Better than Willsenton R8. Willsenton R800i integrated amp review. Seriously underpriced.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- #hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Integrated amp #tubes
Patreon: / thomasandstereo
This unit was sent to me by china-hifi-audio.com, non-affiliated link:
www.china-hifi...
Gear used in this review :
Willsenton R800i tube integrated amp
Mcintosh MAC 6700 amp
Luxman SQN150 tube integrated amp
Aperture Swing speakers
Focal 1008 BE speakers
Silverline Sonata speakers
Tekton 2-10 speakers
Qacoustic Concept 500
Quad 2905 speakers
Totem Sky tower
Mcintosh D150 DAC
AUNE S8 DAC
KT88, KT120, KT150, KT170 tubes
EL34, EL84, 300b, 211, 845 tubes
Sophia 300B
Shuguang 300B
Rogers NOS 6SN7
Pvsane CV181 MK2
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Oh you tube maniacs, tell me how many tubes you own! I probably own 30 tubes. Mr. Kanta, over 500 to 1000.
non-affiliated link:
www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/willsenton-tube-amplifier-c-77/willsenton-r-800i-300b-805-tube-integrated-amplifier-single-end-class-a-balanced-p-2278
Approaching 100.
Hi Tomas, I have a question I am about to buy a tube amp using EL34’s. Do you any favorite ones from the new tube stock? Not sure if you already mentioned it in the of your videos but I couldn’t find it.
1000 ..... waiting for the comparison
@@tomchan2559 Wow, that was fast, now I just have to see if I can get the new Doge 10 MK3 else I will just compare it to my MK1
@@ThomasAndStereo would love to hear your review of the new Doge 10!
I'm lucky to have both the R8 and the 800i, and for me the 800i is just in a different league compared to the R8, the mid range is to die for, and the base response is very honest, over all, the 800i for me offers detail, with amazing midrange, and great base response. My setup is, Audiolab M Dac, Buchardt S400, Willsenton 800i.
Did your electric bill change much once you started using the 800i?
Agree, R800i is another level up, if not 2.
Maybe you could sell the R8 and use the money for a dictionary. You could learn how to spell "bass"
@@spencexxx nah, no need to be mean! We audiophiles should get along.
@@spencexxx We listen and read to have fun. Responding using mobile leads to typos but it's all good.
Tubes : been collecting tubes for years. A good story was 20 years ago I went to an estate sale the gentleman that passed away, worked for the studio over in Burbank ca . I bought boxes of tubes and various transformers. Saved the 300b 845 and 287 ect. the transformers for set up went to japan for MC projects. I keep some stuff packed away because If i need money ever I know I have a good stash.
Man you are amazing keep up the great work bro!! The fact that you print at the end.. wow
Thank you Clark Kent for another super review.
This comment wins 👌
Willsenton R800i 805 tube rolling thus far:
1 x Mullard M8162 (12at7 equivalent) & 2 x Sylvania 6sn7GTA T-plate. This achieved a much better sound with a slightly warmer midrange and a sweet top end while maintaining a nice bass with plenty of texture and tone. Decided then to add the PSVane 300B Hi-fi Series which gave me even more clarity and warmth. Lastly replaced the stock rectifier to Svetlana 5U4G.
Next will be 2 x PSVane 805 Acme Series & 2 x Takatsuki 300B but holding off since that will be a hefty investment of $3500 ...For now I am content and reached my own audio nirvana. The vocals and midrange are to die for.
Yeah, $3500 for tubes is crazy!
Thank you for that sound demo at the end. Having been out of the audiophile news world for the last 20 years, (old curmudgeon here) all this DAC/Streaming/Cloud/Lossless jargon is a bunch of voodoo crazy talk to me still (yes, still trying to break free of the “1/0/1/0’s should all sound the same” frame of mind). Your little demonstration blew that WAY out of the water - and that was just from listening on my iPhone8. I guess it means now I’m a “believer”, unfortunately I’m not sure what it is I believe in, but the journey is sure fun.
I just stumbled onto your videos and I have to say I really enjoy your humor. More than that I appreciate how you take the time to educate those who are new to the hobby. Thanks for all you’re doing for the community. Cheers
I appreciate that!
