IMPROVED Doge 8 Tube Pre-amplifier is TOO GOOD !

[@Jayiyagi]

Hope everyone is starting off the week with a positive vibe ! Doge 8 RCA version: doge.audio/product/doge-8-clarity-2019-edition/ Doge 8 XLR + RCA version: doge.audio/product/doge-8-clarity-xlr/ Doge 8 Brimar Limited Edition version (only 20 units) : doge.audio/product/doge-8-clarity-2022-edition-nos/ related video: Doge 7 Dac: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoiviXmCmMx_r5o Sonus Faber Electa amator III: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4qscoqwiM1kprM NAD C298 (soundstage take 2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHavaYeqetalrpY Other gear mentioned in this video: Modwright ls100 Sonic frontier line 1,2 and 3 Schiit Freya Plus Audible illusions 2b,2d and 3b. 0:00 Things I like about the Doge 8 6:51 Things I don't like about the Doge 8 9:06 Improved Doge 8 RCA version 15:41 Doge 8 Sound and Comparison

[@gerbanito1]

Hey jay, are these comments with a whatsapp contact to be a shortlisted winner a scam or is this you?

[@КонстантинКостин-щ6я]

Sombody writes me that i win audifile speaker. Is it you, or scammers?

[@Jpanic4]

I think there might be scam going on with the giveaway. Someone reached out with a WhatsApp number saying I won the speaker. And asked for my shipping payment.

[@NeonRain240]

@@Jpanic4 same as me. Asked for a ebay gift card. Big red flag.

[@Jpanic4]

@@NeonRain240 mine was to pay for the shipment of the speakers which seemed real but noticed their youtube account had no subscribers and when asked to jump on a call with Jay they refused

[@andrewpopinski4560]

I received Doge 8 RCA ver. without tubes 2 months ago. By Marc's recommendations I ordered Brimar's tubes and I can't be more happy with this Pre-amp. I run it with Emotiva XPA amp - I just love the sound. And I like the "Look" - but it's my European taste.

[@joelewis9682]

Andrew I have the Emotiva DR2 what's your thoughts on the Emotiva and Doge synergy? Also what speakers are you using, I have the B&W N803s.Can you elaborate on the sound your experiencing with this combo?

[@andrewpopinski4560]

@@joelewis9682 Joe, with your B&W N803s I am sure it will be even higher level. I use old Celestion's towers with upgraded tweeters and mid's. I like the sound of 12" woofers - it's why I still keep them. Doge8 with Brimars tubes sounds amazing. I discovered all my music /vinyl's and CD's/ I collected for over 30 years again... details, sound stage. It's crazy :) Classic Rock sounds great /Led Zeppeling, Deep Purople, Budgie, Judas Priest, AC/DC/ - I don't listen to American "Hairy Rock" . Electronic music from 70"s : Tengerine Dream, Klause Schulze, Jean Micheal Jarre - sweet, Classical music even better.

[@torarnekvaly431]

Just bought one myself. Hey Andrew Popinski, did you buy the Brimar tubes online?

[@blathum9]

Hi Andrew how hot does the Does the Doge run? I just bought the Freya plus and it is a cooker not real happy with that so I am looking for a alternative pre.

[@reptidan]

Hi Andrew, is the doge dead silent when not playing music?

[@onemic-theminimalist]

FYI - I purchased the Doge 8 and was hit with a $537.00 import duty charge to California. If that's not bad enough, it puts out a hum with no input and the volume down!

[@matthewhilty4209]

I think it looks nice. Wow that shipping crate is nuts . Seems like a great value for the money.

[@dogeaudio5957]

That's 4 four I make lobbying to our designer Zey Liu to put tubes outside. It is difficult to make moves in family-size companies... 😄

[@tyronejohnson6482]

Dear Jay, what version of the Brimar tubes did you use in the Doge 8 pre?

[@bennielamb8911]

are they now out of business? I don't see their website active anymore

[@pounceonyou1958]

Would like to know what you think of the Musical Paradise MP701 mk2 tube preamp.

