Did they really fix EVERYTHING on this quirky amp?
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Comparing the new Aiyima T9 Pro to the their original T9 model to determine if they fixed all of the quirky issues!
If you haven't watched my original review of the first Aiyima T9, you can do so here: • Aiyima T9 Review - A Q...
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Aiyima T9 Pro Review
#aiyima #aiyimat9pro
I had a similar weird sound "drop out issue" with a high end dac connected to a cd transport through its coaxial input. Whenever I stood up from the listening chair, the sound dropped off for a split second. I isolated the problem to a new digital spdif cable I had started using that claimed to use a proprietary (maybe ineffective) shielding method. I confirmed this when I tried another cable (which was unshielded) and experienced the same drop outs. However, the drop outs never happened when using a Belden 1694A based digital cable which is reportedly very well shielded.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing!
I was about to say this. Maybe something electronic in your pocket effecting the shielding. Sounds like the issue is definitely with the cable
I've had this happen as well, but with a video drop-out (video-cable shielding). Turns out the CFL bulbs in the room were somehow interfering with the connection. When someone would move and more 'light' (and presumably RF interference) would get through from the bulb source directly, that's when it would wig out.
really? no talk at all about the markedly different chips used inside these two amps??? they are completely different. Even the amplifier chips - TPA3221 vs TPA3250
I will never understand how people obsess over the sound quality of their components only to run a bluetooth audio signal through it.
Probably because unless the system (DAC, analogue output circuits, amplification, interconnects, speaker accuracy, speaker placement, room setup) are close to theoretical perfection, then the wireless transmission isn’t the weakest link in the chain. Also, if you’re over 40, you’re likely not hearing much above 14 KHz in any event, so the extra frequency response and resolution offered by a wired connection won’t likely make nearly as big a difference as the other stuff.
Me 2 😑
Name one smartphone with a headphone jack and a decent software support plan... I'll wait...
@@mackenziebullied4900 many use it for pc audio. In such case, a laptop may only offer a few options, USB being the best IMO. But some might have to stick with BT. Support is pretty good there.
@@coguglielmi PC is another story i mean mobile devices
In my experience I’ve had zero issues. I think Ayima fixed the early issues on the T9 with later releases. I think you just got one of the early releases that had some issues. I’ve also done a bit of tube rolling just for fun and changes are rather small but noticeable if one pays attention. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Can you give me the Quick Run Down of "tube rolling"
@@bryanguest2807 Hi Bryan, tub rolling is just switching out the factory tubes with different tubes to change the sound signature of the device. Some tubes are warmer or have more clarity, et. Most tube amps will tell you in the instructions which different tubes will work. some can be very expensive or a bit hard to find. Most being made today come from Russia or China. you can also fine USA made new/old stock with some searching. Just be sure what you find will fit in the amp you buy. Hope this helps.
Coax reverse polarity to a speaker?
Yup, My douk audio st-01 literally a t9 clone, had NO clicking in between modes and powered down after about 30ish seconds.
No problems at all.
The dropping out at a particular angle/input has to do with the chip you have implanted when you were abducted by aliens. It a fault in the alein technology that a certian conditions or positions with the right emf, bio-resinance and just the right feng shui (positioning of furniture to achieve harmony and balance) along with a positional change in space time (standing up) causes the implanted chip to momentarily effect particular audio equipment like you have had. If you bring this up next time you are unconsciously abducted by aliens I'm sure they will give the chip a firmware update and resolve this for you. 🤣
I’m just worried about where they are going to plug in the firmware update!!!
Damn must be crazy being an audiophile or whatever lol I bought one of these and everything you spoke of the og version I have and they really don't bother me nor did I realize they should lol
I have no problem with the clicking... Honestly it sounds good. It can handle 4ohms speakers
I think you are giving off an IR signal! LOL
Hilarious! Most likely so 😂
Hi! I’m a bit frustrated with these mini amp reviews, because reviewers only seem to compare mini amps with other similar mini amps. My biggest question is: how does this mini amp compare with a typical A/B amp from Yamaha or Denon?
