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

[@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.

[@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

[@kevin26exe]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@proffessasvids]

The zero point on the tone controls for the tube-03 are at 12 o'clock Josh xx

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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

[@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 ???

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@martijnbos9873]

I believe this setup doesn't work the way is explained in the video. I'll explain why: After watching this video I got myself such a setup. I got: - DAC: Topping D30 Pro - Amp: Topping A30 Pro - Pre-amp: Suca Tube-T1 (as suggested in the description) I have used it for about a week now and have tried to hear a difference a lot, but couldn't hear a difference. I set it up so that I could just flip the input from RCA to XLR and back, matched the volume, to have instant switching. I literally don't hear ANY difference, let alone preferring one over the other. I posted on a forum to get some advise, and people there advised me to upgrade the tubes to JAN 5654w, which I did. Again, no audible difference at all. I did some research, and I think I found out why I don't hear a difference: because there is none. This setup doesn't use the tubes to pre-amplify the sound. It only uses the tubes as a buffer to lower the output impendence. Since there is no gain stage (neither for voltage or current) that uses the tubes, they never have the ability to alter the sound or make it "tuby". In order to have a tube pre-amp color the sound, you will need a pre-amp with a gain stage for the tube, followed by a buffer to lower the output impendence so that it can work with the amp later in the chain. I'm open to hearing why I am wrong here, but it seems to me that there is no way this setup will create a tube sound. I thought I'd share my experience for people considering the same thing. To Joshua, in case you read this: Whether I am right or wrong here, no hard feelings. Thanks a lot for making awesome video's and doing your best in advising people. I've found your video's very helpful and fun, so keep up the good work! I was going to buy a nice stack anyway, so the tube adventure cost me only 40 dollars.

[@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

[@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.

[@tonycheung1559]

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

[@yamaha28]

Are you saying that the stock tubes do not make a big difference? But conversely, the GE tubes are recommended, instead.

[@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

[@patrickmccrank8414]

Hey again. I can't get enough of this idea/ video. I keep watching over. Will this work with an actual tube amp instead of a preamp. I mean, they have hybrids. Would the small amount of power from a tube amp going into a solid state amp cause damage or would I be required to run through the tube amp in a "pass through" as a sort of preamp?? Also.. please. What is the song and artist at the start of this video?

[@MrFrenchHarp]

It’s not distortion so much as it’s compression and slight EQ warming with a bit of distortion on the very extreme edge.

[@veedub95]

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

[@QusayM91]

Upon your recommendation, I have just ordered this tubes preamplifier. Will let you know how the whole system sounds.

[@dillacorn_linux]

How is it?

[@QusayM91]

Honestly, not that great in general. When I tried to use it on my headphones, I heard a noticeable background noise which ruins the whole experience. It is fine with speakers though.

[@QusayM91]

@@dillacorn_linux Well, I would agree with you actually. The unit I ordered does not provide a true Vacuum Tubes sound. I am sorry, but it is a waste of money. So how does the xDuoo MT-602 perform?

[@dillacorn_linux]

@@QusayM91 getting it Saturday. I deleted my previous comment I thought because it didn't sound right but I guess you had seen it.. the AIYIMA T2 I received is a DSP tube preamp.. I think this video Josh made is saying this can add distortion to the THX 789 but I don't think the warmth or other character gets translated in the connection without DSP adjustments. It just makes the THX 789 sound worse basically and that's it. I could already do this with EQ or PEQ. no character change from what I can tell through the signal path.. it could have also been that the stock tubes on the AIYIMA T2 are sterile/clean sounding.. maybe the reason the only difference I heard was it sounded slightly worse. I'm going with MT-602 because it's Class A Hybrid design primarily... It will prob give me more of what I'm looking for since I primarily use planar headphones in my collection + a HD 600. Won't use the RCA outs to 789 just straight into the amp.. I think this video is just a miss... in theory it sounds like it would work but it's not a good introduction to tubes IMO

[@QusayM91]

@@dillacorn_linux I got your point. Interesting... However, I must say that I had Xudoo At-26 and I tried to use it as a pre-amp connected to a vintage transistor power amplifier. I didn't notice differences in the sound and it was indeed very similar to the sound of Vacuum Tubes. Nonetheless, the gain on the Xudoo was very high (16 dB) and any headphones I tried to connect (even Planar) ended up being massively overpowered! To the point I could only use speakers. I thought that I would solve the gain issues with the pre-amp that Josh introduced in his video but I got that annoying background noise... Anyway, I have an new OTL tubes amplifier, hand built, that does the job extremely well even with Planar (such as Hifiman He560). Apparently, not all Chinese companies are alike and only few of them produce high quality stuff such as Topping and Xudoo. By the way, which headphones do you have in your collection?

[@SuLu_XD]

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.

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

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

[@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.

[@makarov138]

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

[@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?

[@leo11877]

What are the tower brown speakers in the background?

[@ChiLL_iLL]

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

[@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?