[@rocko6746]

Nice review. If the sound is as good as you say I am going to love those pillars. :)

[@Qthepug]

The MFA Mages has the same design history as the Audible Illusions preamp, but was better to my ears. Back in the day I worked in a High-end audio shop and this was simply my favorite preamp. I really really really really hope you get this message and can find a Magus to listen to with good tubes. Great videos. You can be proud.

[@jacquesracine9571]

Well, just received my unit. It replaces a passive preamp I’ve had for many years. Time will tell but first impressions are very positive. Planning to test a Backert and an Audio-Research too.

[@TheRealAudioDidact]

How do you feel about it now?

[@jeffdoerr2693]

How does Doge 8 match up to the Primaluna EVO 100? Does it have auto-bias? A high quality potentiometer?

[@hushpuppykl]

Yes … the Freya+ is like a solid state with some tube sound. It lasted only a week in my system. Bear in mind I run it with 4 NOS Sylvania 6SN7GTA. Hehehe …

[@johnsweda2999]

Make sure it's balanced not just a balance pair but the Tube is balanced triode section. Try the Tung-sol Russia

[@jamespingree5924]

I like your reviews and how you explain the meaningful pros and cons. I bought the RCA version of the Doge 8 Clarity preamp but the only down side was the MC Phono stage. The MC phono stage did not work at all with my Supex MC 900 super phono cartridge. The MC phono stage was not usable at all.

[@GerardSheridan]

Great review as always Jay. It would seem the product is no longer available direct. Do you know if this going to be the case longer term?

[@Jayiyagi]

unfortunately it seems like a long term thing

[@rndm4642]

The Doge 10 tube integrated is a real looker! Haven’t heard it but it’s on my short list for a future upgrade.

[@Slant88]

have you seen any recent reviews for the doge 10?

[@davidbailey6350]

Very nice job on this review Jay….! Your presentation seems more relaxed…

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Love my Doge 10 tube integrated amp !!! 30uf version 😆 Clarity cap Heaven ! Doge 10 sold for $6400.00 US under Liu audio and still won awards now buy direct at Around 2k review coming soon . Great Job Jay ! I want Sean to try out also ! Jay get some jackets in your merchandice getting cool down here in the Kentucky hillbilly country lol Jay you really dont like the the pillars ? Imho those really help to keep the unti grounded from taking on vibrations from my speakers that pressurized me room 😆PS you nailed that tube TAD !

[@aperez301]

Thanks for the review Jay! I have been looking to upgrade my old Carver preamp to a Rogue Audio RP-1 or a Quicksilver which is similarly priced to this. I am adding this to my short list.

[@kuisin88]

Same experience Audible Illusion. Used to own a 3A, sold it as there aren't too many choice for tube rolling given how hard it is on tubes. Not only bass was just so so, but also the top end. It just lack the sparkle I found. I guess you were not the only one that didn't like the Freya+, I sold it after 2 weeks of listening. Just can't bring myself to liking it. I guess Doge is going to be another overwhelming number of orders again 🤣

[@Raptorace225]

Looks like this company didn't make it, their website is down, can't find ANY info about them anywhere.

[@imosolar]

Keep up the good work and I use a tube power amplifier 30w class A, tube preamp and Lampizator Atlantic SE dac tube. Organic sound.

[@cybergod77]

thanks for reviewing this unit and the comparisons...wondering how it compares to those from Rogue and Primaluna

[@coreyhill1899]

Jay! God bless you bro hope all is well🙏🏽

[@mikerdaniels1]

Using Mytek Brooklyn dac+ as my preamp. Wondering if the Doge 8 might be a better pre amp solution. The cost would be high when I factor in Ic’s and power cord.

[@bennielamb8911]

I'm looking into a preamp now that I got the Ares II 12th. I'm looking into either the Doge 8, the Kinki EX-P27, or the Denafrips Athena. Do you have a comparison for these?

[@KevinBeckenham]

What do think of Tim de Paravicini E.A.R valve hifi

[@robertmccain7344]

Jay, love the channel and reviews. Keep up the good work. What are your thoughts on running the Doge 8 into the Willsenton R8? Is there such a thing as “too much tube”?