Yes this is great feedback and something I’ve thought about trying to do in the future.
Cheap audio man has a great video comparing the t9 to an integrated Yamaha
I'd much rather keep the physical tone controls and not have to fuss with a remote.
I thought that was an interesting update on the pro model as well! Thanks for watching!
I’ve seen in other reviews that a double tap of the volume button will activate the bass and treble controls.
I own the original Ayima T9 / Douk Audio ST-01 and think its an absolutely fantastic bit of kit. Firstly its connected to my desktop PC and then outputs to some classic hi-fi speakers. I think such an arrangement is ideal as it gives my PC audio output tons of personality and quality. I've used it for more than three months now and have absolutely no criticisms - its definitely the best sound solution my PC has ever had.
Awesome. I think PC use is perfect for these units!
Douk Audio ST-01 or Aiyima T9 ? Have any Key differences... ?
@@darkolazarevski4434 Don't no - externally they are identical save for the badge and they both have the same parent company - Nobsound. Specs are identical as are the tubes.
@@freemenofengland2880 thanks mate! What about Pro version of the ST 01?
I'm wondering if you have a "shielding" issue with the coax cable itself. Your movements "should" be isolated from the SIGNAL carried by the cable by the internal shield (which could be a wire braid, or a solid "aluminum foil" type shielding. If that outer shield is compromised in any way, it could be sensitive to movement. You might want to try another cable...
Great Review! I'd like to see you swap tubes between the 2 T9's and let us know your thoughts. Thank you for what you do! 👍
Ooh good idea. Thank you!
I’m interested in one. But I have one question before I dive in. Exp “my dog ate my remote”Can the treble and bass be adjusted without the remote???
Yep!
I kind of like the clicking noise. and I like having the bass and treble nobs. so I'll stick with the T9 original. I did lose my T9 remote, don't ask long story, if you don't need your t9 remote I'd take it off your hands. I can't get one from aiyima unless it comes from China
I’m gonna hang on to the remote thanks!
Any idea of a brand of Universal remote that would work?
I haven’t found one yet but will keep looking!
Before I give my comment, let me say this,
Four score and seven years ago...
now, before I give my comment on this review, let me say this,
Our father who art in heaven...
now, before I get to my comment, let me just say this,
Drop the gun, take the cannoli...
and finally before I give my comment, I will just say this,
......wait....wtf was I going to say again?
Seems like you're having an electrostatic discharge when standing up (synthetic fiber on chair maybe) and that's strong enough to get picked up by coax as an interference and maybe protective mechanism is kicked in to lower loudness that split second. I don't know, just a stab in the dark :)
I have the T9, and it's not specifically the clicking that's a problem, it's the fact that it constantly shuts off the amp, then it takes about 1 sec to wake back up. I have it on my computer doing video production and literally pausing to make a video change and then hitting play again and it sounds like I have audio missing only to rewind and it's there. Does this fix the shutting off of the amp?
Oh Dear, the T9- Pro (isn't that a model of Terminators?) fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. What a mess.
Who cares about the click
Unless it's all the time. Ya you like the bass as treble
Because it degrades sould even more. 30 year audio guy
Deleat bass and treble. It turned on my TV. you expected. Corky man. It's
Corky.
I am not an audiophile so I am looking for useful feedback from someone that has experience with these mini amps as to whether you think either of these amps has the ability to drive a set of Bose 901's with the Bose active equalizer
I hate the gold yellow why did they do that 🤣
It’s definitely different! 😬
There is a VU meter sensitivity adjustment at the bottom of T9 PRO.
Awesome. Thank you!
Did they fix the situation where if you are using coax or opt input and its quiet for a couple of seconds and the amp goes to sleep and clicks off?
Yep!
