Willsenton R8 Tube Integrated Amplifier 2022. A Rarity in HI-Fi.

#willsentonr8 #tubeamp #hifi
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My Written Review: www.stevehuffphoto.com/2020/1...
Today I want to talk about and review an amazing bang for the buck amp in the HiFi Tube world. This Willsenton R8 is ASTONISHING and not only for the money it costs, but even above its cost. I talk about it, share samples and tell why I LOVE mine. Since making this video I added some new Mullard EL34's and WOW, this has truly made this one of my favorite amps ever. With the Klipsch heritage series the R8 is just about as good as it gets with EL34's running.
This is the most bang for the buck one can get in HiFi today if using Klipsch Heritage Speakers, and you run it with EL34 tubes. The sound is just beautiful and after well over 100 hours on my amp, it has opened up dramatically from new.
It's dead silent and this is important as some lower cost tube amps in the past I have used had noisy transformers or buzzing from the speakers. Not this R8, as it is about as quiet as I have ever heard an amp run. No hiss even from my 99DB efficient speakers. The sound is warm, fluid, big, open and has a wide floating soundstage that never focuses on all out detail but rather an inviting musicality with some nice bass performance and heft as well.
I will be using this amp for long term in my casual room, with Heresy IV speakers and a Bluesound Node 2i for streaming duties. So far it has bested many amps triple or quadruple or even 6 times the price that I have tested or had in here, all for $1295. If a problem pops up, I will report it but so far it has been smooth sailing.
Using links below will take you to affiliate links at amazon. Anything you purchase using my links will help me keep bringing new videos to this channel. I make a small commission on the products linked to below but these are all products I bought myself and LOVE. I only recommend what I would buy myself. Thank you!!
My Audio Gear 2021:
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The Speakers I will Die With: amzn.to/3nBHZXs
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Best DAC I have owned: www.moon-audio.com/chord-qute...
Best HiFi Product EVER: www.moon-audio.com/chord-hugo...

[@treloar2]

This is why I appreciate your reviews so much... You’re set up in a real room, giving your honest opinion. And that matters so much more than an “ideal situation”, or studio results. Same goes for your camera (and camera gear) reviews - it’s always “Real World”. Thanks for all you do. Hope you’re enjoying the new house - Happy Holidays!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you Jay! Happy new year!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks all, still listening every day to the R8 and it continues to impress. It's silent as a mouse, even with these highly efficient speakers and sounds even better with EL34's in it. I also have other amps coming in soon to compare. A 300B Integrated for under $800 (efficient speakers only) and an over $7k integrated. I am curious as to how it does compared to this R8. I also received the chord MScaler and added it to a Chord Qutest and this is quite the combo. More soon!

[@paritoshcnlu]

Nice review. Btw How does R8 compares with muzishare x7 which also gets appreciated from the users. Really would want to know the difference out of the two majorly in sound category.

[@plaubelmakina8916]

I went with EL34's, PSVANE, and one failed after a year. I bought some Mullards to replace and I noticed a big improvement overall, especially in the low end.

[@johnshore3095]

@@plaubelmakina8916 on a review of the R800i amp by Jay a lady called Rachel recommends tubes for both the R8 and the R800i

[@KwokKaySzeto]

I am a big fan of tubes. Listening to my 300B mono blocks is just great!

[@garysmith8455]

JUST received my R8 from Amazon (Sept.-2022), with my state's tax, it was $1500 and change. Mated to a brand new pair of Klipsch Forte' 4 in distressed oak / lambswool grills. Luscious sound, and I use Triode mode as well. Warm, sweet combo (O: Thanks for the review sir !

[@venom5809]

Nice amp and the price isn't that bad. I just bought something from China directly for the first time and it took about 3 weeks to get to me, it was actually in the country in a few days but it got kicked around all over the place for weeks until it finally got to me. Kind of impressed shipping companies figured out how to get something that was only 600 miles away from me to take weeks to get to me, that's some impressive logistics.

[@tozq]

It happens to me as well. The warehouse is 10 miles away from where I live. Tracking number shows the item was routed to a big center and delivered 2 days later.

