Tarun, not only are your reviews hugely knowledgable, insightful, concise, informative and seemingly unbiased, you also just seen just such a nice guy! The way you handled the section about the music at the Queen’s funeral was deft, gentle and very diplomatic and I very much applaud you for that. You just seen like a guy who has time for most, can see the good and I would love to spend a few hours with you over a pint or three chatting hifi in a pub somewhere. Hope the knee mends soon!
Thank you John. That is very kind and greatly appreciated. If you are in the UK, I am sure we may bump into each other at a show at some point. I'll take you up on that pint. Cheers 🍻
As a retired American living in the Philippines, I am getting back into the audio hobby. This was my first video of yours that I have watched and I must say I'm impressed in all regards, and have likewise just subscribed to your channel. If you're ever on this hemisphere, stop by for a listen and cup of coffee! Cheers.
Hi Tarun. I have owned my 800i for 9 months now, here in the UK. First up I'd like to say that the stock tubes are pretty decent once burned in for 50-100 hours. Far better than the stock tubes in my r8. The stock setup is very tubey sounding in nature with obvious rolled off highs like you mentioned. I changed the 6sn7's for Psvane UK 6sn7 and most recently for the psvane Black bottle treasure series. Both these are a serious upgrade in terms of detail and airiness but the treasures take twice as long to reach their peak which is slightly less warm sounding than the uk's but much better height to the staging. Next up was the 300b's. I have both the psvane Black treasures and Electro harmonix Gold Grids. I can't comment on the Psvane 300b as they are not burned in at all as yet, but the Electro harmonix tubes are amazing. The improvement on midrange attack and general note decay is incredible. Bass is tightened up a little but still gets deep into your guts. Sounds with this tube combo literally hang in the air in a soundstage that is huge in all directions. As of now, I am so pleased that I have not touched the 805s, rectifier or 12ax7. All of these tubes can be purchased from Hot Rox UK ( A Music store in Nottingham ) and can be delivered next day. Currently the 6sn7 tubes are about £160 per matched pair for the treasures or about £90 for the UK tubes. The Psvane 300bs are £400 a pair and the Electro Harmoix are half price at £220 a pair ( No brainer purchase in my opinion ). This amp really is an audiophile super bargain even at £2800. It scales like nothing I've heard before and tube rolling gives the twinker so many genuine options to radically change the sound at reasonable cost. My r800i sounds better than a couple of other SETs that cost many thousands of pounds more. I am in love!
@@2HatHudders Before you start reading, this is a long long post. With the r8, I found that I preferred the sound when using el34 power tubes rather than the kt88 stock. There is a switch on the back of the amp to use el's. The sound, for me, was more to my liking. It made thr r8 much closer to the r800i because of the tubey warm nature of the el34s ( they are similar in sound to the 300b tubes on the r800i) The output of the amp drops to about 35 w per chanel with the el's, though. For me this was not an issue as my speakers are 91db efficient. With the el34 route, I used either the Tung Sol el34b's which are about £34 per tube which gave a very detailed and airy presentation better than the stock willsenton kt88's. The dynamic presentation was not quite as good as the kt88's but everything else was better. I think this was due to mainly the sonic nature of el34 tubes vs kt88's. It depends which sound you like most, gooey tubey holographic or dynamic tubey accurate. If you can afford and want to go the el34 route then I recommend buying the Psvane EL34/4 extreme classic, mullard spec tubes. They are epic and blow all other tubes out of the water kt88 or el34. They are £495 for a boxed, matched quad set. For 6sn7 tubes which you should change prior to the power tubes, go for Psvane tubes. There are other really good choices but Psvane are solid performers. For £90 /pair the psvane uk spec 6sn7 are stupid value and give a proper tubey sound with classic rolled off highs and solid sound stage in all directions. At about £130 /pair, the psvane Black treasure gold grids are better still and give that 'sounds hanging in the air' feeling to the audio presentation. These are what I use on both r8 and r800i. I have also tried and still use on my Feliks audio Elise headphone amp, the psvane CV181 mkii T series 6sn7's at £210/ pair. These are also fantastic but for some reason, I preferred them for headphone listening. With kt88 route use the same 6sn7 as the el34 route but I would try the psvane kt88 t mkii series at £410 for a quad set or the genelex gold lion kt88's at £440 for a quad set. I have heard great things about both sets but having gone the el34 route myself cannot give you a first hand opinion. In conclusion, if it were my choice I would purchase some psvane t series el34 extreme classic tubes and psvave black treasure gold grid 6sn7 and let the music speak for itself. Don't forget to burn in the tubes prior to reviewing your choice. 50-100 hours really does make an awful lot of difference. All these tubes can be purchased from either Hot Rox music shop or HiFi collective. Both offer next day delivery. Sorry for the long post.
@@warfam_clan6933 Thank you for the informative post (longer the better I say), it's highly appreciated. It's really difficult to find honest reviews on these (normally people promote their purchasing decisions without having enough knowledge of other similarly priced products). I think will take your recommendation on PsVane, I've used an online store called Watford Valves to replace the 6sl7s last year (sylvania 6sl7gt - reasonable price at the time but the Russian/Ukraine war has really reduced stock and increased prices). The R8 is my first Valve Amp and coming from either Solid State and AV receivers , one thing I miss (although solved with a Subwoofer) is bass control, although everything else pales in comparison. The KT88 has been a good introduction as the dynamics is still there, I haven't heard however a very good KT88 or any EL34's for that matter so I'm very new (although I've had the r8 for 1.5 years now). My Speakers are Triangle Borea 8's, 91 sensitivity, so the amp drives them well even in triode mode. Can I ask why you preferred the CV181 mkii T via your headphone system? This is what I'm currently saving for as Tarun as given positive review of these and China Hifi sell 3 matched (it probably going to cost more thanks to Liss Truss ordering from China) but you have given me some more to think about. The 'sound hanging in the air' is the immediate thing which hit me first when listening to this amp, given the amps I listened to before, to have that improved is quite exciting. I'll be coming back to your post for future reference, so thank you.
I know it was a side note...but the sound from The Queens funeral was extraordinary...the sub bass from the organ! The clarity of the trumpets! and the emotional punch of the Pipes and Drums!
They should sell an album, the Royals need the money for future lawsuits. Did you hear the delicate emotional tone of millions of Indians crying from their graves?
I got my 800i about the same time as you posted this review and absolutely loved it. All up until about 6 months ago when I received my new Luxman M-10X amplifier and I haven't been able to not listen to it :) So regarding your question with A vs A/B - I actually started with Class D and owned several amps, last of which was an Audio Research DS225. The 800i was a big step up in soundstage width and depth as well as midrange richness, but I found the bass to be slightly muddy in comparison to the ARC. With my new Luxman, however, it's just incredible and I'm still over the moon. I hear details I never knew existed in tracks before, impressive and fast bass, wide and deep soundstage, and I could go on and on... I never expected a class A/B to deliver what I've so far only heard from class A, but it makes my Focal Sopra 3 sound like speakers twice their price. Whenever I try to listen analytically, I end up getting completely lost in the music. The lesson for me was that I can't trust generalizations regarding class specific amplifiers. Anyway, thanks for another great review! Quick question: I recently saw your video of the Holo Audio Spring DAC and was curious if you will be reviewing the May DAC? Your style of review and the amount of technical knowledge you bring is immensely appreciated, and I would very much enjoy your opinion and insights - including if it would be worth the extra coin. Thanks for what you do Tarun!
Great review Tarun, I have the Willsenton R800i 845 with upgraded tubes: Psvane WE274B, 2 x Psvane CV181-TII, 2 x Psvane WE300B, 2 x Psvane Acme 845, Psvane 12AX7/ECC83. I also have Willsenton R8 with upgraded tubes. I am a classical music listener, and I mainly listen with headphones. I use a headphone impedance adapter to connect to these amps. My experience with Willsenton R800i 845 is: it improves soundstage, it makes deep bass, and the sound is warm and smooth. I use Violectric V340 as the preamp for this and RME-ADI-2 as the DAC. I am very happy with this amp. It makes my hungry-power headphones (HEDD, Arya Stealth, and HD800S) sound so beautiful, powerful, warm, and sweet when it pairs with the Violectric. The LCD-X works better with Willsenton R8. LCD-X has low impedance so it got some hum from the R800i. For my personal interest, I finally add the R8 as the tube preamp of the Violectric.
I just came across your reviews the other day ,watched several of them and really love it. Compact, informative, entertaining and excellent presentation. Great job, mate!
I had a Cary SE 120 Tube Amp. 8 KT88s. Ran hot. Traded for a Pass Labs INT25. Class A to 25 watts. A/B to 75. More definition and air. Less warmth/tubiness. But overall I preferred. Atmasphere doing Class D with galium Nitride and Boressen class D both make magic with it. I enjoy your channel particularly the dry humor & the Euro gear reviews we do not get over here. Keep us "Educated" please!
Thank you for another great review. One thing about Psvane tubes. I read somewhere that they meant it to be Pavane as in Gabriel Fauré’s piece. Simply another example of misspelling coming from that part of the world. Looking forward to your next review.
I own R800i and R8 with lots different tubes and they drive the Perlisten S7. R8 drives Amphion LS7, very nice speaker but Perlistens are class their own. Thanks for all you do, enjoy your channel! Chap
Since you put it out there, I do agree with the latter part of your tribute. I thought that the echo in the cathedral would ruin the music, but it gave it a magical air. No detail, transparency or black background or any of that stuff, just sweet music. Great work.
Thank you Tarun for explaining complicate subject in simple way , year ago if you ask me i would skip tube amps but now growing a lot of interest thanks to your videos.
I think your reviews are very informative. As far as tube rolling goes. As a 70 year old guitarist I have boxes of tubes and have spent half of my life listening to tube comparisons lol My opinion would be get a good set of current production tubes and stick with them . The tube store and the tube depot are a good place to start. I have experience with new old stock and they are good but the better new production stuff is pretty good also and cheaper. Thanks for all the great reviews
Great review Tarun. All the amps I've owned have been A/B, except my Marantz PM 7200 that I bought when it came out in the early 2000s, it's 90w in A/B or 25w when switched to class A. I always ran it on class A, much smoother and no real noticeable volume reduction, I love it. I've moved on to Audiolab 6000a now but can't bring myself to sell it.
Ah, much as I would like to have either amp, the closest I am going to get at the moment is listening to you reviewing them. Thanks for telling us about decent kit.