I bought the R800i to pair with my Kef LS50 meta and Pontus 2. Very happy with the result. Thks for the recommendation Thomas. Spot on.
Great to hear!
does your amp make a noise? im thinking about buying this amp but ill be sitting 1-2 feet away from it so im not sure if I'd get this if I can hear it.
@@mike212916 I dont hear any noise but Im sitting 6ft away. There is a hum adjustment available for both channels. Should be fine
@@robertwang7825 okay. just to make sure. Im not talking about hum in speakers. But rather, a hum from the actual device.
@@mike212916 no the amp is dead quiet
What is amazing is these tubes and designs are similar to single ended mono amps of the 1930s ,1940s and early 1950's.A renaissance of sorts-within the tube renaissance.
Very Good Analysis Thomas. Much has been done, much has been said. It's now time to sort this out - we need a result. Your idea : The ultimate face-off between the Willsenton R800i w/ 845 tubes and the New Doge 10 Mk3, and perhaps toss in the Cayin 845 into the ring to cover this Class.
Oh boy a lot of enthusiasm Thomas it seeps through! Either you have become a serious actor or this is the real deal! As always great video thank you.
Both! It is a great amp forsure.
What a beautiful, beautiful amp. Great review!
Perfect amp for Montreal winter. Bought it's brother Muzishare R100 805 from China HiFi 2 years ago and it indeed makes a good heater and a night light 🔥
Oh, that R100 is very interesting.
I have a dolly, costs like $30.00 at Lowe’s . Very easy to use. Seems like you would have bought one long ago. So it runs very hot, tubes are expensive and raises your electric bill. I thought all tube amps raises your electric bill. I run a 2325 old Marantz receiver and it’s a constant 500watts even at idle. So anything putting out power uses more than a cheap piece of trash. I have to state I’ve owned and have used my old receiver pretty much daily for over 40 years and only take the cover off every few years to blow the dust out with a air compressor. That’s all the servicing it has ever had. I do think it’s time to update. I think I will have it serviced and keep rocking as it still will be cheaper to update it than replace. It sounds very good ! Thank you for convincing me what a Wonderful piece I have !
Same with my 45 year old Pioneer.
Approximately 10 years later I purchased the Bob Carver amplifier that was an arm and a leg and I thought it was going to sound better it did not I ended up returning it.
Remembering when everything used to be tubes and as soon as I had the feeling that something was not performing properly I would take the tubes out and bring it to my local electronic shop where they had a big tester anything that needed to be replaced I would go right over to the sales counter and purchase new prices were reasonable now I just recently checked them anywhere from $10 to $100 a piece and in many cases they need to be replaced in pairs.
Thomas, you are doing a wonderful job in explaining this amp to the hifi world! I have owned R800i for about half a year, and have tried to roll several tubes. To quote what @Rachael Warlond said also to echo what Thomas mentioned in this video, R800i is an end-game-alike tube amp if you want to chase the perfection in the midrange. Also, I echo what @Rachael Warlond said about tube rolling (but keep in mind that the synery is important here). For the topic of equipment synergy, Thomas has a wonderful video. With the right equipment matching, this amp is able to create an unbelievable sound signiture. Also this amp is very sensitive to tube rolling, which is a very good thing from my view.
Your reviews are always fair and without any BS. Thanks for another great perspective on a product. I enjoy that you factor value into your reviews. It would be interesting to hear what music you use when reviewing equipment, it’s a good way for some of us to find new tunes. Keep up the great work.
Thomas, thanks a lot for the video, pretty much sealed the deal for me. Just a kind reminder, it's almost 3k likes ;)
Totally looking forward to the Doge 10 V Willsenton comparison!
Great explanations. As a guitarist I wish for another lifetime to become an audiophile but you know what we use in those big and small amps? EL34,EL84. we're hearing that midrange baby.
One of your most entertaining, informative posts!
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for this review. I’ve been wanting your specific opinion in relation to all the other opinions out there. I also appreciate all of the comparisons you mentioned - helps a lot!
Thank you for the review, i have been looking forward to this one since i have this amp and have had it for more than a year.
Rolled the tubes which made it even better and, as a man in the sixties i managed to unpack and move the amp to it’s place alone. Please don’t let the weight scare you.
This is my last amp purchase, i am happy.