[@Ivanophilia]

Great review and right on track...to me, it's the deal of the century this side of tubes.

[@MrRonnmaui]

Thanks for the review. Up front and honest. Still looking for something like this.

[@michaelhavlicek3233]

Great review. Will check out that R8.I was surprised,that I heard a song from Eivor.I have seen her 2x in concert. Her voices is incredible. Thanks for the nice review. Michael from germany

[@elderinmoi1571]

It comes across pretty well how sweet mellow and musical this sounds. Awesome.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks. In fact. after more time with all of this I would describe just as you. Sweet and musical

[@johnsmith1474]

You are listening to your own stereo, it has little to do with the sound of the R8.

[@beach4me2007]

After listening to this review and some others I bought an R8. It had a hum. I got a 60hz filter for the power cord and Wow, I really like it a lot.. it’s a big step up from my old amp.

[@anthony2010707]

Well done sir, very nice presentation, much appreciated, got the Eversolo now waiting on delivery of the R8.

[@jram9571]

I totally agree and the made in China argument is now defunct in audio. I run Accuphase pre & power amps with Harbeth 40th anni speakers. Bought this Wilsenton R8 direct from China and it sounds and looks gorgeous, service was also excellent.

[@Oldgoat912]

Thanks for a great review. Are you using the original tubes provided by the manufacturer or have you changed the tubes?

[@PaulClay46masonWV]

I really love the R8, Klipsch as well. I replaced my Vincent Audio with it. I'm just now getting close to broke in time and things are smoothing out

[@peter-mathijslinsen8219]

And Grayson Caps! Love him. Great review

[@aungjee]

i love your review style.

[@boonwong1]

Thank you for the excellent review and opinion.

[@siuchen7140]

LOVE IT ..i own one already d made is Muzishare X7 brought it 5 year ago and still going very good and sound good nothing had gone wrong from dis amp and it made from China 2 ..i brought it about d same price to dis one ..but i very love d look of dis Willsenton R8 really want to try dis R8 ..I LOVE MUSIC AND GOOD SOUND TUBE AMP .thank u 4 d reviews ..dis will b my next tube amp

[@jdsimz8147]

As a musician I know that guitar tube amps sound phenomenally better than solid state apps. Never never heard an actual stereo tube amp in person, can imagine it sounds beautiful. Maybe one day.

[@stevenpaul3886]

Thanks buddy, just ordered one for my other room! Changing those caps in the preamp tubes to copper foil I’m sure would also make a big sonic upgrade. I could only find JJ’s for power upgrade, I’ve used so many tubes types in my guitar amps over the years and the JJ’s have always done right by me on stage.

[@xsixinfantryx]

Lol before I even finished reading your comment I was going to say my favorite tubes in a couple of my guitar amps are JJ's

[@kclee1]

Great job! My order is on the way!

[@mikedennington8856]

I bought one just from China HiFi and its very good quality, very nice and well worth it for the cost.

[@charlesclifton1006]

I've considered a few amps (to actually purchase), some made in the US - and others elsewhere. It is "how" an amp is made not where. What really attracts me to this unit is the fact that I can switch from triode to UL. Beyond that capability, there is tube rolling - which can be a lot of fun but between the KT88 and EL34s that are commonly available and, can both be purchased with this amp, there is more than ample room for experimenting (aka-fun ). Good review - feels honest.

[@demetrij7120]

can you compare this to a Line Magnetic LM-216? Or how the R8 compares as far as its forward/mid/back presentation. The Line Magnetic has a forward/upfront in your face type feel which I dont prefer. thanks

[@elthamlad468]

Coincidentally, Willsenton, Cayin, Muzishare and Line Magic (probably a few more too) are all part of the same parent company and I believe made in the same factory. Oh, PrimaLuna is apparently made in the same factory also. I guess this explains the quality of all these products.

[@ezequielcronswell8520]

Thanks for the great review.

[@brianrenel7148]

Thanks for your insightful review. I’m considering this amp for my first tube amp to pair with my Klipsch Hersey I speakers and welcome any comments or suggestions. Turntable connections would require a preamp - correct?