Thank you, Tarun, for another great and informative review. I have been on the fence for the R800i for a while. This review nutches me closer to push that order button. :) The R8 is indeed a very good sounding and affordable tube amp. The R8 drove my Cornwall IV for a while but it mainly couples with the good old Definitive BP20 at the moment. The Cornwall IV is now driven by the Muzishare X9, SET class A, 8 watts or the ARC LS2 + Parasound Halo A21. I found myself switching to the LS2 and Parasound more often when I don’t just lust for well recorded vocal music and feel the presen of the singer in my livingroom. The R800i with 845 tubes may well be the missing link between the Node 2i, Pontus II and Cornwall IV. Thanks again and I hope your knee will mend properly.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I suspect you will be quite happy with the R800i. The knee is mending. Thank you for asking. If you go for the R800i, please let me know how you get on 😊👍
Interesting amp. Didn't really know much about it but I certainly have a clearer picture as of this review. Thank you Tarun. You mention of our Queen was good to hear. (I am Canadian/both parents British)
Over the last couple of years, I have listened to many more reviewers talk about environment, room size and personal requirements. This is a good thing. Certain products these days simply won't fit into modern living. New flats are getting smaller and active speakers seem to fit the bill for many. For me, I live in a small flat and class A is simply not an option. Too much heat and lack of space rules out tube amps. I am also very conscious when it comes to the environment and pure class A cobbles up juice from the wall. Class AB and class D seem to be the way forward, but I like vinyl and a warm, but detailed sound. There doesn't seem to be a one size fits all solution and I will keep on searching. Listen and listen some more. And one day might find the right match for my room size. Great work BTW. Keep it up.
Thanks for the review Tarun. I've had mine for a couple of years now (I'm based in China, not far from Willsenton actually) and I have changed all the tubes. As you mentioned you can expect substantial improvments. Night and Day really. Iv'e got the Psvane CV 181 and some vintage Sylvania 6SN7s. I slightly prefer the Sylvania but the Psvanes are a great choice. I swaped out the 805s for PSvane Cossors, I can't recall noticing that much of a difference with those TBH. For the 300b I replaced those the Gold Lion PX300b. That was a big jump in pretty much all aspects. What hit me first was the weight, grip and definition in the bass along with everything else! Surpisingly I was pretty shocked at how much the little 12ax7 improved the overall quality of the amp. I'm using a NOS Mullard, not expensive at all for a big performance gain. Tube rolling is so fun but those 300bs are pricey when you get into some of the highly regarded ones. I'm using Klpisch RP600m's with a Denafrips Pontus II and Iris (thanking you for that pair!) Love the channel mate and I hope you keep hold of it, do some rolling and report back! PS here is a great thread for those interested in the amp. forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/willsenton-r8-and-r800i-805-or-845-news-and-views.1107931/
7:12 what you mentioned about rock enthusiasts might look elsewhere because this amp won’t be able to deliver fast percussive transients has me a little concerned because I mostly listen to rock/jazz fusion instrumental music, Classic rock, jazz, classical etc etc so are you saying that the bass response is muddled and/or sloppy? Because you also said the bass was strong and authoritative which I liked but when you mentioned not being able to produce fast percussive transients I’m a little lost and confused by that. Any clarification or explanation would be much appreciated because I’m thinking about purchasing this amp…would be upgrading from a 1974 solid state pioneer sa9100. Thanks!
Proves that you are, in fact, human. I hope your knee is fully recovered and you are back to practicing safe imbibing. 😂. You peaked my interest in these tube amps, but weight and top end price are delaying my decision. Thank you as always for your time and effort in sharing this great review and equipment.
Tarun, great review. I have both R8 and R800i805. You are correct when you upgrade it changes everything. Fun amplifier that I love listening to. I have compared to Hegel 590. Both are great!
@@allenwilliams8962 I have run several speakers: Totem Hawk, TAD bookshelves, Volti Razz. The Hegel is good! With upgrades Tubes the R8 can sound better!
You are spot on in your in your assessment of this amp with stock tubes and that’s why this is amp requires tube rolling to maximize its performance unfortunately. It’s stock tubes does not do it credit. First the 6SN7s and more importantly the 300Bs and 805s. The bump in performance is actually quite significant depending on the budget. I strongly recommend setting aside 1K or more. There are quite a few options from Shuguang , LinLai , PSVane etc. I went for the PSVane Western Electric 300B ( around 800 ) and PSVane Acme 805 ( also 800 ). Needless to say the refinement , detail , imaging , voice etc improved quite a lot . You then get the full glory of its class A signature.
I’ve ended up with the same tubes on mine, plus Shuguang WE 6SN7 (daft calling them that because WE never made 6SN7s, but they sound great), it really sings beautifully with this combo.
I have personal experience of the Shuguang Black Treasure 300b though not in this amp and highly recommend them. One step up in quality from those are the KR 300b tubes from the Czech Republic but they are about twice the price. Might be better using that extra cash to upgrade the other tubes.
@@jimfarrell4635 We’re both using Psvane Western Electric replicas for the 300B drivers, for production tubes they are about as close to top of the range as it gets, unless you splash out a hell of a lot of money for the new genuine WE 300Bs that they’ve started manufacturing again, or pay insane money for NOS versions, the Shuguangs we’re talking about are replacements for the 6SN7 input tubes
Never having owned a valve amplifier but wanted and needed the experience , I decided to dip my toe into that world and so I bought the cheapest valve amplifier available on Ebay .It is the APPJ mini 2013 and within the first 3 minutes could hear what the fuss was all about.It is rated at 3 watts per channel and cost $250 Australian including delivery.I will never go back to the transistor sound as this little gem has stripped away a veil of which I had not been previously aware .
My R8 is provided with an EL34 tube upgrade from Valves and more. That doubles the cost but wow it sounds great. They drive SF speakers. So both eyes and ears are pleased
Hi Tarun, thx for the enjoyable and interesting video. I have a ”Beyond Triode” amplifier that’s built around a Yaqlin MC-100B chassis. This is my end game amplifier built by Custom Analogue Audio here in Sydney Australia. This is a new age design that has wide and deep sound stage, detail and transients with fast and tight bass you would expect from solid a state class A amplifier. There is a lot to be said for Chinese tubes amplifiers, they have the nuts and bolts correct but they haven’t quiet mastered refinement and nuance as yet.
Another very good review. I am a fan of Class A. My everyday system is Class AB in the form of Cambridge. I do however have a second system that is built around a vintage Marantz PM-94. It is what Marantz called "Quarter A". Rated at 140 watts RMS in AB mode it would provide up %25 of that in Class A. The 35 watts RMS it outputs in that mode are very pleasant and enjoyable and pair well with my Elacs. I have little experience with tube Class A other than I did have a Reisong A10 SET amp for about a year. It was nice but the 6 watts was not really enough so it lacked dynamics and drive. Keep up the good work.
Another great video thanks. Ive still to own a Tube Amp yet and it was good to hear you explain about the Tubes and when they need changing and price etc. I was thinking the same when I was watching the video then you answered it lol
I am curious about the NAD purifi amps for my Magnepan LRS’s. I speculate that the class D design would be transparent and neutral. One vote here for Tarun to review the NAD c 658 pre amp and c298 stereo amplifier please. Great review as always.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for your advice on matching the preamplifiers and amplifiers with the same manufacturer. The hobby is too expensive for me to play that guessing game.
Hello and thank you. I have had some experience with Chinese audio products. My first was a Brzhifi pre amp that has worked well in system 2 (office). Then I bought a Breeze Audio Burmster 933 class A power Amp. Out of the box the volume control did not work , it made a bad noise. I told them about it and they basically said I was wrong. I bypassed the volume control and have had no further issued. I then bought a clone JC2 ML 2 class A power amp. This is now in my No.1 system with my restored Rogers Studio 1's. A great combination. Excellent. Then I tries the FM Acoustics Pre and A300 power amp combination. The preamp is very good with the transformer upgrade. Love it. The A300 is also very good but when the power switch failed after a few months the company could NOT supply a replacement, just offering a substitute and refund. All this was a bit hard. But the amp is fundamentally very good. Just not in my main system at present with the wonderful Rogers. After sale service is Chinese Audio's biggest issue. Cheers.
Hi Tarun. I have been using a Weston Acoustics Topaz KT120 amp for the past 10 years. Class A 45 w/c Australian hand made. Made a large improvement to the sound when I changed the stock 6SL7 and rectifiers tubes for 1940/1950 NOS tubes. While it runs hot the sound is superb for the money and it drives my speakers with ease.
Thank you, Tarun for another informative and entertaining review. And as always, by comparing the equipment under review to other similarly priced gear I find most useful. In answer to this episode's question, I generally expect class 'a' amplifiers to have a richer, fuller sound. Good class 'ab' close to the same, while the class 'd' amps I have heard (admittedly only a couple) sound kind of edgy to me. As always, this is just my opinion, everyone else's being just as valid. As you said Tarun, let's have the biggest possible church, where we can all share in the joy this hobby gives.
I've been looking at this amp for a while and you're talking me into it. I'm not sure if you're keeping it long term, if so I'd like your thoughts if you do any tube rolling. This is a great review and for the money this amp seems like a winner. Thanks for all you do
Hi Tarun! I wasn't aware it was possible to buy this amplifier in the UK. It certainly wasn't the case when it first came out. It received some stunning reviews in the US and elsewhere.
Don't be put off by ordering from China Hifi. I bought another tube amp and several sets of valves and had no problems at all. Of course if you have a faulty unit or warranty issue that could be tricky, but the buying process seems to be smooth in my experience.
This is great sounding amp, I'm not too sure if you can get 50W per channel of class A Valve Amplifaction for this kind of money anywhere, and Willsenton still produces fantastic build quality. I have been running mine for over a year now and love it, paired with some Buchardt S400.
@@supergiddy3 I'm not the best at explaining how it sound, but the mid range is fantastic, great bass response, and over all the amp seem to have no problem driving the S400 at all, very nice pairing if I am honest.
@@sparkplug964 Hi Wayne that sounds wonderful. Good to know that power is not the issue here too. How would you describe the top end in your combo? I'm shooting for rounded off-smooth. Listening to mostly (often older) jazz and soul recordings so a forgiving top end is often nicer with those :)
Hi Tarun, thank you for the review. I’m adding tubes into my listening room so I can have the best of both worlds. I will keep my Exposure 2510 which I bought thanks to your review. What a beautiful sound. This is however about tubes and I’m about to pull the trigger on the 800i. I have watched this video repeatedly to make sure I’ve considered and understood all your review points on the 800i. Thank you for all the detail. If it’s ok I’d like to ask a few questions:? - It’s been a while of ownership and I was wondering how’s it been going with the 805 unit over that time? - There are other options like the Doge mk3, soon to be the mk4 and was wondering if the 800i tops the Doge for you? Even the Willsenton 300b is an option but 800i is within my reach. - I understand you not in the business of telling people what to buy but has the 800i remained a loved piece of gear on your rack? - And finally I also wanted to ask if the Kef R3 with a sensitivity rated at an average 87dB and nominal impedance claimed to be 8 ohms will be an ok match? A minimum value of 3.2 ohms suggest that an amplifier with a bit of grunt would be good. I will change those later to something with higher sensitivity but you know what they say about Rome... Thanks in advance for any response. I greatly appreciate your channel especially how clear, insightful and fair the review is and most importantly it’s enjoyable to watch. Take care.