Drop out...the TPA3250 class D Chip is used, basically it`s a pulsewidemodulated "Transmitter", the oscillator frequency is adjustable between 450 to 600 khz, that`s AM radio frequency. Without any real knowledge about Class D amps, but former radio amateur...there are some low pass filters in the speaker outputs, but there should still be some radio frequencies. You are sitting in front of a kind of "am radio transmitter"....with speaker cables as antenna, and a moving body is reflecting and changing the field....and vagabonding HF can interfere elsewhere making funny things....
The PCB design is highly critical for the TPA3250...(Texas Instrument manual):
"Special attention should be paid to the power-stage power supply; this includes component selection, PCB placement, and routing. As indicated, each full-bridge has independent power-stage supply pins (PVDD_X). For optimal electrical performance,
>
, and system reliability, it is important that each PVDD_X node is decoupled with 1-μF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the supply pins. It is recommended to follow the PCB layout of the TPA3250 reference design."
"Special attention should be paid to placing all decoupling capacitors as close to their associated pins as possible. In general, the physical loop with the power supply pins, decoupling capacitors and GND return path to the device pins must be kept as short as possible and with as little area as possible to minimize induction."
Thank you for sharing this information and for watching!
Hi. congratulations on the videos. (Brazilian in the area) with modest system: at-pl120 and denon 600ne (pma + dcd), Bookshelf Klipsch R-15m. in order to improve the sound and add an equalizer. which would indicate preamp phono ? and equalizer? Thanks in advance!
Hi, thank you for the kind words. Apologies, but I'm not quite understanding the question. Are you asking if an equalizer has a phono preamp?
You said you didn't hear much of a difference between the two amps and didn't get that tube sound you are used to. A few months ago, Williston Audio Labs reviewed the Douk Audio ST-01 which appears to be an exact copy of the Aiyima T9. In his video. He mentioned a con being that the tubes are only used for the pre-amp so the audio you are getting from the binding posts isn't tube audio. I'm sure there are better ways for me to iterate this, but I don't know quite enough. Just something to consider.
Yeah these aren’t traditional tube amps offering a tubey 3D sound. That’s why I haven’t bothered inserting different tubes in them for comparison! I’m working on a review for a low wattage traditional tube amp now and can tell a difference!
09:15 I had a similiar thing happen to me with a monitor recently. I would stand up from my desk and sometimes the screen would completely blank out before coming back on. It was the strangest thing. Never did discover a reason, though.
That’s wild!
Static/grounding? Had that at my older office. Wiring had to be redone.
I get strange distortion when I stand up in front of the unit but ONLY under certain conditions. I was shocked at this after hearing about the kinda-similar experience described in the video.
My setup is a Dayton audio WiFi streamer feeding a DAC via optical that feeds an old-school graphic equalizer via analog that feeds an amplifier that drives a set of Stax ‘earspeakers’ (connected to the speaker terminals). I can switch to stand-mount speakers using the switch on the Stax adapter. I’d been using a Dayton audio DTA-2.1BT2 with no issues for 3 months. 90% of usage is listening to the Stax. The EQ is to put a slight bass boost at 31Hz to compensate for rolloff of the Stax. The EQ is more precise than a tone control. The sound was clean and free of any distortion. Sublime actually.
I swapped out the Dayton amp for the Aiyima (to get a remote, digital inputs & try tubes). It sounded fine for 5 minutes or so. I’m sitting close as the cord on the Stax is about 6’ long. I stand up to make an adjustment and O NO! The sound began to get garbled, distorted. The ‘intensity’ seemed to modulate with…body movement! Volume level on the Aiyima or DAC output had no effect other than loudness. Once it started I couldn’t get rid of it w/o power off. Switch the Aiyima to BT and no distortion; switch back to Aux=distortion. I changed every cable, one at a time, rerouting many. The Aiyima would play fine for a while but if I stood up - distortion!? While experiencing distortion I connected my phone to the DAC via USB and switched the DAC input between the phone and the media streamer. Phone=clean. Streamer=distortion. The streamer has analog and optical out. I connected both directly to the Aiyima. No distortion on either. I’m stumped. If I bypass the DAC and feed the streamer analog out to the EQ it works (at least for the short time I ran it like this), but the streamers DAC is crap so I want to use its optical out.
