Video on what is single-ended tube amp: ua-cam.com/video/I3-pvbglrso/v-deo.html Non-affiliated link: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/reisong-tube-amplifier-boyuurange-audio-c-48/boyuurange-a50-mkiii-300b-single-end-class-a-tube-intergrated-amplifier-reisong-p-2309
I’m sorry, did I understood you correctly, you send back 30% of the stuff that you get from China hi-fi? Does that mean you keep the other 70%? And if so, how're you not unbiased? Do you buy it or do you just keep it? If you buy it, what kind of discount are you getting?.. Please explain…
Hi Thomas . Can you advise please, would BoyuuRange A50 Mk III be similar in terms on vocals to MUZISHARE X9 300B SINGLE ENDED CLASS A TUBE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER WITH PHONO MM or WILLSENTON R300 SINGLE-ENDED INTEGRATED 300B TUBE AMPLIFIER& POWER AMP
I've had a pair of Wavelength Cardinal 300B mono blocks for nearly 30 years. They never fail to impress. When I first got them, I took them to a local high end dealer to audition Proac Response 2 speakers. The dealer was skeptical until he heard them. His jaw dropped and he asked me to stay until his partner could come and hear them. I've since upgraded the interstage coupling caps to Mundorf Silver/oils and they sound even better.
I purchased this amp back in March. Immediately rolled the 300B's with Genelex Gold Lion 300Bs. Also found some NOS GE 6SN7GTBs and sourcing Tidal through Topping DX7 Pro DAC out to a pair of vintage JBL 4412 Studio Monitors I have had for 25 years.(90db) The sound is incredible! Enjoy your reviews.
Thanks for such a comprehensive, candid review. Glad you tried amp with Spendor s3/5r2 with its 85 dB sensitivity. I feed a pair of Falcon Acoustic LS35a's with a 300B amp (Elekit) for a great sonic presentation. I can't detect any distortion on loud passages, which was my main fear with this pairing. Maybe the higher 15 ohm speaker impedance is the 'magic sauce' that makes this combo work so well.
Listening to the sound samples at the end of the video, through my MacBook Pro speakers, I think I prefer your Spendor speakers! Very interesting to me, because I am considering the Harbeth P3 speakers for my own setup (Spendor and Harbeth being of similar character). I want to pair a Harbeth speaker purchase with a tube amplifier. My problem is finding one sufficiently powerful enough to drive them. Great content! Thanks for your work!!
Thank you Thomas for your insightful reviews, you make audio more fun. For the last 9 months I routinely run a Freya+ with nos tubes (matched Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and Tungsol 6sn7 gtb’s) thru the Boyuurange A50 MK3 (with Black Treasure 300B-Z’s, Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and stock rectifier tube) to drive various speakers (ie I “speaker roll” as well; Cornwall 3’s, Lii Audio F-15’s on open-baffle, Zu DW’s, Watkins Gen4, etc). I have experienced no adverse effects and the Freya’s small amplification when using the tube mode really helps with less efficient speakers. I can increase the Freya’s output while keeping the A50 at 12 o’clock or less to avoid any possible distortion mentioned by others. Lately, I have been using a streaming dac which also has volume adjustment (HD & high-resolution source) so I actually have three separate areas to adjust the volume. It sounds good to me; if I’m violating any electronic or acoustic laws, then I plead guilty via ignorance. I do have concerns about loss of purity in the final outcome, in theory, but when I remove each component from the chain, I can tell little to no real difference overall in soundstage, etc, other than what each component brings into the mix.
@@parthmadhubhai689 I have left the F15’s hooked up almost all the time. Whenever I swap another pair in for something different I soon go back to the F15’s. I wish I had found them before buying much more expensive speakers. This may be an open-baffle thing as much or more than an F15 thing but since I built the open baffles I’m having a hard time listening to anything else. The OB’s are 3/4” birch plywood in a plagiarized barrel shape but large (48”Hx37”W). I do use a subwoofer because I tend to like bass more than most people but the F15’s have pretty good bass on their own with the larger baffles.
Great review, I got myself a Reisong Boyuurange A30 2A3 which is fantastic IMHO. I forgot to add I did my own modification. I replaced the stock caps with Russian K42Y PIO and I also upgraded to Psvane Acme 2a3 and Shuguang WE 6SL7 Plus from the default Psvane 2A3C and stock 6SL7 tubes.
Thank you Thomas for demoing the Spendor S3/5r2 speakers. They don't get much coverage these days. I listen to my Spendors with an Ariand 300B amplifier. I find there are some great things going on with that (Spendor + 300B) combo as you said (transparency, soundstage, musicality etc.) that I don't hear with other speakers. Thanks for interesting videos!
Great video as usual. I love how you get different opinions from you audio friends. Just a note on transparency. Having worked in a studio in front of and behind the mic, saliva sounds was definitely something we tried to avoid and it is not a highlight of my listening experience. Or as I tell my audio friends, would they enjoy it more if they could hear the singer fart. Hehe. That said, older jazz recordings will sometimes have artifacts like a creaking floorboard, light foot tapping, or a faint clapping that might becoming from the control booth that leaked into the recording. These artifacts do enhance the liveness of the sound and adds nicely to the ambiance. Again great video!
I'd say I'm not a fan of mouth sounds either. It's like hearing someone chew with their mouth open and can distract me from the music to where that's the only thing I'll focus on and ignore the rest of the song. Can even be the same with singers taking deep breaths. These days you just cut it in a digital recording but as Tay Zonday taught everyone, to move away from the mic to breathe in.
Nicely put. I seriously can't imagine a worse selling point than the ability to hear how much saliva a singer has in their mouth. Disgusting. Floorboards creaking, drummers singing along in the background, sure, if its there, I want to hear it. But something that accentuates the sound of bodily fluids? No one needs that kind of fidelity.
