Super affordable Reisong A10 tube integrated amp. Budget but surprisingly engaging.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Keep in mind that I did not spend a lot of time with this unit so take my experience with a grain of salt. For the EL34 I tried from PSVANE, I was able to push it to higher volume without distortion and it was definitely cleaner. I did lose a bit of warmth and body BUT I am not sure those tubes are 'broken in' yet. I would need to test further to be sure. Non affiliated link : www.china-hifi-audio.com/en

[@williamlee1277]

Can I relate this integrated amplifier, the sweetness of the midrange that got you, regardless of the top frequency, and the low bass? Just like LS3/5 that has the sweetness in mid-range that you can forgo the highs and lows frequency? Another question I like to ask is the choice of speakers to pair with this amplifier since it is Single-Ended. Is it better to match with the speaker that has higher sensitivity, more easily driven, more transparent without coloration?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@williamlee1277 I think with 6w of power, the more efficient the speaker the better. It also comes down to what kind of music you listen to.

[@terryhong]

I am getting radio frequencies and static coming through to my left speaker. When I turn the A10's volume up and down, it almost acts like a radio AM/FM tuner and I can turn to a specific station. Is this poor shielding and a defective unit?

[@Sbailey294]

Yeah I’m curious about those PSVANE high end tubes, I have the OE Shuguang in my Primaluna and they are just so fantastical balanced and musical. I have kT120 on order… but the the curiosity for the PSV EL34 keeps growing,

[@vncstudio]

@@williamlee1277 I'm using it with Klipsch Cornwall IIIs and there is no problem. Sounds effortless and excellent. Louder than most people can handle in a domestic environment. Currently using Tungsol EL34s and the Voskhod Mil-Spec 6N2P-EB.

[@misterweb111]

Thanks Thomas for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have the A10 as second system, but listen to it quite a bit after rolling in some new EL34s. Sounds great and drives impressive volumes with my Kipsch Cornwalls, the RP-600Ms, and even sounds good with Kef ls50s. Great bargain. A lot of fun and really great sound for the money. It was certainly much better than I was expecting.

[@lysanderhubbard6041]

is it auto biasing or do you bias the tubes manually

[@vncstudio]

@@lysanderhubbard6041 No biasing needed.

[@ljcdehaan]

Love your non-reviews, Thomas. So informative. Thank you very much!

[@robk5745]

Thanks Thomas, you seem so happy lately, good to see 🙂

[@MusicLover-01]

PSVANE tubes sound more alive to me. Doge 10 impresses off the bat, its wow! And then after 30 minutes you'd want to listen to the A10 and could continue listening for hours :)

[@germanmenendez1401]

I have a Naim xs. When i listen music everybody in my family run away to each room after 10 minutes of music. Whith the Reisong not only nobody left the room, two days ago my 8 years old doughter was singing “ Looola na na na loola “ when going to school :):):):):)

[@HiFiMusicLover]

Just placed my order. My first tube Amp in 36 years as an Audiophile 👍

[@NosTubes58]

And the efficient speakers search begins........, Thanks Thomas, Happy Holidays to you | your loved ones.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, Happy Holidays to you too and best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for always dropping by.

[@ramonfrancisco3969]

I used to listen to a tube radio, amazing. It is like we are going back in time.

[@edholmwood]

I have the A10 as a second/third system and I very much enjoy it. I did tube roll it with great results. I replaced the stock voltage amp tube 6N2J, with JSC Voskhod Mil-Spec 6N2P-EB/6AX7 and the stock rectifier tube 5Z4PJ with an NOS Mullard CV 1863 from the 60's. I have noticed with these changes, regardless of the output tubes the bass is more extended and the the amp sped up a bit. I have the stock EL34s, they are ok. I also have a set of matched Telefunken EL34B (new) and a set of matched Tung-Sol EL34s. The Telefunken's are clean but a bit strident maybe a smidge faster but only just. The Tung-Sol's are much sweeter and give a nice clean and extend high frequency response with out being harsh. I like the Tung-Sols a lot. I might try a set of 50's NOS Mullard EL34s but, they cost more than the amp. We shall see. I enjoy your reviews. You are very practical in your thoughts. Thank you.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback.

[@the4000class]

I have this unit AND I LOVE IT! I am definitely sold on the tube amplifier experience . Bye bye solid state!

[@Rickzolla]

Youngsters should realize that people have been making tube amplifiers before you and I were born. The basic circuits have changed little since that time. It's not difficult to build a good tube amplifier, but it takes $$$ and tweaking to make a great one.

[@tplank216]

I have been using the A10 to drive a pair of Zu dirty weekend speakers for about 6 months now, and I am truly enjoying it.

[@WarinPartita6]

I​ like​ your​ statement​: '... Just​ keep​ your​ expectations realistic'. So​ true! And​ applicable to​ every​ circumstance.​ Thanks​ again​ for​ sharing​ you​r​ thought​s.​

[@net_news]

It's very low powered but sounds amazing!! With the RP-600Ms I prefer the Reisong over the Primaluna Dialogue. Obviously It can't get very loud, but at medium listening levels It's really amazing.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe you just like the single ended sound.

[@MrKarlengel]

Spot on Thomas. With stock El34B tubes the midrange is tear-jerking beautiful. Want better extension? Go for gold lions kt77. Want a sweet spot? go for the Mullards El34. Being a 2 tubes amp, the A10 really is a very good platform for experimentation on a budget.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the tip!