I love the idea of tube amps, I own AR separates. I am generally not too picky with frequency response, but the AR is way too non-flat for my ears. Too much of a frown shape. I also own a DC A/B amp. Love the clarity from the lack of capacitors in the signal path. And I never understood "pace" until this amp. The sound is also much punchier. The upper registers are not as light and airy as the tubes but more extended. The lows are not as weighty but speedier, more controlled and in the end, more tuneful. The imaging is more precise if a little narrower, although room acoustics can help tremendously. So my current favorite (even against much more expensive amps) is my DC A/B amp.
The power transformer block has two inside. One of them Is the conventional transformer supply to the amplifier except the output tube. Another one is a toroidal transformer supplied the plate voltage of the output tube.
Hi Tarun, great review as always! Please could you elaborate on what you mean by warm space. This might be a ridiculous question but my sound room has a fireplace for winter times and I'm not sure if this could be an issue...
I have owned several tube and SS amps over the years. What has suited my tastes in music and matched my speakers the best has been Push - Pull tube amps that have what is called new tube sound. More neutral and dynamic akin to well executed solid state not the ones that are noted for their super sweet mid-range an highs. I found in tube gear you if you overgeneralize you can find yourself being really disappointed. SET, OTL, and Push-Pull designs can sound radically different in the mid-range and can miss the mark on being able to deliver low end clarity. Albeit, despite my love for tube amps, I do think the audio community over hypes their capabilities. A tube amps does not necessarily sound better than SS, however I like their handling of vocals more than any other topology. The biggest disadvantage for me is heat, followed by limited tube life. The best sounding amp I ever had was a pair tube mono-blocks that were fully class A. Loved them, but with 16 KT-88 tubes running at well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit they just generated way too much heat to be practical. Not necessarily a design flaw, if I had a much bigger room than what I placed them in, they would have been just fine. In SS I tend to like class 'A over class AB. In this camp, as with tube gear their is wide range of sonic character between brands albeit to my ear a lot of SS gear, do sound a lot more alike than not. The biggest fascination for me right now is class D. I see them as a emerging technology, with great potential. They have come a long way since the earlier ones I listened to back in the day. Love this generation's of amps clarity and pristine presentation. They certainly are much more musical now than when they first came out. Especially love the fact, they do not weigh a ton and generate very little heat. Look forward to seeing what they come up with down the road. Sad thing is, I do feel a lot of this technology is currently being implemented not for their advantages, but a way to cut cost. So my fear is they will be dished by a lot of old school audiophiles and not considered a true high end product. This trend of the industries cost cutting I see as a barrier to their acceptance. To my ear, of all the typologies a poorly designed class D goes beyond just sounding bad, but really bad. Sure, there has been no shortage of crappy sounding class AB amps I have heard over the years as well, but none of these can hold a candle to poorly designed and implemented class D gear. IMHO with class D, just because you can does not mean you should.
Superb, Tarun. About tubes and horns, which model (805 or 845) would I choose with Klipsch Cornwall IV's, efficient at 102 dB but also huge -- is 23 watts enough?
How is the EVO 400 David? I’m intrigued by the PrimaLuna line up. And what made you decide to go for the 400 rather than one of the other models? If you don’t mind me asking.
Hi Frank, I’ve been scrolling to find a post to compare with an obvious “safer” (European) option. I’ve bought the PrimaLuna Evo 300 hybrid which has utterly blown me away, but I’m going to investigate the Evo 100 integrated for my partner. Once you’ve heard tubes there’s no going back.
Love the sound of class A amplifiers, solid state or valve, my first class A amplifiers were from music fidelity. And sudden.the only valve class A amplifiers were audio innovations mono blocks. All purchased in the late 80s early 90s
I’ve been waiting for this review, I love mine, I’ve put Psvane Acme 805s and WE 300B replicas, I love SET, and for the money, this is about as good as it gets, I’m driving some ProAc DB1s with it, they sound great.
Love your reviews Tarun! I was wondering, you being British 😊, what is your opinion on Bowers & Wilkins speakers? I’m asking because I’m considering buying the B&W 705 S3 (on stands) and this r800i. In your opinion would that be a good match, or is this r800i a bit of an overkill and should I go for the R8? One other concern is that huge sound stage you mentioned. I remember listening to a friend’s system with some VTL mono blocks on those big Martin Logan electrostats and those instruments sounded (looked) as if they were twice the size. Will the r800i also blow the sound stage out of proportion? Thanks in advance for your answer.
Thank you. Depends on the specific model but many B&W speakers tend to be resolving and a bit bright. They can sound fabulous with the right amplification. The R8 with upgraded tubes should be a good match for the 705 S3s 🙂
I've used all kinds of SET tubes, but the large triodes (805, 845, 211, etc) are really special. I started with a Line Magnetic LM805ia (loved it) and currently run an LM512CA preamp with dual LM503 PA 845 monoblocks. Just stunning.
$2K is still a bargain considering what this big tube amp brings to the sonic table. Great review as usual Tarun. I would, and this is just me, however, judge this amplifier only after I have optimised it's tube complement just as you did with the R8. With botique tubes, I think you will cajole the real beauty out of this beast. Keep up the bare bottom honesty!
Thank you Bobby. I agree there is more performance to be had with better tubes. I did ask China Hifi to send me some specific upgrades of their website but they politely declined on this occasion 😊
Tarun, I would love to get your take on matching tube preamps with solid state power amps. Shockingly few UA-cam videos on the subject other than ultra high end.
Another outstanding review. I always enjoy hearing what you have to say about equipment. If we’re gonna keep doing tubes how about trying one that’s got a very different design? I don’t know if you’ve heard of LTA linear tube audio but how about the z 40+ integrated amp? I’d love to hear your engineering take on it
Tarun, Thanks for your great review! I want to get your opinion on the next question. I recently got my Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3g. Do you think this R800i 805 version will be a good pair for those speakers? I know that ears are my best friends while selecting, so interested only in your assessment.
Great review, as always. I did most of my listening for around twenty years using the Jolida 502B playing through a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IIs and never felt even once that I missed out on an emotional connection to the music. I borrowed a friend's Creek 5330 once and couldn't believe the difference in bass depth and definition, but soon forgot all that after returning to my original setup. Most of that time I listened to music through a Parasound CD player and then the Jolida JD100 (fantastic). Now I listen mainly to a system consisting of the Cambridge CXN V2 played through the CXA81 integrated and out to the Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S open baffle speakers. Objectively, I think better sounding gear, but I don't sit for hours in front of the music like I used to.
Great review.. I was curious if you had tested the Sound Artist SC8B speakers. I am currently using the R8 with these speakers and was wondering if the r800 was worth the upgrade.
🤗 TARUN …😢 I HAVE NOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TASTE THE TUBES AND OR A/B amplifiers…so I can’t comment,maybe in the future 😊 And cost 💵 and availability have prevented me even from tasting them But you and THOMAS AND STEREO have peeked my interest to try them Side note 📝 I LOVE THE ❤️looks and the lights on at night to enhance my experience, and I wish for multiple colors with leds and the switch to turn them off option 🤗😎💚💚💚
I'd like to point out the R800i has a few design issues. The left and right channels share power nodes, and they require bypass caps (and resistors). But they have none. Also, there's not enough filtration for hum. How do I know this? I sent mine to Scott Frankland to get fixed when it stopped biassing correctly. The issue with audio reviewers is that most don't have the technical expertise to identify design issues. They simply review a piece of equipment, and then it's on to the next. Now, I do like the R800i enough that I told Scott to fix the design flaws and upgrade resistors and caps, but rectifying the design flaw issues is a $600 to $800 parts and labor charge, not something most people are wanting to do after spending almost $3000 on an integrated amp.
Does this thing run so hot it would warm a room? I live in New Zealand where it is temperate and my room isn't huge but not tiny, will this thing make it unpleasant to listen? Thanks for all your good work Tarun.
Hello, I always enjoy " A British Audiophile" for his descriptive reviews of audio gear. I was pleasantly surprised to hear an appreciation of Her Majesties dedication to her post.
@@benmakokha3089 PS Audio Perfect Wave and the 1200 Stellar mono amp meets my wants, but it is a very neutral and non flattering sound. If you like the wool slipper feel then the McIntosh MA 1200 is my other as it is an integrated so less space.
From my experience with the Line Magnetic LM805IA amp, upgrading the 300B and 805 tubes would significantly improve the imaging, clarity and really open up the sound, but at a cost of course.
My R800i made heavenly sound with the PSVANE Acme upgraded tubeset. I was using Pure Audio Project duet speakers, but it went south quickly. I suspect that listening to very loud levels rapidly pushed the tubes into a glare in the mids. Unsure the reason, but unlistenable within a 18 months.
I have only owned one Class A amplifier and, in it's day, it was a doozy: The Threshold 400a. The problem is that I live in the southwest US and the last thing that I need is more heat. Same with my conrad-johnson preamp. A class A tube amp is not on my shopping list, unfortunately.
Dammit man.... there I was happy as larry with my Boyurrange A50 300B and you throw this curve ball... I love the look of this amp, and it sounds like it would deliver what I'd like.... Now i'll have to save up grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
@@suffolkaudiophile Started with some Scandyna Big Pods, then tried some Omega full range that were horrible, then onto those Sound Artists with a horn that Tarun reviewed (no treble in those), then back to the Big Pods that were the best of a bad bunch, ended up selling them all and when I got the R800i, I finally invested in some proper speakers ProAc DB1s, I’m very happy with them, huge step up from what I had, but not cheap at £2.3k
Thanks for the review Tarun. Always curious to see what else is there in the tube amp space! And yep, Tubes and Horns for me. I do not think I'll ever need anything else and honestly do not intend on replacing my cayin cs88 - Klipsch Forte IV combination any time soon. Tube rolling was really more of a necessity in my case though. Not only were the original Cayin tubes a non-optimal combo but I also consider them subpar in relation to what the amp can really do (they are the cheaper side of rebranded shuguangs I think). The first setup I was really delighted with, was Gold lion KT88s with Tung Sol 6sn7GTBs and 6sl7s in the preamp and that produces a crystal clear, punchy sound with fantastic bass both in volume and tightness. Honestly it does not sound much like a tube amp at all! More like a really nice mosfet class A. My problem now was the midrange tonality, I wanted something a bit richer, sweeter and more fatigue free. A tiny bit of a roll off on the upper end would also be desirable both for fatigue but also to make the system somewhat more forgiving to harsher recordings (These speakers really need that tbh). Thankfully it was as simple as flipping a switch in the back and swapping the KT88s for EH EL34s. Now everything sounds as it should. The midrange is rich and prominent and the highs extended but never glary, while the bass is still decent. That said the KT88s were producing a really impressive sound also, so I am now waiting for a couple of psvane 6sn7 UKs to see if they would sweeten that setup enough :) I do have 2 quads of the GLs, so it would be nice to swap to them for some periods from my main EL34 set down the road. Both for variety, but also hate to see expensive things go to waste... (Also that setup is honestly fantastic for symphonic classic and metal. Both big parts of my repertoire) Cheers!
