Ordered one 2 weeks ago, hoping it’ll pair well with Arya Organics. How’d you find it with the Aryas? I’m also hoping it might work well with my Mojo2+Poly. I like the idea of combining a hybrid tube amp with features like DSP, Crossfeed, WiFi and SDcard playback.
Great review. Dave! I love this little DAC/amp. I mainly use it with balanced line-in from an A&futura SE300 and it sounds fantastic. On IEMs that need more mid-bass (Volume S, Brain Dance), the bass boost is amazing. This is an extremely versatile piece of kit and I am glat I pulled the trigger on this one. Highly Rec'd!
I love my Xduoo xd05t, the only thing is if you use ext power, i had only one usb brick that gave enough of power, bought a 12V 5A power supply, problem with upstarts whit extended power soloved. I alter the Xduoo xd05t 80% and My Hiby FD5 20% nowadays.
Possibly, but the real danger is that the tube's heating element will be destroyed by vibration. The metal becomes soft and weak when heated. Tubes are common in guitar amps, and you NEVER move an amp that's powered on.
My understanding is mini vacuum tubes were designed by Russia for military needs. Designed for movement, vibration during use and for longevity in harsh environments. They typically never need replacing in your lifetime so should be fine…
Is volts the secret to richer, warm, tubey, weighty sound? Not comparing, but I noticed my Onix Alpha had a bigger sound and was just wondering how they achieved that. Thanks for another great review. 😎
Not exactly sure what role the voltage plays in terms of it contributing to richness. From what I understand tube amplifiers get their unique sound from a certain kind of harmonic distortion that is not present in solid state amps. Love the Alpha XI1. I agree that it does lean slightly warm but I think that may have more to do with it's internal components, DAC chip, amp chip etc. And also the implementation. Still one of my favorite dongles! Thanks for watching!
So far It seems great. I haven't really messed with the harmonic adjustments. I've just kept it on H1 but I'm perfectly happy with that mode. I need to spend a lot more time with it, but so far, so good. The build is very solid and it's very beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Thanks for watching!
What if tube go wrong ? The only reason I avoid tube in portable devices are because they are non replaceable. And tube go wrong more offen. I wish xduoo had some way to replace them or many of us won't even consider buying it. I bought cayin n3 4year ago the tube we t wrong in just 7 month the replacement took 4 months so Once it was back I sold it immediately.
Not sure that's portable. That power switch looks like I would hit it a thousand times moving it around lol. Tube sound is interesting though. I prefer a warmer sound. I am curious what you think of the 7Hz Timless. Been in love with them for a few months with a khadas tea amp. I am no audiophile so I wanted to get your fast opinion.
@1TechCritic420 Thanks for watching! More transportable than portable for sure. I haven't accidentally hit a switch yet but I've only had it out on a couple of walks so far. But yeah I agree. It could potentially be a problem for someone who uses it on the go a lot, lol. I used to own the Timeless but it's been a while. I know I liked it and felt like it was tuned quite well and had good technical performance at the time. Actually I thought it was one of the best iems in it's price range at the time. Not sure how it would fair in the current market, though, with all of the new releases in that price range. That's not to say it's not still a great iem but that $200 space has completely blown up with some pretty incredible iems. Regardless the Timeless was a game changer at the time in my opinion! Again, thanks for taking the time to check my review out!
From pictures I've seen out there, the tubes seem to be Soviet (with OTK quality-control marking, with 85xx/86xx datecode - manufactured in 1985/86; they are indeed 60s design). I'm guessing they are 6N16B, as seen in some other portable tube headphone amps (without DAC) from China. Likewise, they are used as input buffers that feed into solid-state output stage, for that "tubey" sound coloration. (Edit: Yup, they are 6N16B-V, seen from the teardown pics on techpowerup)
I would avoid the Cayin DAP because it lacks WIFI. You cannot do streaming with it. Tubes interfere with WiFi. It’s better to have an old phone + XDuoo then all in one DAP.
