The Future of Integrated Hybrid Amp? Heaven 11 Billie Mk2.

#hifi #audiophile #stereo #speakers
Patreon: / thomasandstereo
heaven11audio....
Gear mentioned or used in this review
Heaven 11 Billie amp
Silverline Sonata speaker
SMSL D3 DAC
Gustard R26 DAC
Bugle Boy tubes 12Au7
Telefunken tubes 12Au7
Philips Miniwatt tubes 12Au7
HITRAY tubes 12Au7
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[@aceofspades6667]

Watching an episode of Thomas is never a waste of time.

[@redstarwraith]

You are the very definition of patience, Thomas.

[@flashhog01]

Your previous video was very clear. I’ll never understand why some people appear to be committed to misunderstanding or misrepresenting others.

[@weatheranddarkness]

seems popular these days.

[@crimsonghost6454]

Thomas,your videos are never a waste of time for me. Even when the product is out of my price range or not of interest to me. I still find your videos to be entertaining and educational.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks a lot.

[@khunopie9159]

This was 17 minutes I'll never get back, but I DON'T WANT IT BACK, because this was highly entertaining and educational! Well done Tom! You've done it again! Booya! 9.8/10

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks!

[@stephenstevens6573]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first review, and respect you for coming back and doing this one. Hard to believe that anyone would have misunderstood the first one, but like you said, they may have clicked off early, not catching your dry sense of humor..again..mad respect!

[@PeterMooshammer]

Thank you for adding the tubes types you used in your review

[@tedthomas9809]

I find this to be one of the most interesting amps to me. No major hi-tech rodeo. Just what I think I need. Thank you.

[@MarcelNL]

I really want it, but import costs are crazy high! On the other hand; try to find something similar for this price + the costs of import.

[@superd222tube]

I enjoyed your use of the term, 'glare' to define the Class D power amp sound. A perfect single word summary. Well done. Thank you Thomas.

[@JosephTongret]

Everytime you film in this room of your home, I can't help but keep smiling at the child in the photograph on the wall, lol. What a great picture 😁

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks!

[@mosfet500]

Thanks Thomas, I've been talking about and designing tube/class D for years. I'll have to try the tubes Billie uses in one of my amps.

[@HD-su9sq]

I don’t need another amp, but if I did the Billie would be ordered already. Good price, great sound!

[@soowat1190]

I enjoyed both videos this one and the previous one. Hard to pick a color though, silver or black both looked elegant.

[@thirdkey9]

Always down to earth, honest and thinking of your audience though agree with others on no apology needed. You clearly take pride in your craft. A gentleman utuber can always express their views without being a jerk and you sir do that all the time. Appreciate the review.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS AGAIN 🙏WE HOPE PEOPLE WILL LISTEN 👂 MORE CAREFULLY THIS TIME…but we won’t get our hopes up ⬆️ too much 😁💚💚💚

[@Curi0u50ne]

That’s right Tom no gloves these glass valve’s aren’t xenon car bulbs, so it won’t be a problem handling them with clean fingers

[@MJHiteshew]

This makes sense to me. I have tried incorporating 3 different budget Class D amps (Fosi, Aiyana, etc.) into a small desktop setup (iFi Zen preamp->amp->Klipsch R-51M). That combo has resulted in a very harsh and rough experience. The warmth of the tube pre-amp would help tone down the Class D experience. Thanks for posting this.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It is a bit more than that. Budget class D tend to have that harshness and glare. I don't know those brand you mentioned but there is definitely a difference between how each company handle class D. XTZ A300 for example, is a bit rolled off on the top end to give it a bit of smoothness.

[@MJHiteshew]

@@ThomasAndStereo Those products are all well-known "Chi-Fi" brands, and that may be why you don’t know of them as that’s not how you roll. 😂 However, some of us are still on the lower budget stage of our hi-if journey.

[@davidstein9129]

Another great vid. Very clear & concise presentation.. You included the pros and cons of this unit & what vacuum tubes would pair well with this hybrid Amp. Thanks for all your great work. I really enjoy them & review many of them for reference purposes.

[@richardbertin7302]

Great review on the Billie mk2 hybrid. I own a rogue Sphinx v2 which is class D and tubes 12AU7 on the preamp side, and wow what a terrific sound on all genres. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Billie, I’ll have to check it out someday.