Hi, just to say that I enjoyed this video and found it interesting as I also have a class A valve integrated amplifier (running KT 120's), I was wondering if you had a chance to try the R800i with floor standing speakers as I would have been interested in that perspective because I don't have bookshelf/ standmount speakers. I also have solid state amplification but find that I mostly prefer the valve Class A presentation even it doesn't produce the very last word in bass grip (however the power is more than acceptable). Great stuff Tarun....keep it going!!!!
Great review! I would love to hear this amp combined with my 100db horn fullrange speakers (Club of 27 Amy’s) I drive them with a 2.3 watt Decware Zen Triode and that is perfect but I would love to hear what the extra tube power does.
Hi Tarun 🙂Nice Review ! After tasting the R8, I was looking at this Monster, but I am now 59and I don't want to carry this one into the first Floor, I could place the R8 without Problem into my Rack but with Willsenton R800i ... no chance and the Heat would be I suspect also a Problem, so I went to the Willsenton R300 which for some Reason no one on YT has reviewed yet, maybe You do the Job ? The R300 ( with Stock Tubes ) murdered my highly upgraded R8 after 5 Days play - in Time, but you really need efficient Speakers( I would say at least 94 db or more ). Pure Class A but only 2x 8 glorious Watts ! Regards, Ralf
St. Michael, so the difference between the R300 (stock) and the R8 (upgraded) is immense? I have old KEF speakers (105.4) and although weigeren they’re not very efficient at 86dB. Both Willsenton amp are intriguing and I keep going back and forth on which to get…
It would be interesting to audition the all tube Quicksilver line of monoblock amplifiers. The Mid Mono is listed at around US$2,000.00. I've also heard that Quicksilver amplifiers mate particularly well with ProAc speakers. Perhaps the Audible Illusions 3B preamplifier would be an interesting mating to see the synergy of an all tube system... P.S. What speaker cable do you use with your ProAc Response 1SC's?
Great review! The R800i is a amplifier I would definitely consider now! Attainable price wise but I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it would be to my existing amp the Audreal XA6950. Also the XA6950 gives 130w into 8 ohms and maybe I would miss that power!!?
Thank you Chris. You may miss the power and the grip and control it provides. However, I am sure the R800i will have some sonic traits you will enjoy too 😊
Hi Tarun, Thanks for the review! Very informative and I think this R800i is one of the hottest shortlist candidates for the past year, (for those who don't cling on to A-list hifi brand name that is) Can you please also review Cayin as well? Since I think they are considered one of the value tube amps out there right now. I'm very curious in some of their serious models like soul 170i. Oh and hope your knee got better! 😅
Very much liking that beast tarun, I wonder being class A would it have enough clout to drive the notoriously power hungry magnepan LRS & sonically be a match made in heaven.
I have my Willsenton r8 paired with Klipsch Heresy IV and it’s pretty dang good. I have the Sound Artist LS/34a as well and they are tasty keepers. The 800i looks .. enticing
Hi Tarun, thanks again for reviewing so insightfully. Your description makes met think of the Atoll in 80 signature again. Softened transients, pulled back top end and a rich midrange. How does it stack up at 1/3rd the price from a pure SQ perspective? As you might gather I am about to pull the trigger on an amp that will give me that flavour profile.
@Tarun Class A definitely pulls me in to the music more and I listen for much longer. My favourite amp is the old Musical Fidelity A1000 had it since 1991. Class A topology can have many presentations like any topology but seems more alive for me, even if the bass on the A1000 is soggy, though went deeper than a Primare A30.1 I had, even if the Primare had a more accurate, far more audiophile and especially in the bass nuanced presentation, it did not meet the thrill of the A1000 at low volume nor at high volume, 1812 overture to Sisters of Mercy. The images were bigger, so not strictly accurate but MORE fun. All genres worked. I also built an Elekit TU8600S (Victor Kung spec, Lundahl output trannies) and that is a class A beauty. The bass is sooo good you would not believe it is a 300b. Better than the A1000, yet needs sensitive speakers. I have a Musical Fidelity F16 switchable, 50 watts class A (all class A, I reckon the first 15 or so watts are on the A1000) or 200W Class AB. Driven from a Eastern Electric Minimax pre. Tighter, improved bass drive in AB BUT so much more engaging in A. I can't tell you why, I can't say those three amps sound the same as they do not, BUT I AM ENGAGED far more with them all in the chain than an AB and listening sessions do not stop. Realism. Suspension of disbelief rather than audio perfection is how I would describe it.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I bought my first home a 1 bedroom flat. Lived without a TV for 2 years. My friends didn't understand. After 18 months I bought the A1000, Heybrook Sextet (still have) and TEAC VDS20SE (still have) and just played music. An orginal Rega Planar 3 (RB200 arm, I prefer it) did the honours on vinyl.
Great review. Sounds like just what I would be looking for in a tube amps. Love the look of the tubes themselves, just too bad the rest of the aesthetics are no where as nice as the little brother.
I use my r8 almost 90 percent of the time, the other 10 percent is a denond rh 800h solid state amp for radio. i just purchased a R800i and connot wait for its arrival.
Hi Tarun, I always enjoy your channel both for your research and excellent presentation. However, and this is somewhat tongue in cheek, why use the American term for valves rather than our own?
![[🇺🇦/🇷🇺] Débriefing voyage en UKRAINE: pression russe, missile Oreshnik et chair à canon](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZvB89To-G8I/mqdefault.jpg)
Tarun, not only are your reviews hugely knowledgable, insightful, concise, informative and seemingly unbiased, you also just seen just such a nice guy! The way you handled the section about the music at the Queen’s funeral was deft, gentle and very diplomatic and I very much applaud you for that. You just seen like a guy who has time for most, can see the good and I would love to spend a few hours with you over a pint or three chatting hifi in a pub somewhere. Hope the knee mends soon!
Thank you John. That is very kind and greatly appreciated. If you are in the UK, I am sure we may bump into each other at a show at some point. I'll take you up on that pint. Cheers 🍻
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I’m in! See you there 🤗
Agreed with every word of it.
I really appreciate your knowledge and ability to relay this without making me feel a little dumb. So many people try to show off. Cheers mate!
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
As a retired American living in the Philippines, I am getting back into the audio hobby. This was my first video of yours that I have watched and I must say I'm impressed in all regards, and have likewise just subscribed to your channel. If you're ever on this hemisphere, stop by for a listen and cup of coffee! Cheers.
Thank you Barnaby. Much appreciated. If I am ever over there, I would love to do that 😊👍
@@CinemaDemocratica Absolutely!
Hi Barnaby, I’ll also be retiring in the Philippines after 3 years. Hope we can still get in touch by then.
Hi Tarun. I have owned my 800i for 9 months now, here in the UK. First up I'd like to say that the stock tubes are pretty decent once burned in for 50-100 hours. Far better than the stock tubes in my r8. The stock setup is very tubey sounding in nature with obvious rolled off highs like you mentioned. I changed the 6sn7's for Psvane UK 6sn7 and most recently for the psvane Black bottle treasure series. Both these are a serious upgrade in terms of detail and airiness but the treasures take twice as long to reach their peak which is slightly less warm sounding than the uk's but much better height to the staging. Next up was the 300b's. I have both the psvane Black treasures and Electro harmonix Gold Grids. I can't comment on the Psvane 300b as they are not burned in at all as yet, but the Electro harmonix tubes are amazing. The improvement on midrange attack and general note decay is incredible. Bass is tightened up a little but still gets deep into your guts. Sounds with this tube combo literally hang in the air in a soundstage that is huge in all directions. As of now, I am so pleased that I have not touched the 805s, rectifier or 12ax7. All of these tubes can be purchased from Hot Rox UK ( A Music store in Nottingham ) and can be delivered next day. Currently the 6sn7 tubes are about £160 per matched pair for the treasures or about £90 for the UK tubes. The Psvane 300bs are £400 a pair and the Electro Harmoix are half price at £220 a pair ( No brainer purchase in my opinion ). This amp really is an audiophile super bargain even at £2800. It scales like nothing I've heard before and tube rolling
gives the twinker so many genuine options to radically change the sound at reasonable cost. My r800i sounds better than a couple of other SETs that cost many thousands of pounds more. I am in love!
Thank you for taking the time to post this my friend. Very interesting 😊👍
Hi there, great post. Can I ask which tubes you have used for upgrading the r8? I'm looking at the 6sn7s, there are so many to choose from. Thanks
@@2HatHudders Before you start reading, this is a long long post. With the r8, I found that I preferred the sound when using el34 power tubes rather than the kt88 stock. There is a switch on the back of the amp to use el's. The sound, for me, was more to my liking. It made thr r8 much closer to the r800i because of the tubey warm nature of the el34s ( they are similar in sound to the 300b tubes on the r800i) The output of the amp drops to about 35 w per chanel with the el's, though. For me this was not an issue as my speakers are 91db efficient. With the el34 route, I used either the Tung Sol el34b's which are about £34 per tube which gave a very detailed and airy presentation better than the stock willsenton kt88's. The dynamic presentation was not quite as good as the kt88's but everything else was better. I think this was due to mainly the sonic nature of el34 tubes vs kt88's. It depends which sound you like most, gooey tubey holographic or dynamic tubey accurate. If you can afford and want to go the el34 route then I recommend buying the Psvane EL34/4 extreme classic, mullard spec tubes. They are epic and blow all other tubes out of the water kt88 or el34. They are £495 for a boxed, matched quad set. For 6sn7 tubes which you should change prior to the power tubes, go for Psvane tubes. There are other really good choices but Psvane are solid performers. For £90 /pair the psvane uk spec 6sn7 are stupid value and give a proper tubey sound with classic rolled off highs and solid sound stage in all directions. At about £130 /pair, the psvane Black treasure gold grids are better still and give that 'sounds hanging in the air' feeling to the audio presentation. These are what I use on both r8 and r800i. I have also tried and still use on my Feliks audio Elise headphone amp, the psvane CV181 mkii T series 6sn7's at £210/ pair. These are also fantastic but for some reason, I preferred them for headphone listening. With kt88 route use the same 6sn7 as the el34 route but I would try the psvane kt88 t mkii series at £410 for a quad set or the genelex gold lion kt88's at £440 for a quad set. I have heard great things about both sets but having gone the el34 route myself cannot give you a first hand opinion. In conclusion, if it were my choice I would purchase some psvane t series el34 extreme classic tubes and psvave black treasure gold grid 6sn7 and let the music speak for itself. Don't forget to burn in the tubes prior to reviewing your choice. 50-100 hours really does make an awful lot of difference. All these tubes can be purchased from either Hot Rox music shop or HiFi collective. Both offer next day delivery. Sorry for the long post.