U r so right about the weight issue, I m getting my son to help me move almost all my equipments these days. I try bringing one of my Aeron ap990c tube amp upstairs I almost drop the dame thing.
Hi Mr Thomas. I have Willsenton R800i for almost a year. I paired it with Klipsch Heresy iv and a power sub and SMSL M400 DAC . Sound like haven. Love it too much ,midrange so very very good , very clarity this is an end game for me
Hi Thomas, love the videos. I bought a Reisong A20 for an extra €128. It uses Kt88 tubes. It has 9 Watts per channel & drives my MA Studio 20se with 89db sensitivity very loud with lots of bass in a 9 x 15ft room. Listened for 9 hrs straight yesterday & sounding better each hour. Came with Psvane tubes. Every reviewer looks at A10 & A50. The A20 is about 40 pounds weight with VU meters. For an extra 150dollars it's a bargain, written reviewers who had A10 & A20 say its in a different league
Nice, thanks for sharing that.
@@ThomasAndStereo Love to see a review on the Reisong A20 ... It could be : "The Best Amp Nobody's ever heard" ?
Tube rolling tip; always coat the pins of new tubes with DeOxit G100L and clean NOS tube pins with DeOxit D100L. Hugely helps the integrity and longevity of the contact surfaces.
Awesome im ordering that now! on new tubes do you use the cleaner as well or go straight to the DeOxit G100L? It seems the cleaner is for used contacts that have been discolored.
@@mike212916 You got it. I use cleaner if the pins are obv dirty. Key is to apply, leave on for 5 mins, then clean with Que tip. I actually clean off the D100L cleaner with denatured alcohol before applying G100L. It's more work, but better in the long term.
After G100L application, I remove the excess with a Que Tip.
@@DBravo29er thanks for the tip. Once you apply the G100L do you let it dry before inserting the tube back in the amp?
@@mike212916 I dunno about dry in an absolute sense. I let it 'cure' for five minutes. This is also a DeOxit recommendation. Being using the stuff for tubes and Pro audio since the 90's.
My first amplifier as a 14 year old boy was 120 watts rms per channel. Frequency response was rated at 5 - 100,000 had a huge round DC Transformer next to two giant capacitors. That thing was amazing.
About 10 years down the road I purchased a Bob Carver amplifier. 500 watts rms.
It did not sound any better. The ONLY difference is the sound would carry farther. I had people coming to my residence complaining from almost the end of my block. That's how I understood what it was offering.
I sold it 4 months later. I still have my first amplifier 45 years later. Do you really think this Chinese copy will last? I doubt it.
It's point to point wired. If something gets fried it's repairable. Should last as long as you want. It's not like it has a priority ss circuit board that is discontinued rendering it useless. Everything is available from a electronics store off the shelf. There is no reason it shouldn't last, and it's repairable with the p2p wiring. It's great you found your end all amp and have had it 45 years. I don't have 45 years left, but this probably will do.
How snobby you are!
Born rich? You think others only know how to copy? Wake up man. The Chinese had a developed civilisation when westerners are still half naked.
A video idea for you is maybe talking about the output differences of solid state vs tube for some people that might not understand how "comparable" the two can be with such different specs on paper.
3000 likes unlocked - Waiting for the Magnepan LRS review with the Willlsenton 800i as promised Thomas!
Will watch this as soon as possible
Hi Thomas, I really appreciate and like to thank you for consistently playing the same sound demos for the equipment reviewed - great for comparisons. It is not perfect over TH-cam but does help a lot. You can distinguish the differences when listening with headphones.
Your Elvis style hair cut is a perfect match to talk about tubes. 😉
I gave this video a BIG LIKE because I would to hear your comparison of this amp against the Doge 10, which I am strongly contemplating getting. Looking forward to another story telling time.
Yeah, hopefully I will get the Doge 10 MK3 soon!
I could not wait for your review and went for it 2 months ago, so far no regret except become a poor tubes investor !
I'm still loving my Golden Tube Audio SE40 amp which I bought in the late 1990s. Single-ended parallel 6L6 40watts running into my also from 1990s Acoustat 1+1 electrostatics. My preamp is vintage Luxman CL34. I think I would be good friends with Mr. Quad. I probably have 30-50tubes in boxes at this point. My SE40 currently has new TungSol 7581A (6l6), TungSol 6SN7 for driver and NOS Matsushita 6SN7 for V1. Glad to see good affordable tubes amps are still being made. If I was starting fresh this R800i would be very tempting to try.