[@bjornliden1]

Do you think it will be good match with my Kinki studio monoblocks?

[@new.Key.1941]

Curious how the TS P75 will stack up to this one

[@alfredodiaztoledo3938]

Hi jay, i am big fan of your chanels and like how you expliand about audio equiement, i like if you gime a recomendation about tube preamp , becuse i love vinyl i like the sound of tube i have a legacy focuse se speakers with ps audio bhk 250 power amp, and direct stream dac, i need a preamp yo have analog , i lookin varios model the ps audio bhk preamp, the mcintosh c22 mk5 preamp, the prima luna evo 400 tubecpreamp, and rogue audio rp 9 tube preamp, but maybe you give what you thinks about this preamp, or a recomendation for a tube preamp cant match and give me a good sound for my system to play vinyl a streamin, i will apriciate, thanks alfredo

[@jtee9548]

Thanks for pointing out the joyous possibilities of tube preamps with solid state amps. I was doing this in the early eighties. I would put tube preamps with our most poorly thought of solid state amps and get great results. The other guys in the store thought I was nuts.

[@johncallaghan3097]

Did I spot a pair of Quad S2's behind your right shoulder at 18:50? I searched your videos but couldn't find any mention of them. Do you plan to cover them? I have a pair myself and would be most interested to hear your opinion of them.

[@jacquesracine9571]

Big question for me is... How does it compare with Audio-gd... They have multiple very solid reviews. Was about to pull the trigger...

[@stevieg2755]

My only complaint with the Doge 8 Clarity is the remote,they out the mute/standby buttons next to volume up/down.i had to put tape over them

[@TransformerVolumeC]

I m finally happy with my Promitheus TVC transformer passive line stage with Mark Audio Pensil fullrange DIY towers and triapth ta2022 DIY power amp, topping dac and everything interconnected with Canare RCA and wired with Sommer Elephant 440 speaker cable

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Why only one pair of outs?

[@MarcoRistuccia]

My Doge 8 Clarity RCA has two pairs of variable outs and one tape out pair.

[@mignotmaxime2409]

The new Doge8 Clarity 2022 version clearly show and state only one pre-out.

[@ramongomez6720]

How about the Prima Luna Evo pre

[@garykarczewski6678]

Very interesting video on this DAC! Do you have a video comparing to Denafrips DAC’s being Pontus 2?

[@garykarczewski6678]

Great video thank you! Looking at ordering this Pre but also considering the Decware ZTPre. Though double the cost I am a fan of Decware products. Will you be reviewing the ZTPRE from Deware anytime soon?

[@GarryChung]

Would this pair well with McIntosh solid state power amp, I have MC152

[@soowat1190]

Thanks for the review Jay, I won't buy this preamp because I don't use turntable so I don't want so many tubes in the unit. You are right, too many screws... I would definitely consider buying one if it is a smaller line unit and has only 4 tubes. I vote for the metal cover, it's more rigid and durable, acrylic can be twisted by the heat and turn yellowish overtime, I rather cut my own from a local hardware store if I ever wanted one.

[@alekstimerick7890]

You don't have to plug all the tubes in, just the ones you want to use. I run mine with just the tubes for the linestage, 4 in total.

[@hz7099]

@@alekstimerick7890 Which ones are for the line stage?

[@tweakerman]

I'm using a Quad QC24 tube pre-amp, with a heavily modified Quad 405 (Solid-state) power amp, it sound wonderful. Nice looking amp & nice video👍

[@stevewarner8686]

Awesome review! Does anyone how the Doge 8 would compare to a Conrad Johnson PV 12? My amp is Simaudio W-5.3 Special Edition. Very tempted to make a purchase!

[@wayneelliott7011]

I have an earlier Doge 8 in my Collection. With a few mod's and Good Tubes it's quite good and does have a reasonable Phono Stage. However the Fully Balanced Vincent SA-T8 (now discontinued & Line Stage only ) for not a lot more money is a big jump in performance and is the Best affordable Pre-Amp I've heard. Would be interesting to hear if the new Doge 8 get's close.

