Xduoo TA 22

[@SupplyNinja]

Mine are coming this thursday. I will update you all with the deets and my opinion on them then! Update: So! I got it in and have been using it for 10 days now. And they really are extremely good. They add a warmth and richness to music that makes it sound very lush, full, and musical. You just want to sit back and listen. And you easily get lost in the music, much more so than with a completely flat sound signature from my solid state amp. Here is something to note: at 44.1khz, the single ended HP out sounds more loud, vibrant, energetic and clear than the balanced out. This really messed my head up because I thought my amp had a defect. Balanced out sounded good, but it was just missing that top end sparkle, and energy in the kick drums. When i went into my Macbook's audio devices and set this amp to 192khz (the max Apple Music will push out, which is what I was listening on)... ohhhh my goodness. It turned into a completely new amp. It's literally perfect, to my ears. I mean, everything. All of it. It all sounds phenomenal. Top to bottom. And the clarity along with the separation of sounds and the fullness of the bottom registers. Yea. Just wow. Compared to my Cavalli Tube Hybrid, it has so much more body and warmth without losing the airyness of the CTH. I'm impressed, needless to say. Ok back to listening! Thanks for reading!

[@tinypickle]

what filter do you end up using? I don't really know the difference

[@danieleturrin5625]

Hey!! Please help me. I have the same "issue" where balanced sounds a little bit less dynamic and full... Thought that it could be a faulty unit, as it doesn't output more power than the single ended out, but even the second unit has the same problem. Have you solved this?

[@LifebyBrody]

Just started to look at this since my schiit amp died (again) and was so glad you had a review on it. Truly the best audio reviewer there is. No one else I can really trust but, with your reviews I know exactly what to expect without listening to it! Sold me on these! Perfect for my use case, thank you for this!

[@iggeknigge1293]

I have been waiting for something like this for like 2 years now, thanks Zeos now my wallet cries like the baby you (would have) punched.

[@danrao3707]

Feel like tube rolling? 12AU7 = B329, CV4003 CV491, ECC82, E2163. They're all Low Gain 9 pin double triode. Also compatible for Mid Gain 12AT7 (ECC81) High Gain 12AX7A (ECC83).

[@roundcheesewheel]

Dance with the dead by THE ENTITY. What an awesome band, thank you for allowing me to discover them!

[@frgmnt7313]

Other way around, Entity by Dance With the Dead. Sick band either way

[@andrewy1983]

Been waiting for a review on this!! Awesome to see that you rate it.

[@bongofury3176]

No issue with my selector so maybe just your unit? I agree that the TA-22 is excellent. The DAC is good but the headphone amp is incredible with a matched pair of decent 12AU7's. I recommend 1970's GE JAN 6189W for NOS or Genalex Gold Lion for new production tubes. The GE are my absolute favourite from my collection. Thanks for the recommendation

[@lordhades9455]

How do those tubes you recommend influence the sound?

[@bongofury3176]

@@lordhades9455 both have better everything than any other 12au7 I have heard (many) but the GE is clear winner to my ears. Very subjective. soundstage increased, resolution, detail, separation, tonality, more sparkle, airier, punchier, tighter, more dynamic. Everything about them is excellent...am listening to Gaudi - Kingston Meets Havana through them now...happy headphones from a snowy Peak District

[@lordhades9455]

@@bongofury3176 thank you for the reply. There's almost no information about this amp on the internet and certainly even less about rolling tubes for it. I'm very interested in this device

[@SIZLL]

You convinced me to get new tubes for this amp. Thank you

[@danieleturrin5625]

Hi, are you sure about 5189? I can't find it anywhere, maybe is 6189?

[@jeremyr722]

Ah, Demon Days, my favorite Gorillaz album 🤗

[@PinePizza]

So... Is this much better than the TA-26 with rolled tubes in terms of just sound? Display, features and such aside.

[@WindFannel]

Curious to see how these compare with the hifiman EF400 which is also right around the $500 mark right now

[@StenLingerts]

Just my thoughts... haven't owned a tube before. I need something for my Arya. Hifiman ES400 vs this one?

[@carminedesanto6746]

Interesting unit …and the price is very interesting. But ,the 604 as my over ears ( Sen’s 650’s) amp is still my favorite amp.😊

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Yep, me too.