[@2savetherepublic]

Hi Karl: I just bought a doge 10. I want warm mids with holographic highs/detail. Any tube recommendations? Thanks!

[@Vociferousklang]

Can you really just start tube rolling with the A10 though?, doesn't seem clear to me.

[@MrKarlengel]

@@Vociferousklang Sure, you can start tube rolling right away. This is an auto-bias amp. You can try EL34 / 6CA7 / KT77 and 6L6 / 5881 tubes. Check out these shootouts. wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/tubes/el34-tube-comparison-with-tubes-supplied-by-www-thetubestore-com/ wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/amplification/6l6-vacuum-tube-review-tubes-courtesy-of-www-thetubestore-com/

[@MrKarlengel]

@@2savetherepublic I have no experience with the KT88 and KT66 families. Check out some shootouts online and some reviews on thetubestore.com

[@michaelboland7987]

So I got home last night and swapped what I thought were the stock tubes for a matched pair of new Mullard EL34s and wow, what a difference! Turns out the OG tubes were actually Pvane which did sound very nice after about 90-100 hours but as Steve Guttenberg said were a touch "grainy" sounding. My first observation with these new tubes was that the airy soundstage I thought was missing was suddenly there. The already low noise floor dropped away to nothing and there was much more space between the instruments. Highs, vocals, and strings are somehow both more forward and laid back which I didn't think would be possible. And this is all just straight phone streaming from Spotify and KZbin Music. I can't speak to imaging as my 4425s are currently stacked in one corner to accommodate our X-Mas tree in the other Going to upgrade the caps next and see what that brings to the table. Just my two bits but at the end of the day, there is some great value and listening experience to be had with this little amp and I would recommend it to those on a limited budget who want to dip their toes into the tube pool.

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Maybe you can continue videos like this next year. Impressions from enthusiasts are always great. On borrowing when I had my amp repaired was offered an amp more expensive than mine until I got the amp repaired from someone I couldn't ask for anything even 5 bucks.

[@tlister67]

I built an A9 recently, which appears almost identical in a different chassis.I am using 91 db monitor audio S6, it definitely bring out acoustic music like classic jazz really well. The percussion is quite detailed, makes me take notice particularly during solo breaks.

[@billbones1000]

Thomas I really love that recently you have put a lot of focus on low cost good sounding well built tube amps. Many people new to hifi are lead to believe that either tubes amps are very costly and thus solid state is the only real choice for newcomers or low cost tube amps are complete shit and QC is non existent (again reinforcing that if your new to the hobby and not rich that solid state is the only option). Your recent videos have shown both these commonly shared beliefs to be untrue. That's a really big contribution to the hifi community, especially for newbies.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, yeah it is a good time to be in audio.

[@quanyhuang3178]

Good products and music are a kind of enjoyment. We are all on the road of pursuing beauty.

[@henk2591]

Hey Thomas, thanks for this non-review. Like told before in your announcement to 'review' this amp: I own this amplifier. I'll think you said it all very clear: it's a great amp for this kind of money but not the holy grail. I had loads of (expensive) gear, but never had so much fun as with this little bastard tube amp. Loads of fun = priceless... but my audio-heart beats on, new amps will come, but I won't sell this one ever. Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I like how you call this 'little bastard tube amp'🤣

[@calebkeen8967]

I've paired this with Zu Dirty Weekend in a relatively large, untreated living room and they get plenty loud for everyday listening. Thomas is right-on that these are great for vocal music. I put on the Analogue Productions 'Male Vocals' album and my father in law (who is not an audiophile by any stretch) commented that it was as if Dean Martin was standing in the room with us.

[@garycollumbell1396]

how bout guitar work for say rock and metal as alot of these genres are still played using valve amps espcailly for guitars

[@Michael-bj4sz]

You’re right Thomas, sometimes the key to happiness is to lower your expectations. There is a lot of info in the midrange and absolutely perfect sound Is aspirational to most of us.

[@jazzpreacher]

Thanks for this review! You manage to put words to my (and surely many others as well) listening experience. Affordable and engaging is exactly my impression as well, especiall with Fostex full range speakers (Cain&Cain) and Swedish vintage Sonab (Carlsson) OA-12 speakers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@felixlaboy1453]

It’s interesting how you always say your not going to review things but your reviews are one of the best out there. LOL

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, yeah I did not even talk about how it sounds!

[@felixlaboy1453]

@@ThomasAndStereo keep up the amazing work and happy holidays

[@redstarwraith]

I think Steve Guttenberg also reviewed this at/around the same time Sean did? He liked it quite a bit too.

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

Reisong Manufacturer: Thank you Thomas and Stereo for your amazing review! Thomas: It wasn't a review... If it were you'd be blown away... Reisong Manufacturer: (0_0)....

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Lol.

[@normanbarnsley7803]

Just got this amp, wtf for the money it's amazing. Running audio bronze bx2, Bi-wire with QED sounds amazing.

[@johnh539]

I am looking for a single ended (Integrated?) Amp, pretty much as basic as posible. I have a Prima Luna evo 100 (Balanced) and I want a single ended (class A)amp as much for it's beauty as, a means to try various EL34's and KT88 type valve sets without always buying quad matched valves for the PL . Will the A10 take KT88 variants? If you change from EL34's does that mean you have to change any of the other valves like the rectifiers etc. In single ended amps as a whole? I am new to tube rolling so, so far I have only replaced the standard PL valves with the Harma retro CG 6L6 and the 12AX7's with 5751's. Tung-Sol's appeal as does trying KT88's . Any advice appreciated, particularly regarding valve versatility of single ended amps . If posible also voltage ? Are they generally 220- 230 V compatible or is that something else to worry about? I have been struggling to find these things out.