I have the R800i 805 paired together with Avantgarde Acoustic DUO SD and Gustard R26 NOS + HQPlayer also Rega Planar 10 and it is ABSOLUTE MAGIC. Never experienced anything close to it.
Hi Thomas, Love your reviews. Currently use Laochen 300B with Lowther EX3, but for my B&W 706S2 am considering a 300B push 845.
Great review Thomas. Like sparkplug 964, I have both the R8 with upgraded tubes and the R 800i. They are both wonderful, but eh R 800i is well worth the extra money if you need the power. The midrange is so wonderful. One day I will take the R 800i upstairs to trade out the R8, but it is very heavy. They are both a tremendous value and worth the investment.
Yeah, for me the R800i plays in the big leagues.
@@ThomasAndStereo I only changed the 6SN7 tubes for now. I plan to go slow with this amp as each change is so much fun!
Are you still enjoying your willsenton amps or have bought others and moved on? Right now im considering R800i or R8 for my Focal Aria 906 speakers
@@mike212916 I still have both amps. I like the R800i the most. I just got a Luxman 507Z. I have no plans to get ride of the Willsenton, but will probably get rid of some other amps I have.
@@joelnorris4064 you should try to upgrade the parts in your R8. There was a video published this week that showed how you can do it. I bet after upgrading the R8 it will sound a lot closer to the r800i
good solid state with ultra low distortion and massive dynamics is where its at... also, no need to fiddle with "tubes" LOL. Like your videos, keep up the good work.
Lovely and entertaining as usual 😊 YES! I would very, *VERY* much love to hear what you think in comparing this amp and the Doge 10, which I am strongly in favour of. I really do need that 'Pre-Out' though to bi-amp with the Crown and my woofers. Thank you Thomas! You are truly by *FAR* the most fun and I feel the most thorough in a very helpful, tangible way 👍 The Asian Godfather of Audio, I bow to you...
Either that, your dac just need dual output. Most dac have xlr and rca output these days.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you Sir!
I have a 1971 Fender Twin Reverb with 4 RCA 7581A's and all NOS RCA and Siemens 12ax7's and 12at7's. Also a Fender 59 Bassman RI with RCA 7581A's and a Mullard GZ34 and RCA 12AX7's. and a ton of JJ groove tubes ect. a few 5751's also.
Great video, Thomas. Insightful and interesting as always.
Glad you think so!
Thanks Thomas! I have the Totem skytowers and I'm hoping a review is coming forthwith. I'm a younger audiophile with a strong back, you'll just have to drive 2000 km to AB to drop off gear! ha ha ha, all the best.
Nice, those speaker are really holographic. I don't know if I will review it as those are mine and not a review sample. AB? So lucky, nice mountains.
It’s very gd , but only after I added an Iris DDC to pair with my Denafrips Pontus 2 with Jays Audi I2S cable and added a Rel T5X, I connect the Pontus to the Willsenton with Mogami gold Xlr since both r fully balanced. Ofc I changed the 6N7 tubes to PSVane but haven’t rolled the 300B yet. My main spkr is Kef Ls50 Meta, enough for my med size rm. Looking forward to roll the 300B in Sept. Thks for the recommendation Thomas , very happy with it.
That amp has my name written all over it ! And I can lift it !!! Great review. Still, their 300B class A offering is nice, too, at around 8 watts per side. Of course that doesn't compare with 48 watts per side class A, but if you don't need the power, it's a much more sensible amplifier that may have sonic benefits to it, due to its history, when compared to the 805A. Decisions, decisions.
I love the beautiful midrange of class A, but I find myself needing to boost the lows and highs or scoop out some midrange at times. This is hard to do on a tube amp with no tone controls. You'd have to add, dare I say it, an EQ. Happy Listening 🎶🎵 folks.
Check out my Galion amp. You will never have to worry about bass.
Thomas, it’s time … you should really open a “Thomas & Stereo” HIFI store in Montreal.
I own 26 tubes personally! EL34s, KT120s, lots of different 12AU7s - my favourite being brimar NOS.
Nice, I have some Brimar tubes too. Great tubes.