[@beezlebub3955]

Yeap, if you have a TA-20 etc, sell it and get this one, it’s a much more engaging experience, I didn’t even put the stock tubes in

[@E_o_D]

Got it recently and damn! This thing sounds awesome! I'll be curious to see how much the sound changes with different tubes.

[@nadeoki]

Dance with the Dead - Entity. Was hard to find because I didn't understand what he said

[@dlrowreverse793]

That was "entity"??? holy shit thank you I almost got white hairs by searching every combination with the word "eternity"

[@jacobk9479]

Thanks I just commented looking for this!

[@TinkyTheCat]

You sir, are a legend. I doubt I ever would have figured out what song he meant if not for you.

[@Tomomoto9000]

I got my Xdoo TA22 on the way already from Hifigo but i had to pay for free shipping later due to an alleged weight error. Luckily it was only $17. It's now somewhere in the US after customs looked at it. I went ahead and got new tubes, Genalex Gold Lions from Tube Depot. My first tube amp.

[@userdata3800]

How are the Genalex Gold Lions compared to the stock tubes?

[@Tomomoto9000]

@@userdata3800 Sorry for the late replay but i never tried the stock tubes so i can't compare. I dont want to switch back due to the tubes difficult to insert. I was worried about breaking them. I often replace stock parts.

[@RealKyurem]

​@@userdata3800even though I'm a year late I wanted to say that the genalex gold lion tubes I tried sounded identical to the stock ones. If there is a difference between then then it would be very very small. It's also hard to switch between them and do quick a/b comparisons

[@userdata3800]

@@RealKyurem Thank you for the answer!

[@RealKyurem]

@userdata3800 yeah I just don't know if I did something wrong or not since I was expecting them to atleast be a little different sounding

[@Michael_mki233]

Suggestion for you Zeos, take those pads you have on the NDH20 that you can't figure out what they are, and the next time you go to an audio show take them with you. Surely _someone_ will have an answer for you.

[@ThisIsNotJP]

How do you think this holds up against the likes of the K9 ESS?

[@hazi5961]

Having a Bluetooth antenna that close to vacuum tubes is never a good idea. Wifi and Bluetooth are 2 of the biggest causes of tube interference.

[@eruilluvitar]

This has also been my experience.

[@jackpytleski7750]

Depends on how well isolated it is

[@WarbossRB]

That's what I am hesitant on.

[@NatiiixLP]

@@jackpytleski7750 Isolated what? The antenna is an antenna, it's the very opposite of being isolated by definition. The vacuum tubes look pretty exposed to be as well.

[@jackpytleski7750]

I don't have a problem with mine, just saying. The protective covering over it should isolate it.

[@redstang5150]

It's glitchy enough that I'm not interested in it for an upgrade. The way the knob works is enough to turn me off (plus the goofy vibrating tube roll bars) - there's too many other good products out there to deal with that.

[@clabbem74]

Nice review, but...How impressive will it be to go from a TA-10R to this one? Mmm ? 🤷‍♂️ Ta-22 has the flavor tubes of TA 26 ? 🤔 could be very interesting to see you review of those 4 xduoo about sounds together: ta-10R // ta 30 // ta 22 // Ta 26

[@frederf69]

needs a remote & I couldn't put up with that knob/menu 😤😤 but interesting effort + affordable

[@FreakPC]

happy holidays Z! best wishes to you and yours!

[@SudburyMan]

Hmm.. spring retention and only a left, center, right adjust knob would be great improvement.. not continually rotating.

[@alfredtolentino8614]

Great video. Wonder how this would compare to the Burson Audio Playmate 2...🤔

[@boltvanderhuge8711]

wow that's way bigger than it looks in product photos

[@BMRace]

I have the HD600 and HD800S. I’m trying to figure what amp is best for them. The Topping A90D or the Xduoo TA22? Help me Zeos! I’m currently using a Little Bear b4-x tube amp which only works on battery power which is super annoying when the battery dies

[@johnnanavati3350]

Hi. I really enjoy your videos. Could you compare the ta-22 to the ta-20? I recognize that the 22 is a dac/amp and the 20 is an amp. But I’m confused about sound differences and whether the dac is the main difference.

[@alexgregory1887]

This or MT-604??

[@jacobk9479]

What’s the song in the beginning? I’m googling “Dance of the dead by The Eternity” and pulling up nothing.

[@invisiblekid99]

me too.

[@deanbennie802]

i purchased one based on your enthusiasm, what is the recommendation for tubes?