[@blairsprague8112]

I think this is a great all in one type solution...I absolutely love my VTV ET400A with input tube Buffers...to me Bruno Putseys nailed it with his Purifi modules...paired with a Schitt Freya+ preamp that I tube rolled to my taste and an R2R musical DAC from Ladder Schumann my Totem Acoustic Tribe speakers have never been so sonically spot on for me...thanks Thomas for enlightening your audience to the incredible benefits to Class D when paired with the appropriate balanced preamps and DACs.

[@thebastblastofficial]

I liked your previous episode. I liked this one. You were clear in both. Continue with your great work.

[@toddhupp2645]

the subs all have class d, great for bass.amazing how much the front end tube brands affect the sound in this unit and generally.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

For me, the tubes did affect a lot depending on the brand.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Outstanding review, Thomas. But then, I got it on the first review. You dont need to apologize just because some people complain. There are a lot of opinionated know it all audiophiles out there who spout their opinion as if it is actual experience. This isn't religion or politics so I wish people would stick to the facts please. I have been a class AB guy forever and have been skeptical of class D but only to the extent that some people try to rationalize its short comings. I remain hopeful that it will improve and be a great amp design. I am one of those old guys who cant lift the big stuff any more and for that reason I have a couple Mono AB amps to split the weight. I am a fan of tube preamps and solid state amps so this development in taming the negatives of class D is very welcome. This has already been done by Rogue in their Sphinx integrated with great success and acceptance. I wonder how NADs new class D amp would match with the Billie preamp? People need to chill out a bit. This is free entertainment done at some trouble on your part. Unfortunately, some audiophiles have the attention span of a bipolar humming bird on meth.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for the comment!

[@merlecrandall1709]

The saying goes, time we'll wasted. I'm glad you did do a review on this amp. I have seen Steve Huff's review and was hoping that you especially was going to one as well. I enjoy both you guys as reviewers.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the Class D XTZ Edge A2-400 and pair it with the Denafrips Hades preamp and the Schiit Freya S with the Ares II and KLH Model 5 speakers. It sounds fantastic in my room. I also have the Denafrips Thallo amp in the mix. I like the sound of the Class D with the Ares II and Cayin RU6. I just ordered the Venus II 12th from Alvin, it should be here in a few days. I would really like to try this out as a preamp, not interested in its internal DAC.

[@Vince-jj8qs]

I have learned much and truly enjoy your videos Thomas. Much Appreciation Sir.

[@Exgol2005]

been using x10d + linn akurate with Maggie's for years... even if many were thrashing class D. in my setup, it's brawn and sparkles!

[@2ridiculous41]

I thought the original made your feeling about it very clear. I've been waiting for this time for best part of a decade and now Class D has finally revealed its possibilities.

[@edcataldo8312]

Great content as always and the extra detail about the preamp versatility was helpful in the decision to purchase 👍

[@garyw3499]

I bought the Billie 1. It sounds great with my Philharmonic BMRs. I will be upgrading to the Mk2!

[@nikolaygramchev]

I didn't follow the comments so will not judge these. According to me, you were very clear. I was so captured that I searched for other reviews about the heaven11. It is a bit salty - taxes and shipping to Europe are quite an extra cost for me, but I am putting it on my list. You convinced me to get tubes in my chain. At the moment I am enjoying a Feliks Audio Echo mk2, as an OTL amp and pre-amp - I do headphones and wanted an OTL. But the heaven11 is very captivating piece of art to me, due to you (:-)

[@anthonymiriello5029]

Your videos are always informative and well carried out. Keep up the good work. I would love to hear this amp in my system.

[@Revelator2025]

Tube pre/Class D synergy is superb if Class D is done right. I have AGD Audion monoblocks. When combined with my Supratek line stage the result is incredibly satisfying. I use a few different speakers including Magnepan LRS, Tekton Encore and Klipsch Forté IIIs. I’ve never had more time spent with the sound keeping me locked in, listening to track after track. Great review. Thanks!

[@ufarkingicehole]

Between those 3 speakers, which are your favorite?

