Thank you for the nice review. TUBE mini is USB-A because it can be converted to Apple Lightning with Apple's adapter. There are no USB-C (female) to Lightning adapter that can pass audio (can only pass power). We prototype with USB-C, the size of TUBE mini may block neighboring USB-C ports when used with laptop such as MacBook. USB-A to USB-C adapter solves this issue in addition to USB-A being more durable for the weight of TUBE mini. ~ Mike
Sounds like a pretty incredible little DAC/Amp and love that it has a couple little tubes inside. The price is a bit steep, but I can see the great value for the right people.
The input should just be a usb c port to use with cables. That would make it more future proof and allow for each person more easily use what they prefer. Also, how easy is it (or not) swapping tubes? I feel its lifespan can be quite short if there isn't a way to do so...
Thanks for asking them why the USB-A plug, I've been wondering why in 2023 would Woo do this, it's great to hear reasons because we then get to know the thinking behind design decisions. Keep up the good work by the way.
GM ☕️ I had a chance to try this at the Abyss table at the Toronto Audiofest..with a Diana headphone..yes it sounded good …just don’t touch it when it on …so there’s an issue ..also the buzz ..from everyone using their cellphones taking pictures of it ( myself included) It’s amazing in sound ..but wtf in portability. Great review. Btw, I loved your Woo 23 rev…that’s my endgame headphone amplifier 😊 Take care and have a great week.
It's unfortunate that the microphonics are so bad because the entire point for a dac/amp this small to me seems to be the portability, like going for a walk kind of stuff.
putting a USB-A plug directly on the chassis is such a stupid idea, they should have just made the unit a little longer to add a USB port instead of a plug.
Only other thing out there that is close to that size is the Little Bear B4-X. It's also 1/5 the price as well. But it seems to have some quality issues from what I've read.
Great video but did you try this out with a mobile phone as a source. I wanted some tube amp for my mobile but sofar all the ones that I have tried pickup the mobile phone sound when close to them, I was hoping that this did not have that issue.
I have a moondrop blessing 3 to go outside, to amplify it, a moondrop dawn and a fiio BTR7, the dawn is cheap and makethem sound better, more all arround, also tested on my focal clear mg, same results, is hard to gamble on this things :(
I'm betting its something from Meze as I know Meze is doing a reveal on the 8th, which is when the Embargo is lifted. Looks like something from the Empyrean line.
What is the target audience of this thing? At 550$ I might as well get a desktop tube amp. So the only scenario this makes sense is a mobile laptop setup. But you say that's not the best use case, so who is for???
@@chungang7037 I'm betting it something "Empyrean-esque" from Meze. Meze is doing a reveal on the 8th, when the embargo lifts. And the headphone itself is very Empyrean looking from what little we've seen of it.
Hmm their using just springs to be the tubes gimbal sorta thing which is so cheap compares to nano tube tech with suspensions tech on others brand. Naa i'll stick to r2r dongles for my endgames system for IEM OTG yup just fc6 frm hiby of course +Q5S TC... Just OTG endgame heaven Peace!
![ลองสุ่มไอโฟน 990 โกงมั้ย? [ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.101 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfsWe0j492k/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for the nice review. TUBE mini is USB-A because it can be converted to Apple Lightning with Apple's adapter. There are no USB-C (female) to Lightning adapter that can pass audio (can only pass power). We prototype with USB-C, the size of TUBE mini may block neighboring USB-C ports when used with laptop such as MacBook. USB-A to USB-C adapter solves this issue in addition to USB-A being more durable for the weight of TUBE mini. ~ Mike
Yo Josh, you're killing it as always 👊🏼
Thanks Boss 🤜
Sounds like a pretty incredible little DAC/Amp and love that it has a couple little tubes inside. The price is a bit steep, but I can see the great value for the right people.
maybe at 250 this is a buy... but at 500 goddamnnnnnnnnnn
In my country they sell USD 1k+ for this item.
@@humm6155 what about the moondrop dawn pro?
Worth it gotta listen at CanJam. Made my Aeolus sing and considering this impressed me owning a Feliks Audio Echo and a Bifrost 2 this is a steal
I love the Tube Mini, they did such a nice job with it. Also really dig the new background you've incorporated! Top quality stuff as always!
For those wondering Headphone X is the Meze Empryean Mk. 2
The input should just be a usb c port to use with cables. That would make it more future proof and allow for each person more easily use what they prefer. Also, how easy is it (or not) swapping tubes? I feel its lifespan can be quite short if there isn't a way to do so...
