@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you. I’m thinking hard about a tube amp, but the generally low power output of them concerns me. The triode amps from Decware get good reviews, but 2.3 watt output requires VERY efficient speakers to achieve decent loudness dB, so I very much appreciate the multiple speaker 🔊 pairings in your review. For comparison purposes, the Willsenton is rated at 25 Watts per channel in triode mode and 40 Watts per channel in ultra-linear mode which may be a factor in its sound quality as you described it.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 One other thing to consider is.... I believe Willsenton runs in Class AB while Decware is Class A ??? That's part of the reason why Decware is such low output wattage, if my assumption is correct. Class A, even at 2.3 watts RMS, is plenty for very efficient speakers (north of 95 db/w/m).
Just got mine a few weeks ago - your review was the one that put me over the top. My first integrated tube amp - though I have used guitar amps with tubes in the past. I'm super impressed with the sound, the bass, the clarity... all my music from all genres sound incredible. Thanks for this review!!
Well done again, Tarun! Your ability to succinctly explain concepts (i.e. the way the tubes/valves work) without getting overly technical or worst, boring, is commendable! Love your delivery. You are quickly becoming a favorite reviewer of mine! Have you reviewed any of the Line Magnetic products, yet?
Yes, the ability to clarify and explain how technical things work is an under appreciated gift. Tarun, you are doing great work. Ever thought of writing a book?
Surprisingly for the same output wattage, valve amps have 4 or 5 times the loudness! It explains why some people can live with a 5 or 7 watt valve amp.
An interesting review, thank you for taking the time to make this video. Please don’t forget Icon Audio, a British company manufacturing valve amplifiers in China to their design. A 35 to 45 watt integrated using EL34 or KT88 for less than £1400.
I was glued to your dynamic presentation. Informative, not at all dry in its delivery, and very engaging. I’m subscribing to your channel, and just ordered an R8 for myself. Well done.
There several reviewers on TH-cam that are above the rest. Quality presentation. Excellent explanation of both functions and concept. These qualities help put you in that upper echelon.
For those of you in the U.K. Lee at China Hifi has just informed me that he has appointed a partner to deal with warranty claims in the U.K. Snow Audio Repairs Fareham Hampshire PO16 0SW UK
Just got mine from irish customs 5 days ago. With no customs tax duty. Another score. Beautiful amplifier. Your review was spot on with my experience so far. I also think vinyl and tubes are a match made in heaven. Interesting what you said about the el34. You might of saved me a lot of euro there. Thanks again for an excellent review.
I got mine from China hifi 10 days ago bundled with the Psvane kt88 and CV181 instead of the stock 6sn7 (total amount shipped in Italy 1.500€ import taxes included). I’m now waiting for the Melz 6sl7 to fully replace stock tubes!! So far the amp is going way above my expectations and brought my KEF R7 to life (before I used to drive them with an Audiolab 6000a but it was clearly not powerful enough). Even if these KEF are now showing their potential I still find them a little bit too much analytical.. I had a pair of Q acoustics 3050 before and loved their mellower sound so I think my next speaker will be the Concept 500.. matching them with the R8 will hopefully be what I’m searching for!! As always great GREAT REVIEW!! THANKS Tarun
Greetings from Toronto, Canada. I purchased my first tube intergrated amp (R8) a few months ago and I'm completely delighted with it's performance. I'm enjoying your channel, Tarun. Thanks for the great content.
I love mine. I have been using it for about 6 months. I purchased the kt88s and preferred them but they only lasted 5 months of nearly daily use and abuse. Then 1 tube started humming ringing and showing signs of failure. Tried the TS EL34 and agree they are weak,and lacking, esp in low end. Mids and vocals sound sharp though. And tv sounds best. Then tried the EH 6550. Loved the 6550, all around solid, but by far best electric guitar reproduction.kt88 still had more power, wider sound stage , and much more holographic feel. I have rolled in nos JAN 6188, by Phillips to replace the 6sL7 and it was positive. I found the 6sl7 the hardest to replace, trying other nos tubes in this position, like the Sylvania black bottle vt229 and always noticing a loss in sound quality/sharpness. I think the OEM ones must be good. Oh, I opted for the 6sn7 factory upgrade, Psvane 181-tii. Well worth it upon comparison to nos tubes. Much more clarity and holographic, and better sound stage. Two things to note. The pre input has some kind of funky wiring going on that doesn't actually circumvent the pre tubes and in my opinion never sounded that great with a preamp. And the power buffer tube (center 6sn7) seems to have a effect on the sound which I don't understand. Replacing the PS vein CV 181 with a Sylvania NOS in this position deepened the bass response and rolled off a bit of annoying high range. Louder? Idk what you're looking for, I have JBL aquarius 1s hooked to mine (slightly modded and power hungry) which ask for about 50w, and are fairly low sensitivity,I think around 87db. I don't think I've ever taken the volume over half and I like it loud.
Hey Tarun. I’ve been intrigued by this amp since this review so I finally ordered the updated version today. I haven’t had a valve amp since my Audio Innovations series 200 in the 90’s. Looking forward to it arriving 👊🏻🎵😎🎶
Great job! I've not had the pleasure of my own tube amp and have always wondered what the fuss is all about. I must say I love the look of them. This sounds like a good place to start.
You have become i belive one of the top 3 youtube reviewers with audio equipment ... On second thoughts one of the best reviewers on any level ... Keep up the good work Tarun ... 😎
Take your time. There are SO MANY CHOICES out there... China/ HongKong tube amps provides amazing bang for back. Japan also makes gorgeous tube amps but they are significantly pricier unless you are into kits. USA has several including cottage / small mom and pop operations like Decware. All depends on what you are looking for and what speakers you are driving.
Great review and introduction to tube amplifiers. My first piece of HiFi gear was a Heathkit SA-2 integrated amp that my uncle gave me back in the summer of 1972 (during the Japanese "receiver wars") since then, I've always tried to have a vacuum tube component in my system. I have to say that the majority of Chinese made tubes are pretty bad, you can buy Sovteks, JJs, even brand new Mullards at a reasonable price and they are far better than the Chinese tubes. I'm going to send a link of this review to my friend Ned (who works at a High End Audio store here in Connecticut).
An excellent review! Valve amps and high efficiency speakers have been my thing for a long time. A very subjective note on one of the ingredients that make valve amps work for me: the glass and the parts glowing inside are a visual cue to what valve amps do so well - transparency and warmth.
I want to thank you for reminding me about the switch on the back. I just re tube the R8 with Gold Lion KT88. I paired the R8 with KLH 5 speakers. The 5 can be a little bright. In ultra linea mode the sound Is just wonderful. I have also paired the R8 with Tekton double impact se with Psvane EL34 they sound amazing.This is just a great Integrated amplifier. If you are thinking about buying the R8 Young Lee of China Hi Fi audio is a honest person. It's a long wait to get it and I don't think you'll get a warranty. The cost of shipping R8 back to China is it worth it. Great review thank you
There's an awful lot of good Chinese hi-fi available now. I went for the Doge 10 tube amp after Thomas & Stereo's stellar review and crossed my fingers. I shouldn't have worried. It is very good and has also been a victim of rave YT review. Out of stock almost instantly and very difficult for a small company to keep up with demand. I just noticed tonight that it's gone up in price from $1299 when I bought it to $1850. I'm still testing this with passive Buchardt S300 speakers against the Buchardt A500s. Very different propositions. Passive set up has a wider and deeper soundstage. Beautiful for more delicate, vocal acoustic tracks. The A500 dynamics absolutely kick ass as you know, but with a more reined in soundstage. I'd really like to try a different tuning with the A500s but the latest batch have had problems with wisa/firmware so new tunings can't be applied yet. But fair play to Mads Buchardt. Our 45 day trial will only start when we can update the tunings, and I've already had them for about a month. Oh and of course, tubes do look beautiful through the prism of a glass of whisky or wine when relaxing in the dark. Aesthetics count!
