Killer value, DartZeel soulmate : Cary SLP-90 tube preamplifier clone - Full review!

[@olaf9938]

Since a year I watch your video’s. I’m from the Netherlands. Really love your way of (complete honnest) communication. Also like your other colleagues that tested the Chinese clones. Because of you, and your KZbin colleagues, I said goodbye to my Linn Intek amp, that I owned over 30 years, and bought the D5 PRO + Cary SLP-90. Did an upgrade with NOS tubes of Philips. WAUW! I was for decades in audio heaven but now I’m in audio walhalla. I listen to all kinds of music (accoustic, pop, indie, electronic…) Thank you for all your insight in these video’s. Rest of my set up. Linn Nexus loudspeakers (also over 30 years and first owner, still love them), Denafrips Ares II dac, Bluesound Node (130) with upgraded linear power supply. I will post my comment also with your D5 PRO review.

[@k4syx]

Thank you! I am happy that these helped you - I started doing my videos for that reason: I could not find any detailed, honest info on youtube: some scraps here and there on different forums, but nothing A-Z solid. Thats a great setup you have there, think also about better caps for Cary, it still has potential to be even better! :)

[@olaf9938]

@@k4syxWhat would be the upgrades you would suggest? There is a little hum and some noice out of my speakers. I’m sure it’s because of this pre amp. 😅

[@k4syx]

@@olaf9938 Should be dead quiet, can you try in different place like with your friends setup or something? I already have a collection of better tubes for it and a set of caps to replace MKPs here, just have no time to do that :( So much work in my regular job at the end of the year!

[@pd5338]

Big Thanks! Another amazing find from you for those like me who love music! Listening to Chris Jones ‘No Sanctuary Here’, never sounded so good! (Everything sounds good lol now listening to Tulipani ‘Fausto Mesolella’) I’m planing to upgrade the caps after the holidays. Thanks again for another Gem!

[@k4syx]

@@pd5338 Thank you! Also remember about the tubes - these are good, but you can get better stuff, some nice NOS or current production PSVane Art series (it's like going down the rabbit hole but they do sound better)

[@pd5338]

@ I ordered the upgraded PSVane ‘ECC83’ tubes you suggested and put them in yesterday. They still need to break in but sounding better than the stock tubes which had ‘ECC82’ written on them. What would you recommend as a tube upgrade that would really kick things up? Thanks, Peter 😊

[@k4syx]

@pd5338 well the rabbit hole starts with some vintage RCAs, Telefunkens, Marconi, Siemens. And more - these are popular tubes and they were produced for many years, but the best sets are getting expensive. I am buying different NOS tubes for my small stockpile as the originals will not get any cheaper with every passing year... :(

[@pd5338]

@ Good to know, how can you tell if you’re buying vintage tubes that have already past their useful life? These ECC83 tubes keep sounding better and better as the hours go by… wow!

[@pd5338]

@ BTW, I had to cancel my order for the AQ Dragon interconnects. The vender, not one you recommended, kept coming up with excuses not to ship. I did buy the Nordost speaker cables you reviewed, very nice! Can you recommend any non AQ RCA interconnects from AE that might be worth looking at, or venders that can be trusted. I’m using Magnepan MQ12 and LRS speakers. I just received the GR Research crossover upgrade kit for the LRS and hope to get it done over the holidays. Having so much fun, music sounding so amazing with the D5Pro and this Cary preamp… I’m so thankful that you decided to start your YT channel… 👍

[@leeandrewclarke]

Interesting you claim the Cary is the 'soulmate' of the Dartzeel clone since I impulse-purchased the Dartzeel on the strength of the review you wrote and combined it with a Conrad Johnson clone pre-amp built in the same chassis as the Cary in your video. Firstly, the Dartzeel clone is perhaps the best £400 I've ever spent on hi-fi. If it was a £3000 amp, I'd call it fantastic value. At £400, it's so good it's a joke. The grace, fluidity, tonal shading and controlled power it imparts revolutionized the sound of my system and I've owned power amps well into the £3000 range. The Dartzeel clone was playing a whole different level to any of them. What encouraged me to try the Dartzeel was how blown away I was with the Conrad Johnson clone pre amp. I own three pre-amps and found the best fit with the Dartzeel was the Conrad Johnson tube amp clone. Tubes do seem to go very well with the Dartzeel. If the Cary sounds anything like my CJ clone, I'm sure it's a wonderful match. Incredible what about £700 can get you these days, if you are willing to buy these Chinese clones. Just amazing. Anyway, I've sold my Audio Note Pre, my Gold Note power amps and my Pass power amp, made a stack of money and have an even better sound. That's not how hi-fi's supposed to work so I feel like I've gamed the system. These clones are that good. Those who refuse to try these clones have no idea what they're missing.

[@k4syx]

Can I send more love to your post here than this one simple heart? :D

[@RonaldHeal-j6f]

Agree 100%. Hifi Zone has done a great service to us poor audiophiles that can't afford a $60,000 amp😊

[@taho88]

Could not agree more. I am even tempted to buy a another D5 Pro just to send to some other reviewers. Honestly if more people knew how good some of these clones are it would break all of HiFi.🤣

[@richardlui8914]

i think the key is those clones can provide a chance for normal people like me to experience what people had in the golden period of the audio history and why these circuits become legends ...it is a legend when one having a chance to try so many of them before... or a naughty desire must a feeling to use money to get some higher level sound... well still in cheaper ways as a hobby ..

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 when I'm ordering them and listening to them I feel like I'd be discovering a treasure cave - there is no way for us regular folk to experience all of them in any other way in our homes. And in some cases, what people learned over the years (and better parts too) can even possibly improve some aspects. I'm really really curious to make some comparison between clone and real deal if the opportunity arises

[@michaelwright1602]

Thank you! I followed your link for both the Cary and the tube upgrades and saved a pretty penny as they are having their Black Friday sales! They say I should see both the amp and tubes around the second week of December, thanks again! And I will report back. ;-)

[@k4syx]

@@michaelwright1602 Thanks! Please do! The best thing about this hobby is sharing and learning! Also go get some decent power and interconnect cables, this one is worthy of every penny invested!

[@nunoferraz5426]

Appreciate your channel and your honest take. Merry Christmas 🎅

[@k4syx]

Thank you and Merry Christmas too!

[@705johnnyboy]

i just received my 768a clone tube preamplifier hey its very good indeed the remote didn't work but there sending my another but im ok with that once again for 350us i blows away my linn cairn preamplifier totally cant wait for the dsp pro amp to arive thankyou for letting us know about these clones cheers mate...

[@705johnnyboy]

sorry it was 250 au not 350us ...its amazing

[@k4syx]

768? Is that Matisse Fantasy clone? I got that one ordered!

[@leslylacombe1444]

@@k4syx The Ziang Sheng 768A clone of the Matisse is an amazing preamp with balanced input and output. You can upgrade the tubes to the info below: The Soviet Union 6m 1n-EB has a sweet and charming sound, which can replace these models: 6J1/5654/EF95/6AK5/403A/403B tube

[@k4syx]

@@leslylacombe1444 I purchased that one, but the seller cancelled my orded wanting me to pay some additional fees. But I still have it on my list as I already have 728a (lined up for review) and the build is excellent

[@pd5338]

Finally received my Cary clone today. I swapped in the upgrade tubes and have been listening for the last 4 hours. I’ve already been listening to the D5 Pro for over a month now, what an awesome amp! Our friend was right, this Cary clone preamp pairs extremely well with a D5 Pro. It pulls out little details I was missing before on tracks I thought I knew very well. I’m re-listening to all my music rediscovering what I loved before with all the added details and a Lucious liquid hypnotic sound. Another added benefit is that I can for the first time listen to tracks at quite a low sound level without feeling a need to turn up the volume all the time. I know this preamp has to burn in but I’m already hooked. What a great pairing! Highly recommended!

[@k4syx]

Thanks for sharing - leave it playing overnight for a few next days so the tubes will get to optimum state and then it will be even better :)

[@twindaddy14]

Thanks!

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@pyrolusite]

Thank you!! I really appreciate this review. I am thinking on pulling the trigger with the Cary as. Datzeel combo!

[@k4syx]

@@pyrolusite thanks! It's really great combo, like they were created to play together!

[@cobar5342]

Very good review. I agree that replacing the caps and tubes would be the next step. Please give up some follow up. I have built the second link you have referred to and it was not very good. Mainly in the power supply area. The one you have bought seems to be better value. Regards from Australia

[@k4syx]

@@cobar5342 thanks for sharing and all the best!

[@yairblustein7718]

Thanks! Based on your honest opinions I just bought these 2: - Clone Dartzeel NHB108 D5pro. - Clone Tube Preamp Cary 90. I would be grateful if you could assist me with the following: 1. Data regarding the required Caps replacements for the amp and where to buy 2. Recomended tubes for the preamp and where to buy (correct me- your link to the tubes provide the same installed tubes?). 3. Can I wire one of the inputs so it functions as an HT Bypass (skipping the volume control)? Thanks for a great value content!

[@k4syx]

Thank you! Answering your questions: Caps: Jantzens or Mundorfs, as expensive up the line as you can reasonably afford (in case of these the more expensive caps do sound better. I would go for Janten Standards or Mundorf Alu oil) Tubes: for starters PSVane Art Series 12AU7, Ive linked to them i n the description of the video but you have to choose this specific type as the offer is also for other types. Bypassing volume for just one of inputs: I dont think that will work and be easy do to if you still want to have volume control on other inputs...