[@MrPkimura]

Great video, Thomas, as always. If you ever need somewhere to send your extra tube stock, know there's always a home for them. :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hahahaha. If only you lived next door.

[@MrPkimura]

@@ThomasAndStereo Best reason yet to move to Canada. :)

[@robadob50]

I have this amp and totally agree with you Thomas. Exceptional midrange, OK top end but lacking in bass response, which in my speakers, is hard to do since big bass response is what theyre known for. They're 105dB rated Corner Horns. All in all I paid $225 the amp, so for that price the A10 is well worth the money as a starting out, a second, or third system. I ebded up rolling some ElectroHarmonix EL34s and Tung Sol 6SN7GTs in and it sounded so much better than with the original Chinese stock tubes it came with. Another thing, it took a good 60-70 hours of burn in time on the stock tubes to really achieve its full potential.

[@germanmenendez1401]

Got this at home. Very impressed with this amplifier. Sweet sweet unfatging sound. Its a little thin on my BW 706s2 speaker. Cant hear diferences in the video between the tubes Thomas try. Can anybody hear differences? Would like a more full body sound keeping the rest if possible. Any recomendation?sorry for my english.

[@sagadust-1079]

Great video, I've been considering this as my first tube amp for a while now , I'm currently using a Rega Brio-R as my main amp, after watching the video I finally ordered it..

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hopefully you have efficient speakers to go with it.

[@sagadust-1079]

@@ThomasAndStereo I'm using Elac's 6.2 listening to jazz mainly, very nice sound, your review was spot on!

[@denroydavis872]

Hey, Thomas love your videos, I am planning and using the A!0 to drive a pair of Klipsch RP 600M for my Hi and Mid-range and a pair of Klipsch R12 for the Lows through a tube pre-amp. What do you think? Am I sacrificing anything?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Mixing speakers? Have to be careful else you will have coherent problem.

[@ferchur4833]

Hi Thomas. Talking about the Doge 10's midrange sweetness (or the lack of it), do you decided to change the caps?. I'm not sure about changing these caps in mine, but have already ordered some Brimar and Gold Lion 12AT7 and 12AX7 to have some fun.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, the problem after my review, I let Mr Quad and Mr DIY try it and they love it the way it is. So unless you find the top end too 'sharp', you might not need to bother.

[@sitomdd]

Last one available... Bought it! I was planning to buy this for a while because I was curious and afraid to go straight with the 2.3 watts Decware... But if those 6 watts works well...

[@bolandpix]

Just make sure you give it enough time to burn in. I bought mine used with an estimated 50 hours on it and after another 40 or so, it REALLY opened up.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Decware is something I like to try some day too.

[@dougg1075]

I bought the Sound Artist LS/35a directly from China HiFi and forgot about it because I thought it would be forever before I got them . Came in about 5 days which was a pleasant surprise and they were amazing . I’ll never sell those for sure. Next I’m looking for a tube integrated from them or maybe Kinki solid state.

[@johnhermosillo]

Hi Doug, I am undecided between the Kinki Em-ex1+ and Doge 10, Thomas I will love your thoughts to help me decide about this two oprions, I have Dynaudio Special Forty and Dynaudio contour 20i, Y currently use in my offcie SUgden A21SE with the Specials, want a system for my main room where de 201´s will be placed.

[@lotoboy9962]

Remember what Sean said about what pairs well with the Sound Artist Ls3/5a, warmth. If you ask Sean, I think he would say that the Denafrips Hesthia/Hyperion combo is a better fit (vs Kinki).

[@firebladeclements]

@@johnhermosillo just a note on the doge 10. They have upgraded caps since Thomas review. A touch sweeter, a touch less holographic. Should have mine within 2 weeks

[@yannickfrancois9632]

@@firebladeclements hi Mike, where can I find the info of the upgraded caps and you’re sure It will sound sweeter?thanks

[@firebladeclements]

@@yannickfrancois9632 I have had a number of conversations with Marc at doge since I ordered mine. They received so many orders after Thomas's video that their swamped. Because of the 30% will like remark from Thomas they decided to go for 70% will like, hence a small change. I had the option of either, am getting the quote "upgraded" version.

[@nathanas64]

The real potential of this amp comes out when you replace the triodes with 12ax7s and the EL34s with 6ca7 tubes ! The 12ax7s require adapters. But this amp sounds terrific now and has excellent bass. Also adding a preamp seems to help too.

[@Ifeany1]

The more these reviews come out, the less affordable the amp becomes.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I know the price is going up due to the Yuan is going up. At least that is what I heard.

[@the4000class]

@@ThomasAndStereo makes me glad I have mine already

[@jamesk7433]

my question is, at what point do they actually start to listen to the music ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@jamesk7433 Depends what does listening to music mean to you?

[@Vociferousklang]

I've been using an A10 for last three months and enjoying the sound with the stock tubes, can aagree with your thoughts on it. I'd be interested to try other tubes but uncertain what I can use.

[@vncstudio]

Tung Sol is very good with this amp. I replaced the stock tubes when one of them died after a year of heavy use.

[@sinatralala]

Hi Thomas. Love your videos! Question. When ordering the A10 on the China Audio web page, under "Version," they give you three choices, (A.) PCB Standard version- (B.) Welding by hand upgrade or (C.) PCB Upgrade Version. Which version is the best to order? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

B should be the best one.