I have two questions regarding the power of this device because I still don't understand entirely the concept of a balanced output. If the 4,4mm output gives 1500mW, does that mean that is it giving 1500mW like if it was a 3,5mm output, or is it giving the equivalent of 3000mW? I ask because when I look at specs they usually say 1500 + 1500mW in the balanced output, and that makes me confused. The other question is, is that enough power to drive low sensitivity planar headphones, like 32 ohm 94 db/mW fully? Because I don't seem to find the exact information about how much power does planar headphones need in order to funtion "properly". I've heard it's about 2000mW but I'm still unsure.
1500+1500 mW simply means 1500 mW per channel. As for your planar headphone (which sounds awfully like a Sundara), 1500mW is way more than plenty. I've tried EQ bass boost +10dB with super bassy tracks at a deafening volume level, and never saw more than 500 mW draw per channel. That's with my Sundara (32-ohm, 92dB/mW) and a Topping NX7 (1400 mW/ch). Even my dongle ONIX Alpha XI1 can comfortably drive it to 80-90% of having unlimited power.
Sorry for the late reply and thanks for helping @teeteetuu94! Everything they said. Yes, usually the specs specify the individual channel output not total combined channel output. Thank you both for watching and for helping each other!
Hey! Have you tried the bass boost w iems that you would describe as 'bright' or having more treble? (e.g. Dita Project M) Living in Chicago... I can see having one of these for when I head out for a walk in the winter. My Parka's pockets are big enough to fit it. 🙂
I see you have the nunchaku. I'm more interested in that one. However, on either of these, when the tubes die they become paperweights right? No way to replace the tubes... Any mention of the mean time between failure figure?
If you don't have a faint heart, you can certainly try desoldering them and re-solder in the replacements. The tubes used in here (6N16B) are cheap and plentiful out in the wild. These tubes are quite reliable, especially when they are run nowhere near their dissipation limit as an input buffer.
That's why I bought the M5 Ultra instead of this, even if the tubes die and you don't want to tear it apart to replace them you can always switch it to transistor mode even though it doesn't sound as good as vacuum tube mode. AFAIK the XD05T only has vacuum tube mode so if they die the entire device is useless and you don't have the option to turn the vacuum tubes off if you do want to occasionally use it as a portable device where the ringing is going to be a major issue. Not to mention that the battery life of the M5 Ultra is much better though you're only getting around a third of the power output of the XD05T. Hopefully the Nunchaku will have selectable vacuum tubes and decent vibration isolators like the M5 Ultra otherwise it's going to be a tough sell especially since it costs $100 more with an inferior DAC chip.
Hi, My iems are making a pop sound whenever for example I play or pause a video. Or also when someone starts/stops talking while being on a discord call. I´m using mangird xenns top with a fiio ka17 dongle. Any idea what could be causing it?
I don’t care how good or informative a utube channel is two 15 second ads in a row is just abuse taking me back to the television channels I swore off 15 years ago. If you were giving out free 100$ bills I’d still be gone.
Ordered one 2 weeks ago, hoping it’ll pair well with Arya Organics. How’d you find it with the Aryas?
I’m also hoping it might work well with my Mojo2+Poly. I like the idea of combining a hybrid tube amp with features like DSP, Crossfeed, WiFi and SDcard playback.
Hope to see a review of the Questyle M18i at some point. Wanna get an idea of the comparison with all these other DAC AMPS.
It should be up before too long! Thanks for watching!
@ Nice, unit looks to be a good Sub 500 dollar Premium option so I picked one up. Be cool to hear more on it.
Great review. Dave! I love this little DAC/amp.
I mainly use it with balanced line-in from an A&futura SE300 and it sounds fantastic.
On IEMs that need more mid-bass (Volume S, Brain Dance), the bass boost is amazing.
This is an extremely versatile piece of kit and I am glat I pulled the trigger on this one.
Highly Rec'd!
Nice! Glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for watching!