This amp is amazing if you can afford it don't hesitate. Thank you Thomas awesome. With regards to shipping you can get it sent by sea as I did to Australia, [$600] by air $300 by sea, only 35 days. With my set up I am at a live gig every night.....
Congrats!! Yup this is an amazing amp.
I’m really interested in the comparison with the Doge 10 and looking forward to your great video. :)
Coming soon!
The large SET tubes (211, 845, 805, 212) tend to have lower output impedance than pentodes. This means, other variables controlled for, there will be less variable with a real Speaker load and empirically more linear.
Sylvania micanol (brown base) JAN-CHS 6SN7 tubes are military grade and tend to sound fantastic. Especially for the money. Genalex Gold Lion 300B's offer a noticeable step up in performance as well. WE805's from PS Vane, Linlai, or Shuguang make it sound like another amp.
You say: "PS Vane, Linlai & Shuguang make it sound like another amp" in what way, is that good or bad?
@@davidboston4136 any WE805 takes the amp up several notches. Large, obvious increases in SQ. Very Nearly as obvious as a speaker upgrade.
@@DBravo29er Thank you for the reply. I'm considering purchase of this amp but, several reviewers mention the "heat". Can you give my your opinion of the heat?
@@davidboston4136 The heat output is prodigious. Any large SET output tube will generate the same. The output tubes run hot and the potted transformer housings also run quite warm.
@@DBravo29er Ah, thank you again. It's so hard to judge these things since you can't just pop down the the local HiFi like you used to.
another great video , thanks Thomas !!
That’s a mans man tube amplifier right there. Cook your eggs on it and play some AC/DC while you use it as a home gym! Lol. I’ve learnt a lot from the video as always, 805 tubes and your impression of class a sound. Can I request some more class a amplifier content? Loving it
More coming.
@@ThomasAndStereo excited
Hi Thomas, looks like you are going to make 1,000 likes. Would love to see you review Carver Crimson 275 only 19 LBS, 75 watts per channel $2,750 US. Great review as always, thanks for getting me interested in tubes, love that sound. Take Care
Carver smarver get an r8
Hell yeh! I'm all up for a head to head with the Doge 10 and the R8i Thomas!
Thanks for the excellent review
My class A Yamaha MX-1 is pure sweetness and clarity!
Thanks Thomas, always enjoy your reviews.
The Luxman is an amp that, while it costs more, will last a very long time and will sound good for that time, it's Luxman. The second point is that it's only 10 watts if I remember so you really can't compare it to a more powerful amp. The AB EL84's aren't pushed hard and I'll bet it doesn't get anywhere close to the Willsenton heat wise, so for me I'll take the little Luxman over the Willsenton and carefully match my speakers to fit it.
I have been designing tube preamps awhile and I have been refining over and over the 6922 which I think is a very good tube (I'm using the reissued Gold Lions) I think with a great preamp and a class D or good A/B power amp you can get very close to a tube power amp and beat some respected amps too boot.
Yup, I should have clarified then in the video, with a Luxman, you have to carefully match your speaker while with the R800i, you don't have that worry. Meaning if you have speakers you already love and not sensitive, no worries.
Thomas! I'm very curious on tubes. But I have Dynaudio Contour 20i speakers today, with 86dB sensitivity. Do you think I should buy a Willsenton R800i.
Like a classic steam locomotive: big, hot, heavy, and fuel hungry. It's got considerable steampunk charm. I would probably get one if it weren't as colossally extreme. For what you get it's actually a good buy.
Great video - enjoyed the review, love the comment about buying a sleep mask with amp if you like listening in a dark room :)
Hehe, too bad you did not want to try it!
@@ThomasAndStereo I didn’t want to hurt my back.
Been looking at this one with my finger hovering over the ‘add to cart’ button…
Did ya do it ?
@@davidboston4136 haha not yet…. Just in the process of moving house! Not good! When I settle, I will.
@@lewiswaddo5045 I've been on the fence but, finally purchased the R800i / 805 Sunday. Should arrive in another week or so? I'll try not to scratch mine like Thomas did. Maybe I'll post something back here if I'm happy w/ the experience. Happy moving (I'd rather spend the weekend in county lockup). Happy New year as well. -Dave
Hello Thomas. Thanks for your great, in-depth reviews. With the lack of audio stores anymore, it's nice to have audio reviewers, such as yourself, to be able to try equipment out and comment on them for us prospective buyers.
