasonable impressions of a component from sound clips, especially if compared with other components, where all other things are equal. Even if I'm playing the clips back on my gear.

[@aanon2550]

@@Larwiz in your example case, yes. In this case, however, we're taking about amps, which differ much much much less than speakers, such that the process of capturing their output, compressing it for KZbin and playing it back through another set of devices (different for every viewer) would entirely thwart the intended comparison.

[@Larwiz]

@@aanon2550 "Entirely thwart"? No. I don't think so. I agree that the differences between amps are likely miniscule. But that doesn't mean that they aren't audible. Now ideally, one would audition components in person, and where possibly, A/B test back to back. But what if that isn't possible? You're only going off of reviews comprised of someone else's impression of what they heard. Don't you think it would be best to hear the component yourself through a sound clip?

[@aanon2550]

@@Larwiz If there was no time and effort involved to provide you with this virtually useless data, sure. But it does take time and effort, so this should be focused on useful endeavours.

[@joerobertson795]

It's crazy that Audio based vids have to be all description and no listening because YT Compression and phones and computer speakers make it pointless, I just find it ironic that of all things on the you tubes, Audio has be on a "Take my word for it" basis. Good thing there are folks like you whose words we can trust. Great vid!

[@JamesJenkins1]

It's hilarious that this is today's video. I just modded my Reisong A10 and decided to hook my T9 in its place just to cleanse the palatte since that's the only amp I've been listening to critically lately. I played chocolate chip trip switching between the 2 and the T9 definitely held its own. Love the channel Randy thank you for all you do

[@EngrRomero]

A friend told me that his Crown 400 Watts amp sounded more musical than a Parasound amp.

[@jbones360]

You released this on my birthday, June 7. I've wanted this amp for months now, thanks to you're infamous video. I'm still waiting for my prize. Im hoping for Amazon Prime Day.

[@greenman1282]

I would be interested in a comparison between the yamaha and an emotiva stack for around the same price( pt1 and a2). I also think throwing a pair of high efficiency speakers on the same a/b set up would be interesting as well.

[@JukeboxAlley]

The emotiva would have it's way with the yammie in almost every way I'd predict.

[@markcallender1221]

Hi Randy. Love watching. On your recommendation I have the Douk version of the T-9 playing through Emotiva B1+ bookshelves. It sounds great. One issue with the T-9 you might want to test. The Douk version (and probably the T-9 version) radiates EMI in the FM spectrum badly. I'm one of the few people in the country that still listens to FM I guess. If the Douk is turned on the FM tuner will lose FM stereo lock and usually the station too. Bummer!! I have the amp setting next to the tuner because that is how we do it in my part of the world. separating the two may help but i've not tried that and I'm not interested in that solution anyway. I will see if I can find the source of this EMI and fix it. (I'm an electrical engineer and do a lot of this for a living).

[@PerthSoftware]

I have same issue but don't know how to fix it. I also still listen to FM. I'll ty to move my tuner/radio further away.

[@thethirdman225]

I've got a soft spot for Yamaha. My first CD player was a Yamaha and it failed a few months after the warranty expired, which I totally didn't expect. I took it to the service department and they totally honoured the warranty. In a world where we are so cynical about warranties, Yamaha restored my faith. I have always liked their gear, though I don't currently own any. The T9 seems like an amazing amp. Obviously I wouldn't expect the same kind of service from Aiyima that I got from Yamaha but you never know. Right now I'm helping people sort out some simple hifi setups with verys different budgets and both these amps are in the running.

[@violao206]

And for $25 at Goodwill, I bought a Sony STR-DE475 80Wx5 Dolby Logic HTR that I matched with a pair of Sony SS-CS5 speakers for $66 (Amazon Warehouse). I found a used Sony DVD player ($20) and used it as a transport into the HTR's DAC. The funny thing is its built-in DVD DAC sounded the same as the HTR. The Sony HTR's sound signature is designed pretty warm, so it was a nice compensation for the brighter speakers. This all made a great starter audiophile gift for my nephew's 16th bday because he has really worked hard and performed very well in school. It is interesting comparing the Sony STR-DE475 HTR against my other amps; Yamaha RX-596 (80W), Yamaha RX-V373 (80W) Yamaha HTR-5460 (100W), and Onkyo HT-R540 (110W). It really held up its own sonically against all my other receivers. Its one failing point is the horribly cheap spring-clip speaker connectors. I believe is minimal sonic damage given that his speaker cable run is only 10-feet with 14-gauge copper stranded. My cable was a bit of a mistake. I should have bought Belden 9497 twisted cable (16-gauge) which is just about the best entry audiophile speaker cable for only $1/foot on eBay. I just ran out of time.

[@Xunxunism]

I am a beginner in the hifi thing and a fan of you from China. This thing is on sale in China and only cost 70 dollars. So I immediately placed an order. Will try it out. Thank you and cheers.

