Little Bear T11 Input And Output RCA Connector Replacements (Bad Chinese Parts)

[@VinylRescue]

The high left channel reading on the recording meter ended up being a wiring issue on my Pioneer PL-400 that I currently have torn down for new tonearm wiring. But, these cheap RCA jacks still had to go as they made extra unwanted noise. It was well worth the time and effort to get rid of the cheap Chinese junk parts!

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

I still have to master soldering these electronic boards. Thanks for sharing this how-to vid.

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

Did it come in the box that loose and humming or did this happen plugging the RCAs in and out? I was considering purchasing this unit too. Thanks for the heads up. Otherwise, it does sound great in your vids.

[@VinylRescue]

It didn't come loose like that at first, but the first time I connected a cable it sounded off and felt weak like something was gonna break. After repeated in and out of the RCA cables it finally broke loose. Now I don't have to worry about snapping anything off and the crackling sound is gone! All in all the whole project of upgrading the caps, tubes, and RCA jacks was worth it for me. I still wanna build a clone from Skunkie's channel some day, but that costs even more money.

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

@@VinylRescue thanks, I saw that on Skunkie's

[@ChuckNorrisUltra]

Thanks for making a video of it.

[@marcusbrown1767]

Does this unit have good weight to it? Can the tubes be coverd? I have tube amps, i like how this unit looks, but would like the tubes coverd. Too many tubes in a row dosent look good with my gear.

[@VinylRescue]

Yes, it does have some weight at 5.5 lbs. Yes, the tubes can be covered, but they're not exactly pretty. Clear plastic covers, but I never intended to use mine. Here's a link to Nobsound's website for more info: doukaudio.com/products/douk-audio-t11-vacuum-tube-phono-stage-turntable-mm-riaa-preamplifier-for-record-players

[@marcusbrown1767]

What are those round chrome things around the tubes? Also my tonearm has a flat spade ground wire, how can this be connected? Thanks.

[@VinylRescue]

@@marcusbrown1767 here's the link to the rings: youdaelectronics.com/products/34mm-ring-washer-1 I would recommend removing the flat spade connector and use something that fit the ground post. I replaced mine and only use banana plug connectors.

[@spinningrooves839]

Very nice 👌

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

How much did you pay for the Little Bear T11?

[@VinylRescue]

I bought in eBay for $149.

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

@@VinylRescue I take it you bought it new?

[@VinylRescue]

@@lionelmcvinyl9027 yes I did. I'm seeing them now on eBay starting at $179 up to $239 plus shipping of course. They can be bought directly from Douk Audio for $229. They've went up since I bought mine. Inflation, go figure!

[@lionelmcvinyl9027]

@@VinylRescue Yes, that's why I asked. I'm seeing them at $179 too. Now that you've experienced the Little Bear, how would you rate compare it to the Schitt Mani? Thanks, I respect your opinion. Good Weekend to you buddy.

[@VinylRescue]

@@lionelmcvinyl9027 I like it so much I've taken my Schiit Mani's out of my system even the SYS switch. Now that I have two T11s I use one for each USB interface with it's own set of tubes. I love the sound over the Mani preamp because the sound is more alive and robust. The Manis sound great for what they are and at their cost is very reasonable for what they do. I have no regrets moving to the tube sound and I've learned a lot from this venture.