Looks like the ASR trolls have infiltrated the comments. How dare anybody have a different opinion than them...
can't wait for your ibasso nunchaku review
I love my Xduoo xd05t, the only thing is if you use ext power, i had only one usb brick that gave enough of power, bought a 12V 5A power supply, problem with upstarts whit extended power soloved. I alter the Xduoo xd05t 80% and My Hiby FD5 20% nowadays.
I use JDS lab Element 2 would this be worthy improvement or just stay with jds.
i heard that tubes are sensitive to vibration, so will it affect the sound while bringing it for walking or maybe driving?
Possibly, but the real danger is that the tube's heating element will be destroyed by vibration. The metal becomes soft and weak when heated. Tubes are common in guitar amps, and you NEVER move an amp that's powered on.
My understanding is mini vacuum tubes were designed by Russia for military needs. Designed for movement, vibration during use and for longevity in harsh environments. They typically never need replacing in your lifetime so should be fine…
Have Dave is that the iBasso Nunchaku in red on your desk?
Hey! Yes, it actually showed up while I was recording the review lol.
@@Gizaudio I hope there will be one at CanJam NYC for me to try out next month
I am getting one❤
Is volts the secret to richer, warm, tubey, weighty sound? Not comparing, but I noticed my Onix Alpha had a bigger sound and was just wondering how they achieved that. Thanks for another great review. 😎
Not exactly sure what role the voltage plays in terms of it contributing to richness. From what I understand tube amplifiers get their unique sound from a certain kind of harmonic distortion that is not present in solid state amps. Love the Alpha XI1. I agree that it does lean slightly warm but I think that may have more to do with it's internal components, DAC chip, amp chip etc. And also the implementation. Still one of my favorite dongles! Thanks for watching!
I seen the new iBasso DX340 on your desk, just got it in as my first DAP. Wondering what you think about it.
So far It seems great. I haven't really messed with the harmonic adjustments. I've just kept it on H1 but I'm perfectly happy with that mode. I need to spend a lot more time with it, but so far, so good. The build is very solid and it's very beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Thanks for watching!
What if tube go wrong ? The only reason I avoid tube in portable devices are because they are non replaceable. And tube go wrong more offen.
I wish xduoo had some way to replace them or many of us won't even consider buying it.
I bought cayin n3 4year ago the tube we t wrong in just 7 month the replacement took 4 months so Once it was back I sold it immediately.
That's a very good question. If it's not user replaceable, it's gonna be expensive to fix if the tubes go wrong
I really liked this unit at CanJam very smooth. It sounded better than the tiny tube Woo dongle IMO.
Nice! Which CanJam did you attend? Thanks for watching!
@@Gizaudio SoCal 24
Cool, I attended Socal 2023 but unfortunately I couldn't make it 2024. Next year for sure though! Thanks for watching!
Not sure that's portable. That power switch looks like I would hit it a thousand times moving it around lol. Tube sound is interesting though. I prefer a warmer sound. I am curious what you think of the 7Hz Timless. Been in love with them for a few months with a khadas tea amp. I am no audiophile so I wanted to get your fast opinion.
@1TechCritic420 Thanks for watching! More transportable than portable for sure. I haven't accidentally hit a switch yet but I've only had it out on a couple of walks so far. But yeah I agree. It could potentially be a problem for someone who uses it on the go a lot, lol. I used to own the Timeless but it's been a while. I know I liked it and felt like it was tuned quite well and had good technical performance at the time. Actually I thought it was one of the best iems in it's price range at the time. Not sure how it would fair in the current market, though, with all of the new releases in that price range. That's not to say it's not still a great iem but that $200 space has completely blown up with some pretty incredible iems. Regardless the Timeless was a game changer at the time in my opinion! Again, thanks for taking the time to check my review out!
From pictures I've seen out there, the tubes seem to be Soviet (with OTK quality-control marking, with 85xx/86xx datecode - manufactured in 1985/86; they are indeed 60s design). I'm guessing they are 6N16B, as seen in some other portable tube headphone amps (without DAC) from China. Likewise, they are used as input buffers that feed into solid-state output stage, for that "tubey" sound coloration.
