Douk Audio U10 - A Little Introduction into Tube Sound - Honest Audiophile Impressions

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

2:30 brief output power discussion and 3:35 sound impressions. Output power 1100mw is decent good some sensitive gear but the high output impedance can cause hissing on super sensitive gear. The bass gets a small addition of warmth and body depending on tubes. This is a subtle tube presentation that stays pretty close to your DAC sound.

[@ginom407]

The U10 looks like it would fun to listen to. Thanks Dave! 👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@StarBuccaneers168]

Thanks Dave. Do you have a video on what's the benefit of using a Tube amp?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's a good idea, I will add that to my list of video topic ideas list. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@LeDechaine]

Interesting that you mentioned portability. USB powered means you can power it via a power bank. Power bank -> USB cable -> U10 -> RCA to 3.5mm -> Phone = Tubes on the go! Just carry everything in a solid headphone case and make sure the tubes are safe. 😎

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. I didn't even try to power it that way. Excellent suggestion.

[@LeDechaine]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I just checked to be sure and their website mentions it must be minimum 5V2A, so any 10W-capable power bank will do. Lol, definitely the cheapest "tubes and linear power" setup.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@LeDechaine Awesomeness 😎

[@guillermobrito4987]

I love this little guy, i use a power bank with it and can take my headphones all over home. Is just want i wanted to approach to the tuby sound. Love using it with my Hiby FC4. Great review, thanks a lot, you guys on a budget...enjoy. Greetings from Colombia.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎 Glad you enjoy the U10. Thanks for the comment.

[@AnomieDomine]

I've always wanted a Woo Audio fireflies but I'm not convinced tubes are better. What's the cheapest way to find out? Is there any dsp that can emulate tubes yet? What about enhancing harmonics? Side question, are there any standalone hardware crossfeeds you know of? I imagine it could go before or after the amp like an EQ.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

In my opinion no DSP or filter can emulate the tube experience. iFi Audio has come the closest in my opinion. What makes tubes great is the differences in the various brands. Their are so many different combinations that can be explored. As far as a budget friendly starting point, I'd look at xDuoo and Douk audio products. Do you have any your considering? I don't know about standalone crossfeed hardware as I don't use any. Some music management programs like Audirvana, Roon have crossfeed available.

[@petarvelkov7525]

I have the DT880 600 ohm version. Should i get this or do i need something stronger? Any suggestions would be great! Thank you for the video, great information

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'd look at something more powerful. 8 don't have any recommendations in similar price, sorry.

[@petarvelkov7525]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you for the response! I guess i continue my research. What do you use to power yours? Any suggestions in a higher price range (150-200?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@petarvelkov7525 To be honest, I don't listen to them often. To power them I use the Mytek Liberty THX HPA and Fiio K19. If I use them on my Tor Audio Roger I run a preamp into it for extra power.

[@jimashby43]

Cute and $49 lol 😆

[@ImAWSMDanny]

I swear this U10 looks familiar.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Pretty typical look for a lot of budget tube amps.

[@Maxredz]

i have a ifi uno, if i conect this for 3.5 jack this will amplifier better sound ? or wil ldown the quality of sound ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I have never heard the iFi Uno so I don't know how it would pair with the U10.

[@Maxredz]

@@TheHonestAudiophile did you think will works graeat whit dac to u10 ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't see why not.

[@Maxredz]

@@TheHonestAudiophile didnt think will hep cuz sound is very high i thinked could improve dificult.

[@rajeebdas1724]

Would you say the HD600 benefits from a clean, analytical sounding source or a warm, tubish source?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I actually prefer it on tubes.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

That is FAR, FAR cheaper than the iFi Phantom that arrived last week (and which bitterly disappointed me - long story).

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry to hear that about the Phantom.

[@stevenrolfe1918]

I read somewhere that the tubes were fake and actually do nothing

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If the tubes were fake then there wouldn't be a difference when you swapped them out. The lighting is partially fake but not the sound.