I have had the R8 now for over 6 months. I have it paired with JBL Studio 530’s and could Not be happier with the results. Bass is tight and quite punchy! I did add a SCHIT LOKI equalizer which allows you to tweek ever so slightly depending on the recording and music type. I also upgraded the pre amp tubes to some vintage 50’s tung-sol’s which definitely added some crispness to the highs and quickens the bass response. Lee at CHINA HIFI AUDIO was very responsive and my unit arrived to the east coast of the US pretty quickly. Extremely well Packed is an understatement!! Ultra linear is just pure fun and my favorite combo with the JBL’s which can be quite power hungry. HIGHLY Recommend!
Great review. I own a Primaluna EVO 400i, well below McIntosh but above this amp, with 8 EL34. Having 8 means less hard work for the same volume. You echo my sentiments on triode (acoustic) or ultra linear (complex rock), but on the EVO the EL34 sounds more musical than the KT88. Experimenten with different tube types (rolling) is a great addition to the hobby and the radiating glow of the tubes reminds me of the radiating warmth of an old aga.
A very good revieuw i was already sold by otter revieuws so i ordert one R8 from China hifi hope to see it deliverd next week or so keep the Channel up 👍
Excellent review, thank-you Tarun. This is a well finished amplifier which will drive many speakers due to its ultra-linear pentode push-pull output stage and fixed bias which will maximise power output for the chosen valves (tubes). I'd love to hear one. I agree that pentodes in triode mode are not the same as a direct heated single triode like the 300b. It does seem something of a bargain though. The 300b monoblock power amp *kits* (with a few upgrade parts) I built for my son topped two grand (and a weekend with a soldering iron).
@@abritishaudiophile7314Here are my son's amps, at the time he was using wide-range Fostex drivers on a triangular quarter-wave pipe with supertweeters and an active sub: goo.gl/photos/WJfVtPVYz2ic6R4z5 Listeners use adjectives like "neutral", "poise" and "effortless" to describe the sound of these amps.
Tarun, Steven again very well done, you should be a teacher. Very well explained but I think most people don't understand the difference between A/C and DC, plus the difference in P/F. P/F is a big factor that only an engineer will understand.. Many variables as usual, tube load, bias, lines, but that's why I build my monos. Power supply is critical, I usually run 5x times stated need. Superb results, I spent 4k building my 6H30 Monos, Lundahl transformers if that gives you an idea. Keep up the good work. 👍
I replaced the stocked KT88 with the Siemens EL34. I notice the mid range and bass are much much better than the KT88. I even tried the Telefunken KT88, the EL34s are way more punchy than KT88s. It is totally the opposite of what other ppl said on TH-cam. BTW, I have used the KT77 tubes on this R8. The sounds were very similar to EL34.
Which did you like between kt77 and el34? I have a Scott 222c with el84 that I love but looking for more power with the same musical sound and transparency. Bass and midrange is important to me. Thanks!
I have learned that I needed to buy a better KT88, that's it. I bought the vintage GEC KT88 on eBay. They are so good. I also replaced the 6SN7 tubes with the vintage UK Mullard ECC33. Don't be frugal on the tubes. Buy the good ones and be happy ever after. I don't try KT77 or EL34 any more.
Another great and well sorted out review. I've owned several EL-34/KT-88/6550 amps in the 40-60 wpc range from Conrad Johnson and Quicksilver. I was running speakers with a fairly low sensitivity. I sold them and went powerful solid state. Since then I've purchased a couple of powered subwoofers, and now I've often wondered how my Maggie .7s would do with another one of those now. I've seen a couple of other R8 reviews - yours is the best yet. Keep up the great work! I may have to give this a try.
Might want to try some good high-end tubes. Power and preamplifier. May be surprised and get more refinement . I would be very interested. Thanks for the great review
Knocked it out of the park as usual, Tarun. The correct number of amplifiers is one more than you currently have. Therefore, no need to sell the Exposure combo. 😊
Smashing review , I paired my icon audio tube up with the klipsh rp600m speakers which you recommended , listening to Shelby Lynne and Diana krall has given a new life to my listening. Vocals and separation is lush ,
Tarun, great review. Thanks very much. What would really be great is if you could do a review of the Willsenton R800i. It is a 300B amp, I think. It has not been reviewed very much or very well by anyone that I know of. I would be very interested in that. I purchased the Boyuurange A50 Mk3 300B amp which Steve Guttenberg reviewed and liked. I bought it on Amazon in the US for less than $800 USD and it is fantastic. A screaming bargain! This is the amp that got me into the tube camp! - at least for one of my two systems. 😀
Talk to China HiFi about a Cayin CS-55A or similar. It's more refined than the R8. Mine's paired with the Triangle Genese Trio. Keep up the excellent reviews!
Go on Margareta, I doubt that you will find anything better for a thousand quitt ( all Costs included ).It is well built and it is a handsome Biest of 26 Kg. If You have any Questions regarding the R8 come back here and I try my best to assist You :-) If You bought it, please also come back and let us know how do You like it ( or not ). Ralf
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Looking forward to your review! What valves did you purchase? Do you mind my asking how much you paid for it in the end and how long did you have to wait for it to be shipped?
What a great balanced review (as always). You touched on both the pros and cons of owning a tube amp, plus you mentioned tube rolling! ...which is unique to tube amps (and fun to do!). I think you could push that envelope quite a bit farther using NOS or new tubes. Excellent explanation of the operation of tubes too. An all around great job! Since my modified Dynaco 70s with VTA mods are hard to come by these days, I'll be recommending the R8 (based partly on this review, and others). Thank you.
another awsome video Tarun .ive never owned a tube amp .thanks for giving a great explanation of how they work .would love to hear one myself .many thanks .😊😊😊
Terence, thank you so much for your review. You are one of my "go to guys" on audio/speaker reviews. So, i watched your review of Willsenton R8 & Jay's review of the Willsenton R800i. I was impressed with both reviews. In fact i sold my PS Audio M700's thinking i was ready to pull the trigger on 800i. However, the deeper i dug i started to find thinks about the 800i type A amp. such as the bass is not all that great, it will heat up the room or if you roll the tubes on the 800i it's about $800.00-$900.00 for both 300b or other PSVANE tubes. Very expensive upgrade/s so one has to be able to fully commit to this path/avenue. Or, don't start with a class A tube amp. if you never owned a tube amp. Try AB tube amps. first such as the R8. So, i am stuck now. As an afterthought i may go with Pass Labs XA25 Demo. if the price is right then maybe get into an R8 and roll the tubes. Any thoughts?