(Edit: Yup, they are 6N16B-V, seen from the teardown pics on techpowerup)
Interesting! Thanks for sharing that and thanks for watching!
I would avoid the Cayin DAP because it lacks WIFI. You cannot do streaming with it. Tubes interfere with WiFi. It’s better to have an old phone + XDuoo then all in one DAP.
Good information and good point! Thanks for watching!
The 6xx also sounds very good from this device.
I have two questions regarding the power of this device because I still don't understand entirely the concept of a balanced output. If the 4,4mm output gives 1500mW, does that mean that is it giving 1500mW like if it was a 3,5mm output, or is it giving the equivalent of 3000mW? I ask because when I look at specs they usually say 1500 + 1500mW in the balanced output, and that makes me confused.
The other question is, is that enough power to drive low sensitivity planar headphones, like 32 ohm 94 db/mW fully? Because I don't seem to find the exact information about how much power does planar headphones need in order to funtion "properly". I've heard it's about 2000mW but I'm still unsure.
1500+1500 mW simply means 1500 mW per channel. As for your planar headphone (which sounds awfully like a Sundara), 1500mW is way more than plenty. I've tried EQ bass boost +10dB with super bassy tracks at a deafening volume level, and never saw more than 500 mW draw per channel. That's with my Sundara (32-ohm, 92dB/mW) and a Topping NX7 (1400 mW/ch). Even my dongle ONIX Alpha XI1 can comfortably drive it to 80-90% of having unlimited power.
Sorry for the late reply and thanks for helping @teeteetuu94! Everything they said. Yes, usually the specs specify the individual channel output not total combined channel output. Thank you both for watching and for helping each other!
Dave, please review that DX340 you have there !! ….and the R6 Pro MAX !!!
More exclamations points pls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
here you go: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a little behind, but reviews for both will hopefully be coming soon. Thanks for watching!
Do Kaei Tap 1 next
Hey!
Have you tried the bass boost w iems that you would describe as 'bright' or having more treble?
(e.g. Dita Project M)
Living in Chicago... I can see having one of these for when I head out for a walk in the winter. My Parka's pockets are big enough to fit it. 🙂
I see you have the nunchaku. I'm more interested in that one. However, on either of these, when the tubes die they become paperweights right? No way to replace the tubes... Any mention of the mean time between failure figure?
If you don't have a faint heart, you can certainly try desoldering them and re-solder in the replacements. The tubes used in here (6N16B) are cheap and plentiful out in the wild. These tubes are quite reliable, especially when they are run nowhere near their dissipation limit as an input buffer.
Yeah, nunchacku and the DAPs !!!
That's why I bought the M5 Ultra instead of this, even if the tubes die and you don't want to tear it apart to replace them you can always switch it to transistor mode even though it doesn't sound as good as vacuum tube mode. AFAIK the XD05T only has vacuum tube mode so if they die the entire device is useless and you don't have the option to turn the vacuum tubes off if you do want to occasionally use it as a portable device where the ringing is going to be a major issue. Not to mention that the battery life of the M5 Ultra is much better though you're only getting around a third of the power output of the XD05T. Hopefully the Nunchaku will have selectable vacuum tubes and decent vibration isolators like the M5 Ultra otherwise it's going to be a tough sell especially since it costs $100 more with an inferior DAC chip.
Radical, tubular 🤙
Thanks for watching!
Far out, man.
Hi,
My iems are making a pop sound whenever for example I play or pause a video. Or also when someone starts/stops talking while being on a discord call. I´m using mangird xenns top with a fiio ka17 dongle. Any idea what could be causing it?
I don’t care how good or informative a utube channel is two 15 second ads in a row is just abuse taking me back to the television channels I swore off 15 years ago. If you were giving out free 100$ bills I’d still be gone.
I don't pay for any streaming channels BUT getting youtube premium is worth it and a game changer. Try it for free first and you'll see what I mean.
Your don't have TH-cam Red yet?