I’ve tried 4 amps in this configuration: the aforementioned Dayton and Aiyima, a B&K AVR (for 3 years prior to the Dayton) and a cheap Lepai. This distortion phenomena happens ONLY with the Aiyima. Will probably return the Aiyima and get a similarly priced Topping w/o tubes. Bummer!
Silly question: will they play with the tubes removed?
what's with the constant flickering LEDs in the bottom of the digital display ( on the pro)
LEDs can often flicker when I'm recording videos for UA-cam.
RF shielding on coax is sus.
Yep. Those cables especially cheaper ones are very susceptible to interference
What is the issue with the clicking? PrimaLuna does it and it is satisfying to hear it switching between inputs.
I made another video on the OG T9 that shows the clicking habits if you want to check that out. I agree and like the clicking when changing inputs, the problem is that the OG would click when you move to the input and then click again a few seconds later to confirm you chose that input. Then, it would click after a few seconds of silence and go into standby and then when music starts, it clicks again to signal it's out of standby. It's not the worst thing in the world, but the new version cut out a lot of that extra clicking sound. I have a Primaluna preamp and love it!
Which should i buy ?
Duok st 01 pro vs ayim t9 pro.
In my country duok is cheaper
I haven’t used the Douk sorry but I’ve enjoyed any of their products I’ve used to date.
Have the OG T9, been using a few hours per day for the past 3-4 months. Connected by optical to a WiiM mini and output to Sony sscs5’s. No clicking, and REALLY like the sound. I rolled tubes to matched 5654W (avail on Amazon for $20), big improvement over stock (bigger soundstage, “smooth out” sound…). I almost exclusively stream from Spotify, Amazon music. Maybe clicking is an issue for people who switch sources frequently??
Awesome, glad you like it! Thanks for watching!
Could it be your cd player? Did you try some some other device with an optical output? I have the original T9 hooked up to a DVD/VCR combo. Using the HDMI output to a computer monitor and an optical output to the T9. Since I have the original I could not get the quirk you mentioned, of course. I too have the click when changing modes. I don't mind. I just assumed it was just built in to signify by audio the mode was being changed.
First time coming across your channel. Enjoyed your review. Now subscribed!
Thank you, James! I’m going to try out more digital sources like you mention. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
HOW is a clicking sound when you change inputs on the T9 an ISSUE??? Many amplifiers click when you do it.
Douk amp
This product reeks of electronicians who don't know what they're doing. They found the opportunity to address some of the glaring issues of the original product by releasing a new product instead of correcting the original product. Just for that, I wouldn't buy.
They try to do too much with one product. Just give me a clean tube amp with two line outs, four speaker outs, volume, two VU meters, and nothing else. But yeah, Chinese quirks. LOl. I have tons of Chinese electronics and they are all "quirky." As long as that doesn't affect performance, I've learned to live with it.
The only answer to give to todays crap questions and easy money given by sponsors is NO .
There is no improvement made in the Hi-Fi world today ( these last 15 years ) . People are too lazy to go in second hand stores and alike and cannot even go to houses(homes) that will be sold which has often great stuff .
The "everything needs to be new lingo or trend" is for me since long done . When will real UA-camrs from around the world do their work properly ? Same goes for the influencers which isn't a job at all .
Coming back to old Hi-fi materials those from 1965-1995 are the best . ( partialy the 90's ) since it's the era where western people become lazy and all needed to be cheap the "made in china" logo appeared everywhere . NOoo thx to our old politics and surely a generation that hasn't do shit for the futur those from the May '68 era ( my parents that were kiddos but now are all at around 65-80 yo ) .
The quality of Hi-Fi objects are always better before . No need for jealous people wannabes .
