The Best Tube Amp Under $500 isn't actually a tube amp!?

The Best Tube Amp Under $500 isn't actually a tube amp... well it is, but it's not.. but it is. Let me explain.
THX 789 - amzn.to/2Ud7q4Z
- massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
$50 - Tube PreAmp + Tone Control + Bluetooth - amzn.to/2QleCed
$40 - Tube PreAmp + Tone Control - amzn.to/2Wl4tlU
$30 - Tube PreAmp (No tone control) - amzn.to/2wce7fN
Recommended Balanced Dacs Here
DX7S - amzn.to/2w1nH5f
D70 - amzn.to/3deXbWO
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 LCD X - amzn.to/3cB0AyV
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDX
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 A8000 - snext-final.com/en/products/d...
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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🔔 JoshValour
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Email Me - [e-mail]
#Tube #Under #$500
*As an Amazon & Drop Associate I earn from qualifying

[@manueltrevinochavez2708]

Two weeks ago I didn't know anything about HiFi audio. I then discovered your channel and now have a 3000 dollar system

[@JoshuaValour]

Manuel Trevino Chavez Your welcome?!

[@delattj]

Yeah, the guy makes you spend tonne of money because you realize how much you have been missing on sound quality. That's a twisted way to torture people. :P

[@LakerTriangle]

Yup - same'ish...My wife and kids keep asking why I need so many headphones!

[@Sporting1210]

Talking about the devils advocat, eh?^^

[@ron2291]

@@chaihleeb220 honestly glad I went with the 1990 over the 990. That bass response is so much better. The 990 also feels more airy which I dont like

[@Thoughtflux]

Correct me if I'm wrong: Both the bass & treble knobs in any preamp must be set to a minimum of 12 o' clock. Reducing it equals cutting bass/treble! The volume in a preamp should never be turned all the way up - as in this his case it will introduce distortion (owing to the bad opamp) and also overpowering the amplifier - resulting in low fidelity. Keep the volume at 10, or max 11 when using the stock opamp chip. I have 2, believe it or not, Burson V6 vivid on this $42 Fx-audio Tube-03 (had to cut the case to fit in the discreet opamps) and GE5654 JAN tubes on it. The sound is insanely good! My hi-fi rig sounds totally new and alive now.

[@faaip0de0oaid]

Thanks for pointing that, i also noticed it was weird to roll of the bass and treble.

[@salvadorarizmendi3549]

I literally bought the 50 buck one and it is quite obvious that if you listen to the thing with bass and treble all the way down, you are indeed reducing vs. having it at normal levels. For the volume, I didn't perceive any distortion turning it to full volume. Regardless I'm keeping it at 11.

[@ioannou.angelos]

Great video Josh! The new perspective from the top sure looked cool. Keep it up!

[@JonDeth]

What's interesting is as an engineer I've become accustomed to getting the exact sound of valves with low even order harmonic distortion out of transistors, but rarely ever do I see it involved in a commercial product. As you mention, solid-state just sounds better in terms of detail, clarity and really hearing the expression of emotions in music, but there's an amount of tube texture that can add to that quality in a desirable way. It's not difficult in the least to get transistors to produce a dead-on accurate valve sound, but it's also not of any specific valve so as you articulate this texture into the overall coloring encasing the environment of sound pouring out of the equipment, it's somewhat of a novelty layered into it all. I have a Sansui AU-7500, and when you hear the highs and mids out of those it's the best of both worlds. They have that zing and zapp fuzziness that reminds me of a triangle wave, but also enough of the solid-state traits to command a lot of money from the Hi-Fi community that seeks these dinosaur units out. In the end, finding a consumer base seems to be why we don't see a brand show up with dazzling and amazing solid-state designs that blend the best of both worlds together and sell it for an obscenely low price. *More than anything, it seems only a small portion of Hi-Fi enthusiastic people care enough to ladle out the money for an elaborate home stereo today.* Even if I produced what has the highly distinct sound of valves using transistors which I can and have, actually marketing it to success would require something like endorsements relative to what has happened with Beatz Headphones, and those are overpriced pieces of crap! lol At some point you're stuck selling a reputation as opposed to a unique, high performance and ultra low priced product.