[@Revelator2025]

@@ufarkingicehole hard to say. I enjoy each of them for different reasons. Fortes are lively and a lot of FUN. LRS are room-filling and just pleasurable. Encores are well-balanced and all-around favorites. When I use all of them, I’m also using a pair of Tekton 4-10 subs which makes all the difference in well-balanced low end dispersion. The Audions are my favorite amps, hands down though I will trade them out with Pass XA-25 or the SIT-3 from time to time. The detail and warmth is so satisfying coming from the Audions.

[@scottbennett3119]

This amp seems really interesting. I'm glad to hear it has other knob options cause that is all I see when I look at it.

[@cnhhnc]

WHO is saying the first video was a waste? REALLY? That's hard to believe. Certainly you SHOULD watch the ENTIRE video before sounding off! If you DO you will see that Thomas presented pluses and minuses and after being a bit disappointed or not that impressed, he started swapping out the tubes and the amp WOKE up, came into its own. Chill out people. Audiophiles, jeesh, get some ice, a glass, and some bourbon and put on some tunes, THEN post your comments, maybe?

[@ericlo6370]

I'm using Elekit tube pre to pair with an Aiyima A8pro Class D and the combo is perfect match!!!

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the review. I bought one based on your review and based on my experience using an Elekit TU-8500 tube preamp with a Hypex NC502MP Class D power amp. So far, I am a bit underwhelmed with the Billie compared to the Elekit/Hypex combo. Speaking of Elekit, the Billie's design resembles the discontinued Elekit EKF-01, though the latter suffered from low power output.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

That is why I always say, when you upgrade, jump 2 levels. An Elekkit TU-8500 is about $600 + a Hypex NC502MP is about $500 , which comes down to about $1100 + labor to assemble the kit , so let's say $1500. If you add in bluetooth, DAC, and phono, we are close to $2k which is the price of the Heaven 11. So I am not surprised if it is a lateral move than an upgrade. You probably need to spend $5k+ for a true upgrade. You can always return the Heaven 11 and thanks for leaving this honest feedback so it helps others to have the correct expectations.

[@NosEL34]

I have had 3 different Class D and even a Class G in the Arcam SA30, I don't have any issues with what Class an amp is labeled, as long as it sounds good in my home. I won't disregard any amp just because it says Class D or whatever on the box. My favorite Class D was the Elac Alchemy DPA-2, it seemed like it took a couple weeks to "break-in?" but I felt it was superb for the $12 or $1300 I spent on it. Ultra quiet, black background and rather warm..yes I said warm lol. I try all my amps with tubes up front but not all amps, especially Class D have a high enough input impedance to match well with some Tube Pre's. My feeling is that most amps (not all) sound better with a Tube preamp.. and not because of this warm tubey sound (which I feel is a big misconception of most tube gear) but because of the bigger soundstage and presence. It can help soften up some amps, as well as smooth out how the streamers sound. My opinion anyway.

[@Alephkilo]

What was ur impression of Arcam SA30? Asking coz i heard the JBL anniversary amp SA750, it sounded really fine .. and pure ..

[@NosEL34]

@@Alephkilo I have a feeling the Arcam and the JBL sound very similar by how you were able to describe the JBL in 2 words. It is a very nice, clean, refined sound. I did feel it sounded a smidge lean and 2 dimensional for a couple weeks, but then all of a sudden I felt it rounded out and a depth of soundstage started to show up. That is just something I feel I experienced but others on the Discourse forum said they did not. Originally I wanted to try and go for the JBL but the Arcam I got was at a big discounted price.

[@Alephkilo]

@@NosEL34 Thanks very much for responding. I almost bot the JBL SA750 but it didn’t have a preout, which would have allowed me to connect it to a tube pre.. will check out the arcam PA240 or the audion :-)

[@kenjames246]

I watched your last Billie amp video Thomas and totally understood it. Your video made me want to buy the Billie amp EXCEPT I need more power to drive my speakers. I’m hoping the next Billie amp will be even better and have much more power next time. My Gershmans are very hard to drive properly. But I would Love to buy a great CANADIAN hybrid amp. Either that or you can build a new 150 watt full tube amp, the Unicorn 150. Anyway, just keep on being honest Thomas in your reviews Thomas. That’s why most of us are here.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You need power to drive your Gershman? Go to the 9th customer review on this page. www.galion-audio.com/blogs/news/reviews

[@kenjames246]

@@ThomasAndStereo Maybe at the next Toronto Audio show you CAN bring the Galion and try them in the Gershman room on the Grande Avant Gardes ?