[@yairblustein7718]

@@k4syx Thanks! Regarding the HT Bypass- I've read somewere there is an option of a 'Cold Bypass' by using a relay in one of the input preamp that will route the signal straight to the pre output once the pre is turned off. This will enable HT Bypass directly to the power amp (using the HT receiver volume, through it's pre outs). This will also prolong the life of the tubes as I will not have to turn the pre on. For TV listening it would be good enough for me. Thanks again!

[@k4syx]

@@yairblustein7718 yes but that's not an easy 15 minutes mod, you'd have to design for it to make it right and in elegant way :)

[@maxmustermann1066]

@@yairblustein7718 Your scenario seems very similar to mine. Did you go from a TV AVR speaker setup to this single component setup? If so, how do you like the sound with this Dartzeel Clone Preamp combo? What components did you have before? Also, how do you handle the chain now, I mean how do you still use multichannel?

[@yairblustein7718]

@maxmustermann1066 Hi, The Dartzil+ Carry clones combination is indeed 'sublime' quoting Tom in his review. My only upgrade was changing the 4 tubes to the Psvane 'Art' series, they give a more 'tuby' sound (the standard ones are also very good). This Pre/Power combo replaced my beloved Abrahamsen integrated amp (similar sound signature to the Electrocompaniet ECI 5 with less power). There is no comparison... the clones are in a different league (and thanks again to Tom who put me on this route). Regarding the AV integration: I have a Marantz NR1510 (simple, slimm AV receiver that I bought because it was the cheapest I could find, that has Left/Right Pre outs. These pre outs were used with the Abrahamsen that has an option for HT Bypass. In the current setup I connected the Marantz's pre out to one of the Carry inputs and I set the volume to 75 which gives me the right volume level compared to my center speaker and rears, so a little bit of volume adjustment is required for 5.1 Netflix and such. In this configuration, my humble AV receiver has to drive only the center and the rear speakers, leaving the main L/R speakers for the Cary/Dartzil to handle. This setup requires care when switching to another Cary input- you have to lower the volume before switching to another input if you want to avoid a sudden volume blast... My other system components are: Wiim pro (with linear ps, also bought in Aliexpress) connected to a Denafrips Aries ll dac, an Oppo dvd/cd player ( connected to the dac for stereo and to the Marantz via hdmi for 5.1). Main speakers are Proac Studio 140 floorstandes and a center and rears that I built myself from kits). Hope this answers your questions.

[@705johnnyboy]

Thanks!

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@multiplumultipludetrei7663]

Thank you for the advice, this preamp it s incredible. Looking forward to change the capacitors.Great match with first watt f7 , no hiss , great image.

[@k4syx]

@@multiplumultipludetrei7663 Thanks for sharing!

[@MayoSwell]

Hello. I would also like to change the capacitors. But I need to buy them then take them to my local tech to change them. I would be very grateful if you could advise the details of the capacitors I need to purchase. I understand Mundorf or Jantzen, but what are the actual specs (i.e uF and V values) so i can order online. Many thanks if you may be so kind to respond ✌️

[@k4syx]

@@MayoSwell4x 3,3uf/400V and 4x 0.1uF/250V

[@MayoSwell]

@@k4syx 🫡 Legend. Thank you. After cycling through so many hi end amps and preamps over the years, Im quite surprised to have landed on this and the dartzeel, largely due to your channel. My wallet and ears say thanks!

[@k4syx]

@@MayoSwell Thank you!

[@tatherton124]

Thanks for the review and your recommendation I have ordered one to pair with my D9 clone

[@richardcarroll4495]

Where does one purchase this unit? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@k4syx]

Enjoy - please share how do you find it! And remember the tubes will need at least 50h playing to sound best!

[@k4syx]

I've added answer to your other comment, the link is in the video description

[@olaf9938]

Yes! It’s on it’s way together with the 5pro. So exited. I have 2 questions. Is it possible to turn of the display while playing? And in what way could you remove the front plate “golden sticker” without damaging the black aluminium? Thanks again for your answer in advance. Greetings, Olaf

[@k4syx]

I dont think theres a way to turn off the display, nothing about that in the "manual" that can be found in case shop offer. As for the sticker its sticker. Use isopropyl alcohol at the edges, let it sink in, wait for a few minuts ant try to lift if with your fingernail or plastic spatula.

[@olaf9938]

@@k4syxAgain thanks. I will ask the seller regarding the display. ❤️

[@olaf9938]

@@k4syxthis is what the seller wrote back. “hello not need to set ，When playing music, if you don't operate the preamplifier, the display screen will automatically dim, but it won't turn off”

[@k4syx]

@@olaf9938 Thats interesting, I havent seen my display dimming (or I dont rememeber seeing that) I will have to check if mine can do this too!

[@FDKAUSW]

⁠Danke, dass ist auch meine Erfahrung, dass diese Sicherungen nur in wenigen Geräten was bewirken. Das gleiche ist mit Stromkabeln. Auch hier konnte ich unterscheide bisher nur an einen „Lindemann Amp4“ hören, aber der Verstärker selber war kein „Überflieger“, wie z.B. der „D5 Pro“. Bei allen anderen Verstärkern hörte ich rein gar keine Unterschiede, wie leider auch bei den Sicherungen der Fall ist.

[@isavepro2011]

For the FM300a amplifier, what do you think would be the best match? Cary SLP90 or Mark Levinson JC2? I like the holographic effect. Are you going to test more valve preamps?

[@thomasdiyaudio5353]

FM255 in my opinion

[@pyrolusite]

Thanks again for all your great reviews.

[@k4syx]

Wait for 255 review - will se if the "factory" match is good. For now, both JC2 and cary are great, JC2 for precision and Cary for holography. No bad choices here. But will see what fm255 brings to the table.

[@mikebaker6656]

This is a wonderful channel and as a result I would up getting myself the D5Pro and this preamp. I am very happy with my purchase although I am not getting very much bass from the preamp. I put my old Bottlehead Kit preamp in and the bass response is much better than the Cary Clone. I've been running the preamp for about 40 hours now (playing AC/DC at high preamp volume with the amp turned off) and using the PSVANE Art (the better) 12AU7 tubes. Any suggestions for achieving better bass response? Different tubes, more break in time, changing caps or installing bypass caps?? Thanks in advance and keep up the excellent work!!!!

[@taho88]

I had been enjoying this preamp for sometime then out of nowhere it developed some RF and EM interference. The only suggestions I have found is to cover the tubes with aluminum foil. As a side note I ordered a Topping A90D from Ali for like $250 off with coupons and coins.I did not plan to use as a preamp but let me say that it is excellent paired with the D5pro and Fiio K11 R2R Dac.More resolution,detail and bass quality also very organic and natural sounding.

[@k4syx]

Thats weird and it seems there is a problem with one of the tubes. Did foil work though? Its a bit risky to have it inside as its a cinducting, bare metal. How did you cope with that? Its essentially a shield, but if that works, then it would mean that there is a strong EMI source nearby or that one of the tubes suddenly felt like being antenna for the rest of life

[@taho88]

@k4syx Yeah the shield idea is what the seller recommended but they didn't say anything about how to do it. They recommend moving the tubes around which I did. I also replaced the original tubes. Same problem. I have not tried to make a shield. I'm still trying to search for any reference on how to do this but I am not finding anything very helpful.

[@k4syx]

@taho88 so it's not the tubes. Have you contacted the seller again? You could (and should) have it replaced if it's faulty within 90 days? Which shop was that one from?

[@taho88]

@@k4syx I ordered from your link in the review from SENGTERBELLE HiFi Audio Official Store. I think I will message them again about any suggestions. Still within 90 days so may return.

[@k4syx]

@@taho88 OK these are reliable guys, I'd reach them sooner than later as IMHO there is little point in waiting :)

[@pashkamerica]

I received this preamp 5 days ago, but in a more expensive version and have already managed to warm it up and listen. I will start with a description of the sound stage. Do not expect any super holographic changes, I did not hear comparing with what I heard before how the lamp can actually create a three-dimensional sound. I would describe it due to the fact that the amplifier in the sound is more dominant in the midrange, yes good midrange that can create a certain effect of the stage because in the middle and the side information of the stage is woven, but there is a loss of corporeality and volume of sound. I tried to connect to the Cary SLP-90, DAC AD1865 tube, Antiope Zodiac Burr Brown PCM1792A, I also tried to connect Phono amplifier Base On EAR834, in all cases the sound degraded especially with Phono amplifier EAR834. Directly without Cary SLP-90 the sound returned. If you have a good source like DAC or Phono preamp then this preamp will spoil the original sound making it more primitive and everything will sound the same with any source. As one person said, if the thing doesn't play out of the box then don't expect improvements. .. I don't think that more expensive tubes or capacitors will save the situation.

[@k4syx]

Thats interesting news as this means that these "better" caps are actually not worth it. I'd blame your experience on these as I havent heard about that brand ever before. Thanks for sharing your experience! (having said that let it play for at least 50-60h for tubes to open, it will not be a night and day change, but I wonder you opinion then)

[@pashkamerica]

@@k4syx Yes, I warmed it up for more than 60 hours, and I found out that with the right knob you can set some functions like a delay on switching on somewhere up to 2 minutes, the brightness of the screen during the display fade-out, and in the end preamp stopped playing at all, complete silence, only a small background of the network. I have a preamplifier with a metal white front panel, which is much wider than the standard size in width, it looks great. I liked the midrange, I was left with a good impression. The sound stage, which is why I bought it, did not impress me. I heard scenes on a three-way speaker system when the vent was like in headphones right in my head, everything else had the correct depth and placement of instruments with a full idea of ​​​​the location of the musicians, this was not there. It's a pity that it turned out this way. The preamp actually gave a coloring of the sound with pressure on the upper middle, but with an accent of cardboard overtones depending on the recording and source. Any coloring or more precisely the loss of something or the addition of something in the sound creates problems in the system and it is difficult to achieve a natural sound of the instruments, we can make a comfortable sound, but this will not be the goal for which we do all these dances with a tambourine.

