Your videos have become much better since you started appearing on-camera. It makes it so much easier to relate to the content and follow what you're saying. Excellent progress for an excellent channel. I respect your knowledge & passion too. One small suggestion is that you could introduce cutaway & close-up shots. Keep up the good work.
As many have indicated, lots of us watch your reviews. You come off as a gentle and very knowledgeable person and I know that whenever I see a new review coming on your channel, I'm there to check it out. I must add however, that in the case of the XDuoo head amp/preamp, what one hears (as you well know) depends on many variables such as the DAC used, your hearing, ear canal and so much more (in the case of headphone listening only), and of course, in addition, the type of amp or powered speakers that one uses if listening via the Preamp outputs. As soon as I ordered mine a few weeks back, I also made the move to simultaneously order several different types of tube sets and I'll tell you, the tubes you use (as is always the case with audio gear), can make a world of difference. Using the wonderful Riverside 7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes, shown in the link below, they made a substantial difference (well, at least to my ears) after 24 hours of burn-in - over the stock tubes that came with the unit - and they only got better as time went on. 7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes I also purchased some Russian Tubes - love testing them out. Anyway, the depth that you mentioned wasn't much there, is, in my opinion a stock tube issue and I've had no issues with perceptions of depth with the Riverside tubes. What really surprised me was that the bass was punchy and tight - in fact, more so than my ZenDAC. I'm feeding my XDuoo MT602 with a newly purchased budget Schitt Modi 3+ (since the XDuoo was budget also) and I've got to tell you, this duo sounds dynamic, punchy, and warm in those regions you mentioned. Also as the tubes warmed up and got broken in, the highs - in particular well recorded string instruments - had a silky sheen to them (very alluring to be sure). So all I can add is that this unit punches far above its weight, but like in most cases, the weak points of any tubed audio components are the tubes themselves. So I strongly suggest getting some upgraded tubes and then let them break in and you will be rewarded with superb sound.
the idea of a tube amp esp hybrid seems really exciting to me, rather than the small opp amp changes there seems to be such a world of variety to explore
@@adrianmorrish8494 Well, here's the one for the GE versions again (I had it in my reply above). It is: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088RBVVF3/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ADPE7GPX91ORE&psc=1 These, I found, were (are) the best, most smooth sounding versions and they are relatively inexpensive (only $16 for a matched pair - that's the key, getting a matched pair). These same tubes can be used for other hybrid tube headamps from different brands. For example, I use these for the Douk Audio P1 - which I also enjoy. The Douk P1 is a very spacious sounding headamp.
Watching your channel for quite a long time regularly, damn man your videos are addictive.. always detailed, to the point ,fair comparisons . Just wanna offer a big thank you 🙏 to share your knowledge.
I would like to strongly recommend you also review the Fx-audio tube 03 mkii it's $75 on amazon with SNR 100db and THD 0.001%. It's dead silent at max volume and zero distortion. The sound quality is amazing and no one seems to be taking about it, I have tried many tube buffers and this is the only one I like a lot paired with the schiit loki eq it pulls sounds out of the songs you didn't know where there, turn up the treble and get beautiful clean sparkle . I don't like blue tooth so I'm happy the bt is completely shut down when not activated on it. It's a hidden gem. Im not a head phone guy so I use it with two other hidden gem amps, the Aiyama a04 tpa3251, and the Allo volt+d. Hope this helps someone out there.
Tx! It is the most accurate review that I see to date on any musical equipment. I told that because I purchased this xduo and all that you say it is perfect accurate, I rely not encountered such correct interpretation until now. Hard to find such reviews that rely told the pure truth about products.
I was wondering if you'd be kind enough to load this amp with some nos mullard valves or some valvo's and give us another opinion. I guarantee the sound will be completely different. These amps come with cheap valves straight out of the box. A military grade mullard valve will have much faster response, less microphonics and much fuller tone. Thankyou for an excellent vid xx
You are so right on. Bought the MT-602 and your review is perfect. My DROP + THX AAA 789 headphone amp like the L30 is much snappier and better for more aggressive music but put on Beady Belle's music and the 602 is the clear favourite especially with my HD-6XX. At $100 this is a must buy and a no-brainer. Really well done review.
Man, you're reviews are spot on. Every time I have a question in my head about the product; it gets answered in the video. Brilliant reviews brother! One thing though, you should tell people more about your site! It so well set up and a great reference. Really nice set up site guys, check it out!
I've just got one of these. I've so far only tested it with my HD560S and I think I can hear what you have described regarding pairing headphones with any kind of treble peak. I have found my 560S to be perfect with my A50s, no discernible treble spike to my ear (even though I know one clearly stands out when measured). With my 602, snare drums in a lot of rock tracks that I'm very familiar with (Tool & Oceansize particularly) stood out far than I have heard them to before. Not to an unpleasant degree but it's noticeable enough.
Are you still using it with the HD560S and what has your experience been? Just got the HD560S myself and looking at the 602 to take the edge off - but I'm not sure if it'll be a good fit.