[@hhsymons3866]

I thought the first review was a great one. I even commented on it. I'm not sure why you took it down. You described the amp perfectly.

[@lsaideOK]

Great review. I somehow missed this review when it came out but found it after watching the audiophiliac's rave review. The amp sounds very attractive to me. Great that it has preamp outs for future flexibility. Not too expensive and made in Canada. Looks fantastic. I don't think the 90% keeper rate is all that important to me. I returned a pair of zu audio dirty weekends which supposedly have a 95% keeper rate. I like what I like.

[@denniswade4998]

" . . . . old man friendly"! Damn, I'm sold! I have to say, the more I listen to you talk about the combo of class D and tubes, the more I want to hear it. If only my wallet was fuller! . . . . but even then I'd have to overcome the pleasure I get from my Musical Paradise MP-301! It just gives soooo much for such a ridiculous price! Anyway, as someone else stated in their comment, I always enjoy your reviews and feel like I learn so much from just watching them, even if I can't afford or don't necessarily want to get something new. By the way, I can't help but notice the Musical Paradise components that I've seen sitting within the setups of your audio friends!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, I will review it soon.

[@shawnwinter4415]

Hey.. I was at the Montreal show and saw everything. I spent some time with Itai. I was quite impressed with this unit. It was my first time hearing the Buchard’s. Great guy and I’m thinking of buying one. Also I was super impressed with the new Matin Logan series…. Everything else I felt was bla bla bla….😊

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Great looking amp! .. I like the details! I'll have to pick your brain in a few more days =)

[@gbrm6077]

Thank you for your reply to my question, on your last video about the F18 Lii Song. You described how strong the bass was, but I couldn't get the last part, as this video was deleted. I would greatly appreciate the rest of your thoughts on the F18, and how it compares to the Liionidas OB speakers.

[@vicluu8026]

I found a good class D amp tends to evoke more emotion out of music if the recording has a big dynamic range or a faster transient. But, for vocal focused music, class A and tube amp are still the kings of the hill. Class D is also very good for string and acoustic music (quartet, jazz, classical...), and works better with harder-to-drive speakers.

[@jacobpaternostro9109]

Wondering if anyone has tried the upgraded JCC Gold Pin tubes offered by Heaven 11 and if the Phillips or other tubes mentioned are a better choice.

[@bobb.9917]

Yup…so many ways to get synergy with tubes and solid state…. I am running a "supercharged" Schiit Freya+ (I soldered in all-new audiophile capacitors and resistors into the Tube Stage), with a McIntosh MC152 Solid State Power Amp (not Class D, tho). I am loving the combo.

[@patrickgeorge141]

Enjoy your videos and your point of view. PS Audio uses tubes and class D as well. Innovation is where it is at and class A, AB is far from being dead.

[@Nickhifi88]

Very clear and detailed presentation, thanks! What I still wonder about is, if you have hungry electric current speakers, how is the amp then dealing with this?

[@mocomike01]

How does the Billie MK2 stack up against the similarly priced Buchardt i150?

[@TombstoneTube]

You’re very articulated. 20 minutes of zero BS.

[@Baudesign]

On their website, there is not a single image of the amp internals. I usually like to see what I am buying before spending money on gear. I prefer the Schiit approach: you know what you get when you pay.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe you can ask them for a photo.

[@skip1835]

Because you're asking Thomas - - currently running ARC's Ref6SE ahead of Bel Canto's Ref600ms (class D monoblocks)- - driving 3.7i maggies - - - all the usual audiophile stuff is covered - especially sound staging in all directions - glorious. I guess it could be argued that the Ref6SE is a hybrid with it's JFET input transistors, but for the sake of general discussion, I think most people would agree that it's a tube preamp. I am, through my own experience, a believer in the tube front end driving class D set up - imho, it's a bargain sort of way to at least approach a taste of reference.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing, I had the Bel Canto 1000s myself at one point, great amps.

[@tarquineous]

Selecting the right power cord will dial in the sound as much as changing the brand of vacuum tubes. In my experience, doing both ( tube rolling and power cords) is absolutely essential to getting the best possible sound.