@@warfam_clan6933 Thank you for the informative post (longer the better I say), it's highly appreciated. It's really difficult to find honest reviews on these (normally people promote their purchasing decisions without having enough knowledge of other similarly priced products). I think will take your recommendation on PsVane, I've used an online store called Watford Valves to replace the 6sl7s last year (sylvania 6sl7gt - reasonable price at the time but the Russian/Ukraine war has really reduced stock and increased prices). The R8 is my first Valve Amp and coming from either Solid State and AV receivers , one thing I miss (although solved with a Subwoofer) is bass control, although everything else pales in comparison. The KT88 has been a good introduction as the dynamics is still there, I haven't heard however a very good KT88 or any EL34's for that matter so I'm very new (although I've had the r8 for 1.5 years now). My Speakers are Triangle Borea 8's, 91 sensitivity, so the amp drives them well even in triode mode. Can I ask why you preferred the CV181 mkii T via your headphone system? This is what I'm currently saving for as Tarun as given positive review of these and China Hifi sell 3 matched (it probably going to cost more thanks to Liss Truss ordering from China) but you have given me some more to think about. The 'sound hanging in the air' is the immediate thing which hit me first when listening to this amp, given the amps I listened to before, to have that improved is quite exciting. I'll be coming back to your post for future reference, so thank you.
How much tax/duty did you have to pay on top of the cost of the amp?
I know it was a side note...but the sound from The Queens funeral was extraordinary...the sub bass from the organ! The clarity of the trumpets! and the emotional punch of the Pipes and Drums!
I agree. I was glad my REL Strata III stood up to the task so well 🙂
They should sell an album, the Royals need the money for future lawsuits. Did you hear the delicate emotional tone of millions of Indians crying from their graves?
The bagpipes were the best, very stirring
@@johnsmith1474
Nah, they were cremated.. ears and all..
I got my 800i about the same time as you posted this review and absolutely loved it. All up until about 6 months ago when I received my new Luxman M-10X amplifier and I haven't been able to not listen to it :) So regarding your question with A vs A/B - I actually started with Class D and owned several amps, last of which was an Audio Research DS225. The 800i was a big step up in soundstage width and depth as well as midrange richness, but I found the bass to be slightly muddy in comparison to the ARC. With my new Luxman, however, it's just incredible and I'm still over the moon. I hear details I never knew existed in tracks before, impressive and fast bass, wide and deep soundstage, and I could go on and on... I never expected a class A/B to deliver what I've so far only heard from class A, but it makes my Focal Sopra 3 sound like speakers twice their price. Whenever I try to listen analytically, I end up getting completely lost in the music. The lesson for me was that I can't trust generalizations regarding class specific amplifiers. Anyway, thanks for another great review!
Quick question: I recently saw your video of the Holo Audio Spring DAC and was curious if you will be reviewing the May DAC? Your style of review and the amount of technical knowledge you bring is immensely appreciated, and I would very much enjoy your opinion and insights - including if it would be worth the extra coin. Thanks for what you do Tarun!
Thank you kindly Dan. I hope to get around to reviewing the May DAC 😊👍
I would assume that the Luxman would sound better, considering the price difference.
@@i2ambler2002exactly like 10x the price 😂
Great review Tarun,
I have the Willsenton R800i 845 with upgraded tubes: Psvane WE274B, 2 x Psvane CV181-TII, 2 x Psvane WE300B, 2 x Psvane Acme 845, Psvane 12AX7/ECC83. I also have Willsenton R8 with upgraded tubes. I am a classical music listener, and I mainly listen with headphones. I use a headphone impedance adapter to connect to these amps.
My experience with Willsenton R800i 845 is: it improves soundstage, it makes deep bass, and the sound is warm and smooth. I use Violectric V340 as the preamp for this and RME-ADI-2 as the DAC.
I am very happy with this amp. It makes my hungry-power headphones (HEDD, Arya Stealth, and HD800S) sound so beautiful, powerful, warm, and sweet when it pairs with the Violectric. The LCD-X works better with Willsenton R8. LCD-X has low impedance so it got some hum from the R800i.
For my personal interest, I finally add the R8 as the tube preamp of the Violectric.
Thank you Trung. Great to learn about your experiences 👍
Which adapter are you using? Do you think R8 would work with 32ohm planar magnetic headphones? :)
I just came across your reviews the other day ,watched several of them and really love it. Compact, informative, entertaining and excellent presentation. Great job, mate!
@@scotchgod8478 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Never really understood how tube amps work and still don't but the way you explain things is very insightful and appreciated.
I get into it a bit in my original Willsenton R8 review. Link attached 😊
ua-cam.com/video/cK_HHcN26MI/v-deo.html
I had a Cary SE 120 Tube Amp. 8 KT88s. Ran hot. Traded for a Pass Labs INT25. Class A to 25 watts. A/B to 75. More definition and air. Less warmth/tubiness. But overall I preferred. Atmasphere doing Class D with galium Nitride and Boressen class D both make magic with it. I enjoy your channel particularly the dry humor & the Euro gear reviews we do not get over here. Keep us "Educated" please!
Thank you Jeff 🙂
You are my favorite reviewer now. We need to get you some more products!
Thank you Jason. Very kind 👍😊👍
Thank you for another great review. One thing about Psvane tubes. I read somewhere that they meant it to be Pavane as in Gabriel Fauré’s piece. Simply another example of misspelling coming from that part of the world. Looking forward to your next review.
Thank you 🙂
I know what you meaning Tarun..those bagpipes were stirring. I'm from the states and I was stunned how vibrant and clear that procession was.
It was a great spectacle 👍
Best introduction of all time! Hope you heal up quickly!
Thank you buddy. I hope people find it amusing 🙂👍
I own R800i and R8 with lots different tubes and they drive the Perlisten S7. R8 drives Amphion LS7, very nice speaker but Perlistens are class their own. Thanks for all you do, enjoy your channel! Chap
Thank you Chap. Much appreciated 😊👍
Since you put it out there, I do agree with the latter part of your tribute. I thought that the echo in the cathedral would ruin the music, but it gave it a magical air. No detail, transparency or black background or any of that stuff, just sweet music. Great work.
Thank you 😊
Thank you Tarun for explaining complicate subject in simple way , year ago if you ask me i would skip tube amps but now growing a lot of interest thanks to your videos.
Thank you Atri. As the saying goes, "You only live once." Yhey may be worth a go at some point 🙂
Great video, Tarun. I fell into the tubes rabbit hole, quite precious info here
Thank you 👍
It's those mid range nuances that the Exposure amp reveals, that really gets my juices flowing. I'll take a pair to go please 🎶😁
I think your reviews are very informative. As far as tube rolling goes. As a 70 year old guitarist I have boxes of tubes and have spent half of my life listening to tube comparisons lol My opinion would be get a good set of current production tubes and stick with them . The tube store and the tube depot are a good place to start. I have experience with new old stock and they are good but the better new production stuff is pretty good also and cheaper.
Thanks for all the great reviews
Thank you for sharing your experiences Walter. Much appreciated. Really useful advice 😊👍
Great review Tarun.
All the amps I've owned have been A/B, except my Marantz PM 7200 that I bought when it came out in the early 2000s, it's 90w in A/B or 25w when switched to class A. I always ran it on class A, much smoother and no real noticeable volume reduction, I love it.
I've moved on to Audiolab 6000a now but can't bring myself to sell it.
Thank you Andy. Great to learn about your experiences 👍
Hi, friend! It's a pity that this happened to the knee, get well soon!
Thank you buddy 👍
Ah, much as I would like to have either amp, the closest I am going to get at the moment is listening to you reviewing them. Thanks for telling us about decent kit.
Thank you Jake. I hope you can get one at some point 👍
Thank you for a great review Tarun. I have the R8 and am very content with it.
It seems that the R800i is at that next level of upgraditis...
Thank you. I could be. Especially with the right tubes 🙂👍
Thank you, Tarun, for another great and informative review. I have been on the fence for the R800i for a while. This review nutches me closer to push that order button. :)
The R8 is indeed a very good sounding and affordable tube amp. The R8 drove my Cornwall IV for a while but it mainly couples with the good old Definitive BP20 at the moment. The Cornwall IV is now driven by the Muzishare X9, SET class A, 8 watts or the ARC LS2 + Parasound Halo A21. I found myself switching to the LS2 and Parasound more often when I don’t just lust for well recorded vocal music and feel the presen of the singer in my livingroom.
The R800i with 845 tubes may well be the missing link between the Node 2i, Pontus II and Cornwall IV.
Thanks again and I hope your knee will mend properly.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I suspect you will be quite happy with the R800i. The knee is mending. Thank you for asking. If you go for the R800i, please let me know how you get on 😊👍
Interesting amp. Didn't really know much about it but I certainly have a clearer
picture as of this review. Thank you Tarun. You mention of our Queen was good
to hear. (I am Canadian/both parents British)
Thank you Charles. End of an era. May she rest in peace 🙏
I really, really enjoy your reviews Tarun. I hope you are on the mend and heal up quickly. Take care and I look forward to your next review!
Thank you Paul. I am mending nicely 🙂👍
Over the last couple of years, I have listened to many more reviewers talk about environment, room size and personal requirements. This is a good thing. Certain products these days simply won't fit into modern living. New flats are getting smaller and active speakers seem to fit the bill for many. For me, I live in a small flat and class A is simply not an option. Too much heat and lack of space rules out tube amps. I am also very conscious when it comes to the environment and pure class A cobbles up juice from the wall. Class AB and class D seem to be the way forward, but I like vinyl and a warm, but detailed sound. There doesn't seem to be a one size fits all solution and I will keep on searching. Listen and listen some more. And one day might find the right match for my room size. Great work BTW. Keep it up.
Thank you Peter. I agree, chosing the right distemper for your environment is vital 👍
Hi, maybe check out the Unico Primo. It’s solid state with a tube in there. Maybe best of both worlds for you?
Thanks for the review Tarun. I've had mine for a couple of years now (I'm based in China, not far from Willsenton actually) and I have changed all the tubes. As you mentioned you can expect substantial improvments. Night and Day really.