[@matthewhilty4209]

Creative solution to the "How do I get that tubey sound but not sacrifice on output power" thing. Good explanation and the flexibility of going back and forth from tube to no tube seems fun. I would love to see this tube preamp paired up with a budget class D amp for speakers also.

[@907G00B]

I'm buying this in combo with sennheiser headphones to try out a hifi rig for the first time. BUT, I have a BOSS katana mini guitar amp (a class d amp with a small speaker) and I might try the rear out into the katana line in, and see how it turns out.

[@bigjt37]

We need more vids like this Josh. Whereas, some of us that are still learning some things, can see different fun experimenting hookups. I posted asking DMS to do more videos of this sort. I know that I really appreciate it, as I'm planting two feet solidity into this hobby, in recent years; would love to see more creative setups, like this. I know Zeos does some things like this from time to time. But be great to see more. Feels like in the hobby, namely, the community; with some, it becomes a little bit taboo. Obviously, certain Dacs and Amps, pair well (JDS Labs, Schitt, Geshelli, and etc and have an ideal partner, and I get it; hence making, "stacks" ); and the same, as you mentioned, it's not always good for all headphones (to be on a tube; nor, maybe to experiment to much with). Having said so; I'd still like to see more of these creative hookups (namely, not just the usual common pairings, but different Dac and Amp pairings, and or preamps), demoed. Thanks! I enjoyed this..👊🏼🤙🏼🤘🏼👍🏼👌🏼💯🎧🔥🔥🔥

[@marka5968]

I did a similar setup you mentioned here. Modius to 789 and through the Suca audio version of tube preamp with GE tubes rolled. Sound is slightly different. Tube is not night/day. Very subtle difference.

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

Tyvm for the vid. This was very helpful and filled in a few more gaps that weren't quite clear.

[@pietrotou]

I set my identical unit at bass: 12 (middle), highs: 11, volume: 11 for flattest response and matched volume, and enjoy only tube effect. With the settings in the video, only mids survive... in any case the overall idea of the video is superb, thanks for making it!

[@cxmxc]

Can you confirm that by buying this unit I get “tube sound”?

[@dedskin1]

No , 12 o clock is not the flat point , those bass and highs are BOOSTS , not EQ points . So for FLAT set it at 0 . 0dB Volume is at 9 oClock .

[@faaip0de0oaid]

@@dedskin1 It depends on the preamp, there are some models that use 12 o clock as the flat point so you can decrease or increase bass and treble

[@SveinOlavGlesaaenNyberg]

I have a Topping D70/A90 (A90 as per your recommendation) right now, saving up for a "big one" amplifier, but this was a pretty cool idea for that pair! Deserves a

[@petedklein]

By the way, I really enjoy your clips. They are very well done.

[@reidromero6602]

Great video, Josh!! I loved the top-down view and I think doing sort of "cheat" videos like this and the Loki video would make a great series, like Audio Hacks.

[@the_dude182]

We need more stuff like this. I want to listen to music the way i feel. One moment i want the live experience with fat bass, an hour later i want it clean, again an hour later i need to EQ it so it blends more in the background. Enjoying audio is having the power to hear how you want it to be. Optimized for the situation.

[@akarir2009]

Hi Joshua, you’re the best audio reviewer on KZbin, Period. I love your work. I’m looking forward to buy the Bowers and Wilkins PX7s cz of their specs and design. I’m requesting you to take em for a spin and review and suggest if the sound quality is as good as B&W stands for? Thanks much 🙏

[@Sigillum88]

Hey, awesome video ^^ I thought to myself why other people do not consider this option if they already have a clean setup. I was wondering If the same can be achieved with SMSL SP 200 and Topping D10? Considering Topping D10 has S/PDIF, XLR and coaxial out?