Hi Don, I appreciate you watching and your support. I think you have very succinctly summarised the drawbacks of running Class A tube amps. It can be expensive if you have to replace tubes regularly. Some of Nelson Pass’s solid state amps have a reputation of having some of the tonal richness offered by very good Class A tube amps, especially the First Watt SIT amps. Here, in the U.K. John Farlowe had a similar goal. Tony Brady been responsible for designing Exposure amps over the last 20 years. Judging by the excellent 2510 I reviewed this year, John’s legacy seems live and kicking. Exposure amps have a very tube like tonal richness and soundstaging ability. 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Well, i pulled the trigger on the R8 after watching your review again. Pass Labs will have to wait due to Reno HiFi being closed until Oct. 4th 2021 due to relocating. It was an open box so that "offset" some of the shipping cost$$$ which was a kick in the ass. But what's an audiophile to do. The R8 will be my very first tube amp. (although i do have the Schiit Freya+) and I do not have any regrets thus far. Thanks for what you do Terence. And i must say, you exude an air of "confidence, knowledge and sophistication" that many of us less than educated wannabes rely on. I truly believe your "subscription/s should increase." Don't get all mushy on me either.
Great video Tarun. I am using a Luxman KMQ7 tube amplifier build in 1966. For musicality and sound stage it is far better than my Sony STRDA5500ES, although the Sony is fantastic when listening to SACD's, much greater detail. I look forward to the day when I will upgrade my tube amplifier. Out of curiosity, PS Audio have a BHK signature amplifier which combines solid state and a valve stage. I would love for you to have the opportunity to listen to that and get our opinion.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences George. I would love to review so PS Audio gear. Not so widely available here though. I will have to find out who the U.K. distributor is 😊👍
Tube amplifiers are actually quite easy to build by an an electronic hobbyist. The thing though is that a tube amplifier like this will cost much more than GBP1000,- if you would build it your self and that is almost never the case with most other brands of tube amplifier. So the question is, how do they do it? In any case very impressive for the resulting sound. Thanks for sharing your experiences of this amplifier with us.
I agree. I couldn’t build one to this standard for that money. It is a big volume, low margin, bargain. While it lasts. I suspect the price might start creeping up with time 😊👍
Hi! Tarun....Well what can I tell you, spoke to you regarding the Triangle Genese Trio possible crossover upgrade, thinking they should sound better. Also I bought a DIY from the Troels Gravesen speaker kit that sounded okay but should of been better. Components used Bel Canto evo 200.2 power amp and Parasound P5 pre...also tried the very nice Peachtree Nova150 Int amp .. Esound moded platinum cd-e5 cd player. and the result was Nah! Went back to my initial love of tube amplifiers to try the Willsenton R8....it was like a total transformation....I agree with everything you noted in your review. Both set of loudspeakers just sound so good, The Triangle G Trio you reviewed matches up very well...( both around the 90db efficiency ) the soundstage and placement of intruments were very evident, I could go on! Yes in Triode mod with the EL34's rolls off the top end. The R8 may not be top end gear but it gets you a long way there. So happy that I have ordered a matched quad set of Svetlana 6550c SED " winged C " tubes which I believe will elevate the R8 even further.... thought I would let you know.., thanks again Alain
Thank you for the real review. There are are lots of reviews out there for this amp. They are all glowing, bigger than life reviews. So thank you for the real, non-advertising review. I would love to get a tube amp back in my system. Someday, someday. Would love to hear your take on the feliks audio arioso or raven audio amps.
Great review Tarun. Good mix of technical and real world review. I would to know how this amp compares to other similarly priced amps and how it compares to the R800. Keep up the good work love your channel
Superb review indeed. I like it a lot...particulary course my "A system" is a marriage of similar SET valve amp. and the bookself monitor ProAc-s. Stay safe and sound Tarun...good luck!
Hi Tarun. I have always wanted to give a tube amp a go but was always worried about the running costs, as I use my amp for the TV sound as well as for my hifi. I would also worry about how hot they would get because of the high usage. I do love the warmer sound of a tube amp. You could tame the bass with a speaker with less bass such as Focal aria 926. Like all amps it's what you partner with them that determines the sound you want. Nice review yet again my friend.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 second one? I can't afford a new amp 😂. So does this mean you will be purchasing one for yourself, to work alongside your Exposure set up? 😁👍
Oh, well done Tarun. This is easily the best explanations of how a valve amp works. I’m sure I’m not alone in how I feel about this. I’m in the UK, I’m 53 and I’ve grown up with solid state amplifiers, mainly due to the cost-to-power ratio and also that valves had a rather snobby elitist reputation. So many of the amplifiers I’ve either owned or read reviews of have stated that “this amp sounds like a valve amp”. This is why I cannot be alone in thinking, is this the time to get one?(valve amp). The only problem is trying to get your hands on one! Good work.
Hello my British friend! You’ve got a very fine channel! So, on the other side of the pond, America, I’m using the R8 to drive Martin Logan Summits. They’re a 4 ohm load, and I get 85dB at about the 11 o’clock volume dial position. You’ve not heard the R8 until you’ve heard it driving electrostatic speakers. Does anyone own electrostatic speakers in your area? Enjoy!
Great review! New subscriber here, still on the fence about this tube amp but after your review I think I’m sold, now I have to think of a reason to justify to my wife about this purchase.
Tarun, I own this amplifier and I essentially concur with everything you said. Very happy I purchased it and it does indeed look great, on top of the fine performance. Well deserved "Outstanding" award!
I had watched many review videos on the R8 but wanted to watch yours since you provide better description and comments on the sound quality and comparison to other products. This was no exception. Was the KT88 Willsenton brand? I wonder what it would sound like with the optional Psvane tubes? Thanks for a great review!
Modern tubes do not last like old tubes use to. A lot of tube radios from the 30'3 and 40's that you may find to restore these days have their original tubes and they still are strong. I guess YMMV, but if you do roll tubes, finding some NOS tubes may give you a huge benefit. A lot of the sound quality from a Tube/Valve Amp is dependent on the quality of your output transformers. They can make a huge difference. High efficiency speakers are definitely needed for Tube/Valve amps
Excellent review. I have the R8 for around 8 months now and love it. It replaced a vintage Naim 32/160 and is so much better. I've replaced all the stock tubes and the detail and soundstage improved noticeably. You're bang on about the microphonics and having a well isolated platform is very important. I especially noticed this when I replaced the two 6SL7 tubes for some Shuguang WE6SL7 plus. I love that you can tailor the sound to suit the speakers. Great amp.
As has been said already, a great and accurate review Tarun. I love my R8 paired with any of my bookies or floor standers. I think with tube rolling the 6SL7 and KT88 tubes with a good matched pair/Quad I think you might just be putting those mono blocks up for sale. :) Like Thomas said it's an amp with plenty of MSG that you can't help loving. You'll miss it when it's gone, just warning you :):):) Great sounding amp for the money.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 just slipped in some 65 year old Melz 6SL7 tonight and have just been sitting here with a grin from ear to ear. Still smiling As I type this. Just one more song before bed, just one more..