I own a Willsenton R8 integrated amp. I'm using it with a pair of Paradigm Premier 200B speakers along with a RSL Speedwoofer sub. You mentioned in one of your reviews that the R8 could be greatly improved by replacing it's stock tubes. What tubes would you recommend to replace the Kt88s with, the 6SN7s with and the 6SL7s with? I listen to mostly acoustic, jazz and rock styles of music.
Many Thanks!
Thanks, the front tubes is a good place to start, replace the 6SL7 and you gain clarity but that could be too much of a good thing for some people. 6SL7, I was using NOS mostly my friend put in. Tung-Sol , GE, Sylvania and Roger too. In cdn dollars. ( Ok sound )
USA or Canada Roger , Sylvania , Tung-Sol about $ 130-180 pair
( Best sound ) 5691=6SL7 about $220-280 a pair.
(Good sound)
GE about $130-180 pair
Very cool review Thomas.
Glad you enjoyed it
I'd like to point out the R800i has a few design issues. The left and right channels share power nodes, and they require bypass caps (and resistors). But they have none. Also, there's not enough filtration for hum. How do I know this? I sent mine to Scott Frankland to get fixed when it stopped biassing correctly.
I like this channel, but the issue with audio reviewers is that most don't have the technical expertise to identify design issues. They simply review a piece of equipment, and then it's on to the next. To be clear, I don't have the expertise either, but Scott does. His CV is hard to beat in the audio field.
Now, I do like the R800i enough that I told Scott to fix the design flaws and upgrade resistors and caps, but rectifying the design flaw issues is a $600 to $800 parts and labor charge, not something most people are wanting to do after spending almost $3000 on an integrated amp.
This review absolutely matters!!! Lol.
Vtv purifi with buffer tubes or this?
If you were being told "there can only be one!".... which one are you grabbing?
Thomas... you are probably the only you tuber that has had both. Enquiring minds want to know.....
Btw....the remote is like a bad joke. This amp is beautiful though 😍 👌
Vtv is a poweramp. I probably would go R800i but I have yet to test the vtv seriously.
Coming from the NAD C368 digital-hybride integrated amplifier, I bought a Cayin cs-55a with kt88 tubes. This was a huge difference. I still appreciate this step, even if I'm still driving the stock Cayin tubes. I'm already into looking to which tubes to upgrade, if those guys will once a day dying (2-3 hours a day I'm listening).
But what I will not do is upgrading to another amplifier. Yes, there will be another big new differences. For sure I would appreciate.
But this is already on a really enjoyable level.
An this is the same for the Willsenton R8 in comparison to the 800i.
So, the thing about is maybe to get aware of the possibilities and decide where to go, keeping in mind that there will be always a better decision.
thank you for your post; no i haven't heard of this product , having said that i looked it up.
Now i know why it is made in China.
I was under the impression we have ceased doing business with China long ago.
And it is not to hard to figure out why.
However , there are not enough inputs on one of these.
I would require a McIntosh for 2 tape 2 phono 2 cd 1 tuner several aux for tv sound etc
as you see nothing out there has enough except for the MAC
Yeah, not many amp have multiple input like that.
You said, "Jack for You!" That was some legit 'old boy business' talk right there. Respect.
Gonna buy!..thanks man!!!
Hope you enjoy it!
Nice vid! I only use XLR cables in my system.
Does anyone know the sound signature between the 845 and 805? Thank you in advance!
I have two mono blocks with the exact same tube configuration and similar Watt output, I agree that it gets so hot you can heat a room with it. At least the weight is split in two units…
That demo song at the end will forever be burnt into my memory...
It is also impossible to find in lossless (unless you pay the $50 it costs) It is on Soundcloud though.
Good presentation . Looks promising this amp
Hi Thomas, did you compare the Galion amplifier with line magnetic amplifier. I use the line magnetic 216IA and have compared it to several amps. a couple weeks ago compared it to Cary SLI 80 and the line magnetic was in another level, way better in every area and was so dynamic that led me to think it was 100W and not 38W. my speakers are 84DB- I was very surprised
Oh Thomas Thomas Thomas. You need to change to much better tubes to get the best out of the R800i. Beware, endgame amp by using these tubes.