[@xxicrimsonixx]

Ordered a tube preamp (the one with tone controls) a couple days ago... Should get here Tuesday! Awesome idea -- simple and so obvious, yet super easy to miss. Running Vintage DT 880S.

[@xxicrimsonixx]

Thanks Josh! Lovin' the new sound! Perfect compliment to the 789. Tone controls are a must!

[@johnratcliffe6438]

So I bought the THX AAA 789 recently, and have used it for a few weeks. Prior to this, I used a Metrum Acoustics Aurix. I'm not sure what to make of the 789 quite honestly. I bought it because of the hype I read on Head-Fi and ASR. I use it on the low gain setting. My initial impressions are that it's detailed without being bright, which is good, but the soundstage is narrower than the Aurix and the depth just isn't there either. The chain is: Server > Auralic Aries Mini > SPDIF Coax > Metrum Acoustics Musette DAC > RCA > Drop 789 > AudioQuest NightHawk Carbon Thoughts?

[@sicebae4988]

Will you do a comparison for Dac/Amp combo under $500? Like the JDS Lab Element 2 and Monoprice THX 788 or any other combo like that?

[@bakedandsteaked]

Topping D30, JDS Atom

[@bennielamb8911]

Great video. I did have a question on two products that you did recently audition one being the Hi-Fi man Sundara planar headphone. To be used along with Schiit lyr 3 with 6wpc @ 32 ohm. I know this is a tube amp, but I believe it's only for the input stage.

[@Poludioskroz]

Do you recommend Nobsound Little Bear P2 for DT990 Pro,or some other budget tube amp?

[@mmjackk]

Thanks a lot Josh. You just saved me 300$ on the Darkvoice. I already have the 789. I'll try this pre amp and hold it for now on the Darkvoice.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

I have a BravoAudio Ocean that can do a Preamp job is it good if I just go up the amp chain for an upgrade then?

[@fallendark6952]

New to the audio side of things but would this work with my schiit magnius and modius? I know the video is older but hopefully I can get some help love the videos thanks for helping me to get started in the audio realm

[@ChiLL_iLL]

Anyone got a rec for this same kind of chain with a A90/D90? I've been lookin at that little dot!

[@jasmeetsinghism]

Can you demo the sound with tube amp and then w/o tube amp with this setup

[@leekenyon4099]

Excellent job Josh. This suits my needs to perfection.

[@toxotis70]

Is there any cheaper alternative to this digital amp, with less power output?

[@greed1262]

I don't know if it was just me but the way you held them at 0:57 kinda gave me an anxiety attack. I was just waiting for you to drop it LOL 🤣

[@josephangelodelosreyes4206]

Can this also work with a simple drop o2? I just got my 6xx and o2 and I was planning to try making it sound warmer.

[@d.l.2401]

Using the FX AUDIO Tube preamp as a buffer preamp such as you are demonstrating should be set as follows. First of you should have set the Bass, Treble and Volume controls at the 12 o'clock position. The the volume control can be used to match the output of the original source such as a Stereo Receiver, AVR or what ever you else you are using as a source. I am currently using a Denon AVR 2807 Preamp outputs to the FX Audio inputs. The FX outputs are going to an active 3 way stereo crossover. The outputs from the crossover are going to the inputs of my 2 each ATI AT2505 5 channel 250 watt 8 ohm amplifiers which are powering my 3 way loudspeakers. It sounds GREAT! The tubes I am using are the Matched Pair "GE Jan 5654W" purchased by Riverstone Audio. I highly recommend Riverstone Audio Vacuum Tubes.