[@merdith6]

I have the Douk version of that tube amp and it sounds wonderful. I was shocked. I ran it on the polk bookshelf speakers and it is so warm and fun. It was underpowered and flatter on my tower speakers so I left it on the bookshelf speakers in my office. So good.

[@lilpoindexter]

my "reference" cheap system is amazon HD into my modi multibit, into my T9 as a preamp, into my vintage adcom 535 amp into my RP 600M's...its good, way better than it should be for a ramshackle hodgepodge system

[@adoby83]

Nice review. A very interesting comparison! I was asked to improve the listening sound/media experience in a living room, for a relative. Music and TV. A flat, so usually not very high levels. I got a T9 and a pair of white Pro-Ject Box 5 speakers. And a white REL T/Zero subwoofer. The TV is a relatively recent Philips Android TV with optical out. So it works great as source for streaming. Music and/or movies/TV. Tidal/Spotify/USB/Emby etc. The only real problem was the remotes. Two separate remotes was not acceptable! I eventually found a One-For-All Philips programmable remote I could teach it to handle the T9 volume and on/off. Works very well. My relative is very pleased with the end result. And there was even some money over in the budget, so I ordered a 30 volt PSU to replace the standard 24 volt PSU that came with the T9. I expect that will slightly lower distortion at higher volumes. Perhaps you should do something on remotes? How to avoid getting a mountain of remotes... I sure wish I knew more about it. There are solutions that allows you to use your phone as a universal remote. And it sends IR/RF to control devices. I haven't tried any...

[@techtreko]

You need to get a Android phone with IR sensor... Or buy a gadget for home automation like Blitzwolf BW-RC02, it can integrate all IR gadgets to be controlled by your smartphone

[@i23intheplace2b]

So I bought the Douk Audio st-01 pro and Sony sscs5 because of you and I love them. I use a ethernet connected chromecast 4k and optical input from my TV. What can I do to improve my system/sound? Ditch optical? Buy a dedicated streamer? Change tubes? Modify the Sonys? Add a sub? All of the above? 😂

[@patrik4656]

Thanks for the recommendation, I just picked up the T9 and it’s amazing!!!

[@danielcaswell9945]

I think you start to reach a point where it's only worth spending as much as your space will warrent. I have a room with some treatment where the difference in soundstage is made immediately clear when swapping gear and a basement room where you really have to listen for it. In my basement space I am in constant downgrade cycle because really high end stuff just isn't worth it. I'm curious to try the little class D and at $129 really why not?

[@hitek835]

Audio is my life. Subscribed the first 30 seconds.

[@Extremesam43]

Your right! My surprise when my $140 Class D amp sounds better than my $500 A/B amp.

[@robertorodriguez2609]

did I tell you about my $60 s.m.s.l. SA-50 integrated vs a NAD C270 pwr amp? I think I did but well... at my listening levels, and much higher, I just couldn't tell the difference between the s.m.s.l. and the $600-700 NAD and I sold the NAD. that was six years ago and the experience opened my eyes about all the "high-end", "veil lifted", "liquid, organic sound" hi-fi mumbo-jumbo ever since. I had to get a AVR receiver because home theater is a different beast, and Chinese hi-fi companies seem to not care about explosions and speeding cars in the living room 😁. beware if they would ever be interested! 😅

[@kendoglarson5419]

This was excellent. 80 DB is where my speakers start to really shine. For kicks you should throw on some headphones at high volume and compare those sound profiles.

[@toddwalker4301]

Looking forward to the $3000 dollar amp comparison to the T9. And yes, my budget is limited, thus, I am looking to squeeze my dollar to get the kind of detailed sound I like. These kind of reviews are my favorite.

[@louiesipes2257]

Very interesting. So inputs and sheet metal cost a lot of money😊

[@MarekMarecki1984]

I have old Harman Kardon HK6500, and today I'll get T9Pro. After your video My expectations are really high now ;D . I usually listen at a volume that you can still talk at, or a little higher. But I really get used to loudness filter. I like Harman therefore. I'd like to get A-S301, but before that I just have to try this.

[@steven2809]

My Quad stereo power amp (£800) went bang and will be away for repair for 2 months......so I bought 2 Aiyima A3001 mono amps to tide me over (£150 for both). They are the mono version of the Aiyima A07. They sound absolutely brilliant and I don't miss the Quad at all! 👍

[@ComputersHowtos]

I think those tubes are just for visual effect. Often the signal does not even go thru the tubes on those cheap amps. Would be interesting to open it up and check that. Also surprised how good the cheap one turned out.

[@a.r.133]

I have that exact same Yamaha, love it. I need all the RCA hook ups, CD, Vinyl, and direct connect to iPad for streaming HiFi. I use the direct sound settings. I have some old Bose 301s. Looking to upgrade to the Elacs soon.