@@BatteryAz1z I still have and use my 560S but I mainly use it for gaming. I've got a HE-500 for music now. I tube rolled the 602 and found the treble peak that effected snare drums largely disappeared. I think it's very much to do with the type of music you listen. I'm a drummer and was a drum tech for over decade, etc., so drum timbre is something I listen to intently and can bother me more than it would most. I'm gonna buy a Little Bear B-4X to see how a "real" tube amp compares to a hybrid. I still rate the 602 but it's more the music you listen to, the cans you've got and what you want from buying such a unit.
Question about this Xduoo MT602 - what is the size of the 12V power connector? In watching your more recent video about 5V linear power supplies, I immediately thought about getting a 12V linear power supply for this unit - I'll bet the sound quality gets even better? I am also getting a matched pair of GE JAN 5646W tubes for the MT602 - these are mil spec, and made by GE who invented this tube. They are about $20US for the pair.
My favourite reviewer, must be the Slavic connection. I'm wondering if this is a candidate for a spot of tube rolling, it seems cheap enough to play about with. Thanks much.
Hey Srb.. I've been watching your (and Darko's) stuff on raspberry pi streaming and it's been extremely useful, so thanks for your help. When free money presents itself, I'm absolutely going to have a go - probably with a pi 4 using the apparently vastly improved USB output into the only unused input on my Modi 3. I'll see how I get on with it as a basic setup before considering upgrading. Wish me luck! Just wanted to say, as a long term subscriber, how impressed I am at how your production quality has gone up since the early days. Keep it up dude, you'll do well.
I love the way you say tubes, I plan to adopt your pronunciation going forward lol. This is definitely on my radar along with the Vali by Schiit. Thanks for the video!
Hi, thank you so much for your reviews. From your reviews I could deduce that I have similar taste in sound as you. And wanted your advice to resolve my dilemma; I recently bought the HE400i 2020 and am looking for DAC/Amp for them. I saw your review on - SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII and you praised it a lot and I completely agree with your choice of opting Sanskrit over Topping. I like that exact kind of sound from Sanskrit. Then I saw your Review on - FiiO K5-Pro - and you praised it to a certain extent. Plus it has a powerful amplifier. So I am unable to decide as which one to get whether (a) Sanskrit + MT-602 (or any other Amp to power the Hifiman) OR (b) Fiio K5 Pro? Thanks again.
Another very good review. I really like your channel! One question on the pre-out of that unit. Would it make sense to put the 602 between my Topping e30 and my powered monitors to get a bit more organic and textured sound? Currently, I have my CCA or Laptop connected to my Topping e30, which feeds a pair of Tannoy Gold 5 at my desk. Sound is good, but sometimes a bit too analytical. The 603 would also add a physical volume knob, so I could set a fix volume on the Topping and adjust the volume on the xDuoo...
It does make sense since it can sometimes help with the impedance matching... That said, I'm not sure how would that work in reality with your particular speakers. It's a unique kind of situation for every system.
Man, you really deserve more subs! you have a very decent and solid content, way above the average on youtube. I think you just didn't get more traction yet because of how serious your videos look like, maybe try at least a background lofi track and a funnier intro, I know it sounds silly but sadly that's true, many other folks have more subs than you just because of that.
any affordable tube amps that has better depth in stage and dynamics than this? wondering also if you can use the L30 pre/output to feed into the xduoo? or would you have to transfer the rca cables to prevent double amping
Hi! What happens if I connect at the same time a Headphone and the line out to the receiver? The xt burns? Is there any preference of sound output? Sound at the same time? Must do I unplug something?
I just discovered that on my xduoo the lamps are different, one is with chinese star standard one and the other is with an symbol as an atom big rounded intersecting star...also the filament of one is glowing twice as powerful than the other
excellent review, I have a hipdac which is my main and first dacamp apart from mm y dap and my fiiio btr5. I have a HD6XX on the way and also looking at Sundara. Which would be better for 6xx and the Sundara out of the 2 xduoo's and the topping. Also no point having something that sounds the same as my hipdac
Another very good review. Do you think that xduoo 602 acting as preamp between Smsl su9 and class D amplifier would be a any change in sound for my Kef r5?
Great review as always. Thanks. What about dac pairing? For instance between the ifi zen dac and the smsl sanskrit 10th MKII. Which one do you think would be more suitable?
I would go for MKII, I believe it's fuller bodied midrange would compliment well this amp. Zen has mellow bassline and open highs which might emphasize this amp's character even more.
@@FedeBerri96 Yes, I agree. The only but I see is for tube rolling. 601 is a whole lot easier because it's a different kind of tube (9-pin 6922/ECC88). Not a lot of options with the 602 (7-pin GE6AK5/EF95/GE5654).
Hello, new approach videos? nice :D. Do you know something about output impedance that the xduoo mt 602 could has??? I cant find out nothing about some specs. Do you have some clue?
I don't really, but judging by the background hiss on sensitive IEMs, it's probably very low output impedance, like couple of Ohms. Cause if it's high (tens of Ohms) there's no such hiss present.
Thank u very much. Great review. I was considering this to pair with my dt990 pro which are bright headphones but your review just saved me from taking the wrong decision. Do you have any recommendations for pairing with dt990 pro?
@@HermeticAscetic22 thank you. But is Zen DAC V2 powerful enough to drive dt990 pro which is 250 ohms. Hpz mentions to use Zen stack (Zen DAC V2+ Zen can) instead of just Zen DAC. So I doubt if Zen DAC alone can power dt990 pro to its full potential.