[@Thee_Jadex]

So wait what in the world is the diffrence between tube amps and tube DACs? You'd think you'd only ever want tube DACs since thats whats actually making the audio right? Or is it a more their meant to work together thing

[@san-chil]

I have this set up more or less, mostly less. The tubes adds a nice warmth to the sound signature. The head phone amp, I never understood why !!! There are plenty power amps in range of 39-50 dollars usually with 4 inputs and 4 outputs. If you hook up the tube amp to the source one end and connect its output to a 40 dollar power amp you get awesome quality for under 100 dollars. Add on a decent dac, maybe khadas tone board.. and you have a decent 150/ 200 dollars. It basically 60-80 percent of quality I am guessing at 10-25 percent cost, and that may represent value.

[@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..👊🏼🤙🏼🤘🏼👍🏼👌🏼💯🎧🔥🔥🔥

[@yourname3336]

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

[@ioannou.angelos]

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

[@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.

[@jasmeetsinghism]

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

[@toxotis70]

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

[@bobhopfner3812]

I have the Fosi Audio with have 2 tube buffers, and it has a nobsound NS-10T as a total analog preamp. The Fosi has 2 Sparkos SS3206's. DT 990T loves it, my Moondrop Arias did not? so I got a Moondrop Dawn 4.4 for the iems and my phone...

[@mranthony1886]

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

[@africantwin173]

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

[@StrikitRich]

Or just get a Darkvoice 336SE?

[@triggrhaapi]

But can you use the darkvoice as a tube preamp for a larger stereo setup?

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@triggrhaapi Use powered monitor speakers. Just remember to use darkvoice headphone output for best result. Darkvoice weakest link is its preamp RCA output. Many said it's terrible.

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@NoblesseObligeAny particular headphone that made the darkvoice sound bad?

[@StrikitRich]

@@triggrhaapi No, just pointing out an option for an entry level OTL tube amp. As far as making your own hybrid amp by adding the tube pre-amp to the THX AAA 789 it's intriguing, but I would personally use the basic model with no tone controls.

[@mouhebkhateeb5609]

But they're not balanced .

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@leekenyon4099]

Excellent job Josh. This suits my needs to perfection.

[@sarundayo]

Will this work with the Modius/Magnius combo?

[@MrZiggytwist]

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

[@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 :).

[@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

[@chriskozikowski]

I’m not hearing any difference smsl dac> suca tube> 789. I Hooked it up with balanced cables from dac>amp and tube to amp with rca as described. Am I missing something?

[@chriskozikowski]

How can the amp receive both signals?

[@dillacorn_linux]

As I understand it the THX 789 has a RCA and balance switcher in the front to switch between the filtered tube preamp that's being passed by RCA. And like you said you have the dac hooked up direct to the 789 via balanced. If you're not hearing a difference switching between signals maybe the tube isn't coloring the sound much at all i'd figure.. maybe try different tubes?

[@chasenelson4641]

Josh, what about the bottlehead crack? It looks better and I hear it is one of the best tube amps for the hd 600 series. I’d love to see a review.

[@magnusl6200]

Love my Crack+HD800 combo. The quest is over. Bittersweet. :)

[@goowy1256]

top down shot needs to be a little bit higher. Something looks off about the lighting too but I'm no expert

[@realSandrow]

Would this work with a Modius and Magnius ?

[@richardbixler]

That little tube preamp is interesting, online you can find dozens of companies selling them. The weird thing is there are two very different internal architectures commonly used. I was torn between the one in this video and one sold under a different name. This one has a black circuit board and some really ugly soldering. The one I bought looks nearly identical on the outside only with a purple circuit board made by Phillips. I can’t speak for the one in this video but the similar one I bought is incredible! And the tone controls are a life saver. Some mixes, and headphones are wildly bass or treble heavy. Being able to adjust the tone so easily is great.

[@ADesertVoice]

I don't understand what the relation is between internal soldering and how a tube amp sounds? Those 2 have nothing to do with each other.

[@richardbixler]

Peter Sung they might sound the same for all I know? All I can say is you can find tube preamps that have the exact same housing at the same price with completely different internals.

[@archkull]

@@ADesertVoice build quality dude...

[@faaip0de0oaid]

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

[@heiniousfenious6779]

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

[@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.

[@truckyouable]

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

[@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?

[@petedklein]

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

[@raspucin70]

Funnily enough, I bought Suca few months ago without seeing this video. I added it to my vingtage Technics, which on its own is has a very "analytical" sound, that can make certain speakers sound harsh (It made my Klipsh speakers almost unbearable to listen due to uber-bright upper range). So I decided to experiment and add Suca as a pre-amp, and it made a world of difference - Suca "shaved" the overly bright upper range to much more pleasant levels. I may add it does depend a lot on what speakers/headphones you use - some headphones (like HD 650 in my example) are less sensitive, some are more sensitive to tube pre-amping (like 4xx, also in my example). So your mileage on what you can get from tubes may vary.