Thanks for another excellent review of a very interesting item. It certainly looks like this amp can punch way above its price point and its beautiful too. My first job was a production engineer for cathod ray tubes, i was mainly making military head up displays, but we still made old valves back then. Cathodes, annodes and tubes were once filling my life, and it was pleasent to remember when tubes were king, so thanks for that. My only concern then is that manufacturing in this country simply cant compete with china for value. I recently bought some wharfdale evo 4.4's, which are incredible value and can happilly compete with speakers from £2k to £2.5k despite being only £1.2k. How? 'Made in China' Thanks again.
Now we KNOW that you love this unit! In your excitement you apologetically slipped out your first 4 letter word at 14:46. 🤭. Be careful. We don’t want you slipping into Zeos Pantera territory 😁. Great review.
Wonderful review (as usual). Am I alone in thinking that a British audiophile should, maybe after a brief explanation of why, refer to this type of amplifier as a 'valve' amplifier? !!
Fantastic review, Tarun. Thanks. Would it be too much to ask of you to do a review of the Muzishare x7? It's in a similar price range, and it's the natural potential competitor to this amp. If you could do a side-by-side, I'm pretty sure it would get a lot of attention. Anyway, thanks very much for this review once again.
Thank you my friend. I am hoping to review more products from Lee @ China Hifi. There was another amp that caught my eye because of its architecture and it is cheaper than the Willsenton R8. I won’t say much more as I want to keep it a bit of a surprise. I would love to look at the X7 as well if I get a chance 😊👍
Just as an aside, I do wonder why modern valve amps almost always have external valves and transformers. They remind me of certain Matchbox cars of the early 70s, with oversized V8 engines blocking the windscreen! Seriously though, Tarun, thanks for another thought-provoking review.
@@hrvojekant9415 I saw that coming. And yet valve guitar amps manage to keep their internal valves cool. Perhaps they're using those new-fangled heatsink things?
@Baba Ganush yeah I’m pumped about it. The speakers are efficient and the sub is super powerful so I think it will rock. I listen to music at Moderate sane levels most of the time.
To all Owners of the R8 ! In opposite to the Advice given to bias the Tower Tubes ( EL34 & KT88 ) with the Pointer to dead Center ( 12 o' Clock ) which leads to the Fact that they are slightly under biased, I would advise Everyone to bias the Power Tubes that the Pointer is set to the next Marking, so in other Words to the " 5. Minutes past 12 Position " for all 4. Power Tubes. This will improve the overall Sound Quality ;-)
That was one of the best and most succinct explanations of how a tube amp works that I have ever heard! Bravo 👏
Thank you Jeremiah 😊👍👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you. I’m thinking hard about a tube amp, but the generally low power output of them concerns me. The triode amps from Decware get good reviews, but 2.3 watt output requires VERY efficient speakers to achieve decent loudness dB, so I very much appreciate the multiple speaker 🔊 pairings in your review. For comparison purposes, the Willsenton is rated at 25 Watts per channel in triode mode and 40 Watts per channel in ultra-linear mode which may be a factor in its sound quality as you described it.
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 thank you for watching and sharing 😊👍
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 One other thing to consider is.... I believe Willsenton runs in Class AB while Decware is Class A ??? That's part of the reason why Decware is such low output wattage, if my assumption is correct. Class A, even at 2.3 watts RMS, is plenty for very efficient speakers (north of 95 db/w/m).
@@jeremiahchamberlin4499 I shy away from amplifiers that limit my speaker choice.
Just got mine a few weeks ago - your review was the one that put me over the top. My first integrated tube amp - though I have used guitar amps with tubes in the past. I'm super impressed with the sound, the bass, the clarity... all my music from all genres sound incredible. Thanks for this review!!
Thank you Matthew. I hope it give you many years of listening pleasure 😊👍
Well done again, Tarun! Your ability to succinctly explain concepts (i.e. the way the tubes/valves work) without getting overly technical or worst, boring, is commendable! Love your delivery. You are quickly becoming a favorite reviewer of mine! Have you reviewed any of the Line Magnetic products, yet?
Thank you SP. very kind and much appreciated. I haven’t as yet but hope to 😊👍👍
Yes, the ability to clarify and explain how technical things work is an under appreciated gift. Tarun, you are doing great work. Ever thought of writing a book?
@@Coneman3 thank you buddy. Very flattering. Not a book but I am wring the odd article for Ecoustics. An American publication- Oh, the irony 😉👍
Awesome, Tarun! I totally want to hear one for myself. It sounds so up my alley. Superb review. Thank you! 👏👏👏
Thank you Nick 😊👍👍
That was a real education - I knew nothing about tube amps other than their smooth sound and lower output - thank you.
Thank you for watching Brian 😊👍
Surprisingly for the same output wattage, valve amps have 4 or 5 times the loudness! It explains why some people can live with a 5 or 7 watt valve amp.
An interesting review, thank you for taking the time to make this video. Please don’t forget Icon Audio, a British company manufacturing valve amplifiers in China to their design. A 35 to 45 watt integrated using EL34 or KT88 for less than £1400.
I did reach out to them a while back. They don’t send out items to reviewers on TH-cam.
This is what I think to be the first really honest review of this interesting amp. Well done!
Thank you Axel. Much appreciated 😊👍
Your mic sounds so much better now, I'm glad I can come back to your videos as the information was always great.
Thank you Zimmy. I am learning slowly 😉👍
I was glued to your dynamic presentation. Informative, not at all dry in its delivery, and very engaging. I’m subscribing to your channel, and just ordered an R8 for myself. Well done.
Thank you Rob. Great to have you watching and your support 👍😊👍
There several reviewers on TH-cam that are above the rest. Quality presentation. Excellent explanation of both functions and concept. These qualities help put you in that upper echelon.
Thank you Patrick. Very kind of you to say 😊👍👍
For those of you in the U.K. Lee at China Hifi has just informed me that he has appointed a partner to deal with warranty claims in the U.K.
Snow Audio Repairs
Fareham
Hampshire
PO16 0SW
UK
That is really good News :-)
I've 'Googled' them and cannot find a web site for them. (?)
Just got mine from irish customs 5 days ago. With no customs tax duty. Another score. Beautiful amplifier. Your review was spot on with my experience so far. I also think vinyl and tubes are a match made in heaven. Interesting what you said about the el34. You might of saved me a lot of euro there. Thanks again for an excellent review.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Sean 😊👍
I got mine from China hifi 10 days ago bundled with the Psvane kt88 and CV181 instead of the stock 6sn7 (total amount shipped in Italy 1.500€ import taxes included). I’m now waiting for the Melz 6sl7 to fully replace stock tubes!! So far the amp is going way above my expectations and brought my KEF R7 to life (before I used to drive them with an Audiolab 6000a but it was clearly not powerful enough). Even if these KEF are now showing their potential I still find them a little bit too much analytical.. I had a pair of Q acoustics 3050 before and loved their mellower sound so I think my next speaker will be the Concept 500.. matching them with the R8 will hopefully be what I’m searching for!!
As always great GREAT REVIEW!! THANKS Tarun
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences GF 😊👍
Lovely review! I did take a punt with his amp earlier in the year and really enjoying the sound. Glad you did too!
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Hardeep 😊👍
Excellent review. Nice balance of technical stuff with practical stuff and also sensible opinion
Thank you Tom. Very much appreciated 😊👍
As always, so elegant.
Thank you Peter 😊👍
Well, another great video. Valve amp reviews are so much fun. So many things to watch and learn. Thank you.