USB A isn't going anywhere lol, at least for PCs.
I am enjoying TUBE mini with Diana MR a lot, desktop-class sound.
Do you have problems when the article moves a lot or with electromagnetic interference? I also want to know how are the basses in that dac?
Thanks for asking them why the USB-A plug, I've been wondering why in 2023 would Woo do this, it's great to hear reasons because we then get to know the thinking behind design decisions. Keep up the good work by the way.
Just when Woo thought they were getting on top of the back orders...
anyways im listening to 18t again, its dam impressive really
GM ☕️
I had a chance to try this at the Abyss table at the Toronto Audiofest..with a Diana headphone..yes it sounded good …just don’t touch it when it on …so there’s an issue ..also the buzz ..from everyone using their cellphones taking pictures of it ( myself included)
It’s amazing in sound ..but wtf in portability.
Great review.
Btw, I loved your Woo 23 rev…that’s my endgame headphone amplifier 😊
Take care and have a great week.
This straight out from 2010 to compete with Dragonfly stick
Josh, fantastic review. I’m assuming ‘headphone X’ is the ZMF Bokeh? If so, can we expect your review of that soon?
It's unfortunate that the microphonics are so bad because the entire point for a dac/amp this small to me seems to be the portability, like going for a walk kind of stuff.
putting a USB-A plug directly on the chassis is such a stupid idea, they should have just made the unit a little longer to add a USB port instead of a plug.
Can’t wait for the improved and cheaper xduoo version lmao
I'd argue that the problem is that Apple laptops only have USB C, not that they chose to use USB A.
I think I'd use it with a dongle even if it was USB C. I'd be too afraid of breaking it off or stressing the port on the computer.
Or better yet, a female USB C on it so use any cable you fancy
what about replacing the tubes? Also the iphone is now usb c
Only other thing out there that is close to that size is the Little Bear B4-X. It's also 1/5 the price as well. But it seems to have some quality issues from what I've read.
Great video but did you try this out with a mobile phone as a source. I wanted some tube amp for my mobile but sofar all the ones that I have tried pickup the mobile phone sound when close to them, I was hoping that this did not have that issue.
Me calling it that "Headphone X" is something from Meze and that it looks a lot like the Empyrean.
My word! What a wonderful product! 🙌👌
Thanks for another wonderful video! Very nicely done!
Wow that thumbnail is slick!!!
Why are you praising when it’s got issues with micofonics as you can’t touch and have to stand it to get the best what are you on?
I agree on the money’s worth for sound quality . I have it and I love it!
I have a moondrop blessing 3 to go outside, to amplify it, a moondrop dawn and a fiio BTR7, the dawn is cheap and makethem sound better, more all arround, also tested on my focal clear mg, same results, is hard to gamble on this things :(
Less power and functionality though
Headphone X is the Fiio FT 5. That's my bet.
I'm betting its something from Meze as I know Meze is doing a reveal on the 8th, which is when the Embargo is lifted. Looks like something from the Empyrean line.
@Josh... What is sweet and syrupy sound?? I don't understand that parlance.. 😢
Too Expensive But Hitting BUY Nothing Happens So Unable To Purchase Any Way
So, how would we even listen to it standing straight up?
That’s an excellent question
Does it play well with hifiman xs
What is the target audience of this thing?
At 550$ I might as well get a desktop tube amp.
So the only scenario this makes sense is a mobile laptop setup. But you say that's not the best use case, so who is for???
They should have just used a usb-c port...
I guess headphone X is Fiio FT5
Voshua Jalour
Seal unit with a tube that is known to burn out which would leave it useless
literally, crazy price. 😂
This or the Woo Firefly...
500 DOLLA???
Snake oil just like micro power and pre-amp tubes in guitar gear.
TLDR: It's tube amp that doesn't sound like a tube amp
anxiously awaiting that 11/8 embargo lift on "headphone x" 😶
you make it sound like you know what it is....do tell!
@@chungang7037 I'm betting it something "Empyrean-esque" from Meze. Meze is doing a reveal on the 8th, when the embargo lifts. And the headphone itself is very Empyrean looking from what little we've seen of it.
Hmm their using just springs to be the tubes gimbal sorta thing which is so cheap compares to nano tube tech with suspensions tech on others brand. Naa i'll stick to r2r dongles for my endgames system for IEM OTG yup just fc6 frm hiby of course +Q5S TC... Just OTG endgame heaven Peace!
Omg. Nooooo €500 for this. Maybe €250. But great review.
It's a woo product. It's made in Newyork.