Anyone else having trouble connecting their T9 Pro via bluetooth? I have the T9 input on BT, and my iPhone BT is discoverable, but I do not see BT HIFI Audio. All other inputs work fine. Thanks!
it's all cheaper Chinese junk. There's a UA-camr showing that those tubes aren't really active. If it seems too good to be true, it often is.
That coax issue same here for couple months on earc HDMI (tsr 700 Yamaha) surround system it stopped when we changed our router ?//
I have the T9 original version and did not see any problems in it.
Awesome. I think Aiyima made each batch they released better after initial feedback from customers!
Might be a silly question but would this make a good dac headphone amp using the aux out ? thanks
Aiyima shows the aux out to go to preamp or subwoofer so I’m not sure how it would pair with headphones (if at all) sorry.
Hi thanks for the reply much appreciated , yea its a tough one to see if that aux out can be used with headphones , trying to find a tube dac headphone amp with a vu meter is quite the mission
You must have foil stuck in your ear. lol.
😂
In the T9 Pro the mode selector cycles through usb/coax/bt/aux/opt. But how do I set it to RCA to use as a simple amp? The T9 (non pro) has an RCA mode on the dial but the pro doesn't.
maybe the remote was sending a signal that you blocked, take the batteries out of the remote.
My pro is great! No regrets.
Excellent!
I'm really getting tired of supposed expert reviewers saying that you need the remote to adjust the tone controls on this model -- YOU DO NOT NEED THE REMOTE TO ADJUST THE TONE CONTROLS ON THE T9 PRO. All you have to do is double-click the volume knob, it toggles the display through bass, treble, and back to volume.
This was an honest oversight on my part, thank you for clarifying further.
OMG yuk
@@AllHandlesHaveBeenTaken Too huge? Sure seems like it now that it's had a month to recede from memory.
The BIG fallacy I see with the "Pro" version is it depends so much on the remote for normal amplifier functions.
If or when the remote goes south, you misplace it, your dog eats it, the kiddies smash it ...whatever disaster befalls it making it unusable, the T9 Pro becomes a nice "pro" paperweight. For me, a remote should have nothing in it that's proprietary; it should mimic any manual control on the device it remotely controls ...otherwise you should score a spare and have it to CYA the day the original dies or goes missing.
Everything can be adjusted from the front panel if the remote goes south. Read the manual
Yes I have had sound cut out when sitting right in front of amp drive us crazy it has stopped now but was an issue for two months or more get this I’m running a (tsr 700 yamaha ) my surround system running through earc HDMI
Weird!
Next time can we get a shot of the back?
Will do!
Does the Pro version have auto mute after 10 seconds of no input and restart delay of the T9?
Nope!
If your coax cable is not rated up to 75 ohms, it can & will have dropouts (especially with lots of equipment in a concentrated area). Also can have dropout issues if cable is near a heat source - was the amp quite hot?
Great info thank you. The amp wasn’t hot in this instance.
bro, isn't it your coax cable ?
I thought so but I’ve been using that coax cable for months since posting this video without any issues on other gear 🤷🏻
My T9 pro did not fix the vu meter.
The meter doesn’t work at all???
I like your style!. #1 view provider Promo SM.
T9 Pro: Can we adjust the bass and treble settings without the remote control?
I was not able to figure out how.
Yes. It's in the instruction manual. Push the volume once to mute. Push the volume button twice and you can now rotate the knob to adjust treble. Press twice more to adjust bass.
Thank you!
I’m new to all these hifi stuff so sorry if the question sounds dumb.
I’d like to know if I can output to powered speakers through the aux out. If I can then I will buy this on the spot.
Thank you 😌
This amp is for powering passive speakers. Instructions say you can use the Aux to send a signal to an active subwoofer, but I do not know if that also applies to sending a full audio signal to powered speakers, sorry.
does it still have auto-shut click freature? that feature is a major design flaw.
Nope!
Is the t9 pro worth the extra cost over the fosi audio bt10d?
Depends on your needs - the T9 allows for multiple inputs and bluetooth while the TB10D does not.
@@ForeverAnalog ok. Regarding sound quality only.