Thank you PA 😊👍
Excellent and so informative.Your excitement is contagious .
Thank you Henry 😊👍
Another Grade A Review, sounds like a well sorted integrated, especially at this price point. Thank you sir!
Thank you for watching and your support F1 😊👍
Thanks Tarun. Nice review. And thanks for the tube lesson. I've found heaven with this amp and the Elac DBR62s.
That is great. Thank you for watching Tony 😊👍
Great Job my Brit Audiophile. Fab review of this little gem.
Thank you Christopher. Much appreciated 😊👍
No nonsense terrific revieuw...that is what people need.....very fine job..thanks
Thank you buddy. Much appreciated 😊👍
Explanations excellent. Always in awe of tube amps since being a kid. I'd love one of these or a Doge10 to play with!
Thank you Peter. I appreciate you watching and your support 👍😊👍
Hi Tarun I have never had the pleasure of listening to a tube amp but from your review it would certainly appeal to me . Many thanks.
Thank you for watching Rob 😊👍
Greetings from Toronto, Canada. I purchased my first tube intergrated amp (R8) a few months ago and I'm completely delighted with it's performance. I'm enjoying your channel, Tarun. Thanks for the great content.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Steve 😊👍
I love mine. I have been using it for about 6 months. I purchased the kt88s and preferred them but they only lasted 5 months of nearly daily use and abuse. Then 1 tube started humming ringing and showing signs of failure. Tried the TS EL34 and agree they are weak,and lacking, esp in low end. Mids and vocals sound sharp though. And tv sounds best. Then tried the EH 6550. Loved the 6550, all around solid, but by far best electric guitar reproduction.kt88 still had more power, wider sound stage , and much more holographic feel. I have rolled in nos JAN 6188, by Phillips to replace the 6sL7 and it was positive. I found the 6sl7 the hardest to replace, trying other nos tubes in this position, like the Sylvania black bottle vt229 and always noticing a loss in sound quality/sharpness. I think the OEM ones must be good. Oh, I opted for the 6sn7 factory upgrade, Psvane 181-tii. Well worth it upon comparison to nos tubes. Much more clarity and holographic, and better sound stage. Two things to note. The pre input has some kind of funky wiring going on that doesn't actually circumvent the pre tubes and in my opinion never sounded that great with a preamp. And the power buffer tube (center 6sn7) seems to have a effect on the sound which I don't understand. Replacing the PS vein CV 181 with a Sylvania NOS in this position deepened the bass response and rolled off a bit of annoying high range. Louder? Idk what you're looking for, I have JBL aquarius 1s hooked to mine (slightly modded and power hungry) which ask for about 50w, and are fairly low sensitivity,I think around 87db. I don't think I've ever taken the volume over half and I like it loud.
Very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you! Great review.
Stunning looking never looked at tubes really before may have changed my mind.
Thank you for watching and commenting Steve 😊👍
Yes, the first tube amp that came to mind was all of the McIntosh tube amps.
@@JoseMTamez cool 😎
Another impressive video and now i know how tubes work. A lovely looking amp and might tempt me to try valve amps.
Thank you Terry. Much appreciated 😊👍
Remembering my engineering days :-) Good job Tarun. Delighted as usual.
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Hey Tarun. I’ve been intrigued by this amp since this review so I finally ordered the updated version today. I haven’t had a valve amp since my Audio Innovations series 200 in the 90’s. Looking forward to it arriving 👊🏻🎵😎🎶
Great 👍 please let me know how you get on 😊
Review so thorough I watched it twice to absorb all the information and knowledge :)
Thank you William. That is very kind 😊👍
Great job! I've not had the pleasure of my own tube amp and have always wondered what the fuss is all about. I must say I love the look of them. This sounds like a good place to start.
It is Courtney. Thank you for watching and your support 😊👍
You have become i belive one of the top 3 youtube reviewers with audio equipment ... On second thoughts one of the best reviewers on any level ... Keep up the good work Tarun ... 😎
Thank you Rain Man. Very kind of you to say 😊👍👍
Excellent review Tarun. You did a nice job describing the R8. I think the R8 would gel very well with some Triangle towers.
Thank you Andre. I suspect it will too 😊👍
Excellent review again sir. Very tempted to try the Willsenton.
Thank you buddy 😊👍
This is the first valve amp I have seen and it is very interesting. It has got me thinking, as your reviews always do. Well done.
Thank you Richard 😊👍
Take your time. There are SO MANY CHOICES out there... China/ HongKong tube amps provides amazing bang for back. Japan also makes gorgeous tube amps but they are significantly pricier unless you are into kits. USA has several including cottage / small mom and pop operations like Decware. All depends on what you are looking for and what speakers you are driving.
Great review and introduction to tube amplifiers. My first piece of HiFi gear was a Heathkit SA-2 integrated amp that my uncle gave me back in the summer of 1972 (during the Japanese "receiver wars") since then, I've always tried to have a vacuum tube component in my system. I have to say that the majority of Chinese made tubes are pretty bad, you can buy Sovteks, JJs, even brand new Mullards at a reasonable price and they are far better than the Chinese tubes. I'm going to send a link of this review to my friend Ned (who works at a High End Audio store here in Connecticut).
Thank you Miles. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences 😊👍
An excellent review!
Valve amps and high efficiency speakers have been my thing for a long time. A very subjective note on one of the ingredients that make valve amps work for me: the glass and the parts glowing inside are a visual cue to what valve amps do so well - transparency and warmth.
Thank you Gabor . Well said 😊👍
I want to thank you for reminding me about the switch on the back. I just re tube the R8 with Gold Lion KT88. I paired the R8 with KLH 5 speakers. The 5 can be a little bright. In ultra linea mode the sound Is just wonderful. I have also paired the R8 with Tekton double impact se with Psvane EL34 they sound amazing.This is just a great Integrated amplifier. If you are thinking about buying the R8 Young Lee of China Hi Fi audio is a honest person. It's a long wait to get it and I don't think you'll get a warranty. The cost of shipping R8 back to China is it worth it. Great review thank you
Thank you JAM. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Clear Excellent review and explanation! My next venture will be addition of a Tube amp.
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated 😊👍
Thanks for another great review tarun, always liked valve amplifiers, this seems a very good quality item at a great price.
Thank you Paul. It is indeed 😊👍
I’m late to the party today, just saw this. Great explanation of how tube amps work. I especially appreciated your speakers partnering portion.
Thank you Steve. Much appreciated 😊👍
You're the best on TH-cam Tarun. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Jocko. Very kind and very much appreciated 😊👍👍
There's an awful lot of good Chinese hi-fi available now. I went for the Doge 10 tube amp after Thomas & Stereo's stellar review and crossed my fingers. I shouldn't have worried. It is very good and has also been a victim of rave YT review. Out of stock almost instantly and very difficult for a small company to keep up with demand. I just noticed tonight that it's gone up in price from $1299 when I bought it to $1850.
I'm still testing this with passive Buchardt S300 speakers against the Buchardt A500s. Very different propositions. Passive set up has a wider and deeper soundstage. Beautiful for more delicate, vocal acoustic tracks. The A500 dynamics absolutely kick ass as you know, but with a more reined in soundstage.