[@marcusmcmurray77]

I’m not disagreeing nor have the experience to do so. I don’t understand how a power cord will make a difference when there are miles power of lines ran from a power station to the house and hundreds of feet from the house to your outlet. How does a power cord make a significant difference? Are stock power cords incredibly cheap and of lesser quality?

[@tarquineous]

@@marcusmcmurray77 The power lines run from transformer to transformer. So the wiring in your home goes to through the transformer on the pole (or on the ground). Likewise, the large wires at the power plant, do not exit the plant. There is a large transformer in the power plant. So the electricity travels many miles, but the wires only span from transformer to transformer. Similarly, each stereo component has a transformer inside. Electricity is passed through transformers by magnetism, no metal connection. Even different style transformers sound different, from one type to the next. Why all these parts and wires sound different, or affect the sound is not thoroughly known.

[@marcusmcmurray77]

@@tarquineous thanks!

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

Well this episode won't change my mind. 🤣 As far as i am concerned nothing is as good as a full on short circuitry class A preamp, with some excellent clear clarity rhythmic and fast monoblocks in class AB, for a passive set up that is 😎 🤣 .

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Thomas, I did not see any issue with your previous video, and I still don't see that now. Basically it is a pithy that may viewers got the message wrong. Perhaps they where multi tasking. Anyway, same message, repackaged for a younger age group and the conclusions are the same. So that is a good thing. Class D is the future, becasue that is where mainstream audio brands are putting the most efforts. And that is because class D has the potential for the best profit margin. I am not trying to be cynical here. But is is not for me, becasue where I am heading is towards home build speakers with high(ish) efficiency full range drivers (Fostex, TangBand, etc). Correct me if I am wrong, but those drivers will undo all the positive contributions of a tube in a class D amp, faster than you can say: "Clinical". At this time my HiFi is vintage and I will keep it. But amp wise I want to build something with a singe ended single FET class A, output stage with about 6 to 8W RMS. (And perhaps drive that with a tube.)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

In my Moonriver video, I did mention for full range speakers, I prefer SET low power amp. Check out that video, I had an interesting story too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHbCq2qFqs5-lZo

[@kosiekoos9408]

The main man. Thomas. Thats why we watch. The personality. The confidence. Alpha male.👍

[@davidfairchild1640]

I use a Schitt Freya+ and NuPrime ST-10Ms class D monoblocks and love the combo.

[@heriacosta5452]

Class D amplification combined with tube preamp of the Billie Amp MKII is a the next lever of performance.

[@jackfalco5351]

The tube preamp is great, but doesn’t negate shortcomings of class D

[@Alephkilo]

Comment at 1:05.. it looks gorgeous.. back to da video

[@jimmyonbekend1462]

between this and the vincent ssv237mk2 what would be best suited for lush full midrange? listen mainly to jazz, and vocal music..

[@fungt89]

Sounds fair. Missed the class d drama and cant wait for the great wave of new class d amps to flush away preconceptions

[@bimmerboy011]

Great review Thomas thank you. Can I ask, is there a possibility that you might come out with a pre-amp version of the Galion TS120 ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sure, in the works.

[@jmlaso]

Thank you with the review Thomas! What do you think this Billie would match like with some LS50 Meta?

[@jdm-uk-yank]

I just started discovering Class A. I've put together some nice budget systems for my daughters using Class D

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Dont be so hard on yourself Thomas. There's always going to be somebody whining about something. Usually those are the people who's eyes are bigger than their wallets. Tube Amps that dont sound Tubey? Thats the entire line of Audio Research products. Different strokes for different folks. Keep up the good work and dont take the whiners to heart.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks!

[@johnmerriman274]

Love your videos Thomas. I've been thinking of the Unico Primo or Nuovo and was wondering if you had any thoughts on yheir resoective sound qualities compared to the Billie Mk2? Keep thos videos coming...

[@humanitech]

I really enjoy the mix and compromise of a tube pre and class d power amp ....as I wanted that tube space, warmth and harmonic distortion ....but not the crazy expense of rolling NOS power tubes. ... But admittedly I still would love to try a little Decware zen amp or something similar.

[@michaelgatti3811]

A very good and helpful review. Does the amp still have decent attack in high end or do tubes soften the sound and exaggerate decay/ lush feel. I'll be first to admit I'm not experienced much with tubes. I tend to gravitate to a sound the closet duplicates a singer or musician sing or playing in my listening room. Nervous about the tubes offering too much decay/extension on notes. Your review explains the sound well and I'm considering pairing it with my dynaudio special 40s.