I like the T9 pro sound the best so far
The FOSI TB10D can sound quite wonderful. I was able to drive it hard enough to trigger the protection circuit, but was very good in terms of sonics. Ran my sample for two months without any issues.
@@harrisfogel6992 yes. unless there is a big difference in sound quality, i'd rather have the fosi. the t9 Will eventually become much more expensive as you'll have to buy new tubes from time to time. maybe i'll buy the fosi and a better power supply to improve the sound quality and keep it at that.
how long can the lamps last?
I've had the OG for almost a year and it still works fine. These haven't been on the market long enough to know just how long they will last, but they don't seem to be failing quickly.
Just to report that I have the same issue with the coaxial input. Dropouts keep happening when using the cd transport. I've used two different cables but both cables work well when connected to two other DACs. T9 Pro doesn't seem to be able to lock the signal correctly. I've send my T9 back (that's a shame since I really liked the sound of it and needed the line-out to connect to a subwoofer).
Thanks for sharing. I thought I might be going crazy as the only person with the issue lol.
Please, the most important thing. Is there still a delay in playing music after the source went mute for few secs? Clicks dont bother me but cuting second and a half each time a new track is played is sooo annoying.
No delays!
9:00 Its the Aliens man! There trying to send you a message to drink more Ovaltine
Haha that’s what my wife said!
Can I use it as a guitar amp?
Nah
My T9 Pro arrived three days ago. I connected them to some Energy speakers from a 5.1 kit that have been lying around for several years to replace my 28-year-old Sony SRS-88PC computer speakers. I am no audiophile, but I just didn't like listening to Spotify at low volumes with the old Sonys.
I use my motherboard's optical output. My test music is the first two minutes of Money for Nothing by Dire Straits.
I found the sound much, much better at low volumes, much better at mid volumes, and still excellent when the VU meter hits the red. The old system could not get nearly as loud.
I have noticed no quirks.
Thanks for this review. It sealed the deal.
Thank you, Ron. I’m so glad you are enjoying the T9 pro!
Have you tried a different co-ax cable?
Douk Audio ST-01 or Aiyima T9 ? Have any Key differences... ?
I don’t have the ST-01 to compare but maybe someone in the comments does and can share!
Yes it is! Its the Bluetooth antena sensing directional disruption!
any internal pics? under the hood?
Can you connect a power sub to the pro?
Could the coax problem be caused by poor quality leaky cable? I can't think of any other reason moving about would affect it.
That was my first thought, but I'm still using that same cable with other components and haven't had any issues.
@@ForeverAnalog ...or is the bluetooth input still active when coax is selected?
Not sure. I’m testing other gear now so the T9 pro isn’t being used.
I need to know a little more about the T9 Pro Aux Out port. I want to connect to a B&W subwoofer, but I need to know if the voltage/volume is fixed at the Aux Out port or if it is variable at the Aux Out port. Also, I assume the output at the Aux Out port is stereo. Can you comment on these questions? Thanks so much!!!!
In answer to my own question, Aiyima was gracious enough to supply me with an answer as follows: The Aux Out on the T9 Pro is stereo AND it is a pre-out, therefore the volume/voltage IS controlled with the T9's volume controller. Thanks Aiyima!
Direct from the source! Thank you for sharing here.
What are your thoughts about running a Berlinger FBQ800 equalizer?
I’m not a big equalizer guy so I’m hesitant to give any advice on using one with these, sorry!
I like the old version
Wonder if your phone was in your pocket? Lack of proper shielding in the unit might allow external digital interference to interrupt the coaxial stream
Good idea but phone was on the other side of the room!
Does the Aux Out signal are controlled by the volume knob ? or it's another bummer like the first T9?
Good question - I didn't try that out and have it set aside now for testing other gear. If I get plugged up again soon, I'll give it a shot and let you know!
YES! The AUX OUT is a pre-out and is indeed controlled by the volume knob. See the same question by Fishman 2 months ago. I am Fishman and Aiyima told me that the AUX OUT is indeed STEREO and it is a pre-out controled by the volume knob. Hope this helps!
