Question. Why does Douk insist on making me get up from my chair every time I need to change anything on the amp? It's almost as if infrared remotes were never a thing! Not buying no matter how good it sounds or how cheap the price point. Am I wrong?
A very very succinct review about this amp. A good friend of mine picked this amp up about a year ago for his garage. Keep in mind that he is, and has been, an audiophile for years (he is now 60). He swears by the sound and power of this compact unit. So much so, that he purchased one for his daughter, who, too, loves it! My input for this amp; which in all likelihood I will purchase, I have owned audio equipment since I was in my late teens (now 63), from Bryston, to Adcom mono blocks (behemoth amps, to Pioneer and many other manufacturers. In the grand scheme of things, you cannot compare this unit to higher end audio, especially when the price point is significantly greater. We are talking about $150 (give or take) to thousands. Adding extras for better enhancement sound that will bring your price point higher will not break the bank for what you get in return. Weigh the options and price and you will find that $300 dollars is peanuts to achieve a very respectable sound. I have sold off all my big components just because I don't listen to it to justify the cost invested. I much prefer the compactness of audio equipment today. It also takes up less space. At any rate, the video was very informative and I got a lot of good insight from it. I just wanted to mention that all the other manufacturers don't have a phono option, which to me is essential. Just saying and just my opinion.
Dig the review and practicality of it - glad I found you - i'm a fan of my X1 as my first "tube'ish" amp bought blindly during insomnia. Sound is pretty solid, improvement over my sony integrated amp for sure. Running switched line level into it from my Wiim mini for streaming and from my Puffin pre-amp for the ProJect T1 with an Orto OM 20 which does sound amazing pumping through my new Monitor Audio Bronze 100's (love love) - the stream it's just SO LOUD. Luckily was able to adjust the output gain from the Wiim so it was reasonable, but still crazy loud. Looking forward to watching more of your vids to find a solid external DAC (preferably with a VU meter because, you know, it's cool) for the Wiim. Thanks again dude!
@@neildennis4588 Yeah - I probably should have updated this comment. My X1 started failing after less than 2 months of use - line noise and hiss and static. I eliminated every possible parameter - it is the x1. Sent multiple emails to the manufacturer, never heard back. It is now a very heavy paperweight in the cabinet of gear I've moved on from. Hope you have better long-term luck!
I am a fan of these cheap, powerful Amps.....they are perfect for my Sean HD6XX my modded Fostex T50RPs....Mac to Schiit DAC to Nobsound (Douk) ...they do a nice mid-fi job.
There are way too many factories in China to assume that products come from the same facility, keeping in mind also the fact that imitation is par for the course in Chinese manufacturing. It's far easier for them to replicate something that works than to design something that works from scratch. Sharing really is caring in their manufacturing culture.
Hi Randy! Thanks so much for your invaluable information and advice. Probably a dumb question but interested in your opinion on the Aiyima T9 vs SMSL AD18. Also can you add a O7 to a AD18? Thanks for looking out for the little guys!
I love your reviews and the DOUK Audio X1 is high up on my list. I am going to buy some new audio equipment next week and i wonder if you can give me some advice. So i got a couple of sequence 30 speakers and a pro-ject P 1.2 turntable. For now they are connected on a Sony AV receiver with a external phono pre-amp. I want to buy a seperate amplifier with a phono pre-amp. I was going for the DOUK Audio X1, but now someone offered me a NAD 306. I read up on both and the NAD has very good phono input as well (MM and MC). Since they are both around the same price, what would you recommend?
So I have one of these and an Aiyima A07. I swapped op amps on the Aiyima BUT I first bought OPA 1656 op amps without the PCB adapter so I have four surface mount OPA 1656 chips. I may try and use a hot air rework tool to swap the stock ones out on the X1 to help open it up a bit sound wise. Swapping tubes can get expensive and am not sure how much that’d even help.
Snagged one of these on FB marketplace with some GE tubes for $60 and boy, I don't think I could have done much better with the budget. Perfect for my garage system where my critical listening is far less important than just filling the space with warm sound while I'm out there pretending to DIY.