[@demart28]

Great review! @SteveHuffHiFi would you be able to reveal the speaker cables and other rca connectors you've been using in this review? Thanks!

[@jordantoms4802]

Hello, Thanks for the videos. Very informative and ez to watch. Ine question if you a only had one choice.... would you use Kt88's El 34's or 6550WE tubes . mine came w el 34's ... I switched the 6SL7's for NOS ge short bottle Nickel plated tubes . My freind's R8 came w KT88's and I have the Sovtek6550WE en route. SO we are going to do a head to head to head shootout. Many thanks

[@stevemd8947]

Very nice review. Did you try the pre-in function?

[@kennethlee1818]

What exactly is meant by triode mode and ultra linear mode? Internally, are there 2 different circuits in the DAC or more power directed to particular preamp tubes or ......?

[@deanusahardtail]

Thank you for the equipment reviews you share. Your reviews have been part of my research that lead me to purchase the Klipsch Heresy Mark IV and the Raven Audio Nighthawk Mark III from the review on Oct. 30, 2019. I see your enthusiasm for the Willsenton R8 paired with the Heresy IV, so with your direct experience can you compare/contrast the differences? Is that a real apples to apples comparison? I know there is a huge price differential and having an American Company you can reach out to and actually talk to a Human for support and service is extremely comforting. My sound pairing of the Nighthawk Mark III and the Heresy IV's is very deep, wider soundstage and very enjoyable from the Marantz PM7000n I was using. No complaint on the Marantz, a great integrated. Curious about your opinion.. Thanks

[@BMW_108_M]

I was about to pull the trigger on a PM7000N until I stumbled upon the R8 on KZbin, now I have no idea which route to take 😂

[@donaldclemmons4360]

How would I go about connecting a powered subwoofer to this ? Just parallel the speaker output as my input on the sub ?

[@dougg1075]

Just ordered it today. I also have the Heresy IV ( best fun I’ve had) with sub. Can’t wait

[@ilgrilluss]

hI sIR, iM ABOUT TO PLACE ORDER. ARE YOU STILL ENJOYING YHIS AMP?

[@vks4392]

Very nice review 🎊👍🎉 Thank you

[@mikaelstafstrom803]

Why did you not just hook it up with your wonderful Prestige 3? I saw your reveiw of those and was blown away! Dream speaker!😁

[@etchieumali162]

Nice review how do compare this to your vinni Rossi?

[@garycollumbell1396]

a friend of mine swears by valves as a guitarist...... after sticking a budget pre amp in the audio loop from PC i pretty much shunned transistors from that point on i find if you a rock fan valves are preferable and i am considering the R8 as my next addition.

[@eddysugianto5852]

It is such beatiful system you have there, bravo 👍👍🙏🙏

[@jonnlennox4176]

Hi Have you tried any Tannoy Prestige like Kensington or Turnberry? I like how they sound with valves or refined solids. I have seen your review on the Heritage and I am very excited! You say it sounds better than the C1 or the 25th? that's a great achievement !! Best regards

[@daviddarley4749]

Great review, I bought this during lockdown no1. It took 3 month to get to the uk, but I’ve forgotten all that. The ‘beast from the east’ as I fondly refer to it , is truly exceptional

[@HiFiHuff]

Glad to hear!! I'm enjoying mine every day.

[@2HatHudders]

Hi David, I hope your well. I've actually decided to take the plung and order one to the UK too over this current lockdown lol. Can I ask, did you have to pay import fee's? (I'm imagining I'll have too!) Recommend any speakers for the system? Currently looking at the Triangle Broa3

[@MrKosh72]

@@2HatHudders I had to pay import duty on mine when I bought it in 2019 but can't remember how much

[@2HatHudders]

@@MrKosh72 thanks for letting me know Mr Kosh! I suspected as much!! Honestly cannot wait for it to arrive now!

[@MrKosh72]

@@2HatHudders I am sure you will love it, its a very good amplifier 👍🏻

[@thevintageaudiolife]

Thank you for sharing, very informative.