Can you review the xduoo ta-10r please im so close to purchasing it. Also could you recommend a good usb B cable as the one that comes with it is only 3 feet and is too short.
I know i'm a bit late on this, but i wanna know if theres a delay when plug it to a desktop. Does it works good for movies and games or is it just good for music?
I didn't notice any delay on my unit. Amps in general don't introduce delay, that sometimes happens in the DAC if there's some DSP processing for example.
I heard some folks on the TH-cam channel “The Next Best Thing Studio” say that they’ve had an eye opening experience after using a hi-fi system and they can’t go back to using a headphone or earphone. Do you think it’s possible to have a similar experience with a budget of $2000 and would you say it’s worth it or do you think purchase a Sony IER -Z1R IEM would be the way to go?
Well, I guess it depends on your own taste. My leans heavily towards full room setup... Yes it's much more expensive to get to the same sound fidelity you get with headphones... but the scale of the sound and the physical kick provided is worth it to me. It's like watching a movie on a very big TV compared to watching it on your phone. You see all the details and all the info on the phone, but the sense of drama and grandeur is just better on a bigger screen. As for $2000 bucks, yes, that's a sweet budget. A lot of nice gear can be purchased for that amount of money. One way to go about it is to go active - for example KEF LS50 Wireless firs generation (second is way to expensive at the moment). It has integrated amplification and streamer, and even some ways to adjust to your specific placement via app. It provides phenomenal sound quality that is difficult to achieve traditionally, even after spending years mixing and matching suitable amps and speakers and sources.
Hi! Awesome review. Does a headphone amp like this makes any sense to feed a takstar HF580 headphones? They are of planar magnetic type but exhibit a low impedance (32Ω±20%). They are single ended (non removable cable) and I already own as source an Hiby R5 (capable of 500mW at 32ohms on unbalanced 3.5mm). My other IEMs are also planar, really hybrid DD+BA+Planar, the KBear Tri I3. Thanks in advance!
I haven't heard HF580 so can't advice if these would match tonally. In terms of power and drive, there should be no problem whatsoever. But if you plan to use it with IEMs, please see the video about that part.
hi iiWi, another question from me :). I want to ask, can something small and portable like earman sparrow (2,5mm jack) compete with something cheaper but desktop, like xduoo mt-602+ dac in the same price range or schiit magni/modi, in sound quality, rafinement and technical aspects like instrument separation, sound stage :width, height, depth? is there any chance that the new small devices are that good? (lotoo paw s1, sparrow, cobalt, hidizs s9 ...). With an easy to drive headphones, when the power itself is not an advantege of the desktop devices. Can we get desktop like experience on the go?
Hi Matus. Yes, Sparrow for example easily competes with desktop products in terms of sound fidelity over its 2.5mm out. The only thing lacking is high power that physically can't be put into such small devices. For example, I find Sparrow and DF Cobalt to sound better than Fiio K5 pro or Topping DX3pro as long as you don't use power hungry headphones.
Manufacturers really need to realise the importance of a COAX INPUT in their DACs. Almost no Devices available with it (the brand-new Fiio BTA30 is an exception, but it has a poor Sound Quality like almost all Fiio Products) Good Review by the way ;)
Hvala, kada se stavi u korpu i krene na check out, ispiše cenu dostave... Meni su sami poslali pa nisam išao kroz taj proces naručivanja. Mislim da je 15ak dolara.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for the reply! I see. I have a few more questions. Planars are okay since it's a hybrid right? I have a sundara, i noticed you reviewed it with the 400i? Also what if you reduce the volume on the dac for IEMs does it have an audible noise floor with IEMs or is it just a volume range issue? (I'm using an E30). iems no problem on the L30 for me, though volume wise im on the 8-9oclock range. (quite a tight range but maneagable)
Yes, Sundara would work just fine as they are current hungry. IEMs are both low impedance and very high sensitivity, so the smallest current leaking from the amp will manifest as an audible background noise. L30 is a very silent amp in that regard so no problem whatsoever. Tube amps are usually having that small amount of current that is problematic for IEMs, even when you decrease the volume completely. So, most of the time Tube amps and IEMs are a no go.
@@iiWiReviews so the mt602 in particualr introduces a bit of audible noise with IEMs? I didnt know that about completely decreased volume! learned something new today. thank you for your responses today, much appreciated.
I ordered mine the day before this video came out... Still waiting 😭😭😭I keep finding reviews to live vicariously through the reviewers and pretend I have mine.
@@fabiolopes5700 Yeah mine finally came in last week. ifi Zen dac-----> MT-602-------> HD58X Jubilee/ Hifiman 400i (2020 version) I am a happy dude! :) Its fantastic.
TR-amp is both DAC and head-amp so it has great value. But MT-602 paired with a good DAC offers more drive and more airy presentation, and more midrange details.