[@k4syx]

@pashkamerica I'm sorry it ended up like that for you. I strongly suspect there was something wrong with your unit, which may happen. These settings are from chassis control cpu I need to put them in the video description here as there are some cool things to configure

[@pashkamerica]

@@k4syx Good day to you. The preamplifier was repaired, there was nothing serious. I have a question, did you change the tube to something better and what sound changes did you get then replays on different tubes ? I am probably very picky about the sound of this preamplifier. I have not had many tube preamps and I judged too strictly, although it is possible that very expensive preamps can play even worse. I find that the midrange of this preamplifier is excellent, realistic and at the same time there is a certain brightness of the sound moments that are tiring, creating a slight fatigue and at the same time I listened to specific episodes comparing with another preamp, not a tube like Denon, of course the Cary SLP-90 is much higher level in sound, with its realism, sound stage and overall presentation. A month ago I bought a DAC AD1865 with an output to the tubes on AE, it is very cheap, but sounds like thousands of dollars DAC , I highly recommend it to you and for review, it is a bomb in terms of sound and sound stage, but the Cary SLP-90 changed the sound and not for the better of this DAC. I would like to know how the replacement of the tubes on this preamplifier affected.?. I have already started thinking about a passive preamplifier. Thank you for your time and descriptions, they are very helpful with the choice.

[@k4syx]

@pashkamerica I got psvane art series tubes and they are instant level up (minus 50h for the tubes to be ready). Can you share full offer name for that dac do I will look it up? Unfortunately yt will censor all the direct url links :(

[@wim1983]

Seem like a preamp to smooth sound quite a bit, anyway any updates about the FM Acoustics FM 255 preamp review?

[@k4syx]

Next in line (or second after DO200Pro) by looking at the "pile o' stuff". Finished burn in on Friday evening.

[@wim1983]

@@k4syx Great, take your time :)

[@fredapril8384]

Got the same question..fm245 or 255. I heard the mp701 with Dartzeel pro and wow, so holographic and sweet but that 701 is quite a bit more expensive!!

[@k4syx]

@@fredapril8384 yes mp701 costs more than DartZeel, that's also supposed to be great combo, but it's so much more expensive!

[@pashkamerica]

Thanks for the great description. There is little can find on the Internet with such a correct approach to understanding sound. Nobody talk about Sound stage and three-dimensionality of sound. What tube preamplifier would you recommend to have the same huge three-dimensional real stage, full presence as you described so well about the Cary SLP-90 and at the same time to have a rich, juicy, dynamic sound, higher level of sound ? I only had a tube tape recorder in my distant childhood, I want three-dimensionality, musicality and more presence. It would be great if there was also an input for MM phono. Maybe one of the discussion participants will help me. On this page under the video there is more information than on all the forums. Thanks again.

[@k4syx]

Thanks! I would recommend going with Cary, replacing tubes and getting separate MM stage - there are clones of great mms avaliable too and separate one would give you flexibility of matching the sound to your preference/turntable

[@pashkamerica]

​@@k4syxThanks . I think I'm the only one in the USA who has a KORVET 038 turntable new one , all original . I think you know what I'm talking about . 😉

[@carlitomelon4610]

If you like to tweak tubes and capacitors the Musical Paradise MP 701 ! I use one with Bryston/Magnepan LRS/REL. Considering this clone combo to retire my 20y old Musical fidelity living room amps. D5 pro is ordered....

[@k4syx]

@@carlitomelon4610 I have that one on my list for that particular reason, I have a drawer full of tubes and another full of caps :)

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@k4syx Make sure you match the caps to the amp for correct bass roll-off. Eric's HiFi Corner web review of the MP has a LINK to the VH website page. There's a calculator you can enter your values and get the correct cap values. Really looking forward to you taking on the Musical Paradise preamp! I'll try it with the D5. Diving Magnepan LRS. Maybe the Bryston is in trouble ?

[@RonaldHeal-j6f]

Thanks

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@richardlui8914]

May be good with 805 d3 look alike speaker .. 3d feeling are pretty strong at the second hours of listening without burn-in .sources of sound from violin and cello are at different height .. can create a feeling with the sky full of stars in the middle of summer ..

[@k4syx]

absolutely love that "can create a feeling with the sky full of stars in the middle of summer .." - exactly, like staring into the stars all around you!

[@bongofury3176]

if I have several matched pairs of very nice 12au7 tubes can I use them in this pre-amp or do they need to be a matched quad ? Some of my pairs do have similar gain/voltage measurements. If I can then I presume 1 matched pair of Mullards in the 2 positions nearest the front and a matched pair of Gold Lions in the 2 slots nearest the back will work ? Doubles the variations possible for tube rolling and saves me trying to find pairs that match my current pairs...

[@k4syx]

@@bongofury3176 these are like two pairs here more than matched quad. You'll be perfectly fine with two pairs :)

[@canmedia1]

thank you for great review! I purchased D5pro and several weeks later this Cary clone as well. I love the sound. the only issue - the output from this preamp seems quite low in comparison to other preamp i have handy; both my DACS are set to output max signal but to listen to decent volume on D5pro (into magnepan lrs) preamp needs to be set near or at max volume. Preamp came with standard psvane tubes. I read that this particular preamp had output “too hot”, but i seem to have just the opposite. do you think there would be a way to increase gain on output ? i am able to do simple modifications myself. thank you.

[@canmedia1]

i just wanted to add, i purchased the silver version Sengterbelle hifi.

[@k4syx]

Hi! That one in original was known to be hot but its fixed here. I wonder what may be the cause as my unit has nothing like that. You may try other tubes if you have anything available (I wouldnt buy anything just for test) as maybe there is something wrong with them. You may also try to re-seat them (Im shooting blind here). Silver version - was that the one that was supposed to have better caps?

[@canmedia1]

@@k4syx thanks for reply and advice, I will try to reseat tubes just in case tomorrow. I purchased silver version just because of size format, I am not sure about caps. Out of curiosity, when you play in normal critical listening volume, what number is the volume indicator on the preamp? In general I have to be at least 90.

[@k4syx]

@@canmedia1 60? up to 80 I think? But thats very loud. That will also depend on the speakers (sensitivity and impedance)

[@StevenGoodier]

😭 my Cary appears to be tripping out my D5 pro. I’m not a DIY audio dude at all but happy to learn. Could this be something I could fix? Or will it need to sent back to Sengterbelle?

[@k4syx]

Try to reach them and describe the problemm if thats something easy, they will tell you how to fix that, otherwise just return/replace it to be on the safe side

[@benvanbaaren7483]

Nice to see a review of a tube preamplifier. Another contender might be the Jadis JP200 clone with 6 tubes. Tubes indeed have the ability to creatie a very large sound stage especially with live recordings. I really like that.

[@RonaldHeal-j6f]

I bought the jp200 first. Mine hums like a bitch. I would not recommend it at all.

[@benvanbaaren7483]

@@RonaldHeal-j6fAh, that’s bad news, thanks for the warning. Could be just you having bad luck with this particular preamp. On the other hand it could also be a design fault. Mmm, difficult to tell.

[@richardlui8914]

@@RonaldHeal-j6f that is bad .. sonic frontier pre + Jadis power tube amp+ proarc tablet III was one of the most impressive sound

[@richardlui8914]

@@benvanbaaren7483 did you go back to the seller and tell them their amp " hum hum like no tomorrow " and we have a lot of review and interested in the amp too many eyes ask me to solution for this issue for this beautiful amp .. ask them to give you a solution .. If they do not respond and poor customer service or no solution .. no business for them in the future ..

[@RonaldHeal-j6f]

​@@benvanbaaren7483 I would say the Chinese design has issues. For instance, the output caps are 0.47uf. Which has virtually no bass. They should be at least 2.2uf as per design.

[@SebastianMogwaiB]

Which type of the Mundorf lineup did you get? Thx for an update

[@k4syx]

The max I can reasonably afford is silver in oil. After that it gets ridicolously expensive and in cheaper series Jantzen has the lead in my opinion (my ears opinion to be exact :))

[@SebastianMogwaiB]

Thanks. I will consider going there as well. But until then, patience is needed after I changed the tubes to let them burn in

[@SebastianMogwaiB]

Btw … Christian shared an overview in one of his latest videos, where Mundorf Silver Oil was the editor‘s choice

[@SebastianMogwaiB]

@@k4syx Can you make a vid of this upgrade process, once you start the upgrade? Thank you - cheers

[@k4syx]

@SebastianMogwaiB that's the plan :)

[@user-bf7no5sl9q]

Great review! I've been looking for a good tube peice. Would this pair well with Accuphase 405? I know you recommend pairing this with the D5Pro but somewhere you also said that the Accuphase would be best for vocals and folk music I think which I am more into. Also do you know a good source that has dsp including which includes subwoofer management? I'm looking for natural sounding voices which is absent of siblance harsheness or sharpness.

[@k4syx]

Yes they will pair well too! For very good, natural voices I would go for some AK4499 DAC (like Semibreve I've reviewed but also some others) - though these will not have DSP. You are looking for EQ or something more advanced?