I'd really like to try a different tuning with the A500s but the latest batch have had problems with wisa/firmware so new tunings can't be applied yet. But fair play to Mads Buchardt. Our 45 day trial will only start when we can update the tunings, and I've already had them for about a month.
Oh and of course, tubes do look beautiful through the prism of a glass of whisky or wine when relaxing in the dark. Aesthetics count!
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Richard 😊👍
I have had the R8 now for over 6 months. I have it paired with JBL Studio 530’s and could
Not be happier with the results.
Bass is tight and quite punchy! I did add a SCHIT LOKI equalizer which allows you to tweek ever so slightly depending on the recording and music type.
I also upgraded the pre amp tubes to some vintage 50’s tung-sol’s which definitely added some crispness to the highs and quickens the bass response.
Lee at CHINA HIFI AUDIO was very responsive and my unit arrived to the east coast of the US pretty quickly.
Extremely well
Packed is an understatement!!
Ultra linear is just pure fun and my favorite combo with the JBL’s which can be quite power hungry.
HIGHLY Recommend!
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Todd 😊👍
Great review. I own a Primaluna EVO 400i, well below McIntosh but above this amp, with 8 EL34. Having 8 means less hard work for the same volume. You echo my sentiments on triode (acoustic) or ultra linear (complex rock), but on the EVO the EL34 sounds more musical than the KT88. Experimenten with different tube types (rolling) is a great addition to the hobby and the radiating glow of the tubes reminds me of the radiating warmth of an old aga.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Bert 😊👍
A very good revieuw i was already sold by otter revieuws so i ordert one R8 from China hifi hope to see it deliverd next week or so keep the Channel up 👍
Thank you Alex 😊👍
Excellent review, thank-you Tarun.
This is a well finished amplifier which will drive many speakers due to its ultra-linear pentode push-pull output stage and fixed bias which will maximise power output for the chosen valves (tubes). I'd love to hear one. I agree that pentodes in triode mode are not the same as a direct heated single triode like the 300b. It does seem something of a bargain though. The 300b monoblock power amp *kits* (with a few upgrade parts) I built for my son topped two grand (and a weekend with a soldering iron).
Thank you John. I would like to look at the 300B version with some decent tubes 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314Here are my son's amps, at the time he was using wide-range Fostex drivers on a triangular quarter-wave pipe with supertweeters and an active sub:
goo.gl/photos/WJfVtPVYz2ic6R4z5
Listeners use adjectives like "neutral", "poise" and "effortless" to describe the sound of these amps.
Tarun, Steven again very well done, you should be a teacher. Very well explained but I think most people don't understand the difference between A/C and DC, plus the difference in P/F. P/F is a big factor that only an engineer will understand.. Many variables as usual, tube load, bias, lines, but that's why I build my monos. Power supply is critical, I usually run 5x times stated need. Superb results, I spent 4k building my 6H30 Monos, Lundahl transformers if that gives you an idea. Keep up the good work. 👍
Thank you Steven. I am a teacher by profession. Maybe it is hard to hide 😊👍
I replaced the stocked KT88 with the Siemens EL34. I notice the mid range and bass are much much better than the KT88. I even tried the Telefunken KT88, the EL34s are way more punchy than KT88s. It is totally the opposite of what other ppl said on TH-cam. BTW, I have used the KT77 tubes on this R8. The sounds were very similar to EL34.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Which did you like between kt77 and el34? I have a Scott 222c with el84 that I love but looking for more power with the same musical sound and transparency. Bass and midrange is important to me. Thanks!
I have learned that I needed to buy a better KT88, that's it. I bought the vintage GEC KT88 on eBay. They are so good. I also replaced the 6SN7 tubes with the vintage UK Mullard ECC33. Don't be frugal on the tubes. Buy the good ones and be happy ever after. I don't try KT77 or EL34 any more.
Another great and well sorted out review. I've owned several EL-34/KT-88/6550 amps in the 40-60 wpc range from Conrad Johnson and Quicksilver. I was running speakers with a fairly low sensitivity. I sold them and went powerful solid state. Since then I've purchased a couple of powered subwoofers, and now I've often wondered how my Maggie .7s would do with another one of those now. I've seen a couple of other R8 reviews - yours is the best yet. Keep up the great work! I may have to give this a try.
Thank you for your kind words Daina. Very much appreciated. It is a lovely amp for the money 😊👍
Might want to try some good high-end tubes. Power and preamplifier. May be surprised and get more refinement . I would be very interested.
Thanks for the great review
Thank you Walter. I am listening to this amp with upgraded PS Vane tubes as I write this 😊👍
Thanks Tarun for another excellent review.
Knocked it out of the park as usual, Tarun. The correct number of amplifiers is one more than you currently have. Therefore, no need to sell the Exposure combo. 😊
Thank you. Most kind. You are a very wise man 😂👍
Smashing review , I paired my icon audio tube up with the klipsh rp600m speakers which you recommended , listening to Shelby Lynne and Diana krall has given a new life to my listening. Vocals and separation is lush ,
I could see how that would be a great combo. Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences John 😊👍
Tarun, great review. Thanks very much. What would really be great is if you could do a review of the Willsenton R800i. It is a 300B amp, I think. It has not been reviewed very much or very well by anyone that I know of. I would be very interested in that. I purchased the Boyuurange A50 Mk3 300B amp which Steve Guttenberg reviewed and liked. I bought it on Amazon in the US for less than $800 USD and it is fantastic. A screaming bargain! This is the amp that got me into the tube camp! - at least for one of my two systems. 😀
Thank you Richard. I appreciate you watching and your support. It caught my eye too. I was actually hoping to do that in the near future 😊👍
Excellent review. Covered all the bases. Give credit when it deserves it.!
Thank you DW 😊👍
26 kg! woof....! That is hefty. Brilliant description of tube amplification and setting expectations for using a tube amp..
Thank you Eva. Much appreciated 😊👍
Talk to China HiFi about a Cayin CS-55A or similar. It's more refined than the R8. Mine's paired with the Triangle Genese Trio. Keep up the excellent reviews!
Thank you Dave 😊👍
It sounds tempting. And a good explanation of how tubs work. I think maybe I'm buying one! :)
Go on Margareta, I doubt that you will find anything better for a thousand quitt ( all Costs included ).It is well built and it is a handsome Biest of 26 Kg.
If You have any Questions regarding the R8 come back here and I try my best to assist You :-) If You bought it, please also come back and let us know how do You like it ( or not ).
Ralf
Thank you Margareta. It is a very nice amp 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi Tarun, have the better Tubes arrived ?
@@st.michael9708 Arrived yesterday 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Looking forward to your review! What valves did you purchase? Do you mind my asking how much you paid for it in the end and how long did you have to wait for it to be shipped?
What a great balanced review (as always). You touched on both the pros and cons of owning a tube amp, plus you mentioned tube rolling! ...which is unique to tube amps (and fun to do!). I think you could push that envelope quite a bit farther using NOS or new tubes. Excellent explanation of the operation of tubes too. An all around great job! Since my modified Dynaco 70s with VTA mods are hard to come by these days, I'll be recommending the R8 (based partly on this review, and others). Thank you.
