Better than Willsenton R8. Willsenton R800i integrated amp review. Seriously underpriced.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2021
- #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-audio.com/en/w...
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 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!
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!
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.
What a beautiful, beautiful amp. Great review!
Man you are amazing keep up the great work bro!! The fact that you print at the end.. wow
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.
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.
Great video, Thomas. Insightful and interesting as always.
Glad you think so!
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.
another great video , thanks Thomas !!
One of your most entertaining, informative posts!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hell yeh! I'm all up for a head to head with the Doge 10 and the R8i Thomas!
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.
Very cool review Thomas.
Glad you enjoyed it
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.
Hi Thomas, Love your reviews. Currently use Laochen 300B with Lowther EX3, but for my B&W 706S2 am considering a 300B push 845.
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.
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.
Thomas, thanks a lot for the video, pretty much sealed the deal for me. Just a kind reminder, it's almost 3k likes ;)
Thanks for the excellent review
Will watch this as soon as possible
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?
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.
Yup, weigh is not an issue if you just need to move it once.
I've been looking at the R8 for awhile now, now come's the 880i, I'm getting the new amplifier bug! lol! I have a Plinius 8100 integrated amp, but I like tube's very much also.
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’m really interested in the comparison with the Doge 10 and looking forward to your great video. :)
Coming soon!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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
Good presentation . Looks promising this amp
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!
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.
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.
Thank you Clark Kent for another super review.
This comment wins 👌
Totally looking forward to the Doge 10 V Willsenton comparison!
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.
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
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.
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" ?
3000 likes unlocked - Waiting for the Magnepan LRS review with the Willlsenton 800i as promised Thomas!
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
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.
Gonna buy!..thanks man!!!
Hope you enjoy it!
Your Elvis style hair cut is a perfect match to talk about tubes. 😉
🤓🤣
I could not wait for your review and went for it 2 months ago, so far no regret except become a poor tubes investor !
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Thanks Thomas for an interesting and informative review. Just curious - did you ever get round to listening to any of the LTA tube amps? Would be very interested to hear your opinion on how these sound to you - not least the Ultralinear models. Greetings to you and yours
Thanks, no I have heard that amp.
I’d like to see those review as well
I had the LTA ZOTL Ultralinear amp and didn’t like it. It has good clarity but it doesn’t sound like tube amp at all. I sold the LTA and replaced it with Line Magnetic 805ia which is much better in all areas. I’ve never heard this model but if you are looking for a tube amp I’m sure it’s better than LTA
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.
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 review as always Thomas. Keep up the good work! May I go off topic, I know your heard and tried the LSA statement speakers and yet you never made a review on it. Seems you did not like it? May I know your thoughts. More power to your channel.
Thanks. LSA ended up sending me an amp instead
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.
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!
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.
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.
Nice vid! I only use XLR cables in my system.
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.
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?
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…
My class A Yamaha MX-1 is pure sweetness and clarity!
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.
I want to try this amp because it is class A and it’s a tube amp. I assume it will easily drive the Kef ls50 metas , in a near field listening situation , up to mid 80dB. I guess in summer I’d switch back to my Moon I5 if it gets too hot. Great review Thomas and thks
Yes it will
Hi Thomas great review - very information that other reviewers dont do, You are the best. Can You tell me which amp will be better for fast electronic music and rock willsenton r800i or doge 10 ? Best regards. Michal
Thanks, Probably the Doge 10 especially with KT120. However, you are running it above specs with KT120.
@@ThomasAndStereo thanks
Have you reviewed any Line Magnetic tub amplifiers? Thanks for the great content. Hifi newbe here.
Not yet.
Thomas, it’s time … you should really open a “Thomas & Stereo” HIFI store in Montreal.