[@markd3797]

Thanks for the great review. I was wondering if the TA22 would be an upgrade from my current stack of a THX789 with a Topping E30? I have always though the E30 was a week link in my setup? I primarily listen with Edition XS.

[@piotrpix]

Which is better the Xduoo TA-26 or the Xduoo TA 22?

[@arthurhaywood2184]

If only I didn’t have an irrational aversion for anything red😮. Hate the red knob…..

[@Harolddespui]

Would be nice if you could pull it off easily and change it for a different color.

[@pappsa8]

Hey Z! At 8:55 you said we must pull out the headphone plug to reach the tube output on the back!BUT at from 16:15 the iem plug is in and the tube output working too?!So what now?

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@beezlebub3955]

Man KZbin is such a nanny, so I’m just gonna leave this comment complaining about the comment I wanted to leave. This thing is $415 on Amazon right now

[@wmc_videos]

Z is making me want to sell my WA7 and save some dough.

[@in-earfetish]

Do it you wont..

[@ACallander22]

How does this compare to the TA-30? Would it be better to grab the TA-22 over the TA-30?

[@masterxyr]

was not aware of Andor. Merci

[@Kipacus]

Toughest choice of my life, most likely cause I'm poor. Do I get the Xduoo TA 22, or the Burson Playmate 2. One in a million shot here but has anyone tried out both or would suggest one over the other? I'm a bass head if that matters.

[@MeDroiD]

Not sure this comment will ever be answered but... what's your favourite filter and why?

[@droptables7663]

what tubes did you end up getting for this?

[@keithknight6130]

Curious about this as well

[@pk.002]

I got a pair of vintage RCA Clear Tops for mine, they are perfect for balanced sound and wide soundstage. Considering Apos Ray tubes in the future.

[@bigchimpin4215]

I see the 8xx link in the sponsored links. Buyer beware, they're bad like very bad. I bought them back when Z did the 700 dollar promo for them, and I tried. I tried so hard to like them bough 3 different amps to try pairing with them over the span of a year. I finally sold them and took a 200 dollar loss on them because nobody wants them. Buyer beware. Watch literally all of the reviews that you can on them if you are on the edge about them. Z is on point with a lot of stuff, but that is a missed mark. For that much money you have so many headphones that are actually very good.

[@Tomomoto9000]

I jumped on that promo too but thankfully my ears are happy with the 8XX. I didn't even change out the ear pads yet because im always buying something new. My only regret was the Hifiman XS, it is too big for my head and just falls off.

[@matthiasbroek8055]

I love my hd8xx. On the Folkenvangr it’s audio bliss for my ears. I couldn’t stand the hd800s, the hd8xx better for my ears. Ofcourse everyone is different so people should always try out for themselves.

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. missing remote

[@-dragonofthewest-3625]

Zeos: *Hates a menu* Distant baby: "Why do I hear boss music?"

[@chrisk3127]

so they're likely going to have a small upgrade to the MT600 line soon neat lol

[@juneguts]

it's that time of year again, the end of it

[@EnjoyingGaming]

Is the only way to get the tube audio through the back, do they not work through the front as well?

[@REALEXIT]

what do you recommend for mixing and mastering Already have interface should i Upgrade to another interface as apollo solo or the ssl 2 or Get DAC

[@darrellross8609]

Past Zeros, Which (just amp) model, is like this one? Or is that yet to come? Best, D.

[@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo]

Can the display be turned off completely?

[@KurtKloetentreter]

Zeos have you tried these with aeon 2 noires yet? Id be curious if those match nicely

[@shahidyt]

Are those earpads the Brainwave round xl sheepskin?

[@Harzexe]

Does anyone knows how it pairs with HD 650? I heard it's a great fit for 600/660s/s2 but I heard one complaint about 650. I'm looking for an upgrade from Fiio K5 Pro :)

[@neftalyperalta7162]

Can I run my surround sound with it to produce a Good quality sound?

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

GOOD DUCK

[@alstonmaccow9386]

I would have love to try this but the volume know would annoy me for switching

[@captainslow150]

Can I connect headphones to this device, e.g. Audeze 100MM or Hifiman Sundara, and a microphone on the back via XLR, e.g. a Lewitt LCT-240 Pro?

[@jeremys3333]

Nope not at all. Just headphones, your microphone will have to go through an audio interface. These amps don't have any audio passthroughs to support an input line level signal. Furthermore, there will be no phantom power to supply power to the condenser. Cannot do this at all.

