Tube Pre-amplifier review ! Soundartist Pre-1
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- We do speaker reviews, amplifier review, pre-amplifier reviews, and everything audio related. I have been getting a lot of request to review an audiophile pre-amplifier. So I decided to chase after few affordable tube pre-amplifiers. This is one of them and the most affordable one on the list !
You can get Soundartist PRE-1 from:
(lowest price directly from seller)
www.china-hifi...
(Easier amazon returns or customer service)
USA: amzn.to/3mF2xhW
for more info on our Reviewer info, patreon, and personal interest in our reviews: nbtsmedia.com/...
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#hifi #audiophile #preamp
Take a shot every time I say "tubby" - I promise you will have a great time by the end of the review. 😂
for more info on our Reviewer info, patreon, and personal interest in our reviews: nbtsmedia.com/about-us/
You can get Soundartist PRE-1 from:
(lowest price directly from seller)
www.china-hifi-audio.com/en/soundartist-amplifier-speaker-c-78/soundartist-pre-1-pre-amp-vacuum-tube-hifi-preamplifier-with-remote-p-2304
(Easier amazon returns or customer service)
USA: amzn.to/3mF2xhW
I thought “tubby” meant “fat”
@@sakabatou Maybe "Tubby" meant "Tube style"?
@@china-hifi-audio but that would be "tubey"
@@china-hifi-audio nope. I meant tubby. Not tubey
I gambled and purchased a phono preamp using a well known all analog tube circuit for $300 shipped. Well, after replacing the cheap tubes, it sounds excellent. Parts used are pretty good and it looks hand made in a good way. I really like it.
Could you please tell me which tubes you order to replace the original ones to get better sound?
@@chanvu1077 I've used JJ and Genelex tubes with great results.
That is a lot of tubes, and a lot of parts *especially* for $319.
My long-time preamp is the Audible Illusions Modulus 2c, which I bought about 32 years ago, for $850 if I remember correctly.
I think you would agree that a Modulus (they are still making them - now a 3b - but they are about $3500) is anything but "tubby". It has deep, powerful, taut and tuneful bass. It has clear and dynamic midrange, with incredible texture and drive. The highs are extended, and airy and clean, but with no excess. I just replaced the four 6DJ8 / 6922 tubes (for about the 4th time?) and it is demanding, so you really need to get low noise and very low microphonic tubes; I got Electro-Harmonix 6922 EH for about $20 each, shipped. I also just replaced the 11 largest capacitors, because they were wearing out - these cost me about $42 total, shipped.
I understand the sound color you mention now. Had a friend his dad had a fifty something car with a tube radio in it. It had that sound.
Probably preaching to the choir here, but for a budget preamp that doesn't suck, I highly recommend Schiit. I've got the Freya S myself, but even the Saga+ and especially the Freya+ get raving reviews and it's all Made In USA.
Hey Jay , Me myself i am a pre/amp guy
i have been for years ! One important feature for me with a preamp is being 'gained match'
I just reviewed the audiolab 8300xp.
and my 6000a integtated amp also has pure PreAmp mode that turns off the power amp inside the cabneit for lower noise in preamp mode but audiolab gear is all 'gained match' so i paired the 6000a with 8300xp and i was like Wow very good Synergy ! Then i used the Burson Composer 3xp as a preamp and Burson gets it with their low/high gain match feature ! Some amps like a stronger input signal than others , But getting the gain match between Pre/amps is a must for the best balanced sound if the
Pre doesn't gain match with the amp than there will be all kinds of problems !
Thats why its always good to check with your dedicated amps required input signal to make sure it matches the preamp if not than yeah the sound just won't be correct . . The hometheater guys figured this one out quickly when their HTR preouts were actually starving their dedicated amps from not enough input signal 😆 Thanks for the Video Jay
I bought the (inexpensive) SUCA tube preamp. It has added a level of enjoyment I didnt know was accessible. EVERYTHING has been sonically improved. I will probably invest in something better in a couple years. Im hooked on the tube sound and the amazing improvement it offers.
Thanks Jay. Exactly what we were looking/ listening for & loving it until today. Bought the unit & loving it with the wonderful strong vocal. By the way, got to burn-in for a week.