Thank you Scott. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
another awsome video Tarun .ive never owned a tube amp .thanks for giving a great explanation of how they work .would love to hear one myself .many thanks .😊😊😊
Thank you for watching Archie. I appreciate your support 😊👍
Beautiful review 🎊👍😀 Thanks Tarun. Looking for your review Melton Tube Amplifier soon. Thanks
Thank you Vamsi 😊👍
Terence, thank you so much for your review. You are one of my "go to guys" on audio/speaker reviews. So, i watched your review of Willsenton R8 & Jay's review of the Willsenton R800i. I was impressed with both reviews. In fact i sold my PS Audio M700's thinking i was ready to pull the trigger on 800i. However, the deeper i dug i started to find thinks about the 800i type A amp. such as the bass is not all that great, it will heat up the room or if you roll the tubes on the 800i it's about $800.00-$900.00 for both 300b or other PSVANE tubes. Very expensive upgrade/s so one has to be able to fully commit to this path/avenue. Or, don't start with a class A tube amp. if you never owned a tube amp. Try AB tube amps. first such as the R8. So, i am stuck now. As an afterthought i may go with Pass Labs XA25 Demo. if the price is right then maybe get into an R8 and roll the tubes. Any thoughts?
Hi Don, I appreciate you watching and your support. I think you have very succinctly summarised the drawbacks of running Class A tube amps. It can be expensive if you have to replace tubes regularly. Some of Nelson Pass’s solid state amps have a reputation of having some of the tonal richness offered by very good Class A tube amps, especially the First Watt SIT amps.
Here, in the U.K. John Farlowe had a similar goal. Tony Brady been responsible for designing Exposure amps over the last 20 years. Judging by the excellent 2510 I reviewed this year, John’s legacy seems live and kicking. Exposure amps have a very tube like tonal richness and soundstaging ability. 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Well, i pulled the trigger on the R8 after watching your review again. Pass Labs will have to wait due to Reno HiFi being closed until Oct. 4th 2021 due to relocating. It was an open box so that "offset" some of the shipping cost$$$ which was a kick in the ass. But what's an audiophile to do. The R8 will be my very first tube amp. (although i do have the Schiit Freya+) and I do not have any regrets thus far. Thanks for what you do Terence. And i must say, you exude an air of "confidence, knowledge and sophistication" that many of us less than educated wannabes rely on. I truly believe your "subscription/s should increase." Don't get all mushy on me either.
@@donguin9348 thank you Don. That is very kind and much appreciated 😊👍👍
Great video Tarun. I am using a Luxman KMQ7 tube amplifier build in 1966. For musicality and sound stage it is far better than my Sony STRDA5500ES, although the Sony is fantastic when listening to SACD's, much greater detail. I look forward to the day when I will upgrade my tube amplifier. Out of curiosity, PS Audio have a BHK signature amplifier which combines solid state and a valve stage. I would love for you to have the opportunity to listen to that and get our opinion.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences George. I would love to review so PS Audio gear. Not so widely available here though. I will have to find out who the U.K. distributor is 😊👍
excellent well rounded review, not in the market for this but was a great watch and very informative,
Thank you Peter 😊👍
Tube amplifiers are actually quite easy to build by an an electronic hobbyist. The thing though is that a tube amplifier like this will cost much more than GBP1000,- if you would build it your self and that is almost never the case with most other brands of tube amplifier. So the question is, how do they do it? In any case very impressive for the resulting sound. Thanks for sharing your experiences of this amplifier with us.
I agree. I couldn’t build one to this standard for that money. It is a big volume, low margin, bargain. While it lasts. I suspect the price might start creeping up with time 😊👍
Woah that amp, and your easy explanation on it!! Great video.
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Great review thanks really considering one of these now
Thank you for watching BW 😊👍
Hi! Tarun....Well what can I tell you, spoke to you regarding the Triangle Genese Trio possible crossover upgrade, thinking they should sound better.
Also I bought a DIY from the Troels Gravesen speaker kit that sounded okay but should of been better. Components used Bel Canto evo 200.2 power amp and Parasound P5 pre...also tried the very nice Peachtree Nova150 Int amp .. Esound moded platinum cd-e5 cd player. and the result was Nah! Went back to my initial love of tube amplifiers to try the Willsenton R8....it was like a total transformation....I agree with everything you noted in your review. Both set of loudspeakers just sound so good, The Triangle G Trio you reviewed matches up very well...( both around the 90db efficiency ) the soundstage and placement of intruments were very evident, I could go on! Yes in Triode mod with the EL34's rolls off the top end. The R8 may not be top end gear but it gets you a long way there. So happy that I have ordered a matched quad set of Svetlana 6550c SED " winged C " tubes which I believe will elevate the R8 even further.... thought I would let you know.., thanks again Alain
Hi Alain. Great to learn about your experiences. Thank you for posting this update 😊👍
Thank you for the real review. There are are lots of reviews out there for this amp. They are all glowing, bigger than life reviews. So thank you for the real, non-advertising review. I would love to get a tube amp back in my system. Someday, someday. Would love to hear your take on the feliks audio arioso or raven audio amps.
@Baba Ganush I didn't mean those suggestions as competitors to the Williston. Just amps, I'd like to hear Tarren's take on.
Thank you for watching JK and the support. Much appreciated. I will look into those suggestions 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 the feliks is only 3.8 watts but supposedly very has beautiful sound. You'll need a very efficient speaker to review it.
@@jked7463 horns would probably be the way to go 😉
@@abritishaudiophile7314 yes
Great review! I agree 100% with your review about this amplifier.
Thank you Cesar 😊👍
Great review Tarun. Good mix of technical and real world review. I would to know how this amp compares to other similarly priced amps and how it compares to the R800. Keep up the good work love your channel
Thank you Dean. Much appreciated. I have requested that Lee sends me the R800 so hope to let you know 😊👍
Superb review indeed.
I like it a lot...particulary course my "A system" is a marriage of similar SET valve amp. and the bookself monitor ProAc-s.
Stay safe and sound Tarun...good luck!
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated. You stay safe too 😊👍👍
Hi Tarun. I have always wanted to give a tube amp a go but was always worried about the running costs, as I use my amp for the TV sound as well as for my hifi. I would also worry about how hot they would get because of the high usage. I do love the warmer sound of a tube amp. You could tame the bass with a speaker with less bass such as Focal aria 926. Like all amps it's what you partner with them that determines the sound you want. Nice review yet again my friend.
Thank you Steve. Nice amp to have as a second one to play with if using the solid state one for every day TV use 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 second one? I can't afford a new amp 😂. So does this mean you will be purchasing one for yourself, to work alongside your Exposure set up? 😁👍
@@steverees1936 I am swimming in gear so sadly not. I wouldn’t mind hanging on it for a while though 😊
Oh, well done Tarun.
This is easily the best explanations of how a valve amp works.
I’m sure I’m not alone in how I feel about this. I’m in the UK, I’m 53 and I’ve grown up with solid state amplifiers, mainly due to the cost-to-power ratio and also that valves had a rather snobby elitist reputation. So many of the amplifiers I’ve either owned or read reviews of have stated that “this amp sounds like a valve amp”. This is why I cannot be alone in thinking, is this the time to get one?(valve amp).
The only problem is trying to get your hands on one!
Good work.