[@wolandphotography]

better than topping dx7 pro?

[@Ionknomen]

How are this compared to Fiio K9 Pro

[@jhuckabey1976]

@Zeos, Please, sir, what is the name / model of the black headphones on the right? Bless you & yours

[@jhuckabey1976]

They're D8000's?

[@KevKruz]

Hey Zeos - will this push the DCA Expanse worth shit?

[@JDsSportsRoom]

Are these headphone only or speakers also?

[@jokur2630]

Who’s the wallpaper? Don’t recognize her. Image search says she’s from RWBY but doesn’t look like the right girl

[@in-earfetish]

Not RWBY but still cannot help ya.

[@daveelgee2008]

Ok Zeos, the Xduoo TA 22 or the FiiO K9?

[@ThankYou_AV]

Topping DX 5 or Xduoo TA 22 ?

[@Rezak877]

Fiio Q7.

[@kirkhamilton775]

This actually looks like an AIO of my existing stack lol - MT02 & XD-05SE

[@ThankYou_AV]

Hello! Topping DX 5 or Xduoo TA 22 ?

[@leonasj9633]

ta-22 ,tube sound

[@claydoub]

I have the TA-20 amp and Topping E50 DAC currently, what I want to know is if it's worth selling those 2 and buying this DAC/amp if the difference costs me like $100?

[@wyles8961]

Wait for the ta-20 plus

[@TheJonazas]

@@wyles8961 What's the Ta-20 plus gonna be?

[@wyles8961]

@@TheJonazas looks to be a similar shape to ta-22, but adds a rectifier tube and drops the DAC. Xduoo has posted a few pics. Not sure on release date. Should be soon, we’ll see

[@TheJonazas]

@@wyles8961 damn perfect. Thanks that's exactly what I want.

[@YoutubeUser2013lol]

What's the sticker by the way?

[@sbekarton3458]

z what is your opinion on dt 900 pro x

[@danieleturrin5625]

*Does anyone who own this amp have the balanced connection sounding as loud if not even less loud than the single ended one?*

[@dylangowland]

Zeos, how did you become involved in what you do? I have a very deep interest in audio that's lead me to spend a lot of my hard earned money just for the sake of experiencing music and movies in a more pure way. Any encouragement of sorts?

[@deluxesofa]

Dr disrespect approves the music choice 👍👍

[@tc9929]

How’s the soundstage of this dac/amp ?

[@leonasj9633]

it is good

[@pk.002]

Excellent, 3D-like sound. You won't be disappointed

[@pawekwas8815]

Which headphones sound better with xduo Sennheiser HD600 or HD650?

[@ZReviews]

I prefer the 600. We could argue all day about what sounds better.

[@pawekwas8815]

@@ZReviews Thank you, I will soon test both pairs and choose the better one.

[@POLKARFF]

TA-26 + Topping E30 II vs TA -22 ? ( HD 600 )

[@PinePizza]

I'm pretty sure the difference is small. Rocking a TA-26 as well btw, but with a FiiO K5 pro as a DAC. How's the topping DAC? Always wondered if it's worth it to get a standalone DAC for my TA-26 instead.

[@ThankYou_AV]

Hello! Topping DX 5 or Xduoo TA 22 ?

[@jesust5414]

this is or TA-30

[@yogiwp_]

It doesn't have balanced line/pre-outs?

[@verticalfracture]

My god that is beautiful I want it!!!!!!!

[@Nooborghini]

You mean entity by dance with the dead.

[@EnjoyingGaming]

I bought it damn

[@KITG_]

Want

[@arielext]

Pads: zmf verite pads? sorta looks like em :)

[@bax81]

😍

[@carlsitler9071]

Schiit hater!?! My Asgard 3 is 5 wpc class a/b that isn't distorted like that chifi.

[@jackpytleski7750]

Sounds awesome 👌

[@necrodh]

sabre dac, iuks

[@Reeeepicheep]

At least it’s dual sabre

[@necrodh]

@@Reeeepicheep double iuk

[@nitraM321]

just be polite, your attitude makes your videos very hard to watch

[@zenstrata]

ewwww. MQA is bad >.

[@redstang5150]

Finally have to comment on this - why on earth would you make us install software to see/download the backgrounds? Can't you just host them straight up on hifiguides?

[@PinePizza]

ikr, I don't even get how this dumb software works