[@dedskin1]

I dont think that is correct , at 12o clock , you have boosted volume , because 0dB point is at 9 o clock , not 12 . And those Bass and treble controls are boosts , so 0dB boost is exactly at 0 , or at 7 o clock again not at 12. Im sure your system is good , actually you surprised me with active crossovers , good work , means you at least know the basics . But to become a pro , as i am , you will have to use measuring devices , no trust your ear , because its known , ear is like eye , it gets used to stuff and you just cant trust it . People can see 2 different colors from same color if they are placed at different places against different colors . People walk on the street and don't hear traffic until its too late , Or in other words , people need reference points to know anything . So , get a reference microphone , help your self because your ear and eye are useless , as are mine . Professionals know this , Golden ear boys are noobs who think they hear everything , then they get hit by a truck because their brain filtered constant traffic noise , and they just didnt hear it coming , their golden ears failed Best adice i can give you , DO NOT TRUST YOUR SELF

[@SuLu_B]

Can I get RCA splitters to run RCA-XLR into my 789? For example, I have a Modi dac which only has one set of RCA outputs I believe, so I'm wondering if I can duplicate the signal via splitter.

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

Would this work by using an Astell & Kern Dap instead of that DAC?

[@dakshyadav3952]

How about this set up? Laptop => toping e30 dac => fx audio tube preamp( one u talking) => emotiva bassx 300 => polk audio t50 tower speakers Or i should go for tube preamp with more number of tubes ???

[@Jamie-666]

Could this work on an Intergrated Dac/Amp? Don't see why not unless there is grounding issues.

[@billyleungkt]

Hi Josh, this is exactly what I have. I wonder I'm using a balanced cable to my HD800s. Can the THX RCA input output to 4pins XLR? Or I have to use 1/4 or 3.5mm jack?

[@kevin26exe]

Guys the neutral setting for the tone control knob is actually at 12 oclock not all the way to the left.

[@snuffpappy]

Im pretty sure this unit also sells under the SUCA name. It is hands down the best audio enhancing "gadget" I've used in 40 years. If you have an ear for timbre, dynamics, space, resolution, soundstage etc ... this thing will more than deliver. Just buy it ! (And use it on your main "living room" stereo system. It will breath new life into familiar recordings)

[@dedskin1]

yeah , i agree , but watch out for you words , "resolution " of course not , this lowers resolution , as do all do tubes i dont care if its 1 000 000$ system , technically impossible to have resolution like a transistor does . "Dynamics " again i if you hear more dynamics with tubes , then you dont know what dynamics is , Tubes Compress sound , making it less dynamic , and it is exactly this compressing that a lot of people like . What they call warmth , is Distortion , and what they call Dynamics is actually compression . And what they call Resolution , is richness in sound , its a combination of these two . The only thing remaining is 3D sound that Tubes have , this is again distortion but a strange kind that has Stereo component to it , so you hear it like everywhere , sounds like that , some call this Holographic sound , and it is real . I hear it as well . But all of this is Distortion , none of is resolution and dynamics . Want that , come to digital world . So again , i agree, it is good sound , its a good device , but dont praise it with Dynamics and Resolution just because you like it , i like it too , but i know it has nothing to do with Dynamics and resolution . Those things are in transistors and digital amps , as we say clinical sound , tubes no ...they are imprecise , soft , and distorting , coloring and slow , and they compress sound .

[@cpaint69]

Of course you will not like what you hear based on the setting you mentioned. You have totally cut out the bass and treble by turning the control nob all the way to the left, basically you are only hearing a limited range of the midrange. The neutral position should be set at 12 o'clock position for both the bass and treble control nob.

[@xxxYYZxxx]

Add these preamps to any budget 12v amp, or any amp with an integral volume knob. Use these when splitting RCA level signals or running long interconnects. Use them as a virtual remote volume control by placing source, preamp, and BT transmitter near your listening position, and a BT receiver at your non-remote system.