More budget preamps please! Not many people review them
What about the Musical Paradise MP-701 Mk2? Still well under $1,000, accommodate a wide variety of tubes, and have capacitor rolling feature. Lots of talk in forums but I am not aware of professional reviews so far.
I have the Musical Paradise MP 701mk2.
Amp is Bryston B3sst.
Reducing gain with 12au7 Tubes was a better match.
(Output gain is also internally adjustable).
Upgraded to 5u4g rectifier tube.
My Mundorf coupling capacitors arrive today....
It's a fun preamp that can turn into a money pit with all the tuning options!
No "Tubbiness" here!
🎵🎶😁🎶🎵
PS
The Mundorfs sound gorgeous & 3D and now V-Caps beautifully transparent to every musical nuance.
It only takes a couple of minutes to swap caps for a different presentation, depending on your mood.
What a great idea for a preamp!!
A good preamp is very unappreciated. Been thru many preamps of all types for almost 40 years. Keep coming back to my modified Acurus RL11. Early Acurus and Aragon amps & preamps are incredible bargains in the used market.
Ask Schiit for a Freya+ to review. I LOVE mine. Definitely no “tubbyness”. Just clear and open. As much as Thomas liked the original Freya, the + is much better. It does take a bit of time to burn in as well, sounds a bit soft initially, but livens up after a few days or so of use.
Other than Steve Guttenberg, reviewers don’t seem to give two shits about Schiit products. I don’t understand why. They compete with or perform beyond products at their price point. And American made. Very strange. Makes me think some reviewers are snobby.
@@sean_heisler New Record Day loves Schiit
@@jasonlaurain5119 Yes, that's true, and Jay seems to as well but not thrilled. I should have been more clear. Outside of Jay, Steve and Ron it seems that way. Well, maybe Darko. Ha ha.
@@sean_heisler Yes, Darko too. I think the brand flies under the radar and they like it that way.
Unlike some of these chi-fi brands, Schiit is not trying to establish their name or a marketplace as much as these guys are. Schiit don’t really reach out much to reviewers. There’s a reason all these discount Chinese brands have their stuff all over UA-cam right now - it’s becuase they are contacting and providing review samples to almost anyone and everyone they can (that have a decent subscriber count). Massive free advertising from credible sources (well, other than the cost of units/shipping of course).
Preamps are very important. I too thought the money was better used on power amps. I upgraded a well known USA high-end company stereo amp to German high end monos. ,Very expensive but worth every penny. I then upgraded the pre. The option to return was agreed as I didn't think it would make much difference. The improvement was incredible, but I am talking about a pre in excess of 10k UK pounds.
I’ve been waiting for a good review of these. I own several preamps which I believe is necessary in audiophile systems. It’s interesting that this preamp is so cheap...
What?!?! It seems to me that conventional wisdom is that the pre-amp has a much greater influence on your rig than an amplifier and I've never encountered this idea of paying more attention to amplifiers than pre-amps. It's why basic 2-channel pre-amps fetch so much money. Despite the fact that the componentry is usually simpler and cheaper than the contents of an amp, pre-amps don't get a proportional discount. Anyone looking for the "tube sound" usually buys a tube pre-amp to use with a solid state amp and then decides whether to get a tube amp. Most people can get all they want out of a tube pre-amp.
Just watched Audio Excellence giving a rave review on the McIntosh C8 Vacuum Tube Preamp...hope to get your take on that...thks
I also watched that video. I'm thinking a C8 hooked up to the analog inputs on a pair of KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers with two KEF KC62 subs would be "interesting" albeit expensive, about $9000 US. About 1380 watts/channel.
You got to change the tubes and you will see the difference. Thise tube amp is built at a price point and the tubes must be average at best!!
Various tube pre's have gave me my fave' sound for over 2 decades, so far. I found 15" Tannoy M.Golds sounded a little 'loose' & 'flabby' (maybe tubby?) in the lower frequencies with Quad II valve mono power amps but not so & far better all-round when i found a simple =/< 40'ish watts/ch ...(I guessed after a look) ...'Crimson Electrik' s/state power-amp (plain p/p 2 transistors per ch., one 100va tranny & bog standard old RCA circuit & clearly v.cheap to make) I tried a few alternatives to the Quads but that 80's(?) smallish Crimson amp was a match made in heaven to my ears with my Tannoys, i still recall near- magical moments of musical bliss & recall exactly what tracks were playing when the music was so very emotionally lifting, perfect synergy or something & esp' so with blues & smaller scale classical & wotnots. It died 15'ish yrs ago, but now 1 of my Tannoy M.G. drivers totally gave up months ago ...& after only 52'years from new! (according to the cab's rear faded signed & dated cardboard test-pass labels) so i'll not bother getting crimson repaired.