[@sinatralala]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks so much, Thomas. Keep up the great work!

[@sinatralala]

@@ThomasAndStereo - Thomas, can I get away with not using a separate preamplifier when using the A 10? Also, does a power cord come with the A 10, or do I need to purchase one separately?

[@stevezeidman7224]

Just watched this. I’ve been stalking this amp for a while. It would be my first tube amp. Daily, I use vintage McIntosh amps MC2155 and MC2002 from 80s. I’m hesitating because my speakers are Revel Concerta 2 F36 and are rated at 6ohm 90db. I’ve read where the impedance drops to 4 and they are actually 88db sensitive. Based on what you know about this amp, do you believe it can drive them to moderate listening levels? Btw, I know you like V curse speakers. Have you heard the Revel?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, I had tried the Revel m106 before. I don't know if this is a good match with the revel. Ideally, I would match it with a speaker that is 94db and up.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Thanks much for the reply. I guess I’ll need something with more current.

[@edverbeek6292]

For a clean ‘tingggg’ on the A10, replace the capacitor in the signal path with a quality MKP capacitor. For example overtones of a piano sound remarkable ‘live’ even more. As supplement to the not so great bass of the A10, I use it with a active subwoofer, feeded by the (splitted) line out of the DAC.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Oh nice, thanks for sharing.

[@ipensword]

Ed, Can you explain which capacitor and/or where it (or they) might be located? Thanks.

[@ipensword]

I found these mod instructions online I’m case anyone is interested: filedn.com/l7UsPK07cbB4Azv0FsTo1rH/A10%20modifications.pdf

[@edverbeek6292]

@@ipensword Yes, there is only one capacitor in the signal path of right and left channel: C102 resp. C202. I also replaced C208 and C203 but that will have had less effect. I wonder why Reisong didn’t spend this extra buck themselves to make the A10 sound so much better in the highs.

[@ipensword]

@@edverbeek6292 Thanks, Ed. This description is very helpful! Much obliged. I noticed on the instructions I posted a few minutes ago (above) that someone also did a simple mod that turned the amp to triode. Said he made great gains with that.

[@lavigeriemathieu1294]

Thanks for the non-review, I was sure you'd mention the midrange. aaaand this is why we now need your take on the likes of the Line Magnetic LM-805iA. If a SET can offer both that midrange and the ample grip/headroom needed for anything other than near-field listening I'll be all over it. Oddly enough I felt no frustration in the treble department.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Man! Everyone is telling me to try LM! I have high expectations.

[@HoomanR17]

Thomas because of your experience with Tubes, I have to ask you this generic/specific question. You raved about the Doge10, while you like the midrange of this amp. Is it within the realm of possibility that Doge10's midrange maybe a tube role away to giving you the kind of midrange you like? Or technically/structurally/electrically, something else would need to be done to the Doge10?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It could probably get closer with the change of a caps in the Doge 10. I am going to try it.

[@HoomanR17]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thomas, Now I'm curious. How do you find out which cap to change, to what value and what type? Will you do a video of the mod?

[@imagesbyjonevan3890]

thanks for the review,,still leaning towards the wilsenton R8,,but someone mentioned the muzishare x7 now as being comparable.

[@armandorancano6415]

Thomas, as you well know, matching with the right speaker is so very important, as is the preamp used. I have the A10 driving my Klipsch Forte IVs. The A10 is fed by a Schiit Freya with NOS RCA (input) and GE (output) tubes. Surrounded by these units, the A10 is strong in all the areas you said were weak. I would prefer if "reviews" were not made of amp gear without adequate research into what feeds it and what it drives. It is not just that the A10 is good at its price range. It is very good regardless of price. I should say that it would not be as strong in the bass if I did not have an SVS SB3000 at the bottom, crossing over at 60hz (24db rolloff). I won't make the statement that my rig sounds like one many times its price because the musicality I hear is not relative. It is in absolutely absolute terms. I wish I could fit a Klipsch LaScala in my listening room. And, oh yes, a while back I gave up my $6,000 PS Audio DirectStream DAC for the $1,200 Burson Composer 3X Performance, which very subjectively "runs circles around it". I've given up any notion that price bears any relation to sound quality. The DirectStream has a much stronger Marketing arm and a novel story to tell with the way it processes digital. In a way, the Burson does too with its OpAmps. It's not as strong a Marketing story but it is in my rig a very strong sound story, and it makes the whole system sing beautifully. So please, Thomas, don't do half-assed reviews. They don't do justice to what you are commenting on. It makes it feel as though you are just doing it to keep up with the review competition. Do good by what you talk about or don't talk about it at all.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes I would agree if you have an efficient speaker, it will do way better than what I said in this video. Infact, my friends have tested it on their klipsch Forte, Zu and Tekton after this video and thought it was pretty good. I should have been more clear on that it was a simple test on my end and thanks for pointing it out. I would say most people with speaker that are below 96 db will experience what I said in this video.

[@robertobarros8491]

Which one, a10, a20, or BoyuuRange MT-34 MKII EL34 Intergrated Amplifier Push-pull

[@fishingbear69]

Thanks another excellent video Thomas ,Can 2 of these be used as tube monoblocks ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No it does not double in power.

[@fishingbear69]

@@ThomasAndStereo oh i see thanks., im still waiting on the cayin CS 845 model,,you had stated that youll be reviewing, hopefully soon.,I'm still hopefully waiting..