Oh man, Etta and Nikolaj were both my teachers, way back when I was a student at the academy of music (gospel choir and piano) and I didn’t even know they made that album! Gotta check it out right away 😊❤️
🤗 I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU TO EXPERIENCE TUBE AMPS ( a vicarious experience for me) AND YOUR EXPLANATIONS I AM SURE HELPS MANY PEOPLE 🤗 …I am very impressed with the looks 👀 gold and VU meters 🤩🤩🤩 You have described the differences between various types and the cost $$ but I am curious how long do they last and how fast do they deteriorate before they need to be replaced 🤔 perhaps others may also like to know 🧐 THANKS THOMAS…AND KEEP UP ⬆️ THE GOOD WORK 😍😍😍
Hi Thomas, great review. I own this amp & agree with everything you have to say about it. I replaced the 300B tubes with Shuguang 300B-Z(50 Years) tubes, and the input tubes with new production Tungsols. Matched with my Zu Dirty Weekend speakers, it sounds good to me.
Switching the input tubes to Tungsols gives a really nice upgrade to the bass and general meat on the bone, and the Golden Lion 300Bs gave me more definition on the top end (this didn't really make a big difference to the musical experience)
Thank for this video…as someone who has been enjoying rolling KT88 tubes in the triode amplifier…I have always wanted to sample the B300 sound. Being like your “Mr. Designer” my plan has always been to design & build my own SET amp, but now maybe the plan could be buy-and-modify to find that sweet spot of performance:price
I have the A10 and upgraded the EL34s to Gold Lions and the 6volt ones to JJ 12AX7s. It sounded more detailed and tighter with the replacement tubes. As if a veil had been lifted. Recently I upgraded the orange coupling capacitors to Milflex and the improvement was considerable. It now sounds organic, smooth, a more fixed image, and much better detail. Overall way more musical. If you have the A10 or A12 consider the cap upgrade, if you know what you're doing.
Hi Thomas. Love your work, always look forward to the next video. I purchased a Reisong A12 amp (4 days from China to Australia from China-HiFi-Audio) and was interested to see your review on the A50 300B. Noting here that you are recommending changing the pre-amp tubes rather than the power tubes to get an improvement in sound without too much expense. Would you recommend the same for the A12 by rolling out the 12AX7s? If so, do you have any recommendations.
Sure, it will affect the smoothness. I don't really have any suggestions in the sense I just take whatever NOS I have and so far I get decent results with whatever I try. There is no better in the sense it depends what you want with tube rolling, more clarity or more smoothness?
A big plus for Chinese amplifiers is that they come with a schematic. This is great for electronics hobbyists who can go in and make changes and improve the sound characteristics of the amplifier. The amplifiers are affordable too and priced right. The designers obviously make compromises to keep costs down, but the negative effects are minimal. So, these amplifiers sound great even without modifications.
I lent Thomas my Reisong A10 for his comparison with the A12 - I had the pleasure of trying all three (with stock tubes) in my home (A50, A12 and A10) with my Klipsch Forte III. My experience - they are all provide very good value. All three have great midrange / vocals, only in doing a head to head did I notice a bit more of an edginess with the A50 - but the upside was better bass / bass definition in exchange. I actually liked the Reisong models in my room more than some other brands of tube amps Thomas has lent me costing 2 or 3X more… reinforced the value/dollar. I’m curious to know what tube amp is sitting on top of the speaker behind Thomas’ left shoulder??? :)
Another great journey shared by Thomas. Much better with the Silverline Sonata IMHO. But certainly a good base perhaps to improve with some quality caps and resistors. The ultimate limitation will be the output transformers.
Hi Thomas, if the values of the signal caps are not big like 2uF or so, please try the V Caps - CuTF-080: 0.22uF 300Vdc V-Cap CuTF Capacitors (matched pair) . They are not so expensive but not so cheap. I paid more than 200 euros for this matched pair, but oh my God, it's worth. In this kind of SET, signal caps make 85% of the uopgrade, if well chosen. You can't go wrong with these. No hard treble. Big soundstage, etc etc etc. Thank you for the video !
I also had a chance to hear one of these (stock tubes) recently, and my findings were very similar to yours. Of course your friend with the (to me, unlistenable, glaring) Zu would like it. 300b's might be the only thing I could probably handle Zu's with.
Great review Thomas. I am using the Spendor S3/5R2 myself and can confirm their superb matching with low powered tube amps, despite their sensitivity rating. The reason for that might be their very smooth response graph If I remember correctly, rated at 8 Ohm they don’t drop below 6.8 . I am using it with an Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP, which is said to have no bass at all. But with the Spendor and considering it’s tube amp I am getting quite articulate and punchy but no deep bass.
@@ThomasAndStereo Me too. It has mids to die for and I adore its coloration. I haven't found a speaker yet, basically at any price point that came even close to that. A true audiophile gem.
The original Western Electric factory has re-opened and is now manufacturing WE 300B tubes using the original machinery. That's the only model that they manufacture at the moment but this may change in the future. One does not have to look for NOS WE 300B tubes anymore. They even make an integrated tube amp which I saw at a recent HiFi show. Check out their website.
I have the Reisong A10 with the EL 34's modified to triode. A few minor internal tweeks and it sounds fine. Not hugely dynamic, not a lot of depth. Not spine-tingling, but quite nice. I'd like more but it's not easy to convince the wife of an urgent need for yet another amplifier... I'm driving diy folded Voigt enclosures which I've had for decades. The original 3 inch Fostex where subbed for 4 inch Fostex, and now I have a pair of 3 inch Mark Audio fitted. They're the very devil to drive now, which surprised me. Maybe they'll loosen up over time, but I think the A10 is struggling a bit...
If you would like to take this amp up into the 6k performance you will not only need to roll the tube like you did but to bring out the 300b performance and soundstage you need to replace the caps to Audio Note Capacitor 0.47uF 630Vdc Copper Foils! This will make all the difference @ $90 each x2
If I recall, PS Vane was started by a group of engineers who left Chinese state owned Shuguang Tubes. I think PS Vane as deliberate and not a mistake, based around where they had been and where they were heading toward. Western Electric have started making 300B's again, in the original way. Fun fact - 300B's were originally designed for use in telephony, and not audio. It was found later that they were really nice at handling Audio. 300B's are several hundred dollars each on there own, so getting an Amplifier based around 300b's at the price this one ..... Well it is quite a deal.