Thank you Jim. I really appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences. Thank you for your kind words of support 😊👍👍
Great content great video I am definitely going to look into this amplifier
Thank you Robert. Much appreciated 😊👍
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
Thank you for watching Vincent 😊👍
Very informative review, thank you!
Thank you for watching FA 😊👍
Wow a great find. A very easy to appreciate review.
Thank you buddy 😊👍
Great review as always Tarun!!!
Thank you Sandeep 😊👍
Hello my British friend! You’ve got a very fine channel!
So, on the other side of the pond, America, I’m using the R8 to drive Martin Logan Summits. They’re a 4 ohm load, and I get 85dB at about the 11 o’clock volume dial position. You’ve not heard the R8 until you’ve heard it driving electrostatic speakers. Does anyone own electrostatic speakers in your area? Enjoy!
Thank you buddy. I very much appreciate your support. I would love to get some electrostatic speakers in for review 😊👍
Thank you for a really well explained review. I have been looking at stepping to a full tube amplifier. This may fit the bill. Christmas is coming.
Thank you buddy. It would make a fine Christmas present for yourself 😊👍
Great review! New subscriber here, still on the fence about this tube amp but after your review I think I’m sold, now I have to think of a reason to justify to my wife about this purchase.
Thank you K Go. I appreciate the sub. I hope the Mrs approves 😊👍
its nice you like my new willsenton R8 amp,great review
Thank you Gert 😊👍
@Taco none at all. It has been here for a couple of months now.
@Taco ,no issues with noise at all(own it one month)
I've had mine for about eleven months now, no noise at all.
Excellent videos! Awesome explanation of a tube amplifier! I want valves!
Thank you Dave 😊👍
Indeed. A superb review.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Tarun, I own this amplifier and I essentially concur with everything you said. Very happy I purchased it and it does indeed look great, on top of the fine performance. Well deserved "Outstanding" award!
Thank you Marc 😊👍
That is one beautiful, affordable Amplifier!
Oh....and apparently it sounds good, too! 👍🏼
It does indeed. Thank you for watching Bob 😊👍
@Baba Ganush unless there’s a conspiracy, all reviews I’ve read claims it sounds very fine indeed.
I had watched many review videos on the R8 but wanted to watch yours since you provide better description and comments on the sound quality and comparison to other products. This was no exception. Was the KT88 Willsenton brand? I wonder what it would sound like with the optional Psvane tubes? Thanks for a great review!
Thank you Louie. Very much a. They were the Willsenton KT88s. I would to hear it with better tubes too 😊👍
Modern tubes do not last like old tubes use to.
A lot of tube radios from the 30'3 and 40's that you may find to restore these days have their original tubes and they still are strong. I guess YMMV, but if you do roll tubes, finding some NOS tubes may give you a huge benefit.
A lot of the sound quality from a Tube/Valve Amp is dependent on the quality of your output transformers. They can make a huge difference. High efficiency speakers are definitely needed for Tube/Valve amps
Very interesting. Thank you sharing Brendan 😊
Excellent review. I have the R8 for around 8 months now and love it. It replaced a vintage Naim 32/160 and is so much better. I've replaced all the stock tubes and the detail and soundstage improved noticeably. You're bang on about the microphonics and having a well isolated platform is very important. I especially noticed this when I replaced the two 6SL7 tubes for some Shuguang WE6SL7 plus. I love that you can tailor the sound to suit the speakers. Great amp.
Thank you Michael. I very much appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences 😊👍
As has been said already, a great and accurate review Tarun. I love my R8 paired with any of my bookies or floor standers. I think with tube rolling the 6SL7 and KT88 tubes with a good matched pair/Quad I think you might just be putting those mono blocks up for sale. :) Like Thomas said it's an amp with plenty of MSG that you can't help loving. You'll miss it when it's gone, just warning you :):):) Great sounding amp for the money.
Thank you TC. I appreciate you watching and sharing your experiences. I will indeed 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 just slipped in some 65 year old Melz 6SL7 tonight and have just been sitting here with a grin from ear to ear. Still smiling As I type this. Just one more song before bed, just one more..
@@ja8020 wow! That is what this hobby is all about 😊👍
Thanks for another excellent review of a very interesting item. It certainly looks like this amp can punch way above its price point and its beautiful too.
My first job was a production engineer for cathod ray tubes, i was mainly making military head up displays, but we still made old valves back then. Cathodes, annodes and tubes were once filling my life, and it was pleasent to remember when tubes were king, so thanks for that.
My only concern then is that manufacturing in this country simply cant compete with china for value. I recently bought some wharfdale evo 4.4's, which are incredible value and can happilly compete with speakers from £2k to £2.5k despite being only £1.2k. How? 'Made in China'
Thanks again.
Thank you for watching and sharing T 😊👍
Now we KNOW that you love this unit! In your excitement you apologetically slipped out your first 4 letter word at 14:46. 🤭. Be careful. We don’t want you slipping into Zeos Pantera territory 😁. Great review.
Good one. I should wash my mouth out 😂👍
Wonderful review (as usual).
Am I alone in thinking that a British audiophile should, maybe after a brief explanation of why, refer to this type of amplifier as a 'valve' amplifier? !!
Hear hear!
Thank you John. By varying the voltage on the Control Grid the flow of electrons changes. Operation is analogous to a valve 😊👍
The inventor of the ‘tube’ named it a thermionic valve. It is the correct term.
Fantastic review, Tarun. Thanks. Would it be too much to ask of you to do a review of the Muzishare x7? It's in a similar price range, and it's the natural potential competitor to this amp. If you could do a side-by-side, I'm pretty sure it would get a lot of attention. Anyway, thanks very much for this review once again.
Thank you my friend. I am hoping to review more products from Lee @ China Hifi. There was another amp that caught my eye because of its architecture and it is cheaper than the Willsenton R8. I won’t say much more as I want to keep it a bit of a surprise. I would love to look at the X7 as well if I get a chance 😊👍
The R8 takes two types of power tubes which it a two-amps-in-one. While the X7 takes only one type.
@@zeissiez thank you 😊
Just as an aside, I do wonder why modern valve amps almost always have external valves and transformers. They remind me of certain Matchbox cars of the early 70s, with oversized V8 engines blocking the windscreen!
Seriously though, Tarun, thanks for another thought-provoking review.
Because of easier cooling.
@@hrvojekant9415 I saw that coming. And yet valve guitar amps manage to keep their internal valves cool. Perhaps they're using those new-fangled heatsink things?
Thank you buddy 😊👍
Mine ships out in a few days , can’t wait. Connecting to Klipsch Heresy IVs and Sunfire sub
@Baba Ganush yeah I’m pumped about it. The speakers are efficient and the sub is super powerful so I think it will rock. I listen to music at
Moderate sane levels most of the time.
Cool 😎
It’s the best amp I’ve had. Love it.
Heresy IV, Thorens , ifiZen , Sunfire sub. Magic
To all Owners of the R8 !
In opposite to the Advice given to bias the Tower Tubes
( EL34 & KT88 ) with the Pointer to dead Center ( 12 o' Clock )
which leads to the Fact that they are slightly under biased,
I would advise Everyone to bias the Power Tubes that the Pointer
is set to the next Marking, so in other Words to the
" 5. Minutes past 12 Position " for all 4. Power Tubes.
This will improve the overall Sound Quality ;-)