[@vtkz]

I dont care about the Amp class. Doesnt matter for me, when the Speaker or Amp Builder done it right. Ive use an CraneSong DAC that goes into an Neumann KH750 Class D (where Room Correction happens) and via XLR to my active, Class AB Unity Audio Speaker and it sound fantastic. Its all about the Room Acoustics and how you correct the speaker via DSP. Had the Neumann KH310 before wich is AB and the KH150 (Class D) and all of them are playing superb

[@jerryc9803]

I am so disappointed that Thomas did not try the Billie MK2 with the LRS+ speakers.

[@willmac5642]

Nothing to say apart from in agreement about tube pre and class d. Class d also gives a chance to build a system and use class d power until being above to afford the 5k AB one..

[@xstensl8823]

could use XLR inputs, used strictly as a pre how would it compare to my Audible Illusions line stage?

[@michaelwright1602]

I was hoping to see XLR on the back too...

[@carlitomelon4610]

Try musical Paradise MP 701mk2? Mr "Vintage" has one in from Mr T for review. See video. XLR outs aren't actually balanced. May need to double check the coupling cap values for your amp....

[@ThomasAndStereo]

The problem is to do true XLR, it is expensive and I think you need to double the amount of tubes. Never listened to the Audible Illusions, sorry.

[@jerrypowers7671]

I love your videos.

[@philcibley1804]

I wonder how this amp compares to the Rogue Audio Sphinx which is also a tube front end feeding a class D amp.

[@tpop3723]

I wonder how this would pair with the R3 Meta’s.

[@nepomo1]

They pair very well. They look good together too (Walnut Finish Metas). That’s my exact setup. I swapped the tubes with Bugle Boy 12au7s. Thomas’s recommendations weren’t available. The stock tubes were muffled and a little dark. Sounded ok but bugged me. With the Bugle Boys, they sound great. Top end opened up. Much more clear and airy. So net net. Warmish and very open and clear with good bottom end.

[@SuperGuper01]

Thanks Thomas for this enlightening review. A have a few questions concerning the pre amp setup. What happens then to the power section? Is it switched off, can it be used as a stand alone power amp? And what is it with the figurines? Is this the Audio Thomas Review channel setup (derived from ASR)?😉

[@aaronkingi545]

Hi there. As a new owner of the Billie mk2, I can tell you when using the preout or in the line out setting the power amp does stay active. So adding a second amp or subwoofer you have the benefit of both.

[@sean_heisler]

Would be great to hear this amp with 12SN7 tubes (using an adapter).

[@carlitomelon4610]

@Sean Heisler Hi Sean. Doubt it. Would need 12v heater. Maybe 6sn7? Better contact the designer first to see if the power supply can handle it. Cheers matey. PS My bad it is 12 v

[@sean_heisler]

@@carlitomelon4610 The heater IS in fact 12 volts, right?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Would be, I did not know 12SN7 existed or it is just a wish.

[@sean_heisler]

@@ThomasAndStereo Oh, yeah, that's pretty much all I run is 12SN7's. I have that Musical Paradise MP-701 MKII tube preamp that I've mentioned to you before, which has a 6 and 12V heater switch allowing you to use tons of different tubes. 12SN7's are 100% identical to 6SN7's except they run off the higher 12.6V heater like a 12BH7 or a 12AU7 for example. Just like a 12AU7 or 6SN7, a 12SN7 has the gain of 20. Another great tube preamp that will run both 6 and 12SN7 tubes is the Mapletree tube preamp and the Valves N More Mellowtone preamp kit. 12SN7's cost a fraction of what 6SN7 tubes as well.

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@sean_heisler I run a mix of one 12sn7 and two 12au7 right now. 12v yes;-/

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Hey, Thomas! Curious if you've tried the Dayton HTA200, the hybrid class AB+Tube amp. If so, how do they compare?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Not yet, maybe in the future.

[@pickyaudiophile]

A very nice more sophisticated, more powerful alternative to the Aiyima T9 PRO, built in N'America.