[@user-bf7no5sl9q]

@@k4syx Yes I need EQ because it just sounds better to me in my room for whatever reasons to lift or lower various frequencies and low pass powered subwoofer at 40hz. Maybe I'm cursed, lol because it makes my options unclear, complicated and likely more expensive. I will now watch your Semibreve review. I have to say I really trust your opinion on things. Thanks for your feedback. I will certainly appreciate any further recommends and/or suggestions you may offer. BTW I have a Accuphase 405 being shipped to me. After considering all your reviewd amps I deserned the 405 would solve my problem of having to withstand grating harsh, bright, edgy "S" sounds from vocals (has always bothered me) the best and smooth upper midrange and higher frequencies and add some midbass warmth to my LS 50 Metas. I love detail but not in a bright way but instead in a natural sounding way you see. Hope I made the right choice in amp and interpreted your amp reviews properly.

[@k4syx]

@@user-bf7no5sl9q I know what you mean about EQ - its very useful to correct some room problems. Sometimes I was using EQs (parametric ones) with foobar or neutron player. E405 is excellent and you'll be happy with with it!

[@hcr2ligna83]

​@@user-bf7no5sl9qA Wiim Pro is a very good source with an easy to use room correction, i use it with the digital output it is awsome

[@thomastsiopoulos8597]

Thank you for these videos. I am amazed at the value these clones represent. I bought the D5 Pro amp and the Cary pre amp based on your recommendation. The Cary amp has yet to arrive but the D5 Pro is amazing. Based on your video I think I want to replace the capacitors of the Cary pre amp and was wondering what caps you would recommend. Thank you

[@k4syx]

@@thomastsiopoulos8597 thanks for your kind words, I'm constantly amazed too - these all are different but all of them so far are beautiful in different ways - no bad choices here. For caps I usually go for Jantzens or Mundorfs. Jantzens will be usually slightly cheaper than Mundorfs of similar quality, but then Mundorfs are grained better so you have more options for your budget. Jantzens will have like two entry levels, then one very good but expensive, and then just two crazy expensive levels on top. Check your humblehomemadehifi cap reviews: I love them and I concur with all the reviews I had opportunity to check with my own ears. That set of info is absolute gem for diy.

[@Moe-DK]

The Cary SLP-90 arrived at my door step in Denmark in as little as 7 days. But it was not the winner, because the Psvane 12AU7-S tubes was faster by 24 hours. Now I am just waiting for the Dartzeel and the interconnect cables and then... A lot of burn-in and even more music.

[@k4syx]

Enjoy! :)

[@only1stefan]

i just built the conrad johnson cloan and its nothing short of amazing

[@k4syx]

The ready one Ive reviewed is also excellent! So clean and transparent!

[@benvanbaaren7483]

Finally took delivery of my new CJ PV12 tube preamplifier. It’s a heavy sucker weighing almost 10 kg. There’s a big transformer (certainly for a preamp) inside. This version came without tubes so I had to search for a quad of ECC82/12AU7 tubes as well as a 6Z4 rectifier tube. After reading up on available options I decided to go with a quad of Linlai (a spin-off of Psvane) 12AU7 also via AliExpress. I did not look into NOS tubes by the way. I think there are enough current production tubes that can hold their own against the NOS brigade. Oh, I also ordered some tube dampers from Herbies Audio Lab that I still have to receive. Don’t know yet if these will make a difference but tubes can become microphonic over time and dampers wil prevent that or lessen the effect. We will wait and see… The Linlai Tubes sound great by the way, no complaints at all. I’ve listened for only a couple of hours so it can only become better after time. The sound of this preamp is what you can expect when tubes are involved. Spacious, large soundstage, great with vocals, not agressive but very pleasant to listen to for hours on end, no listening fatigue and always highly involving. No hum I can defect either. It has a high MEF (Music Enjoyment Factor). It can also sound very dynamic and is not shy in the bass as well. That’s what I often see people complaining about, that tubes have soggy bass. Well, not this one, at least not i.c.w. my FM300A Luxury version power amp. There’s plenty going on in the lower regions like a bouncy acoustic bass e.g. with Jazz. This is now my prefered setup. My FM255MKIi preamp has taken second place and is now sitting on the bench. The CJ is just more musical sounding, it draws you more into the music. Yes I’m aware that is a cliché but once you hear tubes in your hifi setup you probably know what I mean. Of course it is also a matter of taste. Some may prefer a harder hitting sound and the sharper transients of solid state. That might give the impression that you’re getting more details with solid state. However the details are still there but perhaps a bit less obvious. With tubes the sound loses some of the harder edges and it become somewhat softer overall. Not fuzzy or cloudy but smoother, les agressive, it’s just a more relaxing listening experience. Some would say it’s more musical. It’s hard to explain in words, you have to experience this for yourself if you’re going to decide if tubes are something for you. If you’re looking for a tube preamp I can highly recommend this CJ PV12 clone but this is not a cheap one in spite of a discount I got. I paid around € 570,00 including shipping but without tubes and I still had to pay around € 100,00 local VAT on top of everything. However it’s a worthwhile investment in my opinion. You get a lot of musical pleasure in return that will last for years.

[@benvanbaaren7483]

Finally took delivery of my new CJ PV12 tube preamplifier. It’s a heavy sucker weighing almost 10 kg. There’s a big transformer (certainly for a preamp) inside. This version came without tubes so I had to search for a quad of ECC82/12AU7 tubes as well as a 6Z4 rectifier tube. After reading up on available options I decided to go with a quad of Linlai (a spin-off of Psvane) 12AU7 also via AliExpress. I did not look into NOS tubes by the way. I think there are enough current production tubes that can hold their own against the NOS brigade. Oh, I also ordered some tube dampers from Herbies Audio Lab that I still have to receive. Don’t know yet if these will make a difference but tubes can become microphonic over time and dampers wil prevent that or lessen the effect. We will wait and see… The Linlai Tubes sound great by the way, no complaints at all. I’ve listened for only a couple of hours so it can only become better after time. The sound of this preamp is what you can expect when tubes are involved. Spacious, large soundstage, great with vocals, not agressive but very pleasant to listen to for hours on end, no listening fatigue and always highly involving. No hum I can defect either. It has a high MEF (Music Enjoyment Factor). It can also sound very dynamic and is not shy in the bass as well. That’s what I often see people complaining about, that tubes have soggy bass. Well, not this one, at least not i.c.w. my FM300A Luxury version power amp. There’s plenty going on in the lower regions like a bouncy acoustic bass e.g. with Jazz. This is now my prefered setup. My FM255MKIi preamp has taken second place and is now sitting on the bench. The CJ is just more musical sounding, it draws you more into the music. Yes I’m aware that is a cliché but once you hear tubes in your hifi setup you probably know what I mean. Of course it is also a matter of taste. Some may prefer a harder hitting sound and the sharper transients of solid state. That might give the impression that you’re getting more details with solid state. However the details are still there but perhaps a bit less obvious. With tubes the sound loses some of the harder edges and it become somewhat softer overall. Not fuzzy or cloudy but smoother, les agressive, it’s just a more relaxing listening experience. Some would say it’s more musical. It’s hard to explain in words, you have to experience this for yourself if you’re going to decide if tubes are something for you. If you’re looking for a tube preamp I can highly recommend this CJ PV12 clone but this is not a cheap one in spite of a discount I got. I paid around € 570,00 including shipping but without tubes and I still had to pay around € 100,00 local VAT on top of everything. However it’s a worthwhile investment in my opinion. You get a lot of musical pleasure in return that will last for years.

[@benvanbaaren7483]

Finally took delivery of my new CJ PV12 tube preamplifier. It’s a heavy sucker weighing almost 10 kg. There’s a big transformer (certainly for a preamp) inside. This version comes with a remote but without tubes so I had to search for a quad of ECC82/12AU7 tubes as well as a 6Z4 rectifier tube. After reading up on available options I decided to go with a quad of Linlai (a spin-off of Psvane) 12AU7 also via AliExpress. I did not look into NOS tubes by the way. I think there are enough current production tubes that can hold their own against the NOS brigade. Oh, I also ordered some tube dampers from Herbies Audio Lab that I still have to receive. Don’t know yet if these will make a difference but tubes can become microphonic over time and dampers wil prevent that or lessen the effect. We will wait and see… The Linlai Tubes sound great by the way, no complaints at all. I’ve listened for only a couple of hours so it can only become better after time. The sound of this preamp is what you can expect when tubes are involved. Spacious, large soundstage, great with vocals, not agressive but very pleasant to listen to for hours on end, no listening fatigue and always highly involving. No hum I can defect either. It has a high MEF (Music Enjoyment Factor). It can also sound very dynamic and is not shy in the bass as well. That’s what I often see people complaining about, that tubes have soggy bass. Well, not this one, at least not i.c.w. my FM300A Luxury version power amp. There’s plenty going on in the lower regions like a bouncy acoustic bass e.g. with Jazz. This is now my prefered setup. My FM255MKIi preamp has taken second place and is now sitting on the bench. The CJ is just more musical sounding, it draws you more into the music. Yes I’m aware that is a cliché but once you hear tubes in your hifi setup you probably know what I mean. Of course it is also a matter of taste. Some may prefer a harder hitting sound and the sharper transients of solid state. That might give the impression that you’re getting more details with solid state. However the details are still there but perhaps a bit less obvious. With tubes the sound loses some of the harder edges and it become somewhat softer overall. Not fuzzy or cloudy but smoother, les agressive, it’s just a more relaxing listening experience. Some would say it’s more musical. It’s hard to explain in words, you have to experience this for yourself if you’re going to decide if tubes are something for you. If you’re looking for a tube preamp I can highly recommend this CJ PV12 clone but this is not a cheap one in spite of a discount I got. I paid around € 570,00 including shipping but without tubes and I still had to pay around € 100,00 local VAT on top of everything. However it’s a worthwhile investment in my opinion. You get a lot of musical pleasure in return that will last for years.