Thank you guys for the feedback !
Nice review. My issue with the T9 was that along with the clicking noise, the amplifier had an auto-shut off feature (that could not be defeated) when there was no sound signal for more than, say, 2 seconds, through the analog input. So it would click on - off - on - off if listening to a podcast or UA-cam video. Was that solved also?
Yep they fixed that as well!
@@ForeverAnalog Thank you!
If you’ don’t mi d me asking, how long ago did you buy the T9? I heard someone say they got one recently that didn’t click like that…
@@ryans6186 Feb. 2022. So, hopefully it's been fully resolved by now. Btw, it seems like the clicking happens mostly with the analog input, and not BT.
@@rasskall-aka-Luke_A. oh thanks! That’s good to know, because I would be using it almost exclusively with Bluetooth. Now wondering if I should say screw the tube idea altogether and get the A07 pro instead.
Thanks for your review! I have been using the T9 for 2 months and I really like it. I like the "analog" source approach as I can see which one is active from across the room. Because of its low mass you have to hold the chassis to push in those buttons otherwise the whole unit slides around. So having dedicated dials for tone control is good.
I like the little click when changing source as it provides positive feedback of the change.
Ok the VU meter sensitivity adjustment on the Pro is good as I usually listen at lower volumes but still like to see that action. Silly that we all like that VU meter but I am a boomer and miss those.
Lastly - the power supply is making a noise - sounds like circuits are slow cooking - so I ordered a replacement power unit. Otherwise love this amp.
Glad you are enjoying it! I suspect we will see A LOT more units with meters in 2023, lol. They are very popular. Thank you for watching and commenting!
You don't address the most annoying T9 quirk (at least for me), namely the Bluetooth connection, in which you cannot disconnect a device once connected (except with a workaround) and that it can connect only to the one device. Did they fix that?
I need to pull the T9 Pro back out to answer this question as I cannot recall. However, I'm currently testing Aiyima's a08 Pro and the bluetooth connectivity is driving me nuts as it automatically defeats the RCA output. I can't tell you how many times I've turned the amp on to play RCA and get zero sound and think it's dead, only to remember my phone automatically connected via bluetooth which is why there isn't sound!
@@ForeverAnalog Unfortunately the manuals for both devices are utterly useless. There is ZERO description of the BT function for any of them.
Yeah they are more like pamphlets than manuals lol
@@ForeverAnalog Tested BT on my new T9 Pro, and yes, they fixed the issue: You now simply uncouple the amp on your mobile device, after which you can connect a different one. It still only accepts one BT connection at a time. But I'm very happy with the T9 Pro overall though: Good sound, easy operation, plenty of connections.
would you say the t9 pro sounds much better than the aiyima a08 pro? im torn between those two and not sure the difference in quality would justify the price difference? what are your thoughts on this? which one would you keep
I find all of these class D amps sound similar and it's hard for me to say that one sounds SO MUCH better that you should buy it over the others. For me, it's more about connectivity options. The T9 Pro allows me to connect more sources which I prefer over the a08. Also, I'm not a fan of the way Bluetooth connects to the a08 Pro as I highlighted in my video review of that amp.
gotcha, thanks.
Can you also recommend an affordable dac/headphone amp? The Aiyima DAC-A2 seems to be good for its price, but do you also have other recommendations? Preferrably with tubes?
I used to have the Little Dot MK III and a Decware Taboo MK III, but both don't have dacs. (The latter one is in a much higher price range than I am looking at now.)
I don’t have much experience with headphone amps…yet. I hope to dive more into them this year!
Hi Marcel, I'm looking for something similar, others have recommended me to look at fioo k5, k7 and k9 depending on budget. I haven't figured it out yet, but if I don't comment now I won't get back to it later either haha. Have you figured something out yet? I'm also from the Netherlands, recently ordered a smsl sh-6 (to use as headphone amp and pre-amp) but it took away all the nice stuff in my bass response. Was just totally boring suddenly. Hope this helps, if you've already found something I'm curious to what you got and your opinion on it!