As always a great review. Is that a Decware Zen in shot over your left shoulder?? I wanted to try a tube amp again and narrowed it down to this 300b design and a Decware. If it is the Decware did you compare them?
I don’t know. Separate tube amp when I already run a small theater with 50a mono blocks and a vinyl setup with some classic receivers. Thanks for the info. I may take the plunge…or I may just get another pew-pew-less space, less money, less time investment :)
Hi Thomas, What amplifiers did you like with the Spendor other than the A50? I have the Spendor A1 , which I think is more or less identical to the one you have, and still have not settled on a good amplifier match for it. Are you using a USB isolator/ re-cklocker with the Exasound DAC? I found adding one (the Uptone ISO regen in my case) makes quite a noticeable improvement to my surprise as the DAC has an internal buffer.
I used it near field so I don't really need anything really powerful. Any amp with decent power sounded good with it. Granted, when I am at my desk, I just listen for tone and I don't do critical listening. I think so far I paired with the Burson Timekeeper, SMSL A2 and Peachtree something.
I’ve recently purchased a McIntosh mc2505 power amp in perfect condition pretty much. I’d like some suggestions for an affordable pre-amp that would compliment it and give at least 2 audio inputs. Phono and a cassette. I know this is a different topic and is a solid state power unit. But from what I’ve been advised. It was the best solid state McIntosh ever came out with. For speakers: I have also acquired a set of McIntosh ML-1C as well as a set of Watkins WSC-1+. Both vintage speakers that are in very good shape. My preference for music is in the Rock category. I’m hoping to get some affordable options for this system. Thanks for any help. ~Jon
Whole series of mods & testing on this Boyuurange / Reisong A50 300B Tube Amp Basic Mods Part One about half dosen vids @ Skunkie Designs Electronics on youtube. enjoyed your review.
@@justinflemmer Thank You for the links she deserves the views all the hard work she did . But I don't know if she can send the amp for review #1 its not Hers #2 She lives in Georgia USA He lives in Canada shipping be expensive.
@@ThomasAndStereo with Stephe in Canada it may get tricky with shipping but @Skunkie Designs Electronics will be putting up her mods with BOMs up for those willing to give it a try.
Hi Thomas, how would you compare it to Cayin MT35 MK2 (EL34), is it a good entry in the tube univers? I have contact in China, so I could get it for a wholesale price.
Thomas, I am curious. I have been looking at both the Reisong A-10 and A-12 Integrated amplifier but not to use with a conventional stereo amp. What I was thinking is I'd use it at my desktop and connect to my Emotiva XDA-2 DAC so that I could plug my headphones into it. Can I do that and still get the tube sound? And how would I connect my desktp speakers, which are powered? These are beautiful amplifiers.
Hi Thomas. How does the A50 compare to the Willsenton R300? Which did you like better in terms of sound, build quality etc. Looking to get into 300b tube amps. Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Thomas for your videos. I just got my A50 and its kind of kicking in. But I will surely roll the preamp tubes as you also did. I was wondering if I can hookup this amp as a power amp only with my schist freya+ preamp. Any thoughts on that? Also this amp does not have a main in / bypass so then what can be the best way to avoid the preamp section of this amp? Please throw some insights if you can. Thanks. Keep making your videos. Cheers.
You can't by pass the preamp. You can try with the Freya+ with it and let me know if it improves the sound or not. In theory, it should not damage your A50. I did not try it so I don't know.
For the last 9 months I routinely run a Freya+ with nos tubes (matched Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and Tungsol 6sn7 gtb’s) thru the Boyuurange A50 MK3 (with Black Treasure 300B-Z’s, Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and stock rectifier tube) to drive various speakers (ie I “speaker roll” as well; Cornwall 3’s, Lii Audio F-15’s on open-baffle, Zu DW’s, Watkins Gen4, etc). I have experienced no adverse effects and the Freya’s small amplification when using the tube mode really helps with less efficient speakers. I can increase the Freya’s output while keeping the A50 at 12 o’clock or less to avoid any possible distortion mentioned by others. Lately, I have been using a streaming dac which also has volume adjustment (HD & high-resolution source) so I actually have three separate areas to adjust the volume. It sounds good to me; if I’m violating any electronic or acoustic laws, then I plead guilty via ignorance.
Hi Thomas. Thanks for another great video! I have a question. Have you auditioned the Muzishare X7. I chose it over the R8 because of the phono stage (which ironically I now don’t use). The reason I’m asking is because I also recently got a pair of KLH Model 5s and I worry that the X7 is underpowered. It sounds quite good when I really turn it up but it’s much thinner at lower volumes. I’d really appreciate any thoughts or comments
No I have not heard the X7 yet but I expect both R8 will drive the KLH similarly in the sense they have similar power. With the KLH, the sky is the limit with what amp you want to pair it with, in the sense it gets better with more power, so I would not worry too much about it with the X7 as long as you are enjoying it. If you absolutely want power, I would move to solidstate. If needed, a tube preamp and a solid state power amp.
Thomas thanks so much for another great video. I bought this amp like 2 months ago and pretty much your review is right on the money. I connected it to my Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII 90db sensitivity. I’m very surprised how well this amp drives them no problems with loudness. For me 10 o’clock is very loud. I bought some Gold Lions 300b tube and slightly improved the sound (it should improve further with more hours) Same thing with 6sn7 got some NOS GE tubes. Sounds very special. I just wonder if buying more expensive tubes around 1k would improve the sound substantially….? Thanks.
I wonder if a $1k tube will be a significant improvement too. I would say at that price, might as well upgrade the amp so you can get more refinement and bass instead.