For outright clarity:
1 x PSVane 12ax7-s Art Series & 2 x PSVane CV181 Mk II Art Series
For a bit warmer sound:
1 x Mullard mil-spec M8162 & 2 x Sylvania 6sn7 late 50s T-plate
2 x Takatsuki TA-300B
2 x PSVane 805 Acme Series
1 x Svetlana 5c3s (5u4g equivalent) Made in St Petersburg circa 1960's rectifier tube - balanced.
All tubes tested for matching, while dual triodes also checked for balance between the plates.
BTW, my speakers are the fabulous Concept 500's.
So, how is the sound? OUT OF THIS WORLD. This is absolutely an endgame amp.
BTW, I also own the R8 which I have in another room with a (just recently purchased) pair of Focal Chora 806 with matching Focal stands. Different sound, but lusciously warm sound using Mullard 6ca7 xf2 tubes circa 60s, Sylvania 6sn7 GTA T-plate circa late 50s and MELZ 6sl7 mil-spec 1952. The rectifier tube is also a Sylvania T-plate.
How much have I spent on tubes? Probably over $15,000.
OMG! $15k! Thanks for sharing your experience with the tubes.
@@ThomasAndStereo - the fact is I just love the tube sound. Instruments sound natural, unlike solid state which creates just a facsimile of the instruments. Of course this includes the human voice which I also regard as an instrument.
Hello Thomas. I enjoy your channel very much! Thanks for educating us in such a complicate landscape. I was wondering if you had a chance to try the willsenton R800 with focal kanta No 2?
10:30...one day R800i vs Doge 10....YES PLEASE!! Of course, I just want to hear how the Doge 10 is better!! Another great review. Keep them coming.
Its not
@@slumgullianpass Is this based on you having the original Doge 10, the Doge 10 MKII or the new Doge 10MKIII to compare it to the R800i? Also, are you comparing the Class A, or also the Class A/B? With your speakers, what are they, and which Tone Control setting did you use or prefer? With your Doge 10, was it using stock tubes, or did you also compare using KT-120 tubes?
Hi Thomas.
Thanks for the review, very good one.
I have the Line Magnetic LM508, wich is very very similar to the Willsenton R800, maybe a little more refined.
One question. You said that you tried the Shuguangs 300B on the R800. Wich 300B Shuguangs? The Black Treassure or the Nature Sound?
Can you describe a little bit more the differences with the Sofia? Wich Sofia 300B?
Thank you!
Oh , I forgot to tell about the heat, that is so horrible, you can frying eggs on top of it, but sounds sooooo good . I live in Houston Texas so I can use that on winter only and Summer I use Parasound JC5 with 12 first watts is class A and that sound so good
Thanks for your great reviews. Do they have headphone dac to connect to my mcintosh mx180 receiver? Because new mx do not have headphone jack. If no what do you recommend? Nothing too crazy expensive thank you
We'll never know he does a lot of talking about nothing think about it
Hey Thomas,
Great review. Do you have any insight about the version with 845 tubes?
You got the likes - we wait for the videos 😂🙏
Man, it has been so many years, what did I say I was going to do?
R800i + Magnepan LRS (+)!
Hey Thomas, long time!
Hi Thomas... Love the channel. I know it's only 2700 likes - a bit short on the 3000 likes that you asked for. But do you mind to do the system match with the LRS :).. I have a hard time choosing which tube amp for my LRS, I'm still using H190 at this moment. thanks
I want one. To go with my R8:)
I wish you a good day syr.....This amplifier can also be connected to mono mode?
very good review.i own a focal kanta 2(only150hrs burn-in) ,feeling little too sparkle 's'in hi region ,will this or other amp match
Check out my Galion Ts120
Thanks Thomas . Is it the ST120special edition that can help to remove some brightness "S" sharp fatigue .
i run a tube dac , tube preamp & set power amp Wyetech SAPPHIRE" 300B.1 Monoblock Amplifier.I still found bright after 200+ hr burn in
@@vicentvanmole Easily, after 200 hours of break in, you will not have any brightness issue with the TS120. You might have the reverse where you want to tube roll to get some brightness back because the TS120 SE is neutral smooth.