[@michaelskoney]

Joshua, Hi. I have the 789/SU8v2 combo and use the HD660S and Modhouse Argon Mk3's..................... would either of those headphones benefit from this relatively cheap addition? thanks mate, LOVE your work!

[@uangchen5981]

hey joshua, why do you recommend thx aaa dual 788 dac/amp and you don't have a review video on it ?

[@tonydillinger2553]

I have the magnius amp , soon modius dac will show up, what's a good choice of tube something to mix match

[@josephmcclure1621]

Could this work using the DROP + Grace Design Standard DAC Balanced using the unbalanced output of the DAC?

[@Snidel]

Hey @Josua Valour, why the THX789 are needed? I have a Topping DX7, and they can lift a sennheiser HD6xx with no problem, the amp section seems enough (yeah solid state)... maybe what can be done is to buy 1 AIYIMA Audio 6J1 instead of a TH789 and then output from them to a single headphones using a balanced cable (each RCA of the AIYIMA Audio 6J1 would feed 1 ear) Do you think that might work?

[@InfinityPioneer]

If the output on that tube pre exceeds 2v you should absolutely not be using it with the 789. The 789 is not a power amp, it’s not designed to take a preamp signal. It’s designed to take a line level signal no more than 2v over rca. Often preamps send more than 2v, many are 4v-6v or higher. This could damage the 789

[@trevorlane]

This was what I was thinking

[@TheAtticuz]

What does Josh have to say bout this I’m curious I was thinking the same.

[@InfinityPioneer]

DWS this is controllable by volume, however there’s no way to know where a safe voltage cutoff would be, even if we knew the max voltage. Volume knobs are not linear in most cases.

[@ItsJustChase]

I just got this in the mail....so should I do it or not?!

[@ItsJustChase]

product states 2Vrms RCA output

[@lemish7269]

If anyone's wondering what tubes were used they look like Riverstone audio 6j1 tubes. I have had experience with multiple sets of tubes from them (although not these ones), I've only got positive things to say compared to stock tubes

[@makarov138]

I'm actually running this amp in my system. Beautiful sound!

[@MrZiggytwist]

Do you notice a decrease in sound quality switching to the tube input thru rca vs balanced from the solid state ?..

[@tonycheung1559]

The fx audio has very little tube sound. I have 2 of these with GE tubes.

[@alf3268]

Hey Joshua, How can i hook up a 2 channel amp and 2 speakers to this setup?

[@kalebthomas3598]

Does this thing still hold up in 2020? I am interested in getting this because I already have a modius and magnius stack and I think this would be a nice pairing but I have other options I am looking at as well

[@TheAtticuz]

Will this work with the MASSDROP X GRACE DESIGN STANDARD DAC BALANCED and THX AAA 789 combination ? Thanks in advanced or if anyone else knows thanks.

[@shroud1390]

The Hafler Ha-75 rocks with planars and has a tube input built in. Sure its more expensive but way less of a bandaid.

[@PikaSquish]

Would it be worth picking this up for an unbalanced stack? I have the magni modi stack and want to have the option for tubes, should I just buy an 100$ tube amp?

[@Erigorn]

I already do this with a Loki! SMSL SU8 Bal -> THX AAA 789 SMSL SU8 SE -> Schiit Loki -> THX AAA 789 Lots of fun :) Would recommend!

[@Zillamp3z]

Wonder how this tube amp compares to the loki?

[@heiniousfenious6779]

can you have two pre-amps hooked together like that?

[@kevin26exe]

You should do a tube rolling guide XD

[@veedub95]

Is the tubes actually in the signal path? Of the unit

[@atompunk5575]

Can i use any of these pre amps for my home theater?