[@latheofheaven]

Mr. Thomas, I would like to draw your attention to the lovely striking wooden knobs on front. I almost *GUARANTEE* if you had posted one of YOUR amps to your Patreons like you have before to get their opinion on the design, and you had put these knobs on it, they all collectively would have SCREAMED their disapproval! *LOUDLY!* I mean, all you wanted to do was put the catchy Galleon logo on the knob for Goodness sakes, but OH NO... Everyone said it looked SO bad (except me) Do you see where I am going with this...? As soon as I saw those striking, VERY unusual big wooden knobs on that unit, I thought of all the lovely *VERY* creative ideas you have about your amps, that are summeriry ALWAYS shot down by your Patreons as 'Too way out', 'Too weird'... See what I mean... There is no way in HELL you would have ever gotten away with that, right? And yet... Here is this design on this amp right here! And, these big knobs in my lowly opinion are WAY the hell more stark than anything you proposed for your amps. THAT my dear Mr. Thomas is precisely why I kept trying to tell you to go with what *YOU* felt looked good, and NOT to allow, I'm sorry, but not to allow the mind-numbingly BORING mainstream to dictate to you your design. As you can see, as I had stated to you before, I feel very strongly about this. Hell, I would've *LOVED* having that damn Spoked Helm in all its glory as the volume knob! This amp right here is living proof of what you can do commercially... 😊

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Haha, design is so subjective. I would say this, I encourage people to give me their honest feedback and then leave it at that. Do I take the feedback or not is something I need to be objective about. However, I will never get depress if people approach me with honesty, it is the one thing I value most in product development. of course, I have to be mindful of who is giving me the feedback too.

[@latheofheaven]

@@ThomasAndStereo Heh, well, as you can likely tell, I just get super pissed off when everyone just mindlessly dumbs down frigg'n ANYTHING that isn't generic like everything else. I LOVE the Galleon concept, and I loved both the logo on the volume knob and even more so the clever nautical steering helm AS the volume knob, so *THERE* ALL YOU BORING B@STARDS! 😁

[@GentielioGaming]

I like class D but in a few instances it isn't a match. I was proud to have the best class d and it worked great. Until i streched my budget and get a Dynaudio Heritage Special limited speaker. I thought is this it?? But when i used a great and powerful a/b amp on it, it opened up. Even a modest Cambridge Audio cx81 worked better on these speakers then a very expensive class d amp. I think the class d is high in watts but not in current. And that is what some diificult to drive 4 ohm speakers need.

[@xstensl8823]

i have heard no one comment on how this would perform with Classical music which is my No.1 love. as you may know Classical music requires large dynamic swings. could this deliver? i realize that they also have a return policy but since i am in Thailand this could be problematic.

[@michaelswitzer3186]

I have the Graham ls6 speakers 6:26 which I purchased for their lush mid range. Would adding a tube amplifier such as the Billy enhance that mid range, or would it be too much of a good thing and flatten out the sound.

[@guillermomartin8248]

I’m wondering if these ICEpower class D are the newer versions, I have an Amplitude 16 amp which has the ICEpower modules and they are not fatiguing at all.

[@StefanUrkel]

I will wait for ultimate clarity...in a 3rd video

[@chrisdick9860]

I have a cheap little Chinese made Douk Audio X1 that is a class d amplifier with a built in tube preamp it runs 6j1 / 5654 type tubes I currently have some vintage soviet Russian made 6j1 tubes in it paired up with a pair of vintage pioneer 3 way speakers and it sounds absolutely phenomenal I've never heard such an amazing sounding system before .... I'd be curious to hear how the Billie amp compares to it I just don't forsee the Billie amp fitting in my budget any time soon

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, those Douk Audio are amazing, I talked about that on my Patreon page long time ago. Enjoy what you have.

[@chrisdick9860]

@Thomas & Stereo I definitely do enjoy it , maybe one day with lots of hard work I'll be able to afford a nice high end tube system but for now what I have will suffice , happy listening cheers 🍻

[@nicktaylor7680]

An R2R DAC with class D also has good match without the tube high maintenance and lower dynamics. There simply is no better value than the latest class D from hypex and Purify that offer high power,low distortion and energy efficiency.Yes they sound different to class A/AB but this is really just a matter of synergy not quality.

[@ferchur4833]

Is that a MP-701 MK2 pre at Loic place? 😀. What about MP-701 vs. Billie's pre, what would be better?