[@pedrocols]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have seen Singled ended amps go for thousand of dollars which I find odd. How hard can it be to built a single ended amp? One look inside one of them you can quickly realized there isn't much inside there.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Might be the parts they used? The Ei transformer for example? There is R11, R10, R9 and so forth rated by the silicon purity. I have been learning about all these recently. The monoblocs I show in the video are like $4k, it does make one wonder how come while the Reisong is $200 ish. Having said that, this is a good article on cost of building a speaker. We don't usually think about it beyond just the drivers and cabinet. www.avsforum.com/threads/philharmonic-audio-dennis-murphy.1348949/page-418#post-57933376

[@shooter4473]

Can you recommend a switch box to switch between two tube amps or one tube amp amp and one solid state amp and one set of speakers that will keep a load on the amp when switched to another amp, just in case you forget to turn it off before switching? I have seen these switches years ago and can no longer find one and want the protection in case of a mistake. Thanks, Dave

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sorry, I don't use switch box so I don't know.

[@Nakagawa451]

A10 goes surprisingly well with my vintage Sansui SP-3500. :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have not try it with any vintage speakers, good to know it can sound good too with older speakers.

[@myronhelton4441]

Hope you do good at whatever you do.

[@reviewmirror591]

This was a lot of review for not being a review. 👍

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

The A-10s budget price point is very attractive for sure Thomas , espically for someone on a tight budget or someone who wants an office/bedroom system i have a feeling that the Klispch Rp 51 may make a good combo with the A10 Roundness of tube topend sweet midrange and it doesn't take much to drive those copper ceramic drivers 😃 Thanks Thomas me still excited to get the Doge 10 😃 Good things comes to those who wait , Time for work again pulling another weekend but having my review tonight of a budget dac 😃 the dac wont be for everyone but if they need to add some forward livelyness on a budget this dac will be for them ! But glad i got a taste of the Burson ! I needed that ! Even though a should have made the Burson over review short and sweet me learning Thomas !

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Let me know how it sounds !

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@ThomasAndStereo You will be the first !! And yes going to test all my speakers with the amp so i get a good understanding , i have a feeling the lsim 703 may get some much needed life to them ! But thinking about buying me a new set of speakers also like the 1k Tekton lore that jay reviewed 😃hopefully i will have the Burson Composer in at the same time

[@JG-gg9wk]

Pretty informative for not a being proper review. What have you heard that has the bass slam and top end sparke of a Doge 10 with the midrange purity and sweetness of the Reisong A10? I know your Cayin cs55a is more expensive but is that a better way to go? For me it's better to save and buy something you won't feel the need to upgrade and replace any time soon. Guess it's a money thing. And Happy Holidays to you and your family.

[@lumntoob999]

The Cayin has the ability to use either kt88 or el34 and also can be switched between ultra linear and triode output. That along with tube rolling has to give it the ability to go from super sweet sounding all the way through to super clean sounding. I think the Cayin is actually a bargain at it's price, and a really great deal if the headphone amp section is run through the tubes to give you a flexible headphone amp as well.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You probably have to go up to $10k+ if you want both in an amp. I have tried tube amp around $10k and even then. Happy Holidays.

[@moon-light1354]

Still thinking about the R8, funny how it seems to get mentioned so mutch in tube amp reviews. Go ahead Thomas push me over the edge...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Don't do it!

[@johto]

I got this amp couple of months ago and have been tube rolling some. Funny, i found it sounding best with the stock tubes it came with, the rectifier of 5Z4P(J) and Psvane hifi EL34 tubes. I have tried other rectifiers and EL34 tubes, but the results have been too "solid state" like. I have found the most difference makes the rectifier (even if it should not affect because not in audio chain), i like the "tubbines" of the original Chinese 5Z4P(J) rectifier (they are from 70's, so you could say they are "NOS" ?). For preamp tubes i have the russian 6N2P-EV

[@trekjudas]

I think every audiophile should have a second amp. If you’re a blue color slob like me you should have one expensive pair of speakers but two different amps. One warm one analytical.

[@bolandpix]

That's exactly what I have. JBL 4425s with vintage Luxman SS gear and an A10 for tubes. I have to say though, I'm currently listening to the A10 more than the Luxman which is a huge compliment to this amp.

[@mattbonaccio3522]

Yeah! But.... Switching between different amps on the same pair of speakers, ugh..

[@trekjudas]

@@mattbonaccio3522 aye. This hobby isn’t for people who crave convince.

[@trekjudas]

I have an Odyssey Startos solid state amp, a Willsenton tube amp and a vintage Pioneer amp from the 70s that sounds surprisingly good. It’s not exactly refined but it has a sweet tube like quality to it.

[@derekshorrock594]

I love and have this amp

[@cybergod77]

Hi Thomas, can u pls share what's the difference btwn push-pull Vs single ended...KT88 Vs EL34 tubes?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I will have to ask Mr. Vintage to explain to me again, if I remember, single ended, one tube creates the whole sine wave while push-pull, one tube creates the top part of the sin wave while the 2nd tube create the bottom part of the sin wave. So you get more power but Single ended tend to sound 'better' at the expense of power.

[@lynnpoole7830]

Very nice non-review Thomas!

[@willmac5642]

Spotted an interesting power amp just now.. VTV Purifi w tube buffer.

[@dougg1075]

I want to hang out with Vintage Audio Guy:)

[@mr.george7687]

I think the A10 w/ LS3/5A speakers would make a killer desktop system.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My worry is that Ls3/5A might need a bit more juice, maybe it will work fine nearfield. Have to try to know.