[@lurkersmith810]

I found my Yamaha sounding kind of dull, lifeless and unremarkable. Then I got the Cobra dual slashdown exhaust for it and now, even at a bike rally, the staging puts it front and center. Warm and buttery, but if you get on the gas, it hits you with crisp and clean highs. It runs rings around any Harley out there! Mind you, after about 100 miles, you do get listening fatigue, so wear a helmet. Oh: We're talking about audio? I have an R-N602, and I love it too! Its amp section is the little brother (80 WPC) to your integrated amplifier. I like my Yammys!

[@ThePgkessler]

Always entertaining, always informative! Thanks as always Cheap A Man!

[@stuartamer8968]

Getting myself a Dork in the UK based on this. I needed a small amp to move from bthe Denon PM600ne, as still using a separate IfI doc and Phono amp to give everything a bit more oooompf . this also gives me all the connections I need too

[@rensopinto2139]

I have that 801. Its great. Especially because of the loudness control. Living in an apartment and listening late night that feature is awesome. The usb input for the dac doesn’t work anymore for some reason though. I don’t even know if that’s fixable. Still awesome though

[@pawhunter340]

What does the loudness control do all it does is lower the volume or em I missing someting

[@rensopinto2139]

@@pawhunter340 you can turn the volume up it’ll crank the power into the speakers, but the loudness can turn the sound down but the sound will still be fuller and deeper except just quieter. If you just turn down the volume itll be low and thin. So I turn the volume up and then the loudness down late at night and it still sounds nice and full

[@welderfixer]

Randy, great test! It's nice to know that quality audio can be had without a second mortgage. THANK YOU! I sure would like to see what you would think of a test between the A07 and the Emotiva XPA. Not a fair fight, but hey it would be fun and challenging to set up that test.

[@abelfonseca]

Great vid. I had the as501, that amp.starts to shine and come alive when you crank the volume to about the 10 or 11 o clock position

[@jmarcinko1139]

Had the 801 for a spell paired with Polk LSiM 705s. It’s pretty darn good, but I’ll say the 801 sounds fantastic using its internal usb asynchronous DAC. Optical was just not as good ime.

[@peterwood2633]

Doesn't integrated mean it's got preamplification inside not that it's 'integrated' with other components e.g. a DAC? Example my A-S1100 is considered an integrated amp but has no digital inputs at all as has no DAC. Has no Bluetooth too! Thanks

[@ivopauwels5064]

Great video but to be honest the description you gave for an integrated amp is inaccurate... It's not an amp and DAC. You have a lot of fully analog pre-amps. An integrated amp is pre- and power amp in one amplifier.

[@dylsy]

The T9 is a beautiful-sounding amp. Looks great.....goes into standby between songs and clicks back again a second into the next song. That last thing is a maddening feature. If anyone knows how to deactivate that?.... I'm stumped. 👍

[@opticaldjcartridge]

Great video very enlightening I might get a T9 soon I never listen that load!!

[@ziofanale3853]

Sit down and grab a cup of coffee.... Love it 😊

[@jaykabel]

I'm still blown away how I have preferred my $100 Loxjie P20 headphone amp over multiple multi-thousand headphone amplifiers

[@Scott-nr8go]

Can you tell a difference when switching between different music streaming services? Thanks!

[@cliffhanger639]

I just ordered mine. This will be my first amplifier, and now time to decide on speakers 🔊

[@tjjoseph333]

Amp discoveries in the vein of Julian Hirsch, the ultimate compliment. Keep up the good work. Be the new Julian!

[@DougFrantz]

I started with a Rockville bluetube and switched to a Yamaha A S501SL and I do like the Yahama better, but no regrets with the cheaper system to start. The value of the switch was more for the input handling. Mine is not as powerful as the Yahama you used, but I think it was the way to go for a small room Hi/Fi and in the same family.

[@fidelfajardo5566]

Need sound comparison for both, very excited to hear Aiyima T9. I believe everything you mention on the this subject.

[@johnhricko8212]

I think the work u did to "eye-ball" the level matching is GREAT, even without calibrated mics, etc. I suggest getting a mixer (I love mixer eqs!) with an amp like the Aiyma. Great clip. Love your style. Keep having fun! -..and hey, take the rest of the day off!

[@johnhricko8212]

next step: get an assistant to do a "blind" test. push your buttons...

[@jamesbaker4582]

I live in the UK and have just bought a t9 from your videos. Thanks for the advice

[@cheapaudioman]

Glad to help. thanks so much for your support

[@peterphan227]

Great video. I plan on selling my Yamaha N803 receiver to get the Aiyima. I'm just tired of huge receivers like the Yamaha. I'm fine with "good enough," especially if it saves me money, complexity and space. I want simplicity and less clutter so I can just enjoy my music.

[@chrisg7504]

"They're friends now" Awesome wholesome Randy.