[@mignotmaxime2409]

In order to connect a subwoofer and benefit from two variable pre-ouputs one must order the 2022 RCA+XLR version, correct? When outputing both XLR and RCA at the same time, does the additionnal process to symmetrize the signal will delay or impact one signal over the other? Edit : it seems a good passive Y RCA splitter will greatly do the job as long as the power amplifier RCA input is at least 10k Ohms. Maybe previous Doge 8 version with two pairs of variable RCA outputs were just Y splitter inside the unit.

[@Zyontan]

HI Jay, I would like to ask if I should get the preamplifier or the DAC if I want tube sound? Current System is Denafrip ARES II, KINKI EXM1+ with Boenicke W5. TBH, I not sure if the system is leaning towards analog or analytical as it is my first and only system. I wish to experience both side of Analog and Analytical to understand what sound I prefer as the next step~ Thanks a lot

[@tritiumglo4699]

I was looking at PrimaLuna. You have me interested in this Doge now.

[@stephengordon1752]

I'm wondering how the Doge 8 stacks up against a PL Dialogue. Pre (used) at a similar price albeit new to used. Come across any information on that?

[@a3marketing991]

I purchased the Doge 8 Clarity RCA and it's awesome, but U.S. customers need to know that shipping and "import duty/tariffs" are an additional cost. I didn't realize import duty was pretty expensive, but still worth the price compared to other preamps.

[@javij3082]

Thanks for the heads up! Hadn't considered that, do you remember how much it was?

[@NitramYewolas]

What music did you audition the preamp with?

[@critic86]

What about Doge 8 vs Holo Audio Serene?

[@Jayiyagi]

Apples to oranges as I mentioned in the video

[@mignotmaxime2409]

From what I understood both are super good for what they offer... so if you are looking for some goodness on top of your DAC you should go for the Doge 8 ; if you want the preamp to be as transparent as possible (just a wire with gain) in order to listen to the true "character" of your DAC, you should go with the Serene.

[@paulhunter6652]

Jay: I don’t understand your message or how to contact you for being on short list for winners on an old post. Not sure if it is legitimate. Thanks

[@Jayiyagi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4K2aWyno7CXhs0

[@hamzatatta952]

hi what the name of the tube you mentioned, please?

[@david-kp5kc]

I bought a 2nd generation Doge lps 8 about 5 years ago- this version dropped the mc phono input from the first model due to poor reviews of the mc stage-as I understand it.It did garner favorable reviews for the mm stage in the 2nd model. Did swap out the original tubes for some hiend psvanes -since then it has seen off several amplifiers-and speakers. Cant imagine not having it in my system.

[@riggadyrah1]

I like the packaging. Excellent for resale.

[@gte357s]

I had Audible Illusion 2B quite a while ago, the Modwright LS100 is a different league. Synergy is the key. I find the LS100 is bass heavy, and it is an excellent match with low power SET amps. It bring out the bass and add tonal density. The tube and cable also makes a difference. The well regarded Mullard again make the sound too thick. Same thing for the 6SN7, I like Sylvania 6SN7WGT. And I also use a silver RCA cable from my DAC to the LS100 which is too bright with another preamp, but an excellent match with the LS100 which brings out the details.

[@gte357s]

My point is, I think the comment that the LS100 is lumpy is due to a mismatch of tubes, cables and amp. Similarly, in this review, the Brimar tube change the Doge 8 from a bit bright to just right, from not bad to excellent.

[@davidwald2938]

Hey Jay, does what you say about XLR not being as good as RCA hold true for the Doge 7 dac as well? I was thinking of pairing it with a fully balanced Yamaha AS2200 just so I could run XLR with all 8 as opposed to just 6 tubes activated (upgraded all 8 to west german Telefunken). Does the line conveter problem outweigh the benefit of hearing 2 extra tubes or does this even matter for dac? I'm running in dac mode not preamp.