[@k4syx]

@@benvanbaaren7483 I have this PV12 on my list, however a few folk here warned about the transformer hum. On the other hand its good to hear from you thats not the case :) Thanks for sharing, it was a very nice reading!

[@EvenHarmonics]

Thanks! Some Beer foam for you!

[@k4syx]

Thank you Bruce! (Again!)

[@gr8ednz]

Does the Cary + D5 Pro combo offer any warmth to the midrange? Or would you describe the midrange as cool or lean? Putting aside the great imaging. Thanks in advance

[@k4syx]

Yes it's adding a touch of warmness to the midrange, but not too much. Not cool and lean at all, nothing like that.

[@FDKAUSW]

TIP: To reduce the switch-on POPer to a very low level, I recommend setting the switch-on delay to 360 seconds. The POPer is then barely noticeable, even when the amplifier is switched on. This period of time is also used by e.g. B. audio research specified for their switch-on delays.

[@BlazSvetlic]

Can you please explain how to set the switch-on delay? Cool tip btw!

[@FDKAUSW]

@ F-1 0-127 Default volume for input channel 1 F-2 0-127 Default volume for input channel 2 F-3 0-127 Default volume for input channel 3 F-4 0-127 Default volume for input channel 3 F-5 0-127 Maximum volume setting F-6 0-255 Signal output delay after startup (seconds) F-7 0 Positive phase encoder 1 Inverse phase encoder F-8 0 The startup volume is set to the default volume 1 The startup volume is the memory volume F-9 0 State after power on: standby 1 State after power on: turned on F-A 1-8 Display brightness during operation F-B Display brightness without operation F-C 0-99 Brightness retention time after operation (seconds) F-D 0-1 1: Confirm default settings

[@jqassam]

@@FDKAUSW Thanx for that. Do you maybe know how to confirm the selection? I've tried unsuccessfully.

[@carlitomelon4610]

In the D5? Please EXPLAIN!!

[@FDKAUSW]

@ is this Video over The D5 or perhaps over a PreAmp?

[@audiolife5038]

Have you tried it with the Zero Zone TPA 3255 class D monos?

[@k4syx]

@@audiolife5038 no, I have XLR version, but I thing for RCA that would be also great pairing!

[@christian_schwarzbeck]

I have now also ordered the tube preamplifier, so I will make a German video of it. If the device is bad, you'll get in trouble from me 😅 Greetings, Christian

[@k4syx]

@@christian_schwarzbeck Hi Christian! You'll be happy, I promise. Try it with stock and then some better tubes. It's great as it comes, but it scales very well with some good Siemens or RCA tubes. And the caps are quick and obvious upgrade to make it even better. But its great even without any mods!

[@christian_schwarzbeck]

​@@k4syxThat sounds good, thanks for the tip. 😃

[@k4syx]

@@christian_schwarzbeck your most welcome, best regards!

[@christian_schwarzbeck]

thank you my friend, you too

[@JošJedan-j2y]

​@@k4syxAssuming I get "better" sound for the price difference, what tubes do you recommend that are better than the stock ones and not much more expensive?

[@raynerstuelgalid]

Question: Do you think the sound quality can be improved by changing the Audiophiler caps to better ones (say, Mundorf film caps)? How much more (extra) capacitance can you install the replacement caps before that becomes a silly proposition?

[@k4syx]

@@raynerstuelgalid that's actually one of my recommended upgrade path: just to replace these Ero and Audiphiler caps with something better that will suit your preference. But the first upgrade: tubes. Immediate sound level up (although it sounds superb even with stock psvanes!)

[@SalvadorZerker]

I'm thinking about getting the Dartzeel clone. Do you think this preamp improves sound? My only source would be a TV over which I play everything where the dignal goes into a AVR currently. So I would use the Dartzeel at the pre outs of my amp. But I dont know if a separate DAC or even pre amp would make a difference for stereo use. Do you think a DAC would also be enough or even better than my entry level AVR? (So instead of TV -> AVR -> Dartzeel I would try TV -> DAC -> Dartzeel or even TV -> DAC -> Preamp -> Dartzeel) What would you recommend?

[@k4syx]

Definetely go for DAC and then later for preamp (this is my recommended pre for DartZeel clone). Separate DAC will be superior to AVR when it comes to stereo sound. And if you will go for good quality DAC, you will hear what the D5Pro is capable of!

[@EvenHarmonics]

Thanks for the great review! Do you think it works as well with Accuphase E405 clone? More magic means more things I have to buy!

[@k4syx]

Bruce, that one you can get blindly for D5Pro -its like they were meant to meet and mate in my mancave. If youre on the hunt for pre, and I think we spoke about that: thats it!

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@k4syx sold!

[@richardgrant418]

@@k4syx the D5Pro? What’s its full name - or better, a link ?

[@stefanthuering6456]

Really tempting 😅 How much idle power usage?

[@richardgrant418]

That is usually in the specs. Never a review issue on an amp unless it’s a medium high powered Class A power amp

[@k4syx]

I think it was about 40W, I will re-check that and add to video description

[@stefanthuering6456]

I messure about 27W idle and in use. 😊

[@R2R-DAC]

I got the same power amplifier (D5PRO) and I'm quite satisfied as well. I'm going to buy preamplifier soon. I was considering JC-2 replica the same with yours. Which one would be better? (JC-2 or SLP-90) Thanks in advance.

[@k4syx]

@@R2R-DAC Both JC2 and Cary are excellent, but Cary will be better match with better synergy here

[@R2R-DAC]

@@k4syx Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@boca22mauro]

Hi. Thanks for your beautiful reviews! I have a question,please, better this pre , or C245 on your opinion, to match with Zero one irs2092 monos? I have these 2 little beasts and they were the best 350€ I have ever spent for hifi

[@k4syx]

Hi! IR2092 are D-Class, I'd go for them with something like tube Cary SLP-90 clone preamp to have the best synergy

[@boca22mauro]

I have ordered it! I will let you know my impressions and the sinergy with class d irs2092 😊 I have also followed your suggestion and have also ordered the 12au7 art tubes.... Thank you so much and talk to you as soon as I receive and test! 😊😊😊

[@neokeeboon3325]

Great review mate, would be awesome if we can explore other tube preamps in the likes of CAT SL1 or ARC XLR models etc.

[@k4syx]

@@neokeeboon3325 Arc clone with XLRs is just burning in ;)

[@Moe-DK]

Thank you for yet another great video and a good advice. Yesterday I ordered the Dartzeel D5 Pro and today its soulmate the Cary SLP-90 clone. Can hardly wait for them to arrive, but China - Denmark probably takes around 1 month. Any suggestions for (clone) RCA cables?

[@Moe-DK]

Forgot to tell that I went for the no-tubes version and then ordered 4 Psvane 12AU7-S. Once again thanks to HiFi Zone 😄

[@k4syx]

Go for fake AQ: thunderbird, firebird or if you have budget for it Dragons. Thanks for your kind words!

[@HoomanR17]

Great review. Did you have a chance to play it with the Musical Fidelity A1 clone?

[@k4syx]

@@HoomanR17 not yet, but I plan to compare them directly

[@hoosierhifi5183]

Did you ever swap out capacitors and tubes? Is it work the upgrade and what specific parts did you use? Also, is this still the best paring for D5 pro in your opinion? Thanks!

[@k4syx]

Tubes, yes, to great effect, caps, not yet, got them but no time for that (yet). Yes so far it's best pairing, it's so open and holographic - superb!

[@hoosierhifi5183]

@@k4syx Can't wait to hear it myself! I ordered the silver variant with the larger chassis. I opted to buy without tubes and went ahead and purchased the Art series like PSVANE. I just need to decided on a good phono preamp now.

[@k4syx]

@@hoosierhifi5183 You went for most reasonable version - getting better tubes and the total price will be almost the same :) Enjoy, remember to give it about 100h of burn in!

[@AndNaz4820]

I have noticed a certain and rather small problem with this amplifier, which may be common. When increasing the volume, going from position 63 to 64, you can hear an additional like a "switch" and a momentary distortion of the sound, which is transferred to the speakers. I had exactly the same problem in another chinese clone, which I had probably over 5 years ago. I don't know what it is, but it seems to me that this old preamp had exactly the same volume control system. Can anyone explain what this strange thing is about?

[@k4syx]

There was a discussion on that under my JC2 video, I think there was a fix for that too. Some of the units have less capable powers supplies for the relay board, and when you are switching from 63 to 64 you are switching single biggest amount of relays at the same time. Think binary 0111111 to 1000000, you are switching all seven of them at the same time. Mine doesnt do that, but at some point I may replace capacitors at this power supply for relays with something with bigger capacity (these also act as power reserve for filtering so that should provide some more current). and the strange sound is probably short, sudden volume change when the relays are in random state.

[@AndNaz4820]

@@k4syx Thanks for repond. I hope you will make some video with replacing this caps, so i could see how to deal with it. Meantime i will be just using it like it is. Still a lot of time to send it back.

[@k4syx]

@@AndNaz4820 I will, but I need to catch up with reviews first as there were to many first look videos and to few full ones ;)

[@AndNaz4820]

I haven't received my unit yet, I ordered using one of the links provided above ('verified seller'). When the deadline approached, after which the order should be canceled (it's 9 days as I remember) if it is not shipped, the seller marked the item as shipped and provided a 'fake' tracking number. This number is shorter than the normal number and sites like 'aliexpress tracking' do not find anything under it. The situation with the fake number has been going on for 2 weeks now. So 3 weeks have passed since the order was placed and everything indicates that the package was not even shipped.