[@JC-ig4xy]

Do I need a preamp or can I hook these up directly with a Criton TD1-X

[@magneticmonopole7824]

Thanks for the review. Grabbing one of these next week. The factory is just down the road from me!

[@HiFiHuff]

Enjoy!

[@raymclaughlin2739]

Where did you buy yours from?

[@janis4847]

Would this work with Elac Vela FS408? They have a sensitivity of 88,5 dB at 2,83 V/m.

[@michaelbelluso]

I really enjoyed your review some time back. Question: Do you still have it. What do you think? Thinking of an upgrade, still jonesing for tubes.

[@Nina_20xx]

Hi Steve, would this amp be a good partner for my Buchardt S400 MKII speakers? Thank you in advance.

[@eddiegil6804]

Do i technically need a designated power socket to run a tube amp like this or can i just plug it into a power strip already using other equipment like the DAC?

[@AvilaPhilip]

Hello Is that the Nordost Red Dawn speaker cables you using? Thanks

[@johnsimmons5056]

Best sounding amp in the house ?....so I am guessing the Vinnie Rossi is not in the house right now. On another note thanks for another fantasic review. I am going to pick one of these amps up for a second system....thanks.

[@paulkile9998]

What are those purple ambient lights that are illuminating your speakers?

[@ericlofroos2405]

Have you heard the newest PrimaLuna? They came out with their first ever Hybrid. It’s the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated amp. OMG, It’s awesome!

[@xinghaochen5066]

What is the difference between R8's KT88/EL34 x 4 and R300's 300B x 2 in the power amplify stage?

[@gregasajn698]

Great review! I got mine 2 days ago directly from China (amazing service and 3 days shipping to Europe) and I agree with everything you said about it. I come from very analitical high end SS amp and R8 with EL34 tubes is just so smooooth. Nothing is in your face, you can listen to it forever. Vocals have beautiful texture... I use it as power amp BTW.

[@HiFiHuff]

Good to hear! Thanks for the comment.

[@apexracing741]

How much was the import/vat/tax to Europe Grega?

[@gregasajn698]

@@apexracing741 in Slo we only pay tax for poweamps... 22% of the price of the amp and shipping combined.

[@anthony2010707]

Hello Grega, what preamp are you using with it?

[@MrFrenchHarp]

What DAC ( plus Bluetooth ) preamp would you suggest to match up with the R8?

[@randinboise]

Newbie question are you running both speakers (Hersey iV and Q Acoustic c300s) at the same time?

[@HaraHetta]

If my speaker is 6ohm , which output should i connect it into? 4 or 8 ohm?

[@lorddarphyve]

A year later, still good? Still have it? Did you get a chance to try the headphone amp?

[@davidlambert3892]

How do you go about getting licenses for the music you are playing? How much does it cost to get licenses?

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Can you plug a turntable with MM cartridge directly or do you need a phono preamp?

[@miquifaye]

Best review for this amp. Now I want one

[@newsboyaudio]

I got one. Best AMP I've ever owned. I'll be buying a second one.

[@slowdeepandhard69]

@@newsboyaudio Hi... Are you buying two Willsenton amp's to Bi--Amp them?

[@thomascarden7549]

Great Review.

[@reneberg282]

is the quality en sound better then a unison research triode 25

[@paulwibb.8944]

Does anyone know what the VAT and import duty is please to the uk

[@jdsimz8147]

So if you ran a turntable into this you would need a preamp correct?

[@Luis-ob4xq]

Can you include one or two subwoofer in it ? Thank you

[@yeuamnhaclichsu.4579]

I just sub & like your chanel. Goodluck!

[@robertdb5111]

how much better does it sound against your Pass Labs?

[@xstensl8823]

how does this compare to the ARC i/50?

[@kortam6065]

Can this drive like dynaudio or kef ls50?

[@AwesomeSauceShow]

Didn't expect Bill Burr to do amp reviews.

[@rogerlopez1109]

😂🤣😅

[@EskWIRED]

I didn't see it until you said it. Now I can't unsee it.

[@roimark358]

which one is better? pass labs int25 or this tube?