Based on my experience with Nobsound- a lot of the self proclaimed "tube gear" at budget prices are really just a solid state device and the tubes are for show. Revealing speakers sound veiled if they are fed a veiled component, no a/b needed to tell, just experience listening to what should be revealed. IE: I have a DAC as a secondary, it is softer and veiled compared to my main DAC.
Thanks for great vid. Can you please tell me if i can connect RCA inputs to Schiit Modi 3+? Asking because Douk X1 specs say input sensitivity is 0.7V. Thank you
Hello Every body, Has anyone tried the Douk Audio G6 (with ton control and tubes)? I compared it to the A07... I find it really good... Do you think the T9 is the same or better? Regards
Question. Do you think this receiver would pair well with the Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers? I currently power them with a Sony STR-DH190, but I'm trying to go with a receiver that has a smaller footprint. Thanks in advance :)
Hi I bought this after finding your channel and it’s made my life better my Tibo 420 cd sound fantastic now and my new AT140XP sound awesome. One question how can I get head phones on the amp? Wired if possible but BT is ok?
I bought it, but the switch says boost flat, is there a difference between mine and this one? I ask because of the tubes which setting you described, trying to figure out what's going on with my model X 1, it newer or older, how and when did it change besides the obvious words boost and flat
Cool beans! Randy. I ordered a Fosi T20 before I saw your vid, and I was about to order the phono preamp too. Now I'm wondering what to do cause I thi k the T9 is available now.
Hey there, CheapAudioMan. I have this amp. Love it lots. Need a subwoofer. I don’t know much about ohms and watts. What sub would you recommend for this one? Thanks in advance.
I bought the Douk x1 years ago specifically because it has subwoofer output. I think I only paid $130 back then. No regrets. I run it through Acoustic Research speakers.
I hope you review the Ampapa A1 soon. It's a brand new product on Amazon and I'm considering buying it but no reviews exist yet. Be the 1st Randy! I'll be watching.
After a bit more critical listening to my T8, I'm thinking the DAC is adding some high frequency modulation or "sibilance". So people shouldn't feel bad about using an outboard DAC at this price point. Next, I'm going to try different tubes to see if I can get the highs tuned up, otherwise I will be happy to get the Schiit. Also I might add, getting a bluetooth receiver with LDAC is the way to go. If you need it, it's worth the extra money to seek it out. Randy, thanks, always enjoy your videos.
BTW the Schiit Modi is really awesome. I have it running out of my computer for streaming and playing CDs going to just a Fosi Class D amp and it dramatically improved the sound and detail.
Hey Randy, funny but true, I live in the 'Audiophile hills' in Jamaica! If you're ever in Island, drop me a line, I'll hook you up with some Blue Mountain coffee! Among the best (arguably the best) in the world.
What can possibly go wrong? Personal experience: the phono grounding screw broke while I was trying to connect the grounding wire of my turntable to it. Other than that? I loved it; however, I was so frustrated by the incident that I returned it and possibly won't buy anything from Douk audio ever again, but that's just me, I have issues.
I ordered from Amazon the Jamo s803, but for the amp, I ordered the Moukey Home Audio Bluetooth 5.0 2 channel with a headphone jack, which is what I was looking for, and the Monoprice gold plated banana plugs, and the amazon gold plated speaker banana plugs....did I over do it....I just noticed I got 2 different orders for banana plugs...could someone help lol...thi.s is my first system, so I'm a complete newby....and by the way I had ordered the Neumi speakers but I'm going to send them back. Opinions and thoughts anyone
Thx dude, still a newbie on this, do you think that I can connect this to a subwoofer like the Klipsch r-12sw subwoofer, which comes with an internal amplifier as I understand it, not sure :-) could you comment, wanting to connect phone-bluetooth-this-big speakers...
Hello my friend , I picked up an Aiyima A07 based on your recommendation . It is fantastic . What non DAC tube preamp would you recommend to go along with it ? Thanks in advance .
I have a Douk P1 preamp that I run into an Aiyima A07. Similar looking to this but no Phono stage. I use this with my Echo Link into Sony SC's and a Polk 10 inch Sub. Sounds great to me . Plus I rolled the tubes and got more " loudness" at lower volumes .