[@gaborozorai3714]

Thomas & Stereo I am currently playing around with a Yaqin 2x12W amp, EL84 push-pull, driving Mistral ls3/5a's in a nearfield setup. For what it's worth, that system goes plenty loud.

[@eagleflight7501]

Hi Thomas I just got the a10 which speakers would u reccomend that work best with the a10 under 1000$ would be nice

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Something ideally 93db and up.

[@eagleflight7501]

@@ThomasAndStereo OK THANKS THOMAS

[@loreto1815]

Steve Guttenberg also reviewed the Reisong A10.

[@yukuntsang164]

I would recommend you listen to the A10 with Shuguang WE6CA7 plus, surprices never stop.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, I no longer have it so sadly I can't test it.

[@johnhermosillo]

Hi Thomas, I am undecided between the Kinki Em-ex1+ and Doge 10, Thomas I will love your thoughts to help me decide about this two options, I have Dynaudio Special Forty and Dynaudio contour 20i, I currently use in my off0cie Sugden A21SE with the Specials, want a system for my main room where de 20i´s will be placed.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have never heard the Kinki so I don't know. The kinki is $1k more, most likely get better control but less airy soundstage. This is comparing tubes with solid state so it comes down to a question of taste.

[@johnhermosillo]

@@ThomasAndStereo thanks man! I had tubes in the past when living in USA I had an ayon orion! Fantastic amp. But living in mexico and importing tubes are quite expensive. I am very biased to the doge 10. But who knows I will let you know then. Thanks again man!

[@HoomanR17]

Thomas, I'm going to jump on this same bandwagon. I too am in the middle between kinki and how you describe the Doge 10.. Kinki because many of the "other" KZbin reviewers, NBT, Zero F, Ron's NRD, etc. have all reviewed the Kinki and they all talk about how its holographic, 3D and sounds like a D'agastino(NBT) so its like a high end sold state with tube -like characteristics... perfect for a Thomas review!!!.. maybe they can lend you one before you take a break from reviews. This is the one integrated that needs the magical Thomas touch. I have been watching all of these reviews and have to say that as an electrical engineer, I appreciate your attention to details that I don't get anywhere else and would love to have you and all your friends review the Kinki.. Thanks for listening to my xmas wish list!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I did ask Kinki maybe a year ago after I made the Ares 2 video but they said they were not interested in making more Kinki videos at the time. Creating holographic soundstage is not hard, most decent gear can do it and it is a basic expectation these days. However, creating a holographic soundstage with air, not that you usually have to go to the higher end world to get that. Thanks for the feedback. Now the rest of the youtubers should have no problem answering you if there is air in the soundstage. If I were to bet money, the Kinki will not be as airy as the Doge 10, however, as long as it is good enough, then it is more than fine since it will excel in other areas winning over the Doge 10.

[@HoomanR17]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the reply though its leaving me still wondering "does Kinki provide air".... Based on your experience with other "high-end" solid-state, do they provide the same air?

[@baldeagle7604]

Question...I see there are only 2 inputs on the A10. A CD and an Aux input. If I wanted to hook up my phono to the unit... do I buy a phono pre-amp and plug it into the AUX input on the A10? Does this make sense?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, that is how you do it. Check out my A12 video.

[@baldeagle7604]

@@ThomasAndStereo thank you

[@baldeagle7604]

@@ThomasAndStereo A12 it is! :)

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

NOS tube sets for 12ax7 preamps : 1.vintage vibes: v1: 1956 mullard mc1 longplates v2: 1958 mullard f91 longplates v3: 1959 mullard f92 2.blue marlin: v1: 1958 mullard longplates f91 7025 v2 mullard i61 1959-1964 v3 1964-1975 mullard i63 3. green marlin v1: 1964 mullard yellow print i62 v2 mullard i63 v3 mullard i63 /power tubes mullard xf2 4. ultimate warmth : v1: 1960's brimar 6057 yellow t v2 brimar 6057 v3 brimar cv4004/xf1 5.studio :v1 1960's mullard 10m goldpins v2 1959-1964 mullard i61 v3 i63 6.striped marlin: v1 i61 v2 i62 v3 i63 7.SWEET CLARITY: GE 12AX7WA v1 v2 v3 8.rusty: rca 7025/12ax7a v1 v2 v3 tell me what you think

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow. Incredible.

[@gerritfridericksohn4627]

Have I got an amp for you. Thomas, could you use your powers to review the Raphaelite CSM45 Single-Ended monoblock Power Amplifier 845 HI-FI Audio Tube amp Pair I think it would get many views.

[@xenonsky1]

For my A10 I replaced all tubes with Gold Lion KT77, 12AX7, GZ34 tubes and that seems to extend the high/low while retain much of the mid compare to stock tubes. I recently did AB listening tests with RCA switch box & amp/speaker switch box to compare between an inexpensive Denon RCD-M41 desktop CD Receiver vs the A10, and I honestly can't hear much difference between the two with the same speakers, DAC, laptop as source. Maybe I just don't have golden ears that can pick up the differences. Any suggest for a better AB listening test process?

[@xenonsky1]

@Don I can't say I can hear any difference between GZ34 vs stock rectifier. I think KT77 made it sound more different than changing GZ34 or 12AX7.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I usually tell people, if you can't hear the difference easily, don't worry about it. It simply means there is not enough difference for you and that is ok. Just move on to other things. Could be the speakers, could be the DAC and the list goes on. Just enjoy what you have instead.