Off the subject/ I connected my Sound Artist LS/35a speakers you a vintage Pioneer SX 750 and holy crap. I had them on a flea watt amp for a couple months and it was ok but then BAM! These speakers are bad ass. I digress
Are they really good? Can you describe more?
@@dannyng5427 yeah they are bad ass . Great bass mids and highs. Mine came in a few weeks and I had them on a ten watt tube amp I thought would be a good match .. it was ok. The higher power really woke them up and I was gob smacked. Zero Fidelity gave them a rave review and that’s why I bought em. It was a good move
Try changing the stock tubes , it might surprise you.
The rule is one vowel at the end of a syllable says it’s name : Tu-by. Rhythms with ruby the red gemstone.
"Rhymes?"
Try something in the Spl range! Like the Spl Phonitor x! They kicks some ass!!! Big thanx for your channel
I would just get a Schiit Freya +!
Very good explanation mate!Could you make a review of Schiit Freya Plus and compare it to some other more expensive stuff 😊☺️?Thanks!!!
Great review, as always. This is a tough subject, 'small tube' pre-amps like this won't really do much to get 'better' sound; unfortunately good tube pre-amps aren't cheap, something like the Schiit Freya with 6SN7 tubes will be vastly superior to any of these 'small tube' pre-amps. When buying a tube pre-amp, it's best to stick with a 'proven' design; the build quality on the Soundartist PRE-1 looks good though, given the limitations.
More expensive doesn't always mean more pleasing sound. You need components that compliment each other too and that can get very tricky with trial and error. I previously owned an Emotiva XSP-1, which is not a tube preamp but which is more expensive than the Freya and sold it. It just wasn't a good match for my system and my ears. I noted in another comment that I 'm liking this preamp better than the Schitt Saga which a lot of people love, and which is comparably priced. Haven't tried the Saga+.
@@jeremyratter3634 It took me several years and 20+ preamps until I built two tube preamps from kit: On is the SP-14 from tubes4hifi, the other one a no-name kit from China. It still took several years to adjust these two preamps to my liking, by replacing resistors, coupling caps and tubes, until I got the sound I was looking for. I still own many solid state preamps, and none of them can match the sound of a good tube preamp. In my experience, the 'large' tube preamps using 6S* tubes almost always sound better than their smaller counterparts, using 12A(X/T/U) type tubes, but it does depend on the implementation. I wouldn't bother with the Schiit Saga+, it's more of a 'buffer' rather than a proper preamp:)
@@decoryder
What about the Freya+ for $899? That’s what I’ve been researching for a few weeks.
@@eikodunn ... you can not go wrong with that one - it's better than most comparable products, and competes far above its price-point.
@@decoryder
Replacement tubes range from $20 - $190. How does one choose?
I have the emotiva xsp-1 preamp , very transparent, not the cheapest but compares to way more its cost.
How long are you going to tease us with those Dali speakers? 😋
Hi Jay
THANKS for a great review, really considering getting one ☝️
By the way… what is the music on the video?, sounds great with deep bass.
Thanks a lot in advance 👍
JO 🇩🇰
Please consider a video to explain the practical difference between single ended inputs in the preamps vs XLR. What really we are missing it from one to another.
Interesting Jay.
The other *J* (J. Gordon Holt) in his Audio Glossary described "Tubby" as:
"Having an exaggerated deep bass range."
On the other hand, "Tubey" is described as:
"That combination of audible qualities characteristic of devices which use tubes for amplification. These qualities include: richness and warmth, mid-bass and lower mid-range exaggeration, deficiency of deep bass, outstanding rendition of depth, forward and bright upper mid-range softly sweet extreme high end."