Thomas my name is Andy from Chicago. I want you to know that I really appreciate all of your videos and the insight you give us on HIFI equipment. Thank you!!! I do have a first question for you. I I am in the market for a tube amplifier. I wanted to know what your thoughts are between china HIFI tube amplifiers versus a Macintosh MA252 or352? Well the China HIFI give me as good of a sound for much less money? Or should I continue to save and buy the Mac? Better yet if you have time could you do a comparison video I have not found any comparisons between china HIFI and McIntosh amplifiers on UA-cam yet. Thank you so much for what you do and your time!!
Well McIntosh are really well built and are higher quality. They have better components but do they sound better? It depends if you like the McIntosh sound and also if you listen deep enough. It's not a simple answer because there is voicing you have to factor in and this can be a while long discussion .
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you so much for your reply Thomas I appreciate it! Just one more question in your opinion what would have more of a musical tube juiciness to the sound? I currently have a Yamaha as 1200 which of course is solid State so that’s the reason I want a tube amplifier to have the other end of the spectrum but at the same time I want something that is quality. Thanks again for your time and all your wonderful videos!
Thomas, Can you suggest good single ended with good power around 45+ w per Chanel with good performance vocal clarity and crisp sounds from China HI FI
What would be the next better choice than this unit ....in terms of sweetness, airy, a bit more detailed & refined? I have an amazing pair of Totem Acoustic Tribe Floorstander Speakers.
Thomas you should look at skunk design it's a channel where they take apart all these entry level tube amplifiers now I'm not a hater there is some good ones out there but they basically show all the fault flaws with these cheaper tube amplifiers and how some of them are not safe with ground problems
Please, please post your review of the Willsenton r300i as soon as possible. I own the Willsenton r8 and love it and know that they make great products. I have been wanting to get a 300b amp for sometime now, but the only reviews I've found on line have been for the A50 mkiii and the Willsenton r 800i. Not completely sold in the A50 and r800i is way out of my price range. Read your reply to the person who asked about the mods to the A50, and you stated the r300i simply destroys it. Looking forward to your review of it.
Video on what is single-ended tube amp: ua-cam.com/video/I3-pvbglrso/v-deo.html
Non-affiliated link: www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/reisong-tube-amplifier-boyuurange-audio-c-48/boyuurange-a50-mkiii-300b-single-end-class-a-tube-intergrated-amplifier-reisong-p-2309
Hi Thomas, what source are you using to test? Are you using a CD player? Spotify? Vinyl/Turntable? Music from your phone? Which one and why?
I’m sorry, did I understood you correctly, you send back 30% of the stuff that you get from China hi-fi? Does that mean you keep the other 70%? And if so, how're you not unbiased? Do you buy it or do you just keep it? If you buy it, what kind of discount are you getting?.. Please explain…
Hi Thomas
. Can you advise please, would BoyuuRange A50 Mk III be similar in terms on vocals to MUZISHARE X9 300B SINGLE ENDED CLASS A TUBE INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER WITH PHONO MM or WILLSENTON R300 SINGLE-ENDED INTEGRATED 300B TUBE AMPLIFIER& POWER AMP
Hi Thomas. I love your videos about affordable tube amps. Keep the good work!
I've had a pair of Wavelength Cardinal 300B mono blocks for nearly 30 years. They never fail to impress. When I first got them, I took them to a local high end dealer to audition Proac Response 2 speakers. The dealer was skeptical until he heard them. His jaw dropped and he asked me to stay until his partner could come and hear them. I've since upgraded the interstage coupling caps to Mundorf Silver/oils and they sound even better.
Great vid Thomas. I always look forward to your posts!
Glad you like them!
Can't wait for the Decware. Your videos are always better than all others. It is great that you show the gear.
Yeah, the Decware is really good.
Nice video Thomas. As always a pleasure to listen to your take on gear.
I purchased this amp back in March. Immediately rolled the 300B's with Genelex Gold Lion 300Bs. Also found some NOS GE 6SN7GTBs and sourcing Tidal through Topping DX7 Pro DAC out to a pair of vintage JBL 4412 Studio Monitors I have had for 25 years.(90db) The sound is incredible! Enjoy your reviews.
Thanks for such a comprehensive, candid review. Glad you tried amp with Spendor s3/5r2 with its 85 dB sensitivity. I feed a pair of Falcon Acoustic LS35a's with a 300B amp (Elekit) for a great sonic presentation. I can't detect any distortion on loud passages, which was my main fear with this pairing. Maybe the higher 15 ohm speaker impedance is the 'magic sauce' that makes this combo work so well.
Keep up the good work:)! Much appreciated!
Thanks, will do!
300b has always been interesting to me, I've never heard it before, so I appreciate your discussion on the topic.
The demo of Spendor S3/5R2 is definitely more pleasant to my ears. Thanks for another great review Thomas.
My pleasure!
Thanks for this review. I am going to start playing with tube amps.
Good luck! Hehehe!
Another great review. For those with Heresy IV, this A50 is magic.
Agree ! They sound great with this speaker match. I swapped the 6SN7 input tubes with Tungsols and it was a big upgrade.
I love watching tube amps, pure art
You did it finally. Thanks! :)
Listening to the sound samples at the end of the video, through my MacBook Pro speakers, I think I prefer your Spendor speakers! Very interesting to me, because I am considering the Harbeth P3 speakers for my own setup (Spendor and Harbeth being of similar character). I want to pair a Harbeth speaker purchase with a tube amplifier. My problem is finding one sufficiently powerful enough to drive them. Great content! Thanks for your work!!
Hi Thomas, I think your are the coolest, love your reviews.
Glad you like them!