[@NaveTGT]

Question to you, then: Currently have a pair of DT 1990s and Meze 99 Noirs, and my DAC/AMP are the D30/A30 from Topping. My endgame is the 789 as far as solid state amps, and I'd love a tube amp because I love the way the Meze sounds through tube, but I'm not entirely sure if I'd need to upgrade my DAC any time soon (and I might probably pick up like an RCA splitter or something to add a tube down the line) That would mean that I'd spend around 800 bucks anyways on a new system (in parts). Saying that, should I opt for a solution with the same DAC/RCA splitter/THX 789/tube amp or different DAC/ tube pre-amp/789. That is if the entire thing is going to end up being around 800 bucks anyways.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I've wondered about the THX amp working with the amazing iFi Audio iTube2 tube buffer/pre-amp with a S/N ratio of 119dB.

[@tenveri]

Of course.

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Hey Everyone and Joshua this seems a great Idea but I already have a Dark Voice Tube Amp with Upgraded Tubes as well as a New THXAAA789 on its way,Can I do the same as your showing with my Dark voice and run it into the THXAAA789 when it arrives?

[@triggrhaapi]

I have the Aiyama version of that tube preamp. I am using with my home theater/stereo as a preamp for the aux input. Works great with my LG G7 as a dac.

[@lovethemusic4933]

What is the version of aiyama?

[@scienceofone]

I bought the tube pre amp one that has only the aux in and rca out, will that be a good way to connect it with the dx7s?

[@yourname3336]

One question? If I connect this preamp to my solid state amp, which device control s the volume?

[@charliebrown3082]

He'll yeah, I got one 3 months ago. I'm running it into my surround receiver and the atom.

[@bobe3250]

Thank you for the ideas!!! Presentation A+

[@Mirko0128]

Would it be okay to hook up the tube PreAmp to my IEMagni? Hoping to get that tube sound for my HD6XX at a budget.

[@3meir]

can i use this without XLR?, only single ended

[@wongthomas9514]

Is it possible to do SMSL SU9 as the dac, Topping A90 as the amp, then xDuoo TA26 as the preamp? Same RCA, balanced XLR, not sure if TA26 is an overkill, but it seems like a nice foundation for tube rolling

[@gusgamble]

I use this setup and linked this video in a review on Drop! One thing I have learned from personal experience is to set the eq knobs to the middle, not down as they are EQ knobs and if they are down they sound flat and odd. I also started setting the volume to around half to ensure there is no possible issue regarding peaking (you don't want to feed ss amps with too much power). This setup lets me use sundaras for zoom calls without dying at each static pop, listen to amazing and accurate music, and overall have a much more diverse experience. But seriously: SET ALL THE KNOBS TO THEIR MIDDLE POSITION

[@michaell2444]

Anyone would have any recommendations for the same thing but balanced?

[@truckyouable]

I use FX Audio Tube 01 to control Crown XLS 1002, very clean, very strong, very happy.

[@thecardoski]

I have that pre amp with GE JAN tubes, , turn the bass up and treble down a bit and the Elex are about perfect

[@Herobox-ju4zd]

I got that NFJ (hybrid) tube amp about 2 years ago after some random guy on youtube saying it was pretty good, also it was just about $30 and I wanted to be able to adjust the tone a bit and this had treble and bass, so why not. I got it and connected it to my focusrite and some decent monitor speakers, turned it on and... I was blown away. Everything sounded way better, it was spacious, the mids and the bass were much more pronounced without losing clarity in some songs it was like going from listening to a sterile flat recording to almost a live recording, I was amazed. So I tried and find some more about this amazing product expecting rave reviews and most I encountered was hate about this little amp; "It's not a real tube amp", "It just distorts the sound and doesn't make it better", "It's a scam". Look, I'm not some "audiophile" or technician, I don't know what that little amp does, but whatever it's doing, I like it.

[@rainingman338]

This would be a no brainer for me if it had passthrew for the signal. Cant find anything 0on the amazon page

[@drillgirl718]

bro i got a question, i have a solid state microphone, a sony c100 mic, i want to add color to it by using tubes, i have a tube preamp but i want to add more tube sound, will it be a problem if i connect this to a tube amp like the ones u talk about? and how would i go about it? is there any amps with no distortion?