[@xenonsky1]

@Don I haven't notice too much different in overall output level due to higher 12AX7 gain, but I suppose that'll gave it slightly higher output perhaps.

[@smallfry8]

Hi Thomas how about streamers, can i use my pioneer elite like streamer how to go out n inside my dac pontus ,and analog out to tubesp reamp ,n preamp to willsenton R8,n to the speakers with good wires that make a difference with good wires explained to me im70 years old n want to try my system if I know how to plug those together I will appreciate your help thank you to answer

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I don't see why not. It should work.

[@smallfry8]

I don't know how to connect the wire from the pioneer to the dac for analog result

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@smallfry8 Use the toslink optical or coaxial out to the Pontus. Then Pontus RCA out to the R8.

[@peterdesmidt8742]

How about using this as a headphone amp (from the speaker terminals) with planar magnetics?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I did not know it is possible.

[@peterdesmidt8742]

@@ThomasAndStereo diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/tutorials/power-amp-adapter/

[@Serge036]

Which remix of the Monster is it in the beginning?

[@harrytrattner2287]

thx again nice video

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aceofspades6667]

Great content! Sorry that you and Sean are getting "tired" of the product reviews.. I hope there is a way in 2021 that you guys can find a way that is somehow less effort and more monetizing to deliver the same amount/quality of content. Since 99% of your audience cannot listen or demo this level or quantity of equipment it becomes critical for us to find a reviewer or set of reviewers we trust to get credible takes when making our Hifi purchases. I know for me and my budget I can afford $1k - $2k components (max) and if I muck it up I'm toast and my wife will not let me buy something else. So basically we get 1 shot at making the right choice.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

😂. THOMAS AND TUBES....go for it

[@carltoncotter2614]

For moderate volumes and acoustic music, how do you think this would sound with the Magneplanar LRS?

[@carltoncotter2614]

Because the FIRST WATT is the main one.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nah, LRS needs a nuclear power reactor to drive it.

[@carltoncotter2614]

@@ThomasAndStereo Decware Super Zen Triode used as monoblocks.

[@tkhubb]

I sometimes think my hearing must suck. Like listening to a sommelier discussing fine wine while drinking a PBR.

[@fman600]

Will this drive the Elac Debut 2.0 F6.s speakers? They 87db speakers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would not recommend it.

[@alvintan6302]

I always listen to your sound demo it seems like it's getting softer/quieter ,I have to push my earphone to the max. It's not so soft with the older demo

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Ah, that is because as I said in the video, I can't push the volume higher without risking distortion with the stock tubes. So normal low listening volume is ok but not more. I should have raised the Mic's sensitivity.

[@onylroque]

You no recomended this amp for Paradimg Atom SE.Specs 8 ohms and 89db sensitivity

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well you can't play it loud. Wait for my Reisong A12 review.

[@onylroque]

@@ThomasAndStereo muchas gracias Love your channel.

[@henni1964]

Thank you so much, Thomas! Your "non-review" convinced me to give it at try. The Reisong A10 is basically a power amp with volume control. So I use the Fx-audio Tube-01/ Voskhod 6J1P-EV tubes as preamp, cranking the volume knob on the Reisong to 100%, the volume knob on the Fx-audio to 80% and use an additional PGA 2310 based remote volume control. For bass I am using dual REL T-Zero MkIII subs, connected to the 8 ohm taps of the Reisong A10. Main speakers: KEF Q150 on stands, connected to the 4 ohm taps. Changed the stock tubes (to Voskhod 6N2-EP and Mullard EL34 reissue). The setup is absolutely quiet, no hum. The music played (from vinyl records) becomes breathtakingly beautiful for my taste. :-)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing your story.

[@henni1964]

@@ThomasAndStereo My pleasure. 🙂 Little update: changed the two "Philips" MKT orange coupling caps for two Mundorf MKP supreme caps. The sound gets even better, tighter, more controlled and even more 3D. On top of that, the transformers heat up less. As a matter of fact, these crappy "Philips" MKTs seem to be the only serious weakness of this otherwise meticulously built amp. I do NOT recommend DIY! BEWARE, I have still measured 18 VDC across these caps, 32 hours after shutting off the amp!

[@Sunnshineforever]

Hi Thomas..what Ver: is this amp ? hand-welded Or Pcb.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hand welded

[@Sunnshineforever]

@@ThomasAndStereo appreciate your reply ..that's the one ill get.. me thinks this amp will drive my planar headphones very well. .and we shall see.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

How do you plug in the headphone? There is not headphone jack.

[@Sunnshineforever]

@@ThomasAndStereo Oh" Heck Thomas i been using tube amplifier for last 20 years now..I've had many dedicated Headphones amps but never was satisfied with any of them really..I decided to go with tubes and drive all my headphones right from the speaker taps with using resistor balanced- headphone amp attenuator (Resistor nonidutive ones).and from that day i never ever looked back..here is the R-network i use... see the basic schematic for (universal schematic for a balanced headphone amp attenuator) from this page .. diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/headphone-attenuation-adapter/

[@popculture70]

I'm getting a lot of hifi review channels in my recommendations lately. It's amazing that almost NONE of them ever have any practical demonstrations. I understand it's difficult with copyright issues, but you could run a tone generator or royalty free music to give some idea of the volume and quality. Instead it's always just some bloke giving very subjective opinions. Boring and uninformative.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well I do run sound demo with royalty free music at the end of all my recent videos including this one, however, the problem is it is not a good representation of what the product is. I do it for entertainment but I had people complained to me they bought the unit because of the sound demo and at their home, it sounded nothing like what they hard in the sound demo.