Thank you Thomas for your insightful reviews, you make audio more fun. For the last 9 months I routinely run a Freya+ with nos tubes (matched Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and Tungsol 6sn7 gtb’s) thru the Boyuurange A50 MK3 (with Black Treasure 300B-Z’s, Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and stock rectifier tube) to drive various speakers (ie I “speaker roll” as well; Cornwall 3’s, Lii Audio F-15’s on open-baffle, Zu DW’s, Watkins Gen4, etc). I have experienced no adverse effects and the Freya’s small amplification when using the tube mode really helps with less efficient speakers. I can increase the Freya’s output while keeping the A50 at 12 o’clock or less to avoid any possible distortion mentioned by others. Lately, I have been using a streaming dac which also has volume adjustment (HD & high-resolution source) so I actually have three separate areas to adjust the volume. It sounds good to me; if I’m violating any electronic or acoustic laws, then I plead guilty via ignorance. I do have concerns about loss of purity in the final outcome, in theory, but when I remove each component from the chain, I can tell little to no real difference overall in soundstage, etc, other than what each component brings into the mix.
How is it working with you f15s?
@@parthmadhubhai689 I have left the F15’s hooked up almost all the time. Whenever I swap another pair in for something different I soon go back to the F15’s. I wish I had found them before buying much more expensive speakers. This may be an open-baffle thing as much or more than an F15 thing but since I built the open baffles I’m having a hard time listening to anything else. The OB’s are 3/4” birch plywood in a plagiarized barrel shape but large (48”Hx37”W). I do use a subwoofer because I tend to like bass more than most people but the F15’s have pretty good bass on their own with the larger baffles.
Great review, I got myself a Reisong Boyuurange A30 2A3 which is fantastic IMHO. I forgot to add I did my own modification. I replaced the stock caps with Russian K42Y PIO and I also upgraded to Psvane Acme 2a3 and Shuguang WE 6SL7 Plus from the default Psvane 2A3C and stock 6SL7 tubes.
Beautiful amp for sure.
Thank you Thomas for demoing the Spendor S3/5r2 speakers. They don't get much coverage these days. I listen to my Spendors with an Ariand 300B amplifier. I find there are some great things going on with that (Spendor + 300B) combo as you said (transparency, soundstage, musicality etc.) that I don't hear with other speakers. Thanks for interesting videos!
My pleasure!
Thanks China for Reisong amps!! Thanks!! Amazing affordable amps!
I have one of these and love it. The price is right as well and the wiring is superb
Did you need to modify it?
This with the Spendors sounds like my dream rig!
Thank you Thomas clarity caps upgrade 😃 😃
Great video as usual. I love how you get different opinions from you audio friends. Just a note on transparency. Having worked in a studio in front of and behind the mic, saliva sounds was definitely something we tried to avoid and it is not a highlight of my listening experience. Or as I tell my audio friends, would they enjoy it more if they could hear the singer fart. Hehe. That said, older jazz recordings will sometimes have artifacts like a creaking floorboard, light foot tapping, or a faint clapping that might becoming from the control booth that leaked into the recording. These artifacts do enhance the liveness of the sound and adds nicely to the ambiance. Again great video!
Ah, good info to have, thanks for sharing.
I'd say I'm not a fan of mouth sounds either. It's like hearing someone chew with their mouth open and can distract me from the music to where that's the only thing I'll focus on and ignore the rest of the song. Can even be the same with singers taking deep breaths. These days you just cut it in a digital recording but as Tay Zonday taught everyone, to move away from the mic to breathe in.
LoL. I knew someone would say something about that " saliva" eventually.... Hahaha .
@@billyelliotx 588h6660009999nde
Nicely put. I seriously can't imagine a worse selling point than the ability to hear how much saliva a singer has in their mouth. Disgusting. Floorboards creaking, drummers singing along in the background, sure, if its there, I want to hear it. But something that accentuates the sound of bodily fluids? No one needs that kind of fidelity.
This is why respect your opinion on audio.👍🏽👍🏽
Oh man, Etta and Nikolaj were both my teachers, way back when I was a student at the academy of music (gospel choir and piano) and I didn’t even know they made that album! Gotta check it out right away 😊❤️
Terrific review, Thomas. I might get this piece. Stock tubes only though.
জিনিসটার দাম পড়বে কত ভারতে
🤗 I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU TO EXPERIENCE TUBE AMPS ( a vicarious experience for me) AND YOUR EXPLANATIONS I AM SURE HELPS MANY PEOPLE 🤗 …I am very impressed with the looks 👀 gold and VU meters 🤩🤩🤩
You have described the differences between various types and the cost $$ but I am curious how long do they last and how fast do they deteriorate before they need to be replaced 🤔 perhaps others may also like to know 🧐
THANKS THOMAS…AND KEEP UP ⬆️ THE GOOD WORK 😍😍😍
yup need long term data to know.
I've just finished building a 300b tube amp from tubelab....amazing. such great sound.
You should build it and then review it!
Hi Thomas, great review. I own this amp & agree with everything you have to say about it. I replaced the 300B tubes with Shuguang 300B-Z(50 Years) tubes, and the input tubes with new production Tungsols. Matched with my Zu Dirty Weekend speakers, it sounds good to me.
Switching the input tubes to Tungsols gives a really nice upgrade to the bass and general meat on the bone, and the Golden Lion 300Bs gave me more definition on the top end (this didn't really make a big difference to the musical experience)
Thank for this video…as someone who has been enjoying rolling KT88 tubes in the triode amplifier…I have always wanted to sample the B300 sound. Being like your “Mr. Designer” my plan has always been to design & build my own SET amp, but now maybe the plan could be buy-and-modify to find that sweet spot of performance:price
The S3/5R2 demo sounded great through my S3/5R2 :)
I have the A10 and upgraded the EL34s to Gold Lions and the 6volt ones to JJ 12AX7s. It sounded more detailed and tighter with the replacement tubes. As if a veil had been lifted. Recently I upgraded the orange coupling capacitors to Milflex and the improvement was considerable. It now sounds organic, smooth, a more fixed image, and much better detail. Overall way more musical. If you have the A10 or A12 consider the cap upgrade, if you know what you're doing.
Any references for making the changes ? Thanks for sharing!
That would have to be the coolest looking amp around.