[@Jayiyagi]

For the dac, they have a true balanced version

[@davidwald2938]

@@Jayiyagi Ah. I see now. Read about the mk2 balanced version of the dac and am inquiring with Marc. Really appreciate the fact that products get upgraded so quickly to meet customer needs and the excellent value of buying direct from the manufacturer. Now I will get the most from my tube and amp upgrade! Absolutely love the sound of tubes combined with ss.

[@mignotmaxime2409]

It seems Jay reviewed Doge 8 Clarity 2021 RCA+XLR then reviewed the Doge 8 Clarity 2022 RCA version where the sound was actually tuned, hence the difference. Doge explained that on the updated product page and underlined that both 2022 RCA and 2022 RCA+XLR versions sound the same.

[@RoknRolUSA]

Where are all the dedicated Chinese tube amps?

[@billfarrell4387]

Hi Jay Just wondering about tube preamp with tube amp carver crimson 275 Or could go with tube preamp and rotel rb 1080 any thoughts Take Care

[@perandersson3356]

Any chance that you will review the Decware ZEN amp ? have not seen much on the Tekton Perfect Set 15 - interesting combo ? will it work with my pipe organ collection

[@hunggiatran]

Jay, thanks for making this video. How do you compare this with Parasound Halo P6? They are sane price. Thanks

[@NickP333]

The one thing I don’t like is the internal phono stage, even though I’m sure it sounds great. I’ve got my own awesome external phono pre I’d rather use. Otherwise, this preamp looks spectacular.

[@papschmear]

Will you be reviewing the Doge 10 Mk3 amplifier?

[@SuperMcgenius]

Have you listened to the Aesthetix preamp with good tubes, bass is there with true balanced Circuit. If give it a try. 😇

[@marklawrence4116]

This is an AWESOME PRODUCT VERY nice people as well

[@RenRenification]

Denafrips Ares 2>Doge 8>Stark Amp is that a good synergy front end?

[@Jayiyagi]

that sure sounds like it !

[@Wright00000]

Thinking along these same lines...

[@reidabney9005]

I have a xiangsheng 728a tube preamp I've never heard any other tube product I got it for 150$ being on a really tight budget should I save for the preamp?by the way I use 2 crown k2 amps for bass so bass is not a concern thanks

[@toddhupp]

My Vincent hybrid tube SS preamp is super.best of both worlds.

[@hudo]

What about Primaluna models? They have proper tube sound and are below 5000$ ...

[@gerbanito1]

I have a doge 8 paired with a macintosh mc 252 and am super happy with it. However there is a slight humm in small volumes (appeared after about 6 months). Could it be the tubes? Would love to check out these brimar nos tubes, but they cost a fortune... Can you get them somewhere with discount?

[@latheofheaven]

Jay, I know this is not an exact match since the Willsenton R-8 is an integrated amp, but may I ask, please how you would compare the sound since you gave the R-8 your *HIGHEST AWARD* : ) They are fairly close in price according to what you just showed here. Would you recommend the R-8 overall for the sound or would you recommend the Doge 8 with a decent, moderate SS amp? Thank you Jay!

[@Jayiyagi]

R8 is fantastic for beginning audiophiles because it is an "integrated" but there is no beating a separate pre-amplifier (especially of this calibre) + a quality SS

[@latheofheaven]

@@JayiyagiPerfect, thank you Sir!

[@wichiewichie]

Hi Jay. Would this be a good pair with the Kinki Studio EX-M1+, using the HT bypass? I like the dynamics and flexibility that the Kinki offers, but I’m definitely missing the tubes sound. Thanks!

[@mignotmaxime2409]

Do you mean the HT bypass from Kinki integrated or HT bypass from the Doge 8?

[@joemartin6439]

Do you like solid state or tube rectifier. Difference tube rectifier makes a totally difference . My AudioSpace AS- 3i .I am on your side. Wonder if my Son of Ampzilla

[@danlivni6993]

I still got the Doge tube CD player from 6 years ago and it's great

[@quychang4471]

Hahahaha!!! I thought I was the only one that hated those gigantic pillars!! The most beautiful components are minimalist sort of like Mid Century furniture.