@@iiWiReviews Tx! I have it paired with smsl sanskrit 10th mk2, I have also jds atom amp driving a pair of infinity alpha 50 plus welodyne impact 10, and the difference it is big, indeed xduoo it offer exactly how you say more airy and more mid-range details, and also wider soundstage than atom, but for me even if I searched for that continuously, now seems to be just a notch over what I like ideally...maybe I could compensate by slightly rise the sub output, and I need to measure again with rew because the sound changed much. Also the same applies to my headphones a pair of akg 712 and 1more triple driver over ear, both now on xduoo sounding brighter and more detailed than on atom, rendering inaccurate actual existent dsp profiles for them. The bass on xduo seems more defined controlled than on atom amp, with enough power but somewhat eclipsed by clearer midrange and highs. I will try some tube rolling with ge vintage military grade and maybe sylvania on the future, I need some tubes that will tame very little the middle and upper frequencies or make the bass a little more ample and warm.
I own that amp and is an unbelievable value, I prefer it to ta-10, which has a great amp section as well. Hard to find anything near as good as mt-602 even in higher price brackets. I've also owned e30 and disliked everything about it, I don't get the hype on such lifeless sounding amp.
Already 2 weeks of listening and I have to be honest, it's so-so...it has a good sense of recording space with all the reverbs and echoes, acoustic instrumenst sound let's say fine but not very realistic, it too soft presentation, there is not enough distinction between wood, strings, metal. Voices are nice for a cheap amp. I put Voskhod tubes so I am not refering to the original. Anyways I prefered Voskhods on my Little Dot 1. And finally, the bass is missing it's fundament, it's simply not there. Listening some bass and percusion song now and switching to FX x6 mk 2, oh boy, FX sounds so powerfull and impressive, but perhaps treble is not so sweet like 602. For electronica FX only, can't listen anything on 602, some of the sounds just don't get through. Dac is a dac portion of FX, so switching between is easy and revealing. Streaming from Xiaomi Mi box 4s, via digital coax, no usb bull...regards to all
Why do you reviewers keep repeating that amps and dacs have soundstage. They don’t. They don’t affect soundstage. You guys need to talk to real audio engineers because you’re all wrong
Your videos have become much better since you started appearing on-camera. It makes it so much easier to relate to the content and follow what you're saying. Excellent progress for an excellent channel. I respect your knowledge & passion too. One small suggestion is that you could introduce cutaway & close-up shots. Keep up the good work.
As many have indicated, lots of us watch your reviews. You come off as a gentle and very knowledgeable person and I know that whenever I see a new review coming on your channel, I'm there to check it out. I must add however, that in the case of the XDuoo head amp/preamp, what one hears (as you well know) depends on many variables such as the DAC used, your hearing, ear canal and so much more (in the case of headphone listening only), and of course, in addition, the type of amp or powered speakers that one uses if listening via the Preamp outputs.
As soon as I ordered mine a few weeks back, I also made the move to simultaneously order several different types of tube sets and I'll tell you, the tubes you use (as is always the case with audio gear), can make a world of difference. Using the wonderful Riverside 7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes, shown in the link below, they made a substantial difference (well, at least to my ears) after 24 hours of burn-in - over the stock tubes that came with the unit - and they only got better as time went on.
7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes
I also purchased some Russian Tubes - love testing them out. Anyway, the depth that you mentioned wasn't much there, is, in my opinion a stock tube issue and I've had no issues with perceptions of depth with the Riverside tubes. What really surprised me was that the bass was punchy and tight - in fact, more so than my ZenDAC.
I'm feeding my XDuoo MT602 with a newly purchased budget Schitt Modi 3+ (since the XDuoo was budget also) and I've got to tell you, this duo sounds dynamic, punchy, and warm in those regions you mentioned. Also as the tubes warmed up and got broken in, the highs - in particular well recorded string instruments - had a silky sheen to them (very alluring to be sure).
So all I can add is that this unit punches far above its weight, but like in most cases, the weak points of any tubed audio components are the tubes themselves. So I strongly suggest getting some upgraded tubes and then let them break in and you will be rewarded with superb sound.
would you mind sharing links for the 2 tube sets you mentioned, this will be my first foray into tubes and tube rolling so would be really grateful.
the idea of a tube amp esp hybrid seems really exciting to me, rather than the small opp amp changes there seems to be such a world of variety to explore
@@adrianmorrish8494 Well, here's the one for the GE versions again (I had it in my reply above). It is:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088RBVVF3/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ADPE7GPX91ORE&psc=1
These, I found, were (are) the best, most smooth sounding versions and they are relatively inexpensive (only $16 for a matched pair - that's the key, getting a matched pair).
These same tubes can be used for other hybrid tube headamps from different brands. For example, I use these for the Douk Audio P1 - which I also enjoy. The Douk P1 is a very spacious sounding headamp.
Watching your channel for quite a long time regularly, damn man your videos are addictive.. always detailed, to the point ,fair comparisons .
Just wanna offer a big thank you 🙏 to share your knowledge.
received mine yesterday. it did sound unnaturally hard and bright, but i swapped for GE tubes available from amazon and it balanced out well
Nice review. I have been using the Xduoo MT-604 for over a year driving Sennheiser 800S. Love it.
I really like that you qualify a product by use case and individual preferences. Very helpful. Good job as usual!
Thank you. Love your reviews. So much so that I come back for second and third looks when I'm comparing purchase choices.