Hi Thomas. Love your work, always look forward to the next video. I purchased a Reisong A12 amp (4 days from China to Australia from China-HiFi-Audio) and was interested to see your review on the A50 300B. Noting here that you are recommending changing the pre-amp tubes rather than the power tubes to get an improvement in sound without too much expense. Would you recommend the same for the A12 by rolling out the 12AX7s? If so, do you have any recommendations.
Sure, it will affect the smoothness. I don't really have any suggestions in the sense I just take whatever NOS I have and so far I get decent results with whatever I try. There is no better in the sense it depends what you want with tube rolling, more clarity or more smoothness?
A big plus for Chinese amplifiers is that they come with a schematic.
This is great for electronics hobbyists who can go in and make changes and improve the sound characteristics of the amplifier.
The amplifiers are affordable too and priced right.
The designers obviously make compromises to keep costs down, but the negative effects are minimal. So, these amplifiers sound great even without modifications.
I lent Thomas my Reisong A10 for his comparison with the A12 - I had the pleasure of trying all three (with stock tubes) in my home (A50, A12 and A10) with my Klipsch Forte III. My experience - they are all provide very good value. All three have great midrange / vocals, only in doing a head to head did I notice a bit more of an edginess with the A50 - but the upside was better bass / bass definition in exchange. I actually liked the Reisong models in my room more than some other brands of tube amps Thomas has lent me costing 2 or 3X more… reinforced the value/dollar. I’m curious to know what tube amp is sitting on top of the speaker behind Thomas’ left shoulder??? :)
Haha Mark, that decware that I borrowed from you sounds AMAZING!
@@ThomasAndStereo with all 4 mentioned to include your willsenton r8/800i , how does the Decware stack up?
Change the 6sn7 to fix the glare as Thomas did…
Another great journey shared by Thomas. Much better with the Silverline Sonata IMHO. But certainly a good base perhaps to improve with some quality caps and resistors. The ultimate limitation will be the output transformers.
Yeah, with sensitive speakers, the thing really sings. With normal sensitivity speakers, it still sounds good.
Hi Thomas Thks this is great review. I need your advice. Will this amp match b&w dm2A vintage speaker 90db?
It’s the VU meters. They hypnotise you and make everything sound better. 😂
Hi Thomas, if the values of the signal caps are not big like 2uF or so, please try the V Caps - CuTF-080: 0.22uF 300Vdc V-Cap CuTF Capacitors (matched pair) . They are not so expensive but not so cheap. I paid more than 200 euros for this matched pair, but oh my God, it's worth. In this kind of SET, signal caps make 85% of the uopgrade, if well chosen. You can't go wrong with these. No hard treble. Big soundstage, etc etc etc. Thank you for the video !
I also had a chance to hear one of these (stock tubes) recently, and my findings were very similar to yours.
Of course your friend with the (to me, unlistenable, glaring) Zu would like it. 300b's might be the only thing I could probably handle Zu's with.
Great review Thomas. I am using the Spendor S3/5R2 myself and can confirm their superb matching with low powered tube amps, despite their sensitivity rating. The reason for that might be their very smooth response graph If I remember correctly, rated at 8 Ohm they don’t drop below 6.8 . I am using it with an Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP, which is said to have no bass at all. But with the Spendor and considering it’s tube amp I am getting quite articulate and punchy but no deep bass.
Ah maybe that is why, I love the Spendor S3/5R2, too bad not many people know about it.
@@ThomasAndStereo Me too. It has mids to die for and I adore its coloration. I haven't found a speaker yet, basically at any price point that came even close to that. A true audiophile gem.
Are S3/5RS same as LS3/5a?. I got a Herbeth.
The original Western Electric factory has re-opened and is now manufacturing WE 300B tubes using the original machinery. That's the only model that they manufacture at the moment but this may change in the future. One does not have to look for NOS WE 300B tubes anymore. They even make an integrated tube amp which I saw at a recent HiFi show. Check out their website.
Good to know, thanks.
Love the reviews!!!!........Did you ever review the Coincident line stage preamp? It has two tubes.
No, I remember the tubes are like lightbulbs. Mr Jazz in this video had it before and I have heard it, pretty good.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you!!!!
I have the Reisong A10 with the EL 34's modified to triode. A few minor internal tweeks and it sounds fine. Not hugely dynamic, not a lot of depth. Not spine-tingling, but quite nice. I'd like more but it's not easy to convince the wife of an urgent need for yet another amplifier...
I'm driving diy folded Voigt enclosures which I've had for decades. The original 3 inch Fostex where subbed for 4 inch Fostex, and now I have a pair of 3 inch Mark Audio fitted. They're the very devil to drive now, which surprised me. Maybe they'll loosen up over time, but I think the A10 is struggling a bit...
Please do a review on the borrowed Decware amp. Right now they have over 700 on back order. About a one year wait. I’m glad I got mine last year.
Been waiting for someone to do some of the 300b amps from China. Would really like to see Muzishare X9 get a review someday.
Darn I am tempted.
If I’m not mistaken , you have an oncoming review of the willsenton 800i , Thomas ?
@@ThomasAndStereo Muzishare X9 it would be great review from you
Cheap tubes often sound 'glassy' & replacement with quality matched units makes a lot of sense.
If you would like to take this amp up into the 6k performance you will not only need to roll the tube like you did but to bring out the 300b performance and soundstage you need to replace the caps to Audio Note Capacitor 0.47uF 630Vdc Copper Foils! This will make all the difference @ $90 each x2
the sound is good due to the tubes. these are the best tube I have tried
the tube I tried is 6SN7.
for 6SN7, when change tube, I only change gain stages, do we need change buffer stages as well ?
If I recall, PS Vane was started by a group of engineers who left Chinese state owned Shuguang Tubes. I think PS Vane as deliberate and not a mistake, based around where they had been and where they were heading toward.
Western Electric have started making 300B's again, in the original way. Fun fact - 300B's were originally designed for use in telephony, and not audio. It was found later that they were really nice at handling Audio. 300B's are several hundred dollars each on there own, so getting an Amplifier based around 300b's at the price this one ..... Well it is quite a deal.