Have you reviewed any Line Magnetic tub amplifiers? Thanks for the great content. Hifi newbe here.
Not yet.
That mcintosh is simething else hehe
Great review, Thomas! There is something about tube amps that just makes me want to have one. Your admonishment about cost does make pause though. But I will probably go solid state (I'm lusting for an Accuphase). You don't have a spec of gray hair, 100 pounds shouldn't be too much for a young man like you! I'd help you, gray hair and all, but I don't live in Canada.
Sure, but as some of my audio buddies say, once you go tubes, it is hard to go back.
Some of the best sound I have heard is from tubes, and this is coming from someone who owns a T+A PA 3100 HV ($22.5k integrated SS)
@@DanLucas88 Thank you for your comment. I have much to think about.
@@DanLucas88 Cool story! Do you have any other expensive stuff you want to tell us all about?
@@spencexxx Nope
The owner has a TH-cam channel , Ken R33 . you can see videos of the amp . Just wanted to know if 211 tubes are good or 805 or 845 are better and if R800i with 211 tubes are a good buy
Re: hair, if you take your glasses off, you'll be Superman! 😅
On a more serious note, thanks for your videos, great info. I'm still hunting for my first tube amp. Are you going to review more Decware tube amps, another brand that intrigues me.
Yes but you should also wait for my tube amp that is coming in 5 months.
@@ThomasAndStereo oh cool, please tell me more
Hi Thomas , your videos are great watch them nearly everyday .
Just wanted you opinion , I have a chance to buy a secondhand Willsenton R800i with 211 output tubes apparently ordered directly from factory by previous owner . My question is what are your thoughts on R800i with 211 tubes ? Does 211 sound much different to 845 or 805 . Should I pull the trigger on this one ?
Are you sure the R800i can use 211 tubes? Some 845 tube amp can use while others cannot.
@@ThomasAndStereo Yes the owner had it specially ordered from factory with 211 tubes it will not take any other tubes
Are 211 tubes good or 805 and 845 are better. Thanks for your reply Thomas really appreciate your support
Another great review Thomas. Given what you said about the parent company of this amp is not running a sustainable business model & mat not be around all that long.
What about a fine single ended integrated tube amp that has a longer successful track record than Willsenton? Would this be Quick Silver? They've been in business for quite some time. I am looking for good " after sale" customer service & tech support if the unit breaks.
Do you have any make & model recommendations for single-ended tube amp for around 2 grand?
I don't know Quick silver so I can't really comment. Single ended 50w for 2 grand? Does not exist on the market. If you are ok with lower power, I like Synthesis and Unison research. Those are European brand.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the tip Thomas.
Hi I enjoy your channel, I got some cool comments😄👍Byw I m HKgers. I wonder how it compare to Reisong 10A and 50A ? Thks for help
hi Thomas. thank you for the review!! Just ordered a pair of Wharfedale Elysian 4 speakers.
Running on an Exposure Pre/Poweramp Solidstate set up.
Now to change the sound signature i am contemplating the R8 or R800i. What would you recommend. Music: everything (not much Jazz & Classical Music)
probably not needing a sub with the speakers.
thank you!
If you are getting an Elysian 4, you need better amplification than that. Get it first, then see what you feel is missing in you exposure setup. If you can afford a R800i, also consider the Galion TS120 at around the same price.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank You Thomas! The Exposure set up is pretty good (3510 pre and 3010 S2). Around 6k retail. Top for Electronic Music.
But i want to have something complementary, a tube amp for female vocals for example. Have the space to switch it up. thank you!
@@julomat5993 Wait for my Willsenton R300 video then if you just need a second system for tube sound.
@@ThomasAndStereo sounds good. keep up the good work!!
Just came across this video. Thomas & others I need your help. I've fallen for the tube sound. Reisong A10. Yes, not much but I was being cautious. My question is can you steer me in the direction of learning about matching the right tubes to these systems. Also whats the average life of the tubes. How will someone know? Last how do you clean your tubes? I get a lot of dust on my system. Thanks for the great videos. Also is China Hifi a reliable source to purchase from? Compared to 3rd party sellers. Aka on Amazon.
What is the equivalent with an old-time tube sound?
Hello Thomas, What is the model of Melody tube amp in the video?