Iv'e got the Psvane CV 181 and some vintage Sylvania 6SN7s. I slightly prefer the Sylvania but the Psvanes are a great choice. I swaped out the 805s for PSvane Cossors, I can't recall noticing that much of a difference with those TBH.
For the 300b I replaced those the Gold Lion PX300b. That was a big jump in pretty much all aspects. What hit me first was the weight, grip and definition in the bass along with everything else!
Surpisingly I was pretty shocked at how much the little 12ax7 improved the overall quality of the amp. I'm using a NOS Mullard, not expensive at all for a big performance gain.
Tube rolling is so fun but those 300bs are pricey when you get into some of the highly regarded ones.
I'm using Klpisch RP600m's with a Denafrips Pontus II and Iris (thanking you for that pair!)
Love the channel mate and I hope you keep hold of it, do some rolling and report back!
PS here is a great thread for those interested in the amp.
forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/willsenton-r8-and-r800i-805-or-845-news-and-views.1107931/
Th am you for watching and sharing buddy 😊👍
7:12 what you mentioned about rock enthusiasts might look elsewhere because this amp won’t be able to deliver fast percussive transients has me a little concerned because I mostly listen to rock/jazz fusion instrumental music, Classic rock, jazz, classical etc etc so are you saying that the bass response is muddled and/or sloppy? Because you also said the bass was strong and authoritative which I liked but when you mentioned not being able to produce fast percussive transients I’m a little lost and confused by that. Any clarification or explanation would be much appreciated because I’m thinking about purchasing this amp…would be upgrading from a 1974 solid state pioneer sa9100. Thanks!
Proves that you are, in fact, human. I hope your knee is fully recovered and you are back to practicing safe imbibing. 😂. You peaked my interest in these tube amps, but weight and top end price are delaying my decision. Thank you as always for your time and effort in sharing this great review and equipment.
Thank you Simon. Much appreciated. I have had a couple of knee injuries in the past few years. They are recovering but slowly 😊👍
Tarun, great review. I have both R8 and R800i805. You are correct when you upgrade it changes everything. Fun amplifier that I love listening to. I have compared to Hegel 590. Both are great!
Thank you Joel. Great to know about your experiences 👍
u like R8 better than Hagel 590? What speakers are u running?
@@allenwilliams8962 I have run several speakers: Totem Hawk, TAD bookshelves, Volti Razz. The Hegel is good! With upgrades Tubes the R8 can sound better!
You are spot on in your in your assessment of this amp with stock tubes and that’s why this is amp requires tube rolling to maximize its performance unfortunately. It’s stock tubes does not do it credit. First the 6SN7s and more importantly the 300Bs and 805s. The bump in performance is actually quite significant depending on the budget. I strongly recommend setting aside 1K or more. There are quite a few options from Shuguang , LinLai , PSVane etc. I went for the PSVane Western Electric 300B ( around 800 ) and PSVane Acme 805 ( also 800 ). Needless to say the refinement , detail , imaging , voice etc improved quite a lot . You then get the full glory of its class A signature.
Thank you Robert. Great to learn about your experiences. I am keen to try some tube rolling options on this one myself 🙂
I’ve ended up with the same tubes on mine, plus Shuguang WE 6SN7 (daft calling them that because WE never made 6SN7s, but they sound great), it really sings beautifully with this combo.
@@alunjprice glad to hear , I will try the Shuguangs one day.
I have personal experience of the Shuguang Black Treasure 300b though not in this amp and highly recommend them. One step up in quality from those are the KR 300b tubes from the Czech Republic but they are about twice the price. Might be better using that extra cash to upgrade the other tubes.
@@jimfarrell4635 We’re both using Psvane Western Electric replicas for the 300B drivers, for production tubes they are about as close to top of the range as it gets, unless you splash out a hell of a lot of money for the new genuine WE 300Bs that they’ve started manufacturing again, or pay insane money for NOS versions, the Shuguangs we’re talking about are replacements for the 6SN7 input tubes
Never having owned a valve amplifier but wanted and needed the experience , I decided to dip my toe into that world and so I bought the cheapest valve amplifier available on Ebay .It is the APPJ mini 2013 and within the first 3 minutes could hear what the fuss was all about.It is rated at 3 watts per channel and cost $250 Australian including delivery.I will never go back to the transistor sound as this little gem has stripped away a veil of which I had not been previously aware .
Thank you Leo 👍
Did not expect this, full of surprises aren't you Tarun!
Hopefully good ones? 🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314 haha, in this case, that would be a yes!
My R8 is provided with an EL34 tube upgrade from Valves and more. That doubles the cost but wow it sounds great. They drive SF speakers. So both eyes and ears are pleased
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi Tarun, thx for the enjoyable and interesting video. I have a ”Beyond Triode” amplifier that’s built around a Yaqlin MC-100B chassis. This is my end game amplifier built by Custom Analogue Audio here in Sydney Australia. This is a new age design that has wide and deep sound stage, detail and transients with fast and tight bass you would expect from solid a state class A amplifier. There is a lot to be said for Chinese tubes amplifiers, they have the nuts and bolts correct but they haven’t quiet mastered refinement and nuance as yet.
Great to learn about your experiences Paul 😊
Another very good review. I am a fan of Class A. My everyday system is Class AB in the form of Cambridge. I do however have a second system that is built around a vintage Marantz PM-94. It is what Marantz called "Quarter A". Rated at 140 watts RMS in AB mode it would provide up %25 of that in Class A. The 35 watts RMS it outputs in that mode are very pleasant and enjoyable and pair well with my Elacs. I have little experience with tube Class A other than I did have a Reisong A10 SET amp for about a year. It was nice but the 6 watts was not really enough so it lacked dynamics and drive. Keep up the good work.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 🙂👍
Another great video thanks. Ive still to own a Tube Amp yet and it was good to hear you explain about the Tubes and when they need changing and price etc. I was thinking the same when I was watching the video then you answered it lol
Thank you buddy. Much appreciated 👍
I am curious about the NAD purifi amps for my Magnepan LRS’s. I speculate that the class D design would be transparent and neutral. One vote here for Tarun to review the NAD c 658 pre amp and c298 stereo amplifier please. Great review as always.
Thank you Bryan. That combo on paper should work well. If you ever get to try it, please let me know how you get on 🙂👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for your advice on matching the preamplifiers and amplifiers with the same manufacturer. The hobby is too expensive for me to play that guessing game.
Thank you very much for your very impressive statement about the Willsenton R800i 👍!
Hello and thank you. I have had some experience with Chinese audio products. My first was a Brzhifi pre amp that has worked well in system 2 (office). Then I bought a Breeze Audio Burmster 933 class A power Amp. Out of the box the volume control did not work , it made a bad noise. I told them about it and they basically said I was wrong. I bypassed the volume control and have had no further issued. I then bought a clone JC2 ML 2 class A power amp. This is now in my No.1 system with my restored Rogers Studio 1's. A great combination. Excellent. Then I tries the FM Acoustics Pre and A300 power amp combination. The preamp is very good with the transformer upgrade. Love it. The A300 is also very good but when the power switch failed after a few months the company could NOT supply a replacement, just offering a substitute and refund. All this was a bit hard. But the amp is fundamentally very good. Just not in my main system at present with the wonderful Rogers. After sale service is Chinese Audio's biggest issue. Cheers.
Thank you for sharing your experiences Robin 😊
Hi Tarun. I have been using a Weston Acoustics Topaz KT120 amp for the past 10 years. Class A 45 w/c Australian hand made.
Made a large improvement to the sound when I changed the stock 6SL7 and rectifiers tubes for 1940/1950 NOS tubes. While it runs hot the sound is superb for the money and it drives my speakers with ease.
Great! Thank you for sharing 👍
Thank you, Tarun for another informative and entertaining review. And as always, by comparing the equipment under review to other similarly priced gear I find most useful.
In answer to this episode's question, I generally expect class 'a' amplifiers to have a richer, fuller sound. Good class 'ab' close to the same, while the class 'd' amps I have heard (admittedly only a couple) sound kind of edgy to me. As always, this is just my opinion, everyone else's being just as valid. As you said Tarun, let's have the biggest possible church, where we can all share in the joy this hobby gives.
Thank you my friend. My experiences pretty much match yours 🙂👍
I've been looking at this amp for a while and you're talking me into it. I'm not sure if you're keeping it long term, if so I'd like your thoughts if you do any tube rolling. This is a great review and for the money this amp seems like a winner. Thanks for all you do
Thank you Richard. I will speak to China Hifi to see if they can send me tube rolling options 🙂
Great review Tarun
Thank you 👍
Hi Tarun! I wasn't aware it was possible to buy this amplifier in the UK. It certainly wasn't the case when it first came out. It received some stunning reviews in the US and elsewhere.
You can buy it direct from China Hifi but will have to pay shipping, taxes, etc..
Don't be put off by ordering from China Hifi. I bought another tube amp and several sets of valves and had no problems at all. Of course if you have a faulty unit or warranty issue that could be tricky, but the buying process seems to be smooth in my experience.
This is great sounding amp, I'm not too sure if you can get 50W per channel of class A Valve Amplifaction for this kind of money anywhere, and Willsenton still produces fantastic build quality. I have been running mine for over a year now and love it, paired with some Buchardt S400.
Thank you for sharing Wayne 🙂
Hi Wayne. As a S400 (mk1) owner, I'm very curious how this combination sounds. Could you elaborate a little?
@@supergiddy3 I'm not the best at explaining how it sound, but the mid range is fantastic, great bass response, and over all the amp seem to have no problem driving the S400 at all, very nice pairing if I am honest.
@@supergiddy3 I did have the R8 amp and it sounded good then, but the 800I with the 300B take to the next level which is why I brought the amp.
@@sparkplug964 Hi Wayne that sounds wonderful. Good to know that power is not the issue here too. How would you describe the top end in your combo? I'm shooting for rounded off-smooth. Listening to mostly (often older) jazz and soul recordings so a forgiving top end is often nicer with those :)
Hi Tarun, thank you for the review. I’m adding tubes into my listening room so I can have the best of both worlds. I will keep my Exposure 2510 which I bought thanks to your review. What a beautiful sound. This is however about tubes and I’m about to pull the trigger on the 800i. I have watched this video repeatedly to make sure I’ve considered and understood all your review points on the 800i. Thank you for all the detail.
If it’s ok I’d like to ask a few questions:?
- It’s been a while of ownership and I was wondering how’s it been going with the 805 unit over that time?
- There are other options like the Doge mk3, soon to be the mk4 and was wondering if the 800i tops the Doge for you? Even the Willsenton 300b is an option but 800i is within my reach.
- I understand you not in the business of telling people what to buy but has the 800i remained a loved piece of gear on your rack?