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
I want one. To go with my R8:)
Hi Thomas, great video as always. I have the r800i but with the 845 tube version (which I love.). Have also got bitten by the tube rolling bug - which is quite fun! One question - I have young kids in the house (I believe you have too). You mentioned the heat from the tubes, but are you concerned at all about having such a high voltage tube amp in the house? I believe 845, 805 and 211 tubes have potentially lethal plate voltage (compared to the lower voltage EL34, KT88, 300B tubes). I won’t be opening it up or playing with the inside, but not sure if it could still pose any danger. Happy to hear thoughts from anyone who has experience with these high voltage tube amps
Well it is no more danger than having electric socket in my opinion. It is the heat that I worry about, kids grabbing on a bright tube, so the cage is always on. I have never read of a serious accident on the internet.
What speakers are you driving the 845 with? I may consider it for winter amp. Would 90 dB sensitive enough for the 845? I current has the R8 drives the DT BP 20 and the Muzishare X9 drives the Cornwall IV (love that combination). The 845 can use for the CW IV as an option for 805 is not recommended for high sensitive speakers.
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
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.
Getting close to the 3k likes 😉👍🏼
Hey Thomas, have you got a chance to listen to the Cayin a845Pro? Would you say it’s worth the price tag now that Amps like the r800i hit the market?
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
Thomas, have you ever heard or reviewed the Black Ice Audio F35 integrated amp? Curious if it's a "good" product in your opinion.
No I have not, sorry.
are those Apartura speakers good match with this amp ? thanks for all the great content Thomas 1
Never tried it so no idea but it should
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?
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.
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
I wish you a good day syr.....This amplifier can also be connected to mono mode?
Hello Thomas,,
Hast this amp an adjustable negative feedback? Because my speakers don't need top use a negative feedback. The speakers have 94dB 1w/m. Ist IT useful top Take the 800i with 845 powertubes? Or better the 805?
Kind regards from Germany
Hi Thomas
Great videos, I've been watching a lot of your content lately. I'm planning on getting the Wharfedale Elysian 2 and currently has the Willsenton R8. Would the R8 pair well with the Elysian 2 or should I move up to the R800i? Would very much appreciate your opinion on this. Thanks!!
I think it would be fine. The R800i is more neutral and have less bass exaggeration.
@@ThomasAndStereo thank you!!
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.
Can I ask what Focal speaker you used with the 800i please, as I was hoping to upgrade to some Kanta and was wondering what they might sound like with the 800i?
Focal 1008be. Kanta should be fine with it.
Do A Review on THIS DENAFRIPS Hestia Preamp, PLEASE !
I give you all the 3k likes Thomas :D
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.
sadly no tube amps for home audio. I do use a McIntosh 2105 for my front L/R speakers with a Yamaha RX-A1020 using pre amp front L/R pre amp . love the old Mcintosh gear.
Hello Thomas, What is the model of Melody tube amp in the video?
Thomas, thanks for your videos. After seeing this one I pulled the trigger and ordered the R800i. I also appreciate your advice to roll out the factory 6NS7s. Are the Psvane CV181s delivering a worthwhile improvement? Also, since you're a self-confessed tube roller, have you heard any benefits from upgrading the 12AX7 or the 274B rectifier?
I did not have time for this one cause once I rolled the 6sn7, it was good enough I did not need to. The pvsane 181 are on the sharper side so it depends if you prefer smoother or not. Congrats on your purchase.
Review an luxman sq n150? Beautiful amp but no idea what speakers to choose
Thomas - for the Model 5: does the Doge 10 has enough power for it? What about the CS5? Thanks!
I did not try it. My audio buddy did try it and he found it so so the match. CS5? Remind me what is that again? If it is Cayin CS55 and CS88, no, not a good match.
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.
Love the review Thomas! When I look at the tube set up, it’s very similar to my 300B / 805 monoblocks. I spent a whole day comparing one tube amp with another through my speakers and finally, chose the 300B / 805 combination. As you say, it gives the best midrange sweetness of a 300B with the added grunt of the 805. However, what an amazing price these guys are producing them at! A quick question, if I may? Did you have much mechanical hum from the transformers? I find that so annoying. Looking forward to your 3000 likes 😂
Thanks! I double checked for you. Once I am 2 feet away, I can't hear any hum from the transformer anymore. I can't wait to try all my tube amps with your speaker.
@@ThomasAndStereo I am looking forward to it too! I think the R800i will be a very good match