[@k4syx]

@@AndNaz4820 I will try to ask them what is happening. Last time when there were delays it was from sheer number of orders as they manufacture them as they sell, with little stock. Probably too little

[@AndNaz4820]

@@k4syx Thanks. Just today they provided another tracking number and this one seems to be valid. Not very nice behave of this seller, but i hope at least the device is worth of waiting. There were some comments, that some unitis had problems. Maybe because of too fast assembly and lack of testing.

[@k4syx]

@AndNaz4820 I will reach to them anyway. In my opinion it's better to give one, honest delivery time that to change it time after time as this doesn't build the trust :(

[@AndNaz4820]

@@k4syx You're right

[@AndNaz4820]

@@k4syx The new number the seller gave leads to the courier company, where you can see that the label has been generated, but the package has not been picked up yet. But what's more, you can check the package details and there's a surprise, it turns out that my preamp is supposed to fit in a package measuring 21x21x9 cm and weighs 2.8 kg. In reality, it should be almost twice as big. I wonder if this is another ploy by the seller to delay the delivery.

[@MasterofPlay7]

so how close is the singer? Is it forward like in front of you or little bit backward at the stage?

[@k4syx]

sorry I just found your comment buried here. It actually depends on the song, it doesnt push everything to the front or to the back. For example - Gilmour's Live in Gdańsk, Wish you were here, first acords - there is one guitar on the left and in the back, and then another one joins on the right (but closer to the center) and _so_much_in_front_ that I felt I could touch the instrument. But the first one still plays in the back, deeper and more on the left, farther from the center. Amazing stuff!

[@Koru-Health]

Great video thanks for the info!

[@audiolife5038]

Received mine today. Only muffled sound with no treble and low volume on one of the channels and the remote is not working 😪

[@k4syx]

Open it up and look for transport damage like loose tubes, connectors etc. From what you describe it souds like something like that could happen and maybe there is a problem with one of the tubes. Once opened, switch tubes between sockets and check if the sound problem moved to other channel, if yes, then there may be something wrong with the tube (these do not like taking hits or vibration). As for the remote, I assume that the batteries are right, you can check it with your smartphone camera - look at IR diode at the front end of the remote through your camera app and press some random buttons. If you'll see it blinking red, then it works (camera sensors, as opposed to our eyes, are able to cover near infrared spectrum too). And always, always contact the seller about it Pls share if any of this helped,ok?

[@Simplyveej]

Thank you. Would you have a pre-amplifier recommendation for the A1 clone?

[@k4syx]

JC2 would match well with its transparency and airiness. Cary would be a good option, though I'd have to check on that if that wont be a case of too much of a good thing (class A and tubes)

[@taho88]

I am interested in upgrading the caps but I have never soldered before.There is an assembled board on Ali being sold as an upgrade for $70. Can anyone say if this would be a worthwhile upgrade?

[@k4syx]

I've seen that board and as long as it does use better caps, you can still do better with some Janzens, Mundorfs, Audyns etc. And with that board youd still need to solder inputs and outputs anyway. So Id say just get some trash pcb from some broken equipement and try and learn to solder - there are tons of great vids on soldering on YT too. You can also look for some local workshop that repairs cell phones, computers or other devices like that and ask them to do recap for you. Easy bucks for them, peace of mind for you.

[@Grooverski]

Balanced tube preamp would be even better for some of us. 👍🏻

[@k4syx]

Yes, thats my only gripe here, but its from 1990 - so excused! But I'm also on the lookout for something balanced, I'd prefer that too!

[@Grooverski]

Fingers crossed that your search will bring some gem for all of us to enjoy. 🤞🏻

[@benvanbaaren7483]

@@k4syxwell, I just purchased the Conrad Johnson PV12 clone which also have balanced input and outputs. This is the more expensive version for € 508,00 without shipping. Luckily I got the opportunity to exchange some coupons to smoothen the blow.

[@k4syx]

@@benvanbaaren7483 how's the sound? I know it's too early but please share your thoughts, ok?

[@benvanbaaren7483]

@@k4syx I recently purchased it I still have to receive it. But I will give you my impression once I’ve had the opportunity to listen to it.

[@FDKAUSW]

Hi I bought now one Cary how this. And 4xPSVANE 12AX7 ECC83 I hope that is a better as this was is build in. Now I must wait many weeks for delivery 😅

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW 12AX7? You're sure? I think this one (Cary SLP-90) uses 12AU7? Pls check that :)

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syx ECC82 sollte es sein, die Anzeigen bei Ali sind teils sehr verwirrend 🧐 sry. Und danke

[@matthewtaylor7355]

My Audionote Phono from Ali press cost 312 GBP.The price if this was sold in UK shops would b 1300 GBP +easily

[@beefsupreme510]

Off topic sorry but have you tried any of the Violectric clones? Accurate Audio A281 for example

[@k4syx]

No I havent, link please?

[@klausfreis7202]

I bought the bare board to save some money. Do you by chance know what voltage the Transformer has?

[@k4syx]

Unfortunately not, if the label is not visible in the video then there is no additional info there. Are there any recommendations from the seller for that board (if thats the same one?)

[@BlazSvetlic]

Thank you for another great preamp review! Would you recommend this preamp for the Burmester 933 clone? What would be the synergy in terms of bass reproduction?

[@richardgrant418]

For bass the power amp needs to have the ability to meet the demands of the speakers. A spectrum from easy to drive to “a nightmare” lol. What you might call synergy I’d call sufficient bass control But in 50 years of hifi I have never heard of synergy between pre and power amps.

[@k4syx]

I think the bass would be fine, this would be good paring too!

[@BlazSvetlic]

​@@k4syx keep in mind that Burmster 933 has (relatively) low input impedance (12k)

[@stensarapuu5208]

Can I turn my gear off at once? I have all connected to a single power strip and usually just turn it off

[@k4syx]

The recommended sequence is power amp first, then pre, then source. Not a strict must, but healthy habit

[@marksobotkin6141]

It's hard to believe how inexpensive this is. I don't need another preamp, but might get it just for the hell of it. Did i miss whether you can change the color of the numbers, or do you have to order it with the color you want?

[@olaf9938]

You can order color you wish. Display is red standard. If you want blue you need to put it in the order comments.

[@k4syx]

Excatly, to get other color you need to specify this in order. The prices come from very low labour costs there, that would be the main thing here in EU

[@taho88]

Do you prefer the sound from this preamp with the D5 Pro over just using a streamer/dac directly?

[@k4syx]

@@taho88 in this case, I go for pre combo. It's just so much better together that small loss of detail is insignificant

[@richardlui8914]

​​@@k4syx Which pre combo is your best option ?

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 for D5PRO it's this Cary. JC2 is also great, but this one has exceptional imaging

[@RonaldHeal-j6f]

Would you be able to let us know how many amps the heater voltage is on the r core of the SLP90 please? I ask because I was thinking you may be able to use 12bh7's in place of the 12au7's. They usually sound better than au7's but draw more current for the heaters.

[@k4syx]

I'll check whats on the rcore trafo label there (bt thats just max output, dont know how that would translate to heaters

[@sginfdfw]

I have the C245 Clone and the D5Pro Dartzeel. How does this preamp compared to the C245 Clone paired with the D5Pro?

[@k4syx]

@@sginfdfw This one will have better soundstage. C245 will be more relaxed and will have better functionality like XLRs and twin outputs. It will have different signature though. At this level it's more about preference for sound signature, and c245 pairs with DartZeel really good

[@FDKAUSW]

An other question, some people says, that they hear if they change the fuse to a audiophile fuse. My question is, do U hear a „wonder“ to, what the other says too?

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW yes it works BUT only in DAC and only in totally transparent system (like my Stax headphones setup). I've tried different fuses in different positions along my audio chains and it works only in this one particular position. Totally not worth the money though :D

[@martianpolice3398]

I have this same preamp on a different chassis. Best preamp. I've been using it with my Quad 405 power amp. You can also use 5814a and 5963 tubes for this instead of the 12au7. Btw, how is it with the Music Fidelity A1 clone? Thanks again for the review.

[@richardgrant418]

the A1 was an integrated. Are you saying it’s clone has pre-amp inputs?

[@martianpolice3398]

@@richardgrant418 yup the clone A1 is a power amp only.

[@k4syx]

Gotta compare them and do video on that, that requires some more time

[@k4syx]

@@richardgrant418 Clone has all pre functionality removed, its just pure power amp with great SQ

[@onnonugteren2935]

Hi :-) Great work again. You take on a lot of work with this kind of excellent research. :-) Because… these shouts for a lot of comparisons with other equipment also from A companies. And to get out of your ‘studio’ tube, go to others perhaps a dealer to listen once and compare? Ok this is a thing I know: very hard to do in shops/reality, even the specialised ones. Friends or acquaintances perhaps? I do suspect you will do this in the future somehow? Greetings again of course 🙂

[@k4syx]

Hi! Well we have dealers here that are ok with borrowing equipement to listen to it at your place, but it takes some time to arrange such a thing and of course you're leaving cash deposit for the stuff you take home. But the main problem is the time, my day job is rather demanding and I never know when I will have the time to do listening session. And that would mean that I would have to hold the equipement for a long time and thats not something shops like. Real life example: Gryphon is still waiting in line for the review, and its been long since first look. But maybe in time, when the channel grows, things will change and I will get to review the interesting stuff straight from authorised dealers without strict time limits. I certainly hope so!

[@richardcarroll4495]

I’m a bit of a clutze with computer. I can’t find out on this channel how or where to purchase this Cary clone pre. Any help from you other members? Thanks for your help/guidance..

[@stillaliveandwell5291]

Look at the top (under the video) where it says more and click/tap on it and it will give you all the links.

[@k4syx]

Hi! Look at the video description, just below the video, you may need to click "more" or something like that to view full text there - and theres a link to the shop I got mine from.