- And finally I also wanted to ask if the Kef R3 with a sensitivity rated at an average 87dB and nominal impedance claimed to be 8 ohms will be an ok match? A minimum value of 3.2 ohms suggest that an amplifier with a bit of grunt would be good. I will change those later to something with higher sensitivity but you know what they say about Rome...
Thanks in advance for any response. I greatly appreciate your channel especially how clear, insightful and fair the review is and most importantly it’s enjoyable to watch.
Take care.
Great sadness with the Queens passing. She was a living piece of history, the last of the last. A different and maybe better generation.
Couldn’t agree more 🙏
I love the idea of tube amps, I own AR separates. I am generally not too picky with frequency response, but the AR is way too non-flat for my ears. Too much of a frown shape. I also own a DC A/B amp. Love the clarity from the lack of capacitors in the signal path. And I never understood "pace" until this amp. The sound is also much punchier. The upper registers are not as light and airy as the tubes but more extended. The lows are not as weighty but speedier, more controlled and in the end, more tuneful. The imaging is more precise if a little narrower, although room acoustics can help tremendously. So my current favorite (even against much more expensive amps) is my DC A/B amp.
Thank you for sharing JK 😊
The power transformer block has two inside. One of them Is the conventional transformer supply to the amplifier except the output tube. Another one is a toroidal transformer supplied the plate voltage of the output tube.
Hi Tarun, great review as always! Please could you elaborate on what you mean by warm space. This might be a ridiculous question but my sound room has a fireplace for winter times and I'm not sure if this could be an issue...
Thank you. Two separate things. Tonal warmth and space in the soundstage 😊
I have owned several tube and SS amps over the years. What has suited my tastes in music and matched my speakers the best has been Push - Pull tube amps that have what is called new tube sound. More neutral and dynamic akin to well executed solid state not the ones that are noted for their super sweet mid-range an highs. I found in tube gear you if you overgeneralize you can find yourself being really disappointed. SET, OTL, and Push-Pull designs can sound radically different in the mid-range and can miss the mark on being able to deliver low end clarity. Albeit, despite my love for tube amps, I do think the audio community over hypes their capabilities. A tube amps does not necessarily sound better than SS, however I like their handling of vocals more than any other topology. The biggest disadvantage for me is heat, followed by limited tube life. The best sounding amp I ever had was a pair tube mono-blocks that were fully class A. Loved them, but with 16 KT-88 tubes running at well over 300 degrees Fahrenheit they just generated way too much heat to be practical. Not necessarily a design flaw, if I had a much bigger room than what I placed them in, they would have been just fine. In SS I tend to like class 'A over class AB. In this camp, as with tube gear their is wide range of sonic character between brands albeit to my ear a lot of SS gear, do sound a lot more alike than not. The biggest fascination for me right now is class D. I see them as a emerging technology, with great potential. They have come a long way since the earlier ones I listened to back in the day. Love this generation's of amps clarity and pristine presentation. They certainly are much more musical now than when they first came out. Especially love the fact, they do not weigh a ton and generate very little heat. Look forward to seeing what they come up with down the road. Sad thing is, I do feel a lot of this technology is currently being implemented not for their advantages, but a way to cut cost. So my fear is they will be dished by a lot of old school audiophiles and not considered a true high end product. This trend of the industries cost cutting I see as a barrier to their acceptance. To my ear, of all the typologies a poorly designed class D goes beyond just sounding bad, but really bad. Sure, there has been no shortage of crappy sounding class AB amps I have heard over the years as well, but none of these can hold a candle to poorly designed and implemented class D gear. IMHO with class D, just because you can does not mean you should.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Superb, Tarun. About tubes and horns, which model (805 or 845) would I choose with Klipsch Cornwall IV's, efficient at 102 dB but also huge -- is 23 watts enough?
I would go for the 845. It has a lower noise floor and should have enough power to get the Cornwall IV to play at loud volumes 😊
Nice review! Re. your knee, there comes a time Tarun where we realise we can no longer jump off the wardrobe... 😹
Thank you. That is not far from the truth 🤣
@@abritishaudiophile7314 😹have a great weekend Tarun
I almost bought the R800i, then changed my mind and bought the primaluna evo 400 amplifier, I'm very happy with the sound quality.
That is a nice amp David. I am not surprised you like it. I would like to review it myself 🙂
How is the EVO 400 David? I’m intrigued by the PrimaLuna line up. And what made you decide to go for the 400 rather than one of the other models? If you don’t mind me asking.
Hi Frank, I’ve been scrolling to find a post to compare with an obvious “safer” (European) option. I’ve bought the PrimaLuna Evo 300 hybrid which has utterly blown me away, but I’m going to investigate the Evo 100 integrated for my partner. Once you’ve heard tubes there’s no going back.
Primaluna evo 400 and R800i. Price difference too much. ..😊
Love the sound of class A amplifiers, solid state or valve, my first class A amplifiers were from music fidelity. And sudden.the only valve class A amplifiers were audio innovations mono blocks. All purchased in the late 80s early 90s
Thank you Paul. I have enjoyed some MF Class A amps in the past 🙂
I’ve been waiting for this review, I love mine, I’ve put Psvane Acme 805s and WE 300B replicas, I love SET, and for the money, this is about as good as it gets, I’m driving some ProAc DB1s with it, they sound great.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with this amplifier Alun. I hope you enjoyed the review 🙂
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙂
Love your reviews Tarun! I was wondering, you being British 😊, what is your opinion on Bowers & Wilkins speakers? I’m asking because I’m considering buying the B&W 705 S3 (on stands) and this r800i. In your opinion would that be a good match, or is this r800i a bit of an overkill and should I go for the R8? One other concern is that huge sound stage you mentioned. I remember listening to a friend’s system with some VTL mono blocks on those big Martin Logan electrostats and those instruments sounded (looked) as if they were twice the size. Will the r800i also blow the sound stage out of proportion? Thanks in advance for your answer.
Thank you. Depends on the specific model but many B&W speakers tend to be resolving and a bit bright. They can sound fabulous with the right amplification. The R8 with upgraded tubes should be a good match for the 705 S3s 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you 🙂. That's why I like the B&W's so much, for their neutral sound.
I've used all kinds of SET tubes, but the large triodes (805, 845, 211, etc) are really special. I started with a Line Magnetic LM805ia (loved it) and currently run an LM512CA preamp with dual LM503 PA 845 monoblocks. Just stunning.
Thank you for sharing your experiences my friend 👍
Thank you for another fantastic review. ☺️🙏
$2K is still a bargain considering what this big tube amp brings to the sonic table. Great review as usual Tarun.
I would, and this is just me, however, judge this amplifier only after I have optimised it's tube complement just as you did with the R8. With botique tubes, I think you will cajole the real beauty out of this beast.
Keep up the bare bottom honesty!
Thank you Bobby. I agree there is more performance to be had with better tubes. I did ask China Hifi to send me some specific upgrades of their website but they politely declined on this occasion 😊
Tarun, I would love to get your take on matching tube preamps with solid state power amps. Shockingly few UA-cam videos on the subject other than ultra high end.
Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Big fan of the channel.
Another outstanding review. I always enjoy hearing what you have to say about equipment. If we’re gonna keep doing tubes how about trying one that’s got a very different design? I don’t know if you’ve heard of LTA linear tube audio but how about the z 40+ integrated amp? I’d love to hear your engineering take on it
Thank you Paul. Very kind. I have heard of LTA but I am not sure who distributes in the U.K. 😊👍
The intro comedic bit was friggen hilarious!! 😂 Will it drive Ohm F’s ?
Glad you enjoyed it. It should be okay as the R800i has a 4 ohm tap 😊
Great job. Are you keeping this one and will you do a follow up review after some serious sound tests?
Thank you Manny. I will ask if I can hang on to it for a while and they can send me some tube rolling options 😊
Tarun, Thanks for your great review! I want to get your opinion on the next question. I recently got my Monitor Audio Platinum 300 3g. Do you think this R800i 805 version will be a good pair for those speakers? I know that ears are my best friends while selecting, so interested only in your assessment.
Thank you Andras. I wouldn’t want to hazard a guess on that 😊
Excellent review.
Thank you Vincent 👍
Great review, as always. I did most of my listening for around twenty years using the Jolida 502B playing through a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IIs and never felt even once that I missed out on an emotional connection to the music. I borrowed a friend's Creek 5330 once and couldn't believe the difference in bass depth and definition, but soon forgot all that after returning to my original setup. Most of that time I listened to music through a Parasound CD player and then the Jolida JD100 (fantastic).
Now I listen mainly to a system consisting of the Cambridge CXN V2 played through the CXA81 integrated and out to the Spatial Hologram M3 Turbo S open baffle speakers. Objectively, I think better sounding gear, but I don't sit for hours in front of the music like I used to.
Thank you Tim. Creek, Croft, Sugden... all great brands 👍
Great review.. I was curious if you had tested the Sound Artist SC8B speakers. I am currently using the R8 with these speakers and was wondering if the r800 was worth the upgrade.
Thank you. I have reviewed the SC8B. I think for most people the R8 would be enough for the SC8Bs. Link below…
ua-cam.com/video/ki77H1NJBYo/v-deo.html
🤗 TARUN …😢 I HAVE NOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO TASTE THE TUBES AND OR A/B amplifiers…so I can’t comment,maybe in the future 😊
And cost 💵 and availability have prevented me even from tasting them
But you and THOMAS AND STEREO have peeked my interest to try them
Side note 📝 I LOVE THE ❤️looks and the lights on at night to enhance my experience, and I wish for multiple colors with leds and the switch to turn them off option 🤗😎💚💚💚
Thank you for watching and sharing 🙂
@@abritishaudiophile7314 YOU ARE WELCOME,TARUN 🤗
We hope you enjoy your weekend and look 👀 forward to your next video 😊
I'd like to point out the R800i has a few design issues. The left and right channels share power nodes, and they require bypass caps (and resistors). But they have none. Also, there's not enough filtration for hum. How do I know this? I sent mine to Scott Frankland to get fixed when it stopped biassing correctly.
The issue with audio reviewers is that most don't have the technical expertise to identify design issues. They simply review a piece of equipment, and then it's on to the next.
Now, I do like the R800i enough that I told Scott to fix the design flaws and upgrade resistors and caps, but rectifying the design flaw issues is a $600 to $800 parts and labor charge, not something most people are wanting to do after spending almost $3000 on an integrated amp.
Does this thing run so hot it would warm a room? I live in New Zealand where it is temperate and my room isn't huge but not tiny, will this thing make it unpleasant to listen? Thanks for all your good work Tarun.
Thank you. It will be like adding a 400W electric heated to your room 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Tarun, probably not for me then.😊
Hello, I always enjoy " A British Audiophile" for his descriptive reviews of audio gear. I was pleasantly surprised to hear an appreciation of Her Majesties dedication to her post.