[@andreabongini]

Hi! I bought a couple of Devialet gold based on your review. They're fantastic. I wanted to ask you in respect of my setup, what could I expect with a tube diffuser coupled to the right diffusers? Am I going to get better, get worse, or is there really no comparison to a pair of gold?

[@HiFiHuff]

Those Golds are also fantastic. Not sure I understand your question. The right diffusers?

[@steelgtr]

What was the music source? DAC?

[@theaudiophilebarista2424]

Great review. I did a review on these too and I completely agree with your findings. What microphone did you use if I may ask?

[@topkho]

Is there a good and inexpensive microphone you recommend to record music for KZbin (with an iPhone)?

[@newsboyaudio]

Snowball

[@dangoh2237]

WoW! KT88 sounding like 300B tubes.

[@gary-kr7dm]

Reminds me of the icon audio stereo 60.

[@dougg1075]

It is magic on my Heresy IV’s.

[@dlonrazurc]

Where's your VSi75? Is this R8 the replacement?

[@carlespy7470]

Is the R8 quiet? Is there any audible hum or noise?

[@luigimaccagnola5031]

Congratulations on the recording of the microphone .. (hello everiybody)

[@luismiguelclemente3232]

I’m considering buy this amp to match with a pair of ELAC Vela Bs403. I wonder if someone has such experience that can share with me.

[@quychang4471]

Is there a return policy on these amps?

[@careylymanjones]

I bought a Reisong A-10 from China Hifi Audio, and it came shipped in an Amazon box. They must have some sort of deal with Amazon to fulfil their orders.

[@bombler8]

Hey, in a one year retrospective would you still recommend it? I'm a beginner to this kind of amps, I must connect a dac to it or a just plug let's say my computer via 3.5mm to rca cable?

[@sydgerald]

Hello I just got this amp today and it's my first tube amp so I cannot compare it to another tube amp. Having said that, I own 3 vintage Japanese SS amps (Marantz, Pioneer) and I have connected them to a DAC and a DDC then to the computer, using the same chain right out of the box the R8 is way more revealing than any of my other amps, the mid range is so open and with so much detail than I'm hearing new things as I play songs. The tubes are just starting on their journey so the sound is not what it has to be (for instance at this moment bass seems to come and go) but it's more pronounce as it was right out of the box. If You ask me, I would recommend this amp, I bought it with the Psvane collection upgrade tubes and I'm very happy with my purchase.

[@johnfechter566]

Does this Amp have a phono input?

[@stevenpaul3886]

Oh also please checkout some open baffles like the Lii audio, I think u will not go back to box speakers again. I did hear your reference setup and those speakers sound very much like OB, I’m sure a great deal of turning had to go into making that happen which of course is not the best way of getting there, but whatever works I guess…

[@robertrosejr1]

Ho does this amp compare to the Dynaco st 70

[@Renshen1957]

KT77 tubes are also replacements for EL34.

[@99fulham99]

I need to find an amp that can drive my Infinity Kappa 9's . I see most of the recommendations are coming from Klipsch owners , which I believe are very efficient . The Kappa's of course are a real nightmare to get a sufficiently powered amplifier to drive them safely. Any comments welcome.

[@chrismacdonald4570]

Musical paradise mp702 tube pre amp

[@trekjudas]

My new Unison Research S6 is demonstrably better BUT I still kinda miss the Willseton... a little.

[@421CentralIowa]

I bought this amplifier probably from the same place on Amazon and it showed up in mid December. Does yours have a scratching/popping sound that comes out of either speaker when you turn it on after it goes out of protection? One or two of my KT88 tubes is to blame because I switched them left to right and the problem moved. After about a minute of power the noises all go away and the background is black. I'm powering Klipsch Heresy II speakers and they have no bass with this amplifier (or any amplifier without tone controls.) Previous to this amplifier I had them hooked to my Pioneer SX-838 but had the loudness control turned on. They sounded great to me with the loudness on in terms of bass. Lacking a bit for electronic music but perfectly fine for jazz and whatnot. On the Willsenton it almost sounds like I don't have woofers. I assume this is more a function of the Heresy II speakers, but I'm still paranoid to plunk down on some new, bigger speakers (would love Cornwall IV) and then have them still not have any bass. Any thoughts on the matter? I assume the Heresy IV have more bass by virtue of the upgrades over the years? As for the Willsenton though, it's a really nicely built piece of equipment. Fit and finish on mine is as good as anything I've seen including something like a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum. Admittedly I haven't got a ton of hands-on experience in this realm, but I like well built, simple stuff. Nothing about this rig is thin, clunky, knocks around loosely. So far It's an A+ other than maybe needing to inquire with the seller about the tubes at power-up.