[@roybanks8709]

Hi jay. Great review one of yr best it was helpful to compare the Doge to other preamps. I am trying out tubes pre in my system using a freya. So far I like so it so the doge could be ideal upgrade choice but it’s a bummer cannot go balanced in from the DAC. Will they be bringing a true balanced pre out you think? Plsmore reviews on this pre amp over long term. Thanks Roy

[@edwardbalboa5528]

This guy is amazingly docile

[@Pete.across.the.street]

Jay, So its not worth buying with the TAD tubes? Was your description at the end based on the Brimer tubes?

[@garyfe8832]

Hey Jay great video. Do you think the Doge Pre amp and Dac would benefit from an outboard power supply? the big boys like MSB utilize these in their Dacs

[@ehickert]

Hi Jay, thanks for the Doge 8 preamp review! I have been considering the Doge 8 and another preamp you reviewed, the LTA MZ3. You listened extensively to both. How would you compare them? Thank you!

[@karan_hiremath]

am I seeing this correctly? the RCA + XLR version not come with any XLR balanced inputs?

[@Jayiyagi]

yes which is stupid

[@karan_hiremath]

@@Jayiyagi ok glad I wasn’t just imagining that haha Have you taken a look at or do you plan to look at the Topping Pre90 + Ext90? Would love to hear your thoughts!!!

[@vincentturri6709]

Any improvements to the phono stage ?

[@joemartin6439]

Hi jay I love Al your videos. Am a Canadian . I have vintage Son Ampzilla power amp . USA cost add 28% to my cost . My wife hate money spending on audio. But you are marvellous.

[@TheNaka9]

Hi Jay. Great review on the Doge preamp. In fact there are not many tube preamps reviewed... and I am also very curious about the Musical Paradise MP-701Mk2 and the Rogue RP-1. Did you had the chance to ear any of these?

[@audiostanton]

Very good review! How does it compare to some of the same price solid state preamps , eg kinki Studio p7. Or Hegel?

[@Jayiyagi]

Apples to oranges. I go over that in the sound and comparison section

[@MrRourk]

Use a Frenzel SPX72 and very happy with it

[@beslemeto]

Can you compare it against the highly praised Schiit Freya+ ?Thanks!

[@Jayiyagi]

skip to the sound and comparison. Thanks !

[@beslemeto]

@@Jayiyagi oh okay!thanks bro!

[@dogeaudio5957]

At Doge, we like Schiit, they have same business model as us, or we have same business model as them. And like us they don't like MQA 😄But there is not the same price of components in the Freya, so comparing so difference price range is not fair. You can't expect Freya do the same for half the price with US labor.

[@beslemeto]

​@@dogeaudio5957 I wish i found out about your preamp before i bought tons of 6SN7 tubes. 😅

[@DistroUser]

@@dogeaudio5957 I agree fully with you statement! I own the Freya Plus and realize it is unfair to compare it with the Doge. It has versatility and with tube rolling I still consider it a value at it's price point.

[@Joe-yi8xj]

Do they accept doge coin?

[@tabl10s]

When are you going to try the Holo preamp?

[@davidfairchild1640]

I wonder why XLR or RCA? Schitt Freya + includes both for about half the price.

[@Jayiyagi]

Well they have rca in the balanced version but it’s not truly balanced. Ye… a real bummer. But I’d imagine a truly balanced pre-amp would cost more

[@joelewis9682]

Thanks for the info Jay. I've had my eye on one of these pre's for a while now. I'm about to pull the trigger and order one, I have just one question and would appreciate your thoughts. What non tube DAC do you think would have the best synergy in front of this Doge8?

[@Bd-ox4mi]

Dennifrips would work well ✌️

[@Richbroth]

How's the internal phono stage?

[@chiefchunky-muffin4708]

So I wonder about the Holo Serene vs Doge 8. I’m truly pondering the Serene vs the Denafrips Athena.

[@Connectronix]

Can you buy them using Dogecoin? 🤔

[@Jayiyagi]

Haha

[@Wright00000]

Now that is the real question here.