[@stillaliveandwell5291]

@@k4syx 😊 Look at my post above yours....

[@richardcarroll4495]

Ok. Thanks. I found the info . I appreciate the guidance

[@richardcarroll4495]

Thanks. Got it.

[@ztanizlaf]

Thank you very much for what you do here on the channel! By the way, the links you provided lead to another amplifier.

[@k4syx]

Thanks! Already corrected, Bruce noticed me a bit earlier. It was link to JC2 that I've reviewed earlier, I had to pick wrong one from my order history. Corrected now!

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@k4syxso many look alike. Somebody dumped a lot of look-a-like chassis.

[@k4syx]

@@EvenHarmonics yes this one is popular diy chassis (very good btw in my opinion) so it makes a lot of them look the same (disadvantage) with this ridicolous Goldmund badge)

[@englishbreakfast42]

I read all these positive experiences, yet mine is exactly the opposite. I’ve paired it with FiiO K11 R2R for DAC, use Psvane Art series tubes and although it makes the vocals and instruments more pleasing, it filters out so much details I prefer to use the Fiio DAC straight to the amp to get the resolution back.

[@k4syx]

@@englishbreakfast42 I need to try K11. I my R2R experiences the thing that was cutting all the detail was R2R DAC :) And it was Gustard R26 that's considered heaven on earth:) Maybe what happens is that combination of tube pre and R2R is too much of a good thing? Can you try it with some other DAC, maybe even some headphone dongle and check for detail then? (Expect the soundstage to shring and get flat with headphone dongles though. Look just for detail)

[@englishbreakfast42]

@@k4syx I found out the issue - it was the horrible sound of the Aliexpress Psvane 12au7-S tubes. I remembered I had some spare stock tubes from another Chinese phono amp project laying around. Once I did the switch, boy - what a change! The airy 3D image appeared, violin and cello vibratos became heavenly and so on, and even from the weird cheap tubes. So, I guess a caution regarding Aliexpress tube sellers and their quality control, although the one I purchased from has been a long time seller with excellent reviews. Anyway, now I can't wait to get my hands on proper tubes for some more goosebumps.

[@kaiSaaa1]

Thank you for your great review and recommendation. Unfortunately, there is a buzz when I use the device together with the D5 Pro. There are similar reports about the JC2. Does anyone have a similar problem and a suggested solution?

[@k4syx]

@@kaiSaaa1 1. Contact the seller 2. Try to rotate the power plug in the socket (preamp only) if you're using schuko sockets that allow you to plug the cable two ways. 3. Is your socket 3 pole with correct earth connection? 4. Any chance you are UK based? It looks like you may have ground loop somewhere :(

[@kaiSaaa1]

@@k4syx Thank you for your quick and helpful reply!! I'm in Ger/EU, it is a 3 pole cable. I will measure if the grounding of the socket works. A friend also gave me the tip that I should simply use a piece of wood to isolate the power supply and the tubes. What do you think? I hope there are more people interested in other tubes, what do you think of these? What do you look for when choosing a tube? ECC82Genalex GoldLion tube ECC802sJJ Goldpin tube from SK

[@k4syx]

@@kaiSaaa1 that's exactly what I meant, in Europe we can rotate plugs. I don't know what's behind the idea with the wood? As for the better tubes, I'm usually using PSVane Art series or NOS tubes. The latter requires a lot of reading on different crazy tube lover forums - can be dangerous! :D

[@pashkamerica]

There are different types of noise. My old power amplifier had 60Hz power noise. I made a simple elimination step that will suit many. Take a thick plastic bag, maybe with a zip-lock, put thick food foil in it, insert a fluffed copper wire into the bag so that it contacts the foil, bring out the wire with insulation and connect to a common ground point. That's it. It is imperative that the bag be tight so that some contact does not pierce it and there is no short circuit. All boards where there may be interference from power wires and a transformer are covered with such a screen.

[@k4syx]

@@pashkamerica if I understand correclty youve done like a isolated metal screen for EMI with grounding. That can work, but the situation here is that this is the first (I think) case here and all others are fine, that would mean that the case is not with transfromer and EMI as that would affect all units.

[@sigmundli9879]

I have First Watt J2 and looking for preamp. How does this preamp compared musical paradise mp-701, any recommendations?

[@k4syx]

@@sigmundli9879 haven't heard the mp-701. This one however is like almost 3x cheaper and sounds excellent. You can't go wrong with it.

[@burinkaa]

Hi. Does it know moving coil cartridge ? If yes it would be great solution for my 3 turntables.

[@k4syx]

@@burinkaa no it has just standard line in inputs, no dedicated turntable stuff here

[@wric01]

Preamp with R core adopted / lowest noise level power supply vs vast majority going cheap / old powersupplies.

[@k4syx]

yes, thats what got my attention on the photos for jc2 and this one. This and mkp caps. I got both because of photos ;)

[@richardgrant418]

Just to be sure: which has the better power supply - it’s this, completed amp - rather than the diy kit?

[@k4syx]

DIY kit has no power supply and chassis. Ready made one IMHO is better option than buying these separately as Rcore transformer and chassis will be pretty expensive

[@00LongLong00]

Hi, I would also be interested in a sound comparison to the MP701. Has anyone been able to compare them?

[@k4syx]

(not me so I'm quiet here)

[@carlitomelon4610]

​@@k4syx Waiting patiently for you to get to it;-) I've had mine 3 years. Still scratching the surface as to what's possible. Review it? ... before you have to rename your channel: "Hi-Fi CLONE" 🎵🎶😅🎶🎵

[@niekosify]

I have the MP701 mk3 and the Dartzeel pro and I really like the combination. The MP701 is a great preamp, which really makes it easy to tweak the sound with tube rolling. I cannot compare it to this preamp, but I am quite happy with the combination. I am not an reviewer, but I really like the big 3d stage and the layering that it provides. I switched the tubes to E88CC S4A, Linlai 274b-d and the end caps to MUNDORF MCAP SUPREME EVO OIL Capacitor 8.2µF. And also the bass, it is something with this combination I never heard before. Recommended!

[@00LongLong00]

@@niekosify thanks I buy the mp 701 . Is the better preamp from Garry

[@k4syx]

@@niekosify It seems then that it has similiar signature to Cary SLP-90 that I liked so much!

[@hondamoto-rb6bk]

A linear toroidal transformer would be a better choice but still not bad for price

[@FDKAUSW]

What is for the D5 Pro the bether way? The "Excellent surprise - Mark Levinson JC2" or "Cary SLP-90 tube" preamplifier or an oterh one? Because I need a new one, the "mbl 6010D" Vol-Poti make "carcks" and must going back to china...

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW for D5PRO specifically, go for Cary. And plan on getting better tubes, stock psvanes are very good, but you can get even better 12au7 stuff

[@FDKAUSW]

@@k4syx witch ECC82 are bether (LINK) and witch Capa's (LINK) too? Thx.

[@k4syx]

@@FDKAUSW these tubes (12au7-s) a.aliexpress.com/_Eu2eGad I'm getting Jantzen Standard and Superior caps locally so no link :(

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@k4syxThis is on ‘Choice Day’ sale Oct 1st

[@k4syx]

@@EvenHarmonics No only - I can see it too, I will be hunting tonight!

[@rainerbroennimann1563]

And the screen shows Goldmund? So what is it? A " clone" of Cary or Goldmund or just a chinese tube preamp? Why not?

[@k4syx]

Its a Cary clone minut phono stage. Cary basically gave away schematic for that amp in 1990 as it was printed in every manual. Chassis is some kind of universal one that you can order empty for your diy needs and these seem to come with this funny badges - its selfadhesive and easy to remove.

[@036Dusan]

Хвала!

[@k4syx]

Thank you!

[@036Dusan]

@@k4syx You welcome! Keep going!

[@jeffinnh76]

Home theater bypass mode?

[@k4syx]

I dont think there is one (Im not 100% sure, but I dont remember seeing fixed vol level for selected input)

[@carlitomelon4610]

My D5 is on its way 😊 I was contemplating this pre, but got frustrated with the Ali express shell game. They drop the price by $50 then increase the shipping cost from $95 to $145? Maybe I could have saved $30, but at the expense of feeling rushed by the BF deadline and their BS marketing. I decided to wait till the D5 arrives. I have the totally "holographic/phonic" Musical Paradise 701 to try it out with. Then I'll decide if tubes or SS will be best. Maybe the JC2 clone instead....From eBay? 🎵🎶😂🎶🎵

[@k4syx]

Yes they sometimes do the weird things to pricing especially in a busy season like now. But it's worth to wait a little and just get a better price later

[@YoYo-eg4gq]

Is this one better than Cary AE-1 preamp?!

[@k4syx]

@@YoYo-eg4gq haven't heard AE01, can't answer that...

[@eugenefudge3685]

What capacitors would you charge for to improve the sound quality

[@k4syx]

All MKPs there, Id go for Jantzens or Mundorfs or mix

[@eugenefudge3685]

@k4syx thanks if you are ever in Montreal. I will buy you a beer.

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

Tube recommendations?

[@k4syx]

@@Alamo-cz5xc PSVane Art series for good start and anything NOS really, down the rabbit hole of tube rolling (mwaaaaahahhahahaaa :) )

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@k4syx Thank you. Now if the seller would ship it, that would be great

[@k4syx]

@@Alamo-cz5xc you mean the same store? I've no idea if they sell tubes too (but it's possible). I've linked in the description the ones I got

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

@@k4syx no, the preamp itself. I ordered it over a week ago and it still hasn't shipped

[@k4syx]

@@Alamo-cz5xc Aaah yes, well the future generations will probably call this "the hifizone effect" - I guess they got a large number of orders and have to deal with it. Also, this week I think is new year in China (something like that is displayed in ali mobile app explaining expected delays in everything)

[@taho88]

I see the real Goldmund just came out with a $500,000 wireless speaker. 😅

[@k4syx]

Thats like a steal, gotta get at least three of them for my pets!