I would like to strongly recommend you also review the Fx-audio tube 03 mkii it's $75 on amazon with SNR 100db and THD 0.001%. It's dead silent at max volume and zero distortion. The sound quality is amazing and no one seems to be taking about it, I have tried many tube buffers and this is the only one I like a lot paired with the schiit loki eq it pulls sounds out of the songs you didn't know where there, turn up the treble and get beautiful clean sparkle . I don't like blue tooth so I'm happy the bt is completely shut down when not activated on it. It's a hidden gem. Im not a head phone guy so I use it with two other hidden gem amps, the Aiyama a04 tpa3251, and the Allo volt+d. Hope this helps someone out there.
Tx! It is the most accurate review that I see to date on any musical equipment. I told that because I purchased this xduo and all that you say it is perfect accurate, I rely not encountered such correct interpretation until now. Hard to find such reviews that rely told the pure truth about products.
Just brought this little amp today on your recommendation very impressed carnt fault it for the money thank you keep up the good work
Superb review! I appreciated the specific words you chose for describing its sound.
I was wondering if you'd be kind enough to load this amp with some nos mullard valves or some valvo's and give us another opinion. I guarantee the sound will be completely different. These amps come with cheap valves straight out of the box. A military grade mullard valve will have much faster response, less microphonics and much fuller tone. Thankyou for an excellent vid xx
You are so right on. Bought the MT-602 and your review is perfect. My DROP + THX AAA 789 headphone amp like the L30 is much snappier and better for more aggressive music but put on Beady Belle's music and the 602 is the clear favourite especially with my HD-6XX. At $100 this is a must buy and a no-brainer. Really well done review.
Thank you for this review, your time, and effort sharing this with us. I just ordered the MT-604 and some Russian tubes.
I really enjoy your reviews. Thank you for what you do!
Man, you're reviews are spot on. Every time I have a question in my head about the product; it gets answered in the video. Brilliant reviews brother! One thing though, you should tell people more about your site! It so well set up and a great reference.
Really nice set up site guys, check it out!
Thanks for the praise and for the suggestion! Cheers!
Thanks bud, i hope you have a chance to review xDuoo TA-10R, CHEERS !
I am also curious about 10r
xDuoo MT-604 was recently launched. Looking forward for your review. Thank you....
Sjajan video, zanimljiv mali amp - hvala!
I've just got one of these. I've so far only tested it with my HD560S and I think I can hear what you have described regarding pairing headphones with any kind of treble peak. I have found my 560S to be perfect with my A50s, no discernible treble spike to my ear (even though I know one clearly stands out when measured). With my 602, snare drums in a lot of rock tracks that I'm very familiar with (Tool & Oceansize particularly) stood out far than I have heard them to before. Not to an unpleasant degree but it's noticeable enough.
Are you still using it with the HD560S and what has your experience been? Just got the HD560S myself and looking at the 602 to take the edge off - but I'm not sure if it'll be a good fit.
@@BatteryAz1z I still have and use my 560S but I mainly use it for gaming. I've got a HE-500 for music now. I tube rolled the 602 and found the treble peak that effected snare drums largely disappeared. I think it's very much to do with the type of music you listen. I'm a drummer and was a drum tech for over decade, etc., so drum timbre is something I listen to intently and can bother me more than it would most.
I'm gonna buy a Little Bear B-4X to see how a "real" tube amp compares to a hybrid. I still rate the 602 but it's more the music you listen to, the cans you've got and what you want from buying such a unit.
Nice review, I hope you can try someday the Shiit Vali 2+
This would be a great comparison - and maybe add the single tube Xduoo MT-601, as well?
Hi Srboljub and thanks for the review. How did your Verum headphones sound with this amp? Is this amp enough for Verum? Thanks
Question about this Xduoo MT602 - what is the size of the 12V power connector? In watching your more recent video about 5V linear power supplies, I immediately thought about getting a 12V linear power supply for this unit - I'll bet the sound quality gets even better?
I am also getting a matched pair of GE JAN 5646W tubes for the MT602 - these are mil spec, and made by GE who invented this tube. They are about $20US for the pair.
My favourite reviewer, must be the Slavic connection.
I'm wondering if this is a candidate for a spot of tube rolling, it seems cheap enough to play about with.
Thanks much.
Hey Srb.. I've been watching your (and Darko's) stuff on raspberry pi streaming and it's been extremely useful, so thanks for your help. When free money presents itself, I'm absolutely going to have a go - probably with a pi 4 using the apparently vastly improved USB output into the only unused input on my Modi 3. I'll see how I get on with it as a basic setup before considering upgrading. Wish me luck!
Just wanted to say, as a long term subscriber, how impressed I am at how your production quality has gone up since the early days. Keep it up dude, you'll do well.
Great review! Looks like this will not pair well with Beyerdynamic DT770 pro? Both are bright, I guess. What would you suggest for the DT770?
I love the way you say tubes, I plan to adopt your pronunciation going forward lol. This is definitely on my radar along with the Vali by Schiit. Thanks for the video!
Hi, thank you so much for your reviews. From your reviews I could deduce that I have similar taste in sound as you. And wanted your advice to resolve my dilemma;
I recently bought the HE400i 2020 and am looking for DAC/Amp for them.