Hi 👋 dear , I watched your video now, Is this one is suitable for my Parasound power amplifier A21+ and Beo lab 9 active speakers I wanted to buy a good brand pre amplifier, It must be 17 “ length same size off my other music systems. Four input , two output with remote black color. Good quality Sound tone, midrange and good bass Where it’s made ??? My budget is 400$ maximum I can offered. Please advise me waiting for your reply.
Interesting review, but I believe you missed the mark on something rather crucial when reviewing Chinese Hifi: the tubes! When you reviewed the preamplifier, you mated it with other amplifiers, tube and SS to get a better idea of the sound it provided, but you didn't bother to roll the tubes to see if that yielded different results.
I say this because I have only heard the SoundArtist Pre-1 with NOS tubes and I find it hard to believe we are listening to the same unit. While the Pre-1 is not the end of all of preamplifiers by any stretch, I do believe it is a great value and offers an affordable entry into tube sound. I am unfamiliar with the term "tubby" in the sense that you use it, and after looking for "tubbiness" in the sound, I am still confused. I would say that this unit offers quite a bit to be honest! Of note would be very solid control over the bass, neutral-sounding mids and a pleasing top-end. It definitely provides a "tube" sound in terms of a "holographic" presentation, which I find more pronounced in the higher frequencies. I personally find this pleasing to my ear, but I would say that some may not agree and do not like this form of "coloration", which is totally fair as it is a matter of preference. The instrument separation is also very noticeable as well.
The remote sucks, period. I even swapped the stock "USA made" 8532w with a pair of NOS Amperex tubes and this further improved the sound of the Pre-1.
I am not a car guy, but I imagine that you purchased a Mustang expecting a Shelby. I am not attacking your review, quite the opposite actually! Great review, just perhaps incomplete without tube-rolling the Chi-Fi to see what you really have under the hood 😉.
Which Amperex tubes did you use? I don't see any 8532W Amperex tubes available anywhere. I see Philips and Sylvania branded versions.
vincent uses these tubes in their preamps
Thank for this review realy liked it, looking forward for next tube preamp maybe little bit higher tier maybe balanced :) good day ;)
Hey, nice to see a preamp review, I've been looking at the Audio-gd Vacuum 1 XLR preamp, it looks well built, but I can't hardly find any information about it, so if you'd find it interesting I'd love to see you review it.
The Vacuum 1 is a really interesting design. I don't like the small tubes but it's dual-mono design, with dedicated power supplies, really high-quality, and other high-quality components.
I use a Schiit Saga + preamp with a PSVane blue bulb tube. End game for me.
Thanks for the review Jay. Will you be reviewing anything from Axiom Audio? I figured since you went to the factory, we might hear about one of their speaker lines.
Ever hear of Bankert Labs? They only make pre-amps (w/ tubes) aaaaannnd they only make 3 models. Affordable is relative term - I just ordered their Rhumba extreme (mid level model). Fingers crossed.
next time when you review a pre-amp/integrated amp/dac with volume control ,, show the vol. pot or at least say what model ,,, this is a very important information not a lot of reviewers mention it.
Can you adjust the gain output you didn't say and what is its settings? this will make a difference if you are pairing it with a solid state amp or valve Poweramp
there is no adjustment. Both tube and solidstate amps sounded tubbier in presentation
Hi, nice video. What preamp would you suggest for airy sound, at good price? My money is small these days, i was thinking for this preamo, but yoi descrobe it as tubby, i m looking for adjective airy 😄, if you could recomend one please
Hi Jay, that’s a very interesting pick and review. The Xiangsheng tube pre is scarcely but quite favorably reviewed, have been curiously eyeing it, it’s in the same price bracket
Did you buy it
Mr ChiNaski no I have not
I used to have Xiangsheng tube preamp and wasn’t good . It was muddy sound amp and I did get rid of it. I hope this is better pre amp.
@@TheMikecho which did you buy as it XiangSheng 728A Tube Pre-Amplifier HIFI EXQUIS Famous Japanese Cuircuit 12AT7 12AU7 6Z4 Pre-amps
Could you review the Yamaha integrated S3200? Luxman and Accuphase would also be nice to see a review about... 🎉🎉
Would this amp help tame a bright setup? Running a Yamaha A-S1100 with a SMSL SU-8 dac...it's a bit too forward with my Monitor Audio Silver6's. And I'm a guy who loves a forward midrange, just not harsh levels. Cheers. (Love to see a video on this topic or recommendations)
No, you'd be much better off replacing the speakers.