[@joemartin6439]

I worry as a Canadian for our 28% more looking at the Granite 825 now , 4 34LI tubes

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

I couldn't see any step-up transformers for M.C.s so i presume it gets the extra gain needed by tube configutation alone. I'd be well impressed if it could run an average low output M.C. of 0.3'mv with a quiet background. I only say this because the only all valve M.C. stages ive known of 15 & ++ years ago were incredibly noisey on their M.C. inputs, so much so that i bought step-ups to run M.C. through the M.M. inputs & the background noise was cured. But that was then, i'd be glad that all tube quiet gain for typical 0.3'ish mv M.C.s has been achieved by somebody.

[@josephhanna2786]

Which preamp would you recommend for the willsenton r-800i 805?

[@dogeaudio5957]

I have fully respect for our competitor-colleagues Willsenton, but as far I have seen the internal structure, the pre-in doesn't bypass the first stage, it just bypass the potentiometer, the same with do on Doge10 so the main purpose of these pre-in are for HT-Bypass. There is very low number of integrated tube amps that bypass gain stage. Line Magnetic does this on their $9000 845 amp. (very tall unit). I don't know if it is possible to do screenshot here, but you can mail me and I can explain with screenshots.

[@jimfarrell4635]

I've never really understood the logic of buying an integrated amp like the R800i and then using an external preamp.

[@marcprili279]

@@jimfarrell4635 Because many buyers thing the pre-in bypass the first stage tubes. which is not the case in 95% of integrated. It just bypass volume. But for the 5% (probably more 97%/3%) who have real pre-in, the input board of the preamp can be better than input board of the integrated. For example Doge 8 we use german OMRON golden plated relay and connection from RCA to relays even 3 cm uses silver shielded cables, whereas the integrated might have naked cables (which is R800 case). So a preamp can have better potentiometer, better inputs relay, better shielding, but it is worth only if the integrated bypass the first stage of tubes, if not it add more tubes on signal path.

[@jimfarrell4635]

@@marcprili279 I understand why an external pre is better but just feel it makes more sense to buy pre and power separates in the first place

[@RoknRolUSA]

@@dogeaudio5957 Are you going to release a dedicated amplifier now that you have a pre amp?

[@robmacey2901]

Have a look at the - Leaf Audio Tube Preamplifier on Ali or eBay

[@ClassifiedBrief]

Thoughts vs schitt freya+.... True balanced... With upgraded NOS tubes. Then put in the vcap odam caps in the unit.... One of the very best caps you can buy...

[@Jayiyagi]

Check the sound and comparison section. Thanks

[@ClassifiedBrief]

@@Jayiyagi I know I saw, but you gotta change out the caps of the freya and put some odam... That's $450 for the four caps. That should put it against just about any tube preamp

[@hushpuppykl]

Which particular v-cap did you get for the Freya+? What values? I’m a noob. Thanks!

[@hushpuppykl]

Is this what’s app me thingy for real or …

[@gte357s]

@@hushpuppykl obviously no. Seems someone just copy the avatar.

[@danielwilke8625]

Do you have to use an external dac with this unit?

[@oleksiifilippov68]

Yes

[@dogeaudio5957]

To make a DAC with tubes requires space. So we do the Doge 7 DAC that match really well, with Doge 8. Another reviewer we can't disclose at this step has been impressed by the matching.

[@danielwilke8625]

Thanks for the info

[@barryhallsack8852]

Too bad it doesn't have the balanced xlr's. I'm going to try the Freya Plus from Schiit audio.

[@scottsutter4810]

I been thinking about this pre amp for awhile great review. Can you add two subs for more bass ? I see the Doge 10 has sub outs.

[@Jayiyagi]

yes you can but when I said "I'm concerned about the bass in tube pre-amps" - I generally meant the quality of bass rather than the amount. I don't think a subwoofer can completely fix the bass quality issue (personally)

[@scottsutter4810]

@@Jayiyagi I ordered mine today this will be my first piece of tube equipment I'm excited about going in this direction . 😄

[@mignotmaxime2409]

@@scottsutter4810 Which version did you go for? Could you please tell me how you are planning to connect your two subwoofers?