I saw your review on - SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII and you praised it a lot and I completely agree with your choice of opting Sanskrit over Topping. I like that exact kind of sound from Sanskrit.
Then I saw your Review on - FiiO K5-Pro - and you praised it to a certain extent. Plus it has a powerful amplifier.
So I am unable to decide as which one to get whether (a) Sanskrit + MT-602 (or any other Amp to power the Hifiman) OR (b) Fiio K5 Pro?
Thanks again.
I bought this to try tubes. I do enjoy it. For a super small stack, how about this with the SMSL SU-1?
Can it be connected to an audio interface?
If that audio interface has line outs than yes it can.
Another very good review. I really like your channel! One question on the pre-out of that unit. Would it make sense to put the 602 between my Topping e30 and my powered monitors to get a bit more organic and textured sound? Currently, I have my CCA or Laptop connected to my Topping e30, which feeds a pair of Tannoy Gold 5 at my desk. Sound is good, but sometimes a bit too analytical. The 603 would also add a physical volume knob, so I could set a fix volume on the Topping and adjust the volume on the xDuoo...
It does make sense since it can sometimes help with the impedance matching... That said, I'm not sure how would that work in reality with your particular speakers. It's a unique kind of situation for every system.
Great, great review! Excellent! What do you think of using that with HD560S or Hifiman 400i 2020?
Nice review! So if I'm more into metal/ edm the TA-05 would be a better choice?
Nice review! Thanks for your thoughts!
Man, you really deserve more subs! you have a very decent and solid content, way above the average on youtube. I think you just didn't get more traction yet because of how serious your videos look like, maybe try at least a background lofi track and a funnier intro, I know it sounds silly but sadly that's true, many other folks have more subs than you just because of that.
any affordable tube amps that has better depth in stage and dynamics than this?
wondering also if you can use the L30 pre/output to feed into the xduoo? or would you have to transfer the rca cables to prevent double amping
Hi! What happens if I connect at the same time a Headphone and the line out to the receiver? The xt burns? Is there any preference of sound output? Sound at the same time? Must do I unplug something?
NIce review, just bought this amp !!!
I just discovered that on my xduoo the lamps are different, one is with chinese star standard one and the other is with an symbol as an atom big rounded intersecting star...also the filament of one is glowing twice as powerful than the other
excellent review, I have a hipdac which is my main and first dacamp apart from mm y dap and my fiiio btr5. I have a HD6XX on the way and also looking at Sundara. Which would be better for 6xx and the Sundara out of the 2 xduoo's and the topping. Also no point having something that sounds the same as my hipdac
Another very good review. Do you think that xduoo 602 acting as preamp between Smsl su9 and class D amplifier would be a any change in sound for my Kef r5?
It would make a change for sure, but if it would be for better or for worse, I don't really now since I haven't tried that specific configuration.
thank you for calm and clear narration. have you listened loxjie p20?
Thanks! No I haven't heard it.
Great review as always! Do you think this would pair well with a Topping D10S and a Grado SR80e?
Thanks! It would be a good match to D10s but I never had a chance to hear SR80e so can't really give any advice on that side of things.
I have mt602,replace 6j1 with ge 6dk6. You can get wider soundstage.
Well, now you got me listening to Beady Belle.... wonderful saturdaymorning music! Thanks for that :-)
Nice Review! Connect it to with any DAC, or can use direct this single Amp with PC? Pls reply...
You can connect it to 3.5mm analog out of your PC... But the sound will be better if you use a DAC in between.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for reply. I have Creative Sound Blaster E5. If I connect without E5 with PC (3.5mm analog out), then Sound is better than E5?
Great review as always. Thanks. What about dac pairing? For instance between the ifi zen dac and the smsl sanskrit 10th MKII. Which one do you think would be more suitable?
I would go for MKII, I believe it's fuller bodied midrange would compliment well this amp. Zen has mellow bassline and open highs which might emphasize this amp's character even more.
Thank you for this review. I am hesitating between 601 and 602.
No point getting the 601 when the 602 it’s just 10$ more
@@FedeBerri96 Yes, I agree. The only but I see is for tube rolling. 601 is a whole lot easier because it's a different kind of tube (9-pin 6922/ECC88). Not a lot of options with the 602 (7-pin GE6AK5/EF95/GE5654).
@@marclacasse1 true. Also tube rolling the 602 costs twice since it’s double tubed
@@FedeBerri96 Yes. I think they made the 601 specifically for tube rolling. It competes with the Schiit Vali 2.
Hello, new approach videos? nice :D. Do you know something about output impedance that the xduoo mt 602 could has??? I cant find out nothing about some specs. Do you have some clue?
I don't really, but judging by the background hiss on sensitive IEMs, it's probably very low output impedance, like couple of Ohms. Cause if it's high (tens of Ohms) there's no such hiss present.
Thank u very much. Great review. I was considering this to pair with my dt990 pro which are bright headphones but your review just saved me from taking the wrong decision. Do you have any recommendations for pairing with dt990 pro?
You may consider getting a Zen DAC V2.
@@HermeticAscetic22 thank you. But is Zen DAC V2 powerful enough to drive dt990 pro which is 250 ohms. Hpz mentions to use Zen stack (Zen DAC V2+ Zen can) instead of just Zen DAC. So I doubt if Zen DAC alone can power dt990 pro to its full potential.