Hi Thomas thanks for your great video's. Have you posted one on the wilsenton 800i yet or have l missed it cheers Cliff.
Not yet, maybe in a Month.
Thanks for that.
Kt88's were the big boy valve used in guitar amplifiers of the late sixties.
As always a great review. Is that a Decware Zen in shot over your left shoulder?? I wanted to try a tube amp again and narrowed it down to this 300b design and a Decware. If it is the Decware did you compare them?
Yes it is a Decware and its a good.
Thank you. Im excited about the Decware . . . but is a 6 month wait :(
How does this compare to the Wilkinson R8. Are they similar in cost?
Hello Thomas !
How do you compare both Willsenton R8 to the Reisong A50. Which one do you like the most ? What about the price ?
Thank you !!
Have you tested the a20? Wondering how the a20 compares to the a50. Thanks
I don’t know. Separate tube amp when I already run a small theater with 50a mono blocks and a vinyl setup with some classic receivers.
Thanks for the info. I may take the plunge…or I may just get another pew-pew-less space, less money, less time investment :)
Looks very elegant, wondering if they build sth on GM70.
tell me , are the indicator arrows not moving ?I don't work for me, do you know why?
Hi Thomas, What amplifiers did you like with the Spendor other than the A50? I have the Spendor A1 , which I think is more or less identical to the one you have, and still have not settled on a good amplifier match for it. Are you using a USB isolator/ re-cklocker with the Exasound DAC? I found adding one (the Uptone ISO regen in my case) makes quite a noticeable improvement to my surprise as the DAC has an internal buffer.
I used it near field so I don't really need anything really powerful. Any amp with decent power sounded good with it. Granted, when I am at my desk, I just listen for tone and I don't do critical listening. I think so far I paired with the Burson Timekeeper, SMSL A2 and Peachtree something.
@1:55 I no longer see Line Magnetic listed in the "china hi fi" line up: Does anyone know why they no longer carry this manufacture ?
Wait! Did I just looked at a video about listening to saliva? 🤣
Thanks for a good video Thomas!👍
Interesting. Definitely seems like good bang for the buck. What brand are those white quadratic diffusers on your wall? They look really good
Thanks, those are vicoustic diffusers.
As a Focal fan i think you have to check out the new Aria :p
I’ve recently purchased a McIntosh mc2505 power amp in perfect condition pretty much. I’d like some suggestions for an affordable pre-amp that would compliment it and give at least 2 audio inputs. Phono and a cassette.
I know this is a different topic and is a solid state power unit. But from what I’ve been advised. It was the best solid state McIntosh ever came out with.
For speakers: I have also acquired a set of McIntosh ML-1C as well as a set of Watkins WSC-1+. Both vintage speakers that are in very good shape.
My preference for music is in the Rock category. I’m hoping to get some affordable options for this system. Thanks for any help. ~Jon
Whole series of mods & testing on this Boyuurange / Reisong A50 300B Tube Amp Basic Mods Part One about half dosen vids @
Skunkie Designs Electronics on youtube. enjoyed your review.
Yep, I think it would be great for Thomas to review Stephe’s updated Boyuurange A50. ua-cam.com/play/PLtEhh3UpOsiBWwGBIQ-4yIpVfwpX_QPUC.html
@@justinflemmer Thank You for the links she deserves the views all the hard work she did . But I don't know if she can send the amp for review #1 its not Hers #2 She lives in Georgia USA He lives in Canada shipping be expensive.
Nice, really excited to see some many hidden potential with this A50.
Yeah too bad, it would be awesome if she can mod mine!
@@ThomasAndStereo with Stephe in Canada it may get tricky with shipping but @Skunkie Designs Electronics will be putting up her mods with BOMs up for those willing to give it a try.
Hi Thomas, how would you compare it to Cayin MT35 MK2 (EL34), is it a good entry in the tube univers? I have contact in China, so I could get it for a wholesale price.
Building my first hifi system already have bookshelf speaker KEF IQ3 what tube amp affordable will match this thanks
Thomas, I am curious. I have been looking at both the Reisong A-10 and A-12 Integrated amplifier but not to use with a conventional stereo amp. What I was thinking is I'd use it at my desktop and connect to my Emotiva XDA-2 DAC so that I could plug my headphones into it. Can I do that and still get the tube sound? And how would I connect my desktp speakers, which are powered? These are beautiful amplifiers.
I don't think you can plug to your desktop speakers and DAC to use as a headphone amp.
Lumayan 👍
Hi Thomas. How does the A50 compare to the Willsenton R300? Which did you like better in terms of sound, build quality etc. Looking to get into 300b tube amps. Thanks in advance. Keep up the good work!
R300 wins by a mile for me.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks for the reply. really? How so? In terms of sound quality?
Thanks Thomas for your videos. I just got my A50 and its kind of kicking in. But I will surely roll the preamp tubes as you also did. I was wondering if I can hookup this amp as a power amp only with my schist freya+ preamp. Any thoughts on that? Also this amp does not have a main in / bypass so then what can be the best way to avoid the preamp section of this amp? Please throw some insights if you can. Thanks. Keep making your videos. Cheers.
You can't by pass the preamp. You can try with the Freya+ with it and let me know if it improves the sound or not. In theory, it should not damage your A50. I did not try it so I don't know.
@@ThomasAndStereo So technically it would be passing the signal through 2 preamps? Theoretically that doesn't sound too promising :)))
For the last 9 months I routinely run a Freya+ with nos tubes (matched Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and Tungsol 6sn7 gtb’s) thru the Boyuurange A50 MK3 (with Black Treasure 300B-Z’s, Sylvania 6sn7 gtb’s and stock rectifier tube) to drive various speakers (ie I “speaker roll” as well; Cornwall 3’s, Lii Audio F-15’s on open-baffle, Zu DW’s, Watkins Gen4, etc). I have experienced no adverse effects and the Freya’s small amplification when using the tube mode really helps with less efficient speakers. I can increase the Freya’s output while keeping the A50 at 12 o’clock or less to avoid any possible distortion mentioned by others. Lately, I have been using a streaming dac which also has volume adjustment (HD & high-resolution source) so I actually have three separate areas to adjust the volume. It sounds good to me; if I’m violating any electronic or acoustic laws, then I plead guilty via ignorance.