[@HiFiHuff]

I do not have that issue. The only pop sound I get is when I switch from Triode to UL. It's 100% silent in every other way. I put in some EL34's and they are a much better option for this amp IMO. EL34's have midrange beauty while the KT88's excel at energy and top end.

[@dougg1075]

I have the Heresy IVs and the bass is good but with a 2k watt sub they are incredible. I think of Heresy as midrange machines, just add sub and the search is over

[@AudiolandCH]

I bought this amplifier probably from the same place on Amazon and it showed up in mid December. Does yours have a scratching/popping sound that comes out of either speaker when you turn it on after it goes out of protection? Yes, I do have the same issue. The tubes are not the problem. I have switched the standard KT88 to EL34 and the preamp Tubes aswell.. The scratching and popping is really bad. Only happens when the cage is off. I did not have it at the beginning. Suddenly the problem appeared. Problem could also be a signlar that is near.

[@garycollumbell1396]

valves are just not good for anything electronic tbh its best used with jazz,rock,metal as these were for the majority of their history played on valves. tbh valves are best for vocals and guitar work if you want decent bass for electronic music you probs will need to go transistor route

[@absoluteaudio0028]

good taste in music

[@muveefan]

What would you recommend for the speaker cables?

[@ketvun]

Author’s speaker cable is Nordost Blue Heaven, it cost more than $900…

[@mosfet500]

Why are the transformers getting hot?

[@michaelapuzzo2326]

In your opinion matched with Magnapan speaker’s

[@hl3369]

I ordered mine last month, apparently their factory had a fire and production was on hold, and I just got noticed from China Hi-Fi that the unit was shipped. I think the price already gone up as we speak, I also ordered the Psvane kt88, so let see how they differ than the original factory tubes.

[@2ndAveScents]

Lotta China factory fires lately I guess

[@frankfleischman4003]

How do you like your R 8? and your tubes? would you make chages to the tubes?

[@hl3369]

@@frankfleischman4003 I find the R8 quite good, unfortunately CHF didn't sent me the factory tubes so can't comment on that. The R8 is quite bass oriented, if you like bass the R8 is great. Haven't said that I tends to listen to electronic type music, both the hig and mid is very define, clear. I mate it with a pair of old magneplanar smgb ( I have a demo clip in my channel), which is perfect as planar speakers tends to lack bass. If I run it with my Martin L theos, I find it a bit too much bass for my liking, but rather transparent for soul n jazz music. I also have an Aeron tube amp with kt150, which I think is a well rounded amp. I have yet to hook them up with my Harbeth XD hl5. I might do a clip on them later.

[@frankfleischman7285]

@@hl3369 thank you for Your advice on this amp. Like your taste In speakers! Enjoy

[@RetroworksMusic]

Stunning..!.. Whats the better choice KT88 or EL34, s?

[@MrKosh72]

I prefer EL34 in mine, using Svetlana Winged C

[@stevenorcio307]

@@MrKosh72 does the brand matter? One can pick between the MFGers name or another, thx for the help

[@claesmansson9070]

Yes,the brand matter!

[@ericstefko4852]

You are one of a few reviewers that have listen to this and the Luxman 590A. Which one do you prefer ?

[@HiFiHuff]

Luxman is a more refined amp. It’s sweeter and more expansive. Its also a work of art and costs 6x what this does. The Luxman is a lifetime amp. With all of that said. I can enjoy music just as much on the R8 as any amp. :)