Another great review!
Can you review the xduoo ta-10r please im so close to purchasing it. Also could you recommend a good usb B cable as the one that comes with it is only 3 feet and is too short.
I know i'm a bit late on this, but i wanna know if theres a delay when plug it to a desktop.
Does it works good for movies and games or is it just good for music?
I didn't notice any delay on my unit. Amps in general don't introduce delay, that sometimes happens in the DAC if there's some DSP processing for example.
I heard some folks on the TH-cam channel “The Next Best Thing Studio” say that they’ve had an eye opening experience after using a hi-fi system and they can’t go back to using a headphone or earphone. Do you think it’s possible to have a similar experience with a budget of $2000 and would you say it’s worth it or do you think purchase a Sony IER -Z1R IEM would be the way to go?
Well, I guess it depends on your own taste. My leans heavily towards full room setup... Yes it's much more expensive to get to the same sound fidelity you get with headphones... but the scale of the sound and the physical kick provided is worth it to me. It's like watching a movie on a very big TV compared to watching it on your phone. You see all the details and all the info on the phone, but the sense of drama and grandeur is just better on a bigger screen.
As for $2000 bucks, yes, that's a sweet budget. A lot of nice gear can be purchased for that amount of money. One way to go about it is to go active - for example KEF LS50 Wireless firs generation (second is way to expensive at the moment). It has integrated amplification and streamer, and even some ways to adjust to your specific placement via app. It provides phenomenal sound quality that is difficult to achieve traditionally, even after spending years mixing and matching suitable amps and speakers and sources.
What cheaper planar magnetic or nice open back - sub 400 - do u think would pair well?
Is a topping E30 a good match for these? I want to get the sanskrits but if i can save some money for the E30 that would be nice
What Shiit product would this compare with? Also I was thinking of pairing with a modios. New to amps and dacs
Hi! Awesome review. Does a headphone amp like this makes any sense to feed a takstar HF580 headphones?
They are of planar magnetic type but exhibit a low impedance (32Ω±20%).
They are single ended (non removable cable) and I already own as source an Hiby R5 (capable of 500mW at 32ohms on unbalanced 3.5mm). My other IEMs are also planar, really hybrid DD+BA+Planar, the KBear Tri I3. Thanks in advance!
I haven't heard HF580 so can't advice if these would match tonally. In terms of power and drive, there should be no problem whatsoever. But if you plan to use it with IEMs, please see the video about that part.
You know you can run that 602 as a pre amp into that L30...but if you want to go that route, I would get the 601 and put a 6N23P-EV in it instead.
hi iiWi, another question from me :). I want to ask, can something small and portable like earman sparrow (2,5mm jack)
compete with something cheaper but desktop, like xduoo mt-602+ dac in the same price range or schiit magni/modi, in sound quality, rafinement and technical aspects like instrument separation, sound stage :width, height, depth? is there any chance that the new small devices are that good? (lotoo paw s1, sparrow, cobalt, hidizs s9 ...). With an easy to drive headphones, when the power itself is not an advantege of the desktop devices. Can we get desktop like experience on the go?
Hi Matus. Yes, Sparrow for example easily competes with desktop products in terms of sound fidelity over its 2.5mm out. The only thing lacking is high power that physically can't be put into such small devices. For example, I find Sparrow and DF Cobalt to sound better than Fiio K5 pro or Topping DX3pro as long as you don't use power hungry headphones.
@@iiWiReviews thanks a lot :)
Do you think I could feed it with a Fiio btr3k with good results?
Manufacturers really need to realise the importance of a COAX INPUT in their DACs.
Almost no Devices available with it (the brand-new Fiio BTA30 is an exception, but it has a poor Sound Quality like almost all Fiio Products)
Good Review by the way ;)
How do you compare this to JDS Atom? Want to drive Senn 560s.. Thanks!
Super,kao i obično.Koliko je dostava za ovaj uređaj na hifigo?
Hvala, kada se stavi u korpu i krene na check out, ispiše cenu dostave... Meni su sami poslali pa nisam išao kroz taj proces naručivanja. Mislim da je 15ak dolara.
@@iiWiReviews Hvala.
hello! did you ever notice a ping when turning the unit on? is that normal?
what if you use this as a preamp into the Topping L30? will IEMs be viable then since you have the low gain on the L30?
Yes it would be possible, but be prepared to loose some of the subtle details and clarity for using two amps in a row.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for the reply! I see. I have a few more questions.
Planars are okay since it's a hybrid right? I have a sundara, i noticed you reviewed it with the 400i?
Also what if you reduce the volume on the dac for IEMs does it have an audible noise floor with IEMs or is it just a volume range issue? (I'm using an E30). iems no problem on the L30 for me, though volume wise im on the 8-9oclock range. (quite a tight range but maneagable)
Yes, Sundara would work just fine as they are current hungry. IEMs are both low impedance and very high sensitivity, so the smallest current leaking from the amp will manifest as an audible background noise. L30 is a very silent amp in that regard so no problem whatsoever. Tube amps are usually having that small amount of current that is problematic for IEMs, even when you decrease the volume completely. So, most of the time Tube amps and IEMs are a no go.