[@cybergod77]

@@ThomasAndStereo Pls try a different track

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@cybergod77 plz suggest a copyright free track.

[@garycollumbell1396]

@@ThomasAndStereo what is the song out of interest in this vid?

[@mr.george7687]

Have the A10 planning to move up to the R8.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, you will hear a big difference. Hope you like the change but I think both have a place in my system.

[@muttech16]

Thomas did u say 'whatever laa' at 3:55?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Picked that up when I went to Malaysia...people talk like that over there.

[@muttech16]

@@ThomasAndStereo haha im from malaysia..That is our trademark 😆😆 okay laa..thanks for replying 😀👍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@muttech16 Yup, my parents are living in Sabah right now, well my dad was born there.

[@pegun]

Malaysian checking in... Tudia

[@marcopignone9386]

Would probably pair well with an old beat up pair of Klipsch Cornwalls for a budget system.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, I would imagine it is worth trying.

[@misterweb111]

I have had the A10 for 6mo and do indeed use it with circa 1985 Cornwalls. They are actually beautiful shape. The A10 is an incredible bargain. Great mids like everyone says and with the Cornwalls creates some really decent 'air/holographic' effects with surprisingly good dynamics. Much better bass than you would expect. I am enjoying it. Rolling in some Mullard and Genelex power tubes this weekend. It's an affordable way to have some fun and really great sound.

[@marcopignone9386]

@@misterweb111 Have you refurbished/upgraded the crossovers with Crites or ALK? It was a big improvement on my Forte IIs that I had.

[@michaelwigen1360]

Running my a10 with klipsch chorus ones with Mullard E34s, awesome combo!

[@peace-yv4qd]

Thank you. I'm trying to decide which amp to pair with a pair of high efficiency single driver speakers that will arrive in a few days. I talked to the gentleman who owns Sofia Electric, a very nice man, and he recommends the Sofia Baby Amp 2 as a budget solution that won't break the bank. I'm also considering an amp like the Reisong A10. The Baby Amp comes in at about $1250 but it's American made and although not as attractive as the Reisong, is tempting.

[@Chrisicola]

Sorry to go off subject, but I'm curious if anyone could point me to a simple tube, budget, stereo preamp. Something I could run two channels into and two out to a SS power amp to get some tube flavor without breaking the bank. Absolutely know nothing about tubes, but there's a lot of confusing items like microphone pre amps, strictly phono, etc. Also, will a good pre amp accentuate an already pre amp'd signal coming from a receiver (DAC)? Thanks in advance.

[@MrKarlengel]

www.schiit.com/products/saga-2

[@jamesk7433]

at what point do you guys actually start listening to the music ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Every single day. I guess it is like asking a person when does he start watching his tv when he watches a movie on his 80 inch tv everyday.

[@TheGoldtopdude]

I like it

[@hansfriess]

Can you “tube roll “ the a10? Do you need to rebias it?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, there is no biasing with this amp but wait for my Reisong A12 review.

[@johto]

no need to bias as long as you use compatible tubes. It uses cathode bias.

[@REX4340]

Whatever lah, love it

[@juanignacio8476]

Con todos estos amplificadores integrados me gustaría saber cómo se situa el PL EVO 100

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sorry, never heard the EVO 100.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

👍 seems like everybody’s jumping on the the Tube bandwagon this year.

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

It's a good wagon to be on 😎

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Like Vinyl, a come back.

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

@@ThomasAndStereo exactly! I haven't incorporated tubes in mine yet, but I do use a Schiit Mjolnir 2 for my headphones so semi tubes

[@bilguana11]

Try the new "Zero-Watt AMPLIFIER" - AMAZING!

[@johto]

ZERO distortion !

[@fishballrox]

With that psvane tube it’s more musical

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It's been a while but if I am not mistaken, it has more clarity and detail. So it is not more musical.

[@fishballrox]

@@ThomasAndStereo just got my A12 today after watching your video on comparison between the A10 and A12, yes clarity is there still new to hifi can't differentiate. As the tube warms up. Pairs well with my Dynaudio Evo 10 but it's a bit cramped for soundstage

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@fishballrox Yes, as I mentioned in my A10 video, the unit is good at one thing and that its linear midrange, everything else is just ok. However, if your speakers are efficient, you should still get decent performance. The problem is you have one of the most inefficient speaker in the world, Dynaudio. I have a few pairs myself and the Evo 10 is 84db, you need like 200w to 300w to drive those things to max potential. With 6w, it is no surprise you are not getting a decent soundstage.

[@fishballrox]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the info no wonder my Schiit Ragnarok 2 also doesn't make the speaker sound as well as i demo it

[@fishballrox]

Thomas, also which Resistance will you recommend me to go 8 ohms or 4 ohms for my 6 ohms speaker? currently using the 4 ohms

[@lysanderhubbard6041]

is it auto baising or is it user biasing?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There is no biasing for this amp.

[@lysanderhubbard6041]

Thanks so much Thomas, I enjoy an amp that i can bias myself such as my old H.H. scott 208, it is my first tube amp, which was left to me by a room mate that left. it is mated to a Little Bear P8 tube headphone amp which i use as a pre-amp and a SILK tube phono stage which is nothing more than a Yaqin MS-23B. I know these are bottom dollar amps, but hey, i still get to enjoy tube music on the cheap. I enjoy watching your show:)