[@hilde45]

Hybrids by Vincent and Rogue come to mind with this product. Would you have any thoughts about that comparisons?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I'd like to hear his opinion on the Vincent amps, they're high on my radar. And they're the best looking amps I've ever seen

[@fletchermunson6225]

The Sphinx is highly regarded in its price range and it's class D with 12AU7s a pair.

[@hilde45]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 And they've been around for a while. The Billie amp is young and....do they make any other products? Not much track record and how long will they exist as a company to stand behind their product? They can only make empty promises.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@hilde45 Yeah the Billie amp falls into the boutique category, very small scale and may not exist in a year or 2 who knows.

[@hilde45]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I don't object to "boutique" but there are other companies making a similar product with much longer track records. Frankly, I suspect that the looks of the design is the main selling point, and now the company is doing a full court press with youtube influencers to sing its praises. I'd pass on this, frankly.

[@magnusblom44]

Hallo my Hifi-Hero :) One fast question, I have a Maerson dac 1 and I need a digital transport(streamer) without eating noodles for 3 months :) I think that the source is realy important for the sound and I have a Bluesound Node right now. Do you have any ideas about a streamer without a dac thats sounding superb !! :)

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

Hi Thomas, would you recommend this for Ls3/5a speakers?

[@nelsono4315]

I currently use the Jeff Rowland 125 power amp with the Schiit Freya+ preamp and love the combo of tubes paired with solid state

[@clarice1001nights]

Thomas I am curious what you observed when testing the use of both the Gustard R26 and SMSL D3 DACs, when the BIlly Mk2 already has a DAC circuitry inside?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It was smoother in the sense there is less digital glare.

[@guillermomartin8248]

Is it possible to use this amp in a home theater bypass mode? Essentially use this amp for my L/R for 2ch and HT into my processor? Thabjs

[@gabrielbacca381]

great video Thomas - I don't have any experience with tube amplification, so sorry for the rooky question: how hot does it get ? is it a drag to use it during the summer because of the temperature around it ? Thanks

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Don't worry about the temperature because these are small tubes. Email and ask them how hot does it get but usually, it is the big power tubes that get really hot.

[@gabrielbacca381]

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas - just found this on their FAQs section: to the Question "Do the tubes get hot?" this is their answer: " Yes, they do -think 25w light bulb. Not enough to cause serious burn, but tubes are not meant to be handled when hot. Keep them out of reach of ‘little hands’"" I guess this applies when someone is touching them. Their Billies are out-of -stock.... I am on the waiting list for September... cheers, and thanks again

[@wswsn7396]

Why most main stream receivers are class A/B? Denon and Marantz receivers have 2 to 5 year warranty. Many receivers fail not because of their Amp section, but other control boards. Many of the powered subwoofer use class D or H plate amp, these plate amps are famous for the premature fail. Most subwoofer manufactures only give 1 or 2 years warranty for their plate amps. The quality control on small class D amp on Amazon is no control, depends on how lucky you are.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Decay and control of resonance ( principal of the bass speaker ) are not necessary the same ............;lack of decay should not be confused with lack of the natural decay of a decaying note ...So absence of decay is not an evidence or quality for musical quality reproduction , most amps ( even very expensive amps ) lack the natural link from one note to another or the natural ending and the right harmonic structure ( time related ).....Class D has certainly measurable and technical advantages but I have to hear the first one I realy like and buy .........some are impressive sounding ( in high end terms ) but lack that natural texture that even some old vintage gear has and why it is still liked by those who go to live concerts as ther is a conection to the music that is absent in Class D and aoter modern amplifiers as good as they may measure .. Class is becoming and sahll be the new standard for the common customer........Real music lovers will do a choice on another basis........when it sounds being realistic .........meaning the illusion of listening to the real thing ! .

[@hugobloemers4425]

Hi Frank, I understand what you are saying, but only becasue trough your channel I have an idea what your goals are. I think Thomas and and you are perusing a different path to get what you want from this hobby. Neither is wrong but those paths will never converge.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

@@hugobloemers4425 Yes that's right .

[@saltydog4981]

Hello Thomas, What power conditioner for tube amps would you recommend? Is a regenerator the best way to go?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Check out Loic's video on the purifi power conditioner.