Thank you Matthew. Much appreciated 😊👍
My favorite are the hybrid amps. Tubes in the input and mosfet in output stage and all the way up to mono 1200W.
Interested. A model to suggest?
Cool 😎
@@benmakokha3089 PS Audio Perfect Wave and the 1200 Stellar mono amp meets my wants, but it is a very neutral and non flattering sound. If you like the wool slipper feel then the McIntosh MA 1200 is my other as it is an integrated so less space.
From my experience with the Line Magnetic LM805IA amp, upgrading the 300B and 805 tubes would significantly improve the imaging, clarity and really open up the sound, but at a cost of course.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Great review
Thank you 🙂
My R800i made heavenly sound with the PSVANE Acme upgraded tubeset. I was using Pure Audio Project duet speakers, but it went south quickly. I suspect that listening to very loud levels rapidly pushed the tubes into a glare in the mids. Unsure the reason, but unlistenable within a 18 months.
@@MrBbront that is a shame 🤔
I have only owned one Class A amplifier and, in it's day, it was a doozy: The Threshold 400a. The problem is that I live in the southwest US and the last thing that I need is more heat. Same with my conrad-johnson preamp. A class A tube amp is not on my shopping list, unfortunately.
Very wise Glenn. I bet they sounded great though 🙂
Dammit man.... there I was happy as larry with my Boyurrange A50 300B and you throw this curve ball... I love the look of this amp, and it sounds like it would deliver what I'd like.... Now i'll have to save up grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sorry about that buddy but I doubt you will be disappointed with the R800i 🙂
I came from that very amp, I loved it, but this is different gravy with all that power.
@@alunjprice yep.... I wouldn't need such sensitive speakers to run the 800i... what speakers were you running with your A50???
@@suffolkaudiophile Started with some Scandyna Big Pods, then tried some Omega full range that were horrible, then onto those Sound Artists with a horn that Tarun reviewed (no treble in those), then back to the Big Pods that were the best of a bad bunch, ended up selling them all and when I got the R800i, I finally invested in some proper speakers ProAc DB1s, I’m very happy with them, huge step up from what I had, but not cheap at £2.3k
Thanks for the review Tarun. Always curious to see what else is there in the tube amp space!
And yep, Tubes and Horns for me. I do not think I'll ever need anything else and honestly do not intend on replacing my cayin cs88 - Klipsch Forte IV combination any time soon. Tube rolling was really more of a necessity in my case though. Not only were the original Cayin tubes a non-optimal combo but I also consider them subpar in relation to what the amp can really do (they are the cheaper side of rebranded shuguangs I think).
The first setup I was really delighted with, was Gold lion KT88s with Tung Sol 6sn7GTBs and 6sl7s in the preamp and that produces a crystal clear, punchy sound with fantastic bass both in volume and tightness. Honestly it does not sound much like a tube amp at all! More like a really nice mosfet class A. My problem now was the midrange tonality, I wanted something a bit richer, sweeter and more fatigue free. A tiny bit of a roll off on the upper end would also be desirable both for fatigue but also to make the system somewhat more forgiving to harsher recordings (These speakers really need that tbh). Thankfully it was as simple as flipping a switch in the back and swapping the KT88s for EH EL34s. Now everything sounds as it should. The midrange is rich and prominent and the highs extended but never glary, while the bass is still decent.
That said the KT88s were producing a really impressive sound also, so I am now waiting for a couple of psvane 6sn7 UKs to see if they would sweeten that setup enough :) I do have 2 quads of the GLs, so it would be nice to swap to them for some periods from my main EL34 set down the road. Both for variety, but also hate to see expensive things go to waste... (Also that setup is honestly fantastic for symphonic classic and metal. Both big parts of my repertoire) Cheers!
Thank you John. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Hi, just to say that I enjoyed this video and found it interesting as I also have a class A valve integrated amplifier (running KT 120's), I was wondering if you had a chance to try the R800i with floor standing speakers as I would have been interested in that perspective because I don't have bookshelf/ standmount speakers. I also have solid state amplification but find that I mostly prefer the valve Class A presentation even it doesn't produce the very last word in bass grip (however the power is more than acceptable). Great stuff Tarun....keep it going!!!!
Thank you Dwight. Great to learn about your experiences. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any floorstanding speakers to hand to try with it 😊
Great review! I would love to hear this amp combined with my 100db horn fullrange speakers (Club of 27 Amy’s) I drive them with a 2.3 watt Decware Zen Triode and that is perfect but I would love to hear what the extra tube power does.
Thank you. If you do PM. Please let me know how you get on 🙂
Hi Tarun 🙂Nice Review !
After tasting the R8, I was looking at this Monster, but I am now 59and I don't want to carry this one into the first Floor,
I could place the R8 without Problem into my Rack but with Willsenton R800i ... no chance and the Heat would be I suspect also a Problem, so I went to the Willsenton R300 which for some Reason no one on YT has reviewed yet, maybe You do the Job ?
The R300 ( with Stock Tubes ) murdered my highly upgraded R8 after 5 Days play - in Time, but you really need efficient Speakers( I would say at least 94 db or more ).
Pure Class A but only 2x 8 glorious Watts !
Regards, Ralf
Thank you Ralf. Great to learn about your experiences 😊
St. Michael, so the difference between the R300 (stock) and the R8 (upgraded) is immense? I have old KEF speakers (105.4) and although weigeren they’re not very efficient at 86dB. Both Willsenton amp are intriguing and I keep going back and forth on which to get…
Another really interesting review, Tarun. Thank you. Out of interest, what is the best Chinese-made amp you have heard?
Thank you. So far it would be this one, the R800i. Although, the R8 is slightly better value for money 😊
It would be interesting to audition the all tube Quicksilver line of monoblock amplifiers. The Mid Mono is listed at around US$2,000.00. I've also heard that Quicksilver amplifiers mate particularly well with ProAc speakers. Perhaps the Audible Illusions 3B preamplifier would be an interesting mating to see the synergy of an all tube system... P.S. What speaker cable do you use with your ProAc Response 1SC's?
I appreciate the suggestion. I use Linn K20, primarily because my Exposure amps need a higher inductance cable due to no Zoble network of the output 😊
Love the in depth review. In the UK would you go for 230v or 240v model? Would it make much of a difference?
In the U.K. it won’t make much difference 😊
Great review! The R800i is a amplifier I would definitely consider now! Attainable price wise but I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it would be to my existing amp the Audreal XA6950. Also the XA6950 gives 130w into 8 ohms and maybe I would miss that power!!?
Thank you Chris. You may miss the power and the grip and control it provides. However, I am sure the R800i will have some sonic traits you will enjoy too 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Its definitely on my radar for sometime in the future! :)
How would this amp do on Bose 901's - they already have tremendous depth and stage presence - this is a beautiful amp - I like the Hegel 590 as well
The only way to find out is to try 😊
This one looks intriguing…maybe go for the gusto and buy it with the upgraded tubes. 👍🏼
That makes sense to me 👍
Hi Tarun,
Thanks for the review! Very informative and I think this R800i is one of the hottest shortlist candidates for the past year, (for those who don't cling on to A-list hifi brand name that is)
Can you please also review Cayin as well? Since I think they are considered one of the value tube amps out there right now.
I'm very curious in some of their serious models like soul 170i.
Oh and hope your knee got better! 😅
Thank you buddy. The knee is getting better. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Very much liking that beast tarun, I wonder being class A would it have enough clout to drive the notoriously power hungry magnepan LRS & sonically be a match made in heaven.
Thank you. That would be an interesting test 😊
I have my Willsenton r8 paired with Klipsch Heresy IV and it’s pretty dang good.
I have the Sound Artist LS/34a as well and they are tasty keepers. The 800i looks .. enticing
Nice system 🙂
Hi Tarun, thanks again for reviewing so insightfully. Your description makes met think of the Atoll in 80 signature again. Softened transients, pulled back top end and a rich midrange. How does it stack up at 1/3rd the price from a pure SQ perspective? As you might gather I am about to pull the trigger on an amp that will give me that flavour profile.
Thank you. In terms of resolution the Atoll IN80 won't be far behind the R800i but it can’t match it for soundstage scale and dynamics 🙂
Assuming you meant to write it *can’t* match it that sets them apart in a way that surely justifies the extra spend :)
@@supergiddy3 sorry, it was a typo. I have just amended it 😊
@Tarun Class A definitely pulls me in to the music more and I listen for much longer. My favourite amp is the old Musical Fidelity A1000 had it since 1991. Class A topology can have many presentations like any topology but seems more alive for me, even if the bass on the A1000 is soggy, though went deeper than a Primare A30.1 I had, even if the Primare had a more accurate, far more audiophile and especially in the bass nuanced presentation, it did not meet the thrill of the A1000 at low volume nor at high volume, 1812 overture to Sisters of Mercy. The images were bigger, so not strictly accurate but MORE fun. All genres worked. I also built an Elekit TU8600S (Victor Kung spec, Lundahl output trannies) and that is a class A beauty. The bass is sooo good you would not believe it is a 300b. Better than the A1000, yet needs sensitive speakers. I have a Musical Fidelity F16 switchable, 50 watts class A (all class A, I reckon the first 15 or so watts are on the A1000) or 200W Class AB. Driven from a Eastern Electric Minimax pre. Tighter, improved bass drive in AB BUT so much more engaging in A. I can't tell you why, I can't say those three amps sound the same as they do not, BUT I AM ENGAGED far more with them all in the chain than an AB and listening sessions do not stop. Realism. Suspension of disbelief rather than audio perfection is how I would describe it.
Great to learn about your experiences. I used to fantasise about owning a MF A1000 when I was a student 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I bought my first home a 1 bedroom flat. Lived without a TV for 2 years. My friends didn't understand. After 18 months I bought the A1000, Heybrook Sextet (still have) and TEAC VDS20SE (still have) and just played music. An orginal Rega Planar 3 (RB200 arm, I prefer it) did the honours on vinyl.
@@aitchr8770 understood. I could live without a TV but not a hifi. Being a audiophile can be an isolating pursuit 😊👍
Great review. Sounds like just what I would be looking for in a tube amps. Love the look of the tubes themselves, just too bad the rest of the aesthetics are no where as nice as the little brother.
Thank you buddy 👍
I use my r8 almost 90 percent of the time, the other 10 percent is a denond rh 800h solid state amp for radio. i just purchased a R800i and connot wait for its arrival.
Cool 😎
Thank you
Welcome 😊
Hi Tarun,
I always enjoy your channel both for your research and excellent presentation.
However, and this is somewhat tongue in cheek, why use the American term for valves rather than our own?
Thank you Mark. Much appreciated. Fair point, but tubes seem to be a more commonly used term even in the U.K.. As far as I am aware at least 😊