Oh just to add, those 3 were recommended to me since they can be easily used as pre-amp for speakers too. There may be better value or better options out there for you, I just want the toggle for speakers and headphones. Also have a standalone DAC already, but if the new one is better I'll just sell the old
@@danielh12345 Hey there! 🙂Actually I decided to wait a bit with headphone gear.
First I want to buy 1 or 2 subwoofers, MAYBE also different speakers (depending on how well the subs will match my current ones) and then I want to go full-out crazy with a Denafrips Pontus 12th anniversary edition dac; our vacation plans this year are getting a bit in trouble and then I better invest that money in good gear. :-)
After I boguht these things, I will look at headphone gear again. The most ideal would be to use the Pontus for my headphone as well, but I fear that's going to be hard.
If I heard you correctly you simply stand up and lose sound for a second? Any cables under the carpet? That is a mystery indeed.
No cables under the carpet. Isn't it so strange? And it only happened when using the coaxial input. When I used the same source via RCA cables, the sound did NOT drop out!
@@ForeverAnalog Wow that would drive me crazy. But it does seem to warrant a test in a different environment just to see if it's the unit or something in the original room.
Agreed. I’ll try to setup again over the holidays. Currently testing out a 6 watt tube amp!
When I used an external DAC connected to the AUX input, changing the volumes would cause momentary dropouts. Also, the unit will play without the tubes installed, which makes me think they're used as gain for the signal.
The tubes are decorative…. They simply energized the heaters and sold it as “tube”
I found the sound of the amp (through several different speakers) to be anemic and totally lacking any bass….which is pretty common with class D amps, which don’t have the necessary voltage output to move LF drivers in any substantial capacity
@@jonesvox1 how do you think it would compare to the Yamaha 202 receiver for my garage, just use my phone out there , with 2 speakers
@@jonesvox1 rediculous statement. You must have only very low sensitivity speakers. Class D amps almost all have more driving power than most common tube amps - and audiophiles use tube amps all the time. Most class-D amp users I have read love them for their dynamic bass output.
bluediculous statement
i would have tried a different coax cable
Yeah unfortunately I only have the one and it works fine on all my other gear. I’ll pick up another at some point and try again!
Excellent review. Clear, concise and well done. Thank you
Thank you!
I want to know what tubes I can upgrade to!
5654W (avail on Amazon for $20)
hi sir, im new to audiophile, planning to setup, i plan to buy bookshelf speaker n buy amplifier with dac, what do u suggest fosi or aiyima? and what model? , do u suggest seperate dac?
The Aiyima T9 Pro would be an easy starting point and you can always upgrade to an external DAC later.
@@ForeverAnalog what would be the advantage of hooking up another dac to it , I'm new to this also
External DACs can sound better (to some people) because they are made solely to convert the digital audio to analog and that’s it. Kind of like upgrading the cartridge on a turntable.
@@ForeverAnalog thanks , I've been looking at Yamaha rs 202 receivers also , would this sound better with a set of 200 bookshelf speakers?
thank you sir, merry xmas
I love my original version.
Awesome! Thanks for watching
A link doesn’t work for your friend’s yt page.
Thank you let me fix that now!
Just updated the link and now it's working, thank you so much for the heads up!
Can't find the link!
Great Review!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thank you!
Have you had anyone else try to sit and stand up from the same spot while you are and are not in the room?
Where was the remote placed when this happened?
Are you certain the coax cable wasn’t able wiggle just when you stood up? Does anything else in the room move when you stand up in that spot?
Just some ideas to possibly help.
Nice job on the review/explanation of the differences.
Thanks!
I review a lot of gear and haven’t had a chance to mess around with the T9 Pro much since this video but I hope to soon. Thanks for watching and the ideas!
There is VU meter sensitivity adjustment at the bottom of T9 pro