@@decoryder +1
Hi just discovered this great channel
Quick question, How would this Pre amp go with the SMSL DA 9 .
Found that review today and going to pair with B&W 707S2 but may need to tone down the treble.
Any advice would be appreciated
microphonic tube ? tubby sound come from maybe ?
how did it sound with tubes vs solid amp?
This is like a Super Trooper gag; let's get Jay to say "tubby" in his videos.
New Game:
Shots for every time he says tubby and chugging for any variations of tubby.
What about colour on vmv ds1?????? Would it be a better choice of preamp+dac? Thxs. Greetings from Argentina
Any suggestions for those of use who need balanced inputs (2 or more)?
And balanced output.
Little Dot Mk VIII. I'd love to try this (or a similar) fully balanced tube preamp, but haven't taken the plunge yet.
thx jay love you r channel
jay do a review of macintosh iconic piece mc275 tube amp plzplz
Why most of pre are without the Phono stage? Can you compare it to LITE LS-10 (cone of Audio Note M7)?
Thanks, since i am searching for an affordable preamp - nice coincidence. What about a review of the audio-ng R-28? Looks like an interesting preamp to me but am still hesitating...
Hey Jay, just stumbled upon another interesting (at least visually) preamp: nobsound vintage 5842. If not the audio-gd may this would be a review canditate? There are absolutely no reviews out there...
Where did you get the record player in back from?
Let's be honest- the sound of anything will start to sound better if you keep listening to it long enough. It has WAY more to do with your ears becoming familiar with the sound than it does with any 'burn in' or 'warming up'- especially with a $319 amp. You lost me at the word 'sh*t'.
Considering this amp is likely a clone of a far more expensive commercial design....I'm surprised by comments . . Perhaps the tubes aren't a good set
I own this preamp and I swapped out ALL of the stock tubes for NOS tubes and I find it sounds very detailed and not "tubby" at all. I am not disagreeing with the reviewer, I simply never heard it with the stock tubes (the 6j9 arrived damaged). The tubes used in this design all have NOS equivalents. One would assume that at this price point, given the quality of the materials used, the tubes must be the weak link. The Pre-1 with quality tubes sounds very good mated with a Muzishare X7 driving Tannoy Monitor Golds 😀!
6j9 = 6688 / e180f
6n2 = 6n2-eb / 6ax7
WY1 = 0a2wa / 6073
6Z4 = 6X4 (w/adapter)
What integrated amp would you pair with the LS50?
A Schiit Ragnarok 2
Parasound P6 Vs Emotiva XSP-1 Review ?
best tube pre-amp (but it's not cheap at $14,000) is the McIntosh C1100... its all down hill after that.
So what your saying is my body type is TUBE-like. Good thin my wife's an audiophile.
Preamps are the least appreciated because they are the least understood component.
Tubby, ah yes....my first wife was/is tubby.
Do the Emotiva XSP1
The strangest thing...but the tonal characteristics of your videos has shifted to "tubby" over the last few months on my gear. Much deeper, fuller sounding vocal presentation. Have you changed microphones... or is it just me?
Does this channel still exist? There hasn't been any content for quite a while.
what is name of female vocal music in this video ? 1:33
Not “tubby”. As in the 🛁 bath tub! OMG! I was shocked when I heard that. You mean “tuby”. That’s pronounced ”
Tubby or Tubey?
Tubby
What about tubby Girls? You like it?
People don’t know LOL
Pre-Amp...Parasound
Man for that much I'll just get a s*** preamp
Preamp with no remote? 😳
there is a remote. just a cheap plastic one
Literally no one calls it tubby
Did it get better or was it that your ears and mind got used to it 🤔
It did get better because I don't just keep torturing myself to listen to it. I come back to it after letting it run. Also I don't think anyone can get used to a "bad sound" and call it "good"
Jay, I enjoy your work and I realize you can only review the product sent to you but I really hope you don't wallow in cheap Chinese made products. China is a global bad actor and shouldn't be rewarded for being so. Boycott China!
You seemed a little tongue tied today. You getting enough rest between reviews?