[@dedskin1]

Ah yes , Klipsh owner , someone who buys audio devices based on the looks and marketing ended up with harsh system , i can imagine the horrors you are going trough . Here is an advice to you , buy a good speaker system so that you learn what is what , its not expensive , 300-400$ , take Fluid Audio FX8 , a coaxial active system . You know why active is better , because the EQ filter between the tweeter and bass has a sharp cut off , so that Tweeter doesn't mix with bass and play same note , because tweeter being smaller is faster then bass , and you get phasing issues , that smudges the note .You dont want that . And of course it has separated Amps for all drivers , again its better if each driver has its own amp .Minimizes crosstalk And you take Flat system , no coloring , you can add it later , you can boost bass , whatever , add tubes , play with it . But have a good starting point , a solid base to build on and learn shit

[@raspucin70]

@@dedskin1 Ah, the omnipresent Internet backseat driver, recommending me a $200 speaker that doesnt go below 35hz over my $1200 speaker. Ok. I guess I will just toss my Focals, my Paradigms, and those RF-10 Klipshers that you used to paint what person I am. While at it, I guess I need to toss my Nakamichi, Onkyo and HK and Technics amps that I use to "learn shit" as you so aptly mentioned at the end of your barely readable drivel, just so I can get a Pyle or some other re-branded "system" that you think is the latest and greatest. Go drive your Subaru somewhere else, this is for more sophisticated people.

[@dustingallamy2897]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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

[@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?

[@dngale41]

Don't you have to strain a tube amp in order to get it to change the sound more? So, wouldn't having the thx 789 amplifying the signal from the tube amp kind of defeat the purpose of having it? Maybe someone would want to get headphones loud but only want a little bit of "tubiness," but other than that, I can't really think of any other reason to not just run the two amps independently from each other.

[@Hans.Dewitt]

exactly what you said, this is a quasi hybrid tube amp, a full tube amp is not the same at all

[@bobe3250]

Thank you for the ideas!!! Presentation A+

[@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?

[@atompunk5575]

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

[@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.

[@patrickmccrank8414]

This makes sence..I think. I'm trying to replicate this. Sort of. Using components I already have. These are: Same; FX tube-03 THX AAA789 Different; Shanling EM5 (as source) RME ADI2 FS (a different DAC) Nitch magni Piety (extra amp to try) What do I need to do different?

[@rainingman338]

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

[@traditional85]

These cheap tube preamps are mostly gimmicks. The tubes in them are simply used as buffers. There is a solid state chip in them that the signal is run through.

[@Poludioskroz]

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

[@wallacewalsh1982]

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

[@alf3268]

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

[@tonydillinger2553]

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

[@quoostonator]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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?

[@DrpzOfBlUd787]

Really cool video, Joshua! I was thinking of doing a similar build with a Topping E50 DAC and a Schiit Magnius. I especially like the idea of a tube pre-amp with bass and treble adjustments to do a little analog tuning. What do you think?

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Hi, me having essentially zero knowledge when it comes to this, would this work with a magnius modius stack?

[@DrpzOfBlUd787]

@@Robban.D.Jonsson. I'm not sure if the modius can send audio on its single end and balanced output at the same time or not. I'd check that first. Otherwise, yes you can build a similar setup with that Schiit stack

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

@@DrpzOfBlUd787 cheers man

[@Jamie-666]

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

[@iliketoreadiliketothink1763]

I think it’s going to be a while before a lot of is are going to be thinking about making these sorts of purchases. Any chance you could switch gears and do a budget audio series?

[@mariodrv]

Or get a Schiit Vali 2 with a Modi Multibit and a couple of Electro Harmonics tubes.

[@Firenmage433]

EH tubes are pretty crap, you could do better for not much more

[@mariodrv]

@@Firenmage433 No they are not. The 6922 and 6CG7 are great for the price. 6922 if you like it thicc and lush with holographic staging qualities or the 6CG7 for a more neutral and a bit more detailed sound. Both are much better and offer more details than the stock tube and don't break the bank costing around 20 bucks. Anything else needs an adapter and defeats the purpose of buying a 180$ amp, Brandon.

[@Firenmage433]

@@mariodrv I can understand you enjoying it if you have a modi multibit. Unfortunately that dac is a bit very resolving at all, but the EH tube might maybe it sound less syrupy. I have a CTH and I settled on a different tube with a delta sigma dac. Will never use the EH tube again for sure

[@mariodrv]

@@Firenmage433 I got a Modi 3 with that amp too. Am recomending the EH tubes for beginners, since they don't cost much and are an improvement over stock.

[@Firenmage433]

@@mariodrv I didn't realize they were an improvement over stock. For beginners you could do worse, but Once you listen to a good tube, I should just say you're favorite tube, you will never use it again. Appreciate you giving advice to new audiophiles. Every system is different and every amp is different

[@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

[@HarveyDent523]

Isn't the balanced out on the 789 essentially negated because the rest of the system is using singled ended connections?

[@HarveyDent523]

Wait, stand by. I've just gotten to the top down stuff... which by the way is good. Keep doing it.

[@HarveyDent523]

Do you honestly not hear a difference in quality/cleanliness going from the single ended in of the tube pre-amp as compared to the balanced lines from the DAC itself?

[@Hans.Dewitt]

its only balanced if you run the dac directly to the 789 using XLR

[@3meir]

can i use this without XLR?, only single ended