[@richardlui8914]

I just bought this pre amp finally just receievd the WORLD BEST CABLES Ultimate speaker cables 7AWG $184 per pair from Amazon .. good quality by vision ... wow ... one of the best speaker cable i have tried .. soundstage high frequency , detail, base , clarity improved at the first CD it is worth a try if not just return it ... i am thinking getting a graphic equalizer..sombody says .. the equalizer software can squeeze out the best sound of a inperfect system .. add one more componetn there will be some loss in analogue amplication path ... but i do not understand how a equalizer software can change the frquency .

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 equalizer software does Fourier transformatas and can actually be better than hardware one (and it's true about shorter audio chain!)

[@richardlui8914]

@@k4syx Thank you for the information . I think the EQ software is suitable for streaming but not for CD.. Have you tried those EQ software? The pro graphic EQ has 21 slides .. I do not know about the EQ software but the software can break the frequency down to each basic signal.. much more .. both methods still need to have a golden ears .. of course the people talking about the EQ software providing the service to fine tone the expensive existing audio system especially the vintage gears or even have the room correction service through software etc... this is a different approach .. haha it is one of the ways to cash out the talent of golden ears

[@k4syx]

@@richardlui8914 once, in the 90ties I had top of the line Pioneer equalizer (gr-777 I think). Since then I've used a lot of different gear and sometimes I've used parametric EQ to correct some problems. And yes, no EQ on CDs...

[@richardlui8914]

@@k4syx well the EQ softwares are pretty cheap .. even some audiophile using the free one , the result is pretty good .. may be the parameters or the setting .. people pay for the service and it is not cheap I guess the improvement is notable .. and it sounds the EQ software can fix everything customer ears oriented through on site ab direct comparison ... So .. good tool ...free but need good ears to set the parameter ..

[@helmuttemmen3047]

Das beste Match wäre Musical Paradise mp701 mk2 und Fm 300a . Diesen preamp tunen mit röhren von btb- elektronik röhren sets und mundorf capacitors. Siehe auch Jürgen ( Iam Mad) YT canal

[@k4syx]

I'm eyeing MP too but it's almost 3x more expensive, that's a big difference. And that's not counting Mundorfs and new tubes :) I am familiar with Jurgens channel, he does great job with his reviews!

[@helmuttemmen3047]

@@k4syx Du hast recht.Dieser Preamp ist 3x billiger und nach und nach kann man ihn aufrüsten wenn man möchte,das war mein Vorschlag.Preisgünstiger Einstieg durch Goldmund und dann später nach Geschmack aufrüsten.

[@jamestimmons6022]

if only this was balanced i would get one right now!

[@k4syx]

I'm on the lookout for something like that balanced!

[@rainerbroennimann1563]

The original has tube rectification. So it has 6 tubes instead of 4. So what makes it a clone?

[@richardlui8914]

True .. should buy the original second hand but may need to replace some of the dry capacitors in order to get the optimal sound .. too much trouble for me and costly .. guess may need more than $300 .. no skill to change them by myself .. I chase tube taste but the resolution and detail of tube amp may not be the best .. it is a surprise .. this tube pre can have such a good character ... If the sound is sweet .. I will buy one

[@richardlui8914]

Ps tube is a consumable .. less tube the better it is .. do not talk about the separate power supplier for control panel and resistor ladder volume control and relay .. well these things are the best for the sound quality .. Same set up except the internal circuit .. smart and economy of large scale

[@richardlui8914]

Oh yes a remote control nice ! How much money need to pay for this function a middle range gear or basically I will not buy one with a remote control function without a separated power supply.. tube pre + remote ... Cool!

[@richardgrant418]

Presumably you know Rectification is just an aspect of the PS, not the most important part A change there might/ might not have a noticeable effect on SQ. especially if it’s the preamp. Depending on a couple of factors it could make a difference to a power amp The fundamental of any amplifier is the amplifier circuit. Presumably, that is the same

[@richardlui8914]

@@richardgrant418 yes or no I do not know .. I cannot answer the question .. I am not an expert .. no knowledge for the tubes ... No knowledge for matching the tubes ..no time to do that ..I respect the original design and your knowledge .. but the people design this preamp series make sense and the partial slp_90 are verified by one pair of the good ears so far .. let call it XYZ preamplifier with partial slp_90 circuit ..based on the knowledge is there anyway the original slp-90 can have similar character like mentioned in the review may have a chance better than the original ? At least it is one the best cheap $250 with remote control preamplifiers by the golden ears so far.. it is a $250 value + plus his time and his talent .. is an original Nokia phone that has better sound than an iPhone .. no idea but I can imagine an iphone can take better pics than nokia ..

[@net_news]

a balanced version would be a killer preamp

[@k4syx]

Exactly. Id prefer it to be balanced, but the way it sounds, it doesnt really matter (but I'd like that!)

[@net_news]

@@k4syx sure, It's great anyways but balanced it would be PERFECT!! In fact, if you know about a balanced tube pre clone please let me know!! Looking for one for months.

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@net_news SUQIYA Hi Fi Audio Store has an FM255 clone preamplifier but I have no experience with it. Maybe someone else does?

[@helmuttemmen3047]

Musical paradise mp701 mk2 has balanced outputs

[@EvenHarmonics]

@@helmuttemmen3047 you are correct, and for a real product, the price is very good. A lot of flexibility too. Makes a hard choice.

[@MrBonger88]

I thought it was a BAT preamp at first glance

[@user-qr6se4on5w]

I found such a clone: Goldmund Telos T2500 Fully Balanced Tube Preamplifier Is it worth buying?

[@k4syx]

@@user-qr6se4on5w haven't heard that one

[@mcgjohn22]

these preamps offer amazing performance for the modest price they are charging.

[@k4syx]

Exactly!

[@WTHH2]

Too bad it does not hv phono input and tone controls

[@k4syx]

Yes its pure preamp. Ive seen some cloned dedicated phono stages with great reviews on Ali too, but Im not a vinyl man so I didnt get any :)

[@humanitech]

As always, a very interesting in depth review and most appreciated! However, like all things its getting difficult to choose between all the great products you have reviewed so far! As although tube and class A are appealing to me even those class d products add more options to the mix I checked the link for the preamp... but noticed they also produce other preamp variations too - with 2, 3, and 4 valves configurations - based on marantz 7, conrad johnson circuit designs!..and also a passive preamp and then some interesting class A (non tube) circuit designs too - using the same chassis and control and power supplies! Which only adds more questions and confusion 😂! Therefore as relative tube newbie (...who currently uses a little cheap fx audio tube preamp with upgraded NOS tubes) inbetween a Class A headphone dac/preamp and a class d power amp ...I have a few humble questions! (1) Does more tubes in the preamp circuit stage make things better, than those with only One, two or three (or even more) valve topologies! As although tube rolling can be fun ...it can also get very silly and expensive! And (2) did you manage to try this tube preamp with some of your class d power amps and mono blocs? As I currently have a class d power amp and so wondered whether it would be good upgrade to just buy this tube preamp to expand the soundstage and add a little more tube musicality ....or perhaps better to just go the whole hog, and buy the dartzeel power amp too! As together, they still are far far cheaper than buying a western brand tube preamp like the schiit freya with some good NOS tubes! Which was my original plan! As I am trying to make my digit setup sound more spacious, analogue and musical, but of course always on a budget😂! Which is why your reviews on all these great Chinese products are great...but difficult to know which way now to go😂!

[@k4syx]

@@humanitech Thanks! Yes they have some more and I've ordered a few others to test. 1. I don't think there is any direct connection between sound quality and tube numbers. It's more about design and topology, and also different amps use different tube types. I have that small fxaudio buffer too, try it with nos Mullards! 2. Yes, the tubes will go very well with D-class devices adding musicality and rounding the rough edges. This one too! Rolling tubes can get expensive, but it's fun. And investment, as the number of available nos tubes gets smaller and smaller, the prices go up.

[@humanitech]

@@k4syx Thanks for your reply....and I will cheekily wait a little longer to see what other gems you might review before making a purchase! But thanks again for reviewing these great chinese options!

[@edsonricardo5359]

Esses capacitores "audiophiler condensotor" são horríveis.

[@k4syx]

I see it as room for an upgrade :)

[@FDKAUSW]

250$/€? Noway with tube it goes up to 320$/€ and plus shipping and taxes u will pay 400$/€. But for 250$/€ I will take one by U. Thx.

[@k4syx]

Honestly, having heard it, I would gladly pay 400USD and leave another hundred as a tip. I hope the shop owners are not reading this comments though.

[@FDKAUSW]

The Same I can say about my mbl 6010D Clone 😊 But now U have a Tipp for Ur next Projekt 😅

[@JošJedan-j2y]

Can you briefly describe the Mbl 6010d preamp because it's in my cart and I'm undecided between it and this Prt-12a tube. The difference is about 100 €. I would like to pair it with the MF A1. Thank you.​@@FDKAUSW

[@FDKAUSW]

@@JošJedan-j2y the Sound ist greate, too. What is bether? I can't Tell IT, because I do Not have the other one. But my 6010 hast a Error after a view months : the Volumen-Control IS Cracks very hard by moving round 9 o'clock.I going to clear IT at time with the Dealer

[@isavepro2011]

​@@k4syxAfter this review the seller has already increased the price by around €80...