[@tonydillinger2553]

I have Fidelio X2, he 400 I both older version, K712 pro, harmonicdyne zeus, magnius amp, mayflower arc amp/dac, soon modius dac. Can I do same that your doing with tubes? what is good tube Device to put with magnius modius stack, or can you?

[@wallacewalsh1085]

Im new to the audiophile thing. Will this work with the Topping A90/D90 stack?

[@mikem320]

Could i do this with the THX 788 (DAC/amp)?

[@PanDaem0nAeon]

I have Ifi one Signature + Topping L30 chain. How connect this if dont have xlr in these at all? If i connect through ifi and the l30 to the end of chain. I need an option to use with tube amp and without. Is FX-Audio Tube03 MKII how much similar? It has headphone out and I can connect to topping pre-amp out.

[@dustingallamy2897]

could i use this with my schiit stack? i’m interested in trying tubes

[@africantwin173]

How long do the tubes wil hold with the budget tube amps under 70 euro.

[@saucyg6371]

I just ordered the SMSL SU-8 and SP200 from Drop. They’ll be shipping on April 21st (so basically they’ll never ship) but for $425 as opposed to $540... I couldn’t pass it up.

[@tillw9059]

got the same setup, SU-8 will arrive April 1. And my Beyerdynamics DT 1990 within this week :)

[@vinspin3766]

Hi Joshua. I currently have a zen dac with rca out and an xduoo mt602 tube amp with rca in and out and a 3.5mm in. Planning to get a topping a30 for this setup. Unfortunately I dont have balanced connections atm(do i really need that). Will this work with my current if lets say i connect my zen dac 3.5mm out to my xduoo 3.5mm in and my xduoo rca out to the topping a30 rca in. Then my zen dac rca out to the topping a30 xlr input using an adapter or rca to xlr cable? Sorry for the long text just want to make sure before i purchase :).

[@timvonr2802]

Just had postet an idea like that yesterday. Some high quality headphone / pre amplifier with good sound ab some pa amp like a crown xls for power...

[@faaip0de0oaid]

Can i do this with the Ifi ZEN DAC/CAN?

[@henryong4100]

What's the name of the opening song?

[@sarundayo]

Will this work with the Modius/Magnius combo?

[@allansh828]

how do they sound on Focal Utopia?

[@calfee62]

Hey, what’s with all the background music for the first 3 minutes? And, I agree with prior posts that the power supply on the preamp doesn’t have enough jam to drive the gain stage. You should not need to crank it to 11. Otherwise, an interesting take on getting some selectable tube warmth into your system.

[@Noah-wo2ov]

will this work with a schitt magnius modius stack?

[@mranthony1886]

I have a vali 2+ on the way to complement my Atom Dac and kenwood Hifi

[@nathansantos.n8]

anyone know how this fx audio tube 03 compares to the xduoo mt-602 as a tube preamp into a solid state? (ill be using a Topping L30) is the mt602 well worth it, or are these identical when used as a preamp only?

[@ufarkingicehole]

Wondering that as well

[@realSandrow]

Would this work with a Modius and Magnius ?

[@ChadR13]

Can I hook my cell phone the amplifier as my source of audio

[@sandyjust]

how about popping? I have this same unit and it's pop while it's switching on.

[@bigblueocean]

Just get some corn :)

[@BradfordRMcKnight]

Gave it a shot. One of the tubes was shot and only put out about 5% volume. Might give it another shot.

[@mikediezel0923]

Review the blon 03 and the urbanfun ybf iss014

[@sameh9310]

DAC/AMP noob here cuz i only used combos so far. But could i add something like that onto my Fiio K9 AKM? And if yes, how do i exactly connect everything right and which Mode do i have to use on my K9 then?

[@quoostonator]

Ehm... can I do a tube pre-amp into my Topping L30?