@@iiWiReviews so the mt602 in particualr introduces a bit of audible noise with IEMs?
I didnt know that about completely decreased volume! learned something new today. thank you for your responses today, much appreciated.
Great review!.... Again!!!
With hybrid you get the problems of valves with the problems of transistors - in one device!
Can you use it as a pre amp on the L30 please?let me know how it sounds.😁
How does this pair with the Sundara?
did soundstage and imaging change from the L30 to MT-602?
Not much. MT-602 is a bit airer so it might feel just slightly wider sounding, but not by much.
Love how he sits on the floor
I ordered mine the day before this video came out... Still waiting 😭😭😭I keep finding reviews to live vicariously through the reviewers and pretend I have mine.
Be at ease. Mt-602 is a beast.
@@fabiolopes5700 Yeah mine finally came in last week. ifi Zen dac-----> MT-602-------> HD58X Jubilee/ Hifiman 400i (2020 version) I am a happy dude! :) Its fantastic.
Will you review the xduoo xa-10?
Hi. Would you recommend this to power Hifiman HE400se?
If you like open and airy sound it might be a nice match. It powered my HE-4XX (that are not much different from HE400se I belive) very well.
what is the metal can on top of your speaker in the background?
It's a door stoper, basically just a stylish weight with the rubber on the bottom.
Which one's better for iems? (kbear believe to be precise)
This one is not good for IEMs, please watch the video to see why. 😊
@@iiWiReviews oh!
I totally missed that part, thanks for the heads up!
I think i might go with the Little Bear B4-X now... Is that good for iems?
I haven't heard that one. Topping L30 is well proven for IEMs.
@@iiWiReviews i ended up ordering the L30 as i found nobody who can vouch for the little bear b 4x...
Looking forward to getting my unit.
I'm planning to get khadas tone 2 pro also is 602 a good match?
Get just tone 2 pro and use its headphone out only... It's very good, no need for this amp unless you have headphones with high impedance.
@@iiWiReviews Copy many thanks.
So how did it pair with the sundara
Bought it. Pairs fine
How do it compare with earman tr amp that you much appreciated ?
TR-amp is both DAC and head-amp so it has great value. But MT-602 paired with a good DAC offers more drive and more airy presentation, and more midrange details.
@@iiWiReviews Tx! I have it paired with smsl sanskrit 10th mk2, I have also jds atom amp driving a pair of infinity alpha 50 plus welodyne impact 10, and the difference it is big, indeed xduoo it offer exactly how you say more airy and more mid-range details, and also wider soundstage than atom, but for me even if I searched for that continuously, now seems to be just a notch over what I like ideally...maybe I could compensate by slightly rise the sub output, and I need to measure again with rew because the sound changed much. Also the same applies to my headphones a pair of akg 712 and 1more triple driver over ear, both now on xduoo sounding brighter and more detailed than on atom, rendering inaccurate actual existent dsp profiles for them. The bass on xduo seems more defined controlled than on atom amp, with enough power but somewhat eclipsed by clearer midrange and highs. I will try some tube rolling with ge vintage military grade and maybe sylvania on the future, I need some tubes that will tame very little the middle and upper frequencies or make the bass a little more ample and warm.
Thank you
Hi friend is this unit good for rock/ hard rock song?
It's decent, but it is not as dynamic and punchy as some solid state amps such as Topping L30. I would rather use that one for rock.
Better review than Zeo$ !!
Why? He came to the same conclusion as Zeos did.
@@Error_4x5 Z is brain damaged
I own that amp and is an unbelievable value, I prefer it to ta-10, which has a great amp section as well.
Hard to find anything near as good as mt-602 even in higher price brackets.
I've also owned e30 and disliked everything about it, I don't get the hype on such lifeless sounding amp.
why no close up shots like before in your videos??? cmon man
OK, if missed then they'll come back... :)
@@iiWiReviews yes because aesthetic also play huge role
Thanks for the input man! I was not sure if anyone cared about it and if I should even put the effort.
Already 2 weeks of listening and I have to be honest, it's so-so...it has a good sense of recording space with all the reverbs and echoes, acoustic instrumenst sound let's say fine but not very realistic, it too soft presentation, there is not enough distinction between wood, strings, metal. Voices are nice for a cheap amp. I put Voskhod tubes so I am not refering to the original. Anyways I prefered Voskhods on my Little Dot 1. And finally, the bass is missing it's fundament, it's simply not there. Listening some bass and percusion song now and switching to FX x6 mk 2, oh boy, FX sounds so powerfull and impressive, but perhaps treble is not so sweet like 602. For electronica FX only, can't listen anything on 602, some of the sounds just don't get through. Dac is a dac portion of FX, so switching between is easy and revealing. Streaming from Xiaomi Mi box 4s, via digital coax, no usb bull...regards to all
Why do you reviewers keep repeating that amps and dacs have soundstage. They don’t. They don’t affect soundstage. You guys need to talk to real audio engineers because you’re all wrong
It does make a difference, I usually don't believe them, but some amps has a huge difference in soundstage.
Listen to different amps and you will "see" with your own ears...for example this xduo seems to have larger soundstage than my other jds labs atom amp