Hi Thomas. Thanks for another great video! I have a question. Have you auditioned the Muzishare X7. I chose it over the R8 because of the phono stage (which ironically I now don’t use). The reason I’m asking is because I also recently got a pair of KLH Model 5s and I worry that the X7 is underpowered. It sounds quite good when I really turn it up but it’s much thinner at lower volumes. I’d really appreciate any thoughts or comments
No I have not heard the X7 yet but I expect both R8 will drive the KLH similarly in the sense they have similar power. With the KLH, the sky is the limit with what amp you want to pair it with, in the sense it gets better with more power, so I would not worry too much about it with the X7 as long as you are enjoying it. If you absolutely want power, I would move to solidstate. If needed, a tube preamp and a solid state power amp.
Thomas, when you run a tube amp through a Rel sub, is the tube sound lost or is full tube sound retained?
It is retained because the top end air and decay is still there.
@@ThomasAndStereo thank you
WOW!…WOW! WOW! I just listened to Etta's "Motherless Child"…. on my system….Six times! …😲😲😲 JUST WOW!
Yeah, really nice song.
@@ThomasAndStereo MOVING!!! (and VERY well recorded!!,)
Thomas what tv stand do you use? I've been looking for some like yours and can't find anything. Thanks
Its custom made.
Have you tried with Klipsch Cornwall? Sophia ones are the (rare) old version of Guiguang
No I did not.
Thomas thanks so much for another great video. I bought this amp like 2 months ago and pretty much your review is right on the money.
I connected it to my Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII 90db sensitivity. I’m very surprised how well this amp drives them no problems with loudness.
For me 10 o’clock is very loud. I bought some Gold Lions 300b tube and slightly improved the sound (it should improve further with more hours)
Same thing with 6sn7 got some NOS GE tubes. Sounds very special. I just wonder if buying more expensive tubes around 1k would improve the sound substantially….? Thanks.
I wonder if a $1k tube will be a significant improvement too. I would say at that price, might as well upgrade the amp so you can get more refinement and bass instead.
@@ThomasAndStereo You mean upgrading mk 50 inside components like you mentioned in the video right?
Have you reviewed/tested the Decware Sarah 300B (Western Electric) and if so, how does it compare?
Not yet.
I don't know about this type of amp, but as a guitarist I would suggest you get more from changing preamp tubes
Thomas my name is Andy from Chicago. I want you to know that I really appreciate all of your videos and the insight you give us on HIFI equipment. Thank you!!! I do have a first question for you. I I am in the market for a tube amplifier. I wanted to know what your thoughts are between china HIFI tube amplifiers versus a Macintosh MA252 or352? Well the China HIFI give me as good of a sound for much less money? Or should I continue to save and buy the Mac? Better yet if you have time could you do a comparison video I have not found any comparisons between china HIFI and McIntosh amplifiers on UA-cam yet. Thank you so much for what you do and your time!!
Well McIntosh are really well built and are higher quality. They have better components but do they sound better? It depends if you like the McIntosh sound and also if you listen deep enough. It's not a simple answer because there is voicing you have to factor in and this can be a while long discussion .
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you so much for your reply Thomas I appreciate it! Just one more question in your opinion what would have more of a musical tube juiciness to the sound? I currently have a Yamaha as 1200 which of course is solid State so that’s the reason I want a tube amplifier to have the other end of the spectrum but at the same time I want something that is quality. Thanks again for your time and all your wonderful videos!
Recomed with klipch rf7?
nice review. I have a question, maybe a stupid question. Can I pair this reisong A50 with Martin Logan ESL speakers?
I would not recommend it.
@@ThomasAndStereo ok, thanks. Have you ever try reisong MT34?
Thomas, Can you suggest good single ended with good power around 45+ w per Chanel with good performance vocal clarity and crisp sounds from China HI FI
Well I only recommend stuff I actually have tried. I don't know any from them.
Hai sir, what do u think about the match between the klh model 5 and the Willsenton R-800i 300B 845 ? Its good synergy ?
I have not tried it so I don't know.
What would be the next better choice than this unit
....in terms of sweetness, airy, a bit more detailed & refined?
I have an amazing pair of Totem Acoustic Tribe Floorstander Speakers.
The Willsenton R300 is a way better choice.
Luxman 300b, any chance. Love the videos, thanks.
Would u go with the Willsenton R8 or this 300B????
And thanks!
R8
Thomas you should look at skunk design it's a channel where they take apart all these entry level tube amplifiers now I'm not a hater there is some good ones out there but they basically show all the fault flaws with these cheaper tube amplifiers and how some of them are not safe with ground problems
Nice video…s
Thanks
Please review the 340i Thanks
Hey Thomas! Test the Parasound New Classic 2250 V2. 400 watt $1600 class AB nobody talks about.
If anyone has some Reisong a12 tube upgrade suggestions I would be grateful. Thank you.
Following. Mine seems to be in a little “rut” after about 150 hours. Still enjoying it but waiting for it to come out of it.
I'm considering an Elekit 300b. Has anyone had any experience of these?
Please, please post your review of the Willsenton r300i as soon as possible. I own the Willsenton r8 and love it and know that they make great products. I have been wanting to get a 300b amp for sometime now, but the only reviews I've found on line have been for the A50 mkiii and the Willsenton r 800i. Not completely sold in the A50 and r800i is way out of my price range. Read your reply to the person who asked about the mods to the A50, and you stated the r300i simply destroys it. Looking forward to your review of it.
Will do soon.
Thank you
Whammerdyne!! 2A3 best tube amp ever!!