I’ve got a couple of P1’s with upgraded tubs and enjoy them quite a bit. The only thing I’m not fond of is the blue LED on the power supply that lights up a room. It’s so unnecessary.
@cheapaudioman if you were going to build an "entire" hi fi around this using nothing but Amazon bought.. where would you start and what would you go with? 2.1ch with phono and a DAC (and something to store music files and something to access and play it.cd player too. douk, fosi, nobsound, moukey... There are a lot of chi-fi options.. I love the compactness and the look of little tubes and machines everywhere.
what mini amp is worth getting that also has HDMI in for firestick so we can stream spotify/other over wifi ? me and many others would rather just go wifi instead of BT.
I have the T9, and have found the blue tooth streaming from my phone (Spotify) through the DAC is pretty clean sound wise. Certainly makes it easier to listen while exercising. It makes plenty of power for the small exercise room I use.
New to vinyl and I’m very confused after pre amp. Will any amp work? Or do I just buy a receiver for passive bookshelf speakers (Sony) and sl1200 mk2 turntable
Hi Omar, the signal from your TT is very low if you use MM moving magnet cartridge type or ultra low if you use MC moving coil cartridge type. Therefore it needs to be pre-amplified. You can buy an integrated power amp which has also the phono pre-amp for MM or MM/MC cartridges inside. Or if your amplifier does not have a phono pre-amp included, you can buy a separated phono pre-amp. If you have passive speakers, then your system can be: TT > power amp > speakers or TT > phono pre-amp > power amp > speakers. MM cartridges are cheaper, MC are more expensive. Interconnects are RCA stereo cables, speakers need usually banana connectors or nothing. Turntable needs to be connected with a separate cable to the ground on amp or phono pre-amp to avoid a hum.
My Douk X1 doesn't have the tube bypass switch. Instead it has a Boost/Flat switch. Not sure if it's an older or newer version of the amp. I have played around with different tubes and I can actually hear a difference. Not decided whether the difference is qualitative or just a difference. Running some Polk ceiling speakers and a Polk sub at the end of it. Got a AT turntable feeding it. Sounds better than I thought it would.
@@anthony2010707 Yes they are, the tubes just add a little warmth to the sound. But do not get the Douk X1. I have had Bluetooth stop working on three of them after a few months. So stay clear. Get something like the brilliant Topping MX3s instead. Sounds better also.
Randy have you heard about the new Arylic Dac DIY plate?? Can buy an external case from them and you’re good to go. A review on that would be much appreciated!
Ok everyone, be gentle, as I know not what I am doing, kind of…. Is there a small tube amp out there that I can run my AV equipment as well as a turntable at the same time? Any help is appreciated.
@@imral3 Im too scared to open up my douk p1 lol I dont want to break it. if its not used in the signal path(idk what that is im a noob audiofile) i might as well give it away
Commonly debated but it has no general consensus; antenna and aerial are more or less interchangeable, but aerial has the connotation of "an antenna towering into the air" like those used for radio transmission. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio)#Terminology
I was surprised at how well I can tell how speakers sound or a stereo sound demo on the little speaker on my cell phone. I can tell if it's rich , how much distorshion, or just how good whatever sounds. I think instead of just going on and on about details , which are important ,but just let people hear whatever.
Great sponsor, Mr. Randy, great sponsor, you didn't mention the price of that "caffeine transport" system, must be really expensive! Nice review and good product and good looking too. Any chance to review some of the Dayton Audio hybrid tube amps? There are a few listed on Parts Express priced between $150-200.00, all class A/B. Thanks!
Amazon also has the Dayton Audio HTA100BT, it looks much more flexible than the Douk, and it seems to have discrete transistor output rather than an IC amp, is class A/B rather than D. It has a built in DAC, though they aren't letting us know which one. Still, probably worth a look.
The 08 would sound better... tubes add distortion. Cheap tubes with LED lights aren't going to sound amazing. For the 120 bucks, I went with the 08. It is good... quiet enough (clicks on my very sensitive speakers, dead silent on Wharfedale 9.1
Great video! As an aspiring audiophile I appreciate that you focus on the value proposition. I've seen you mention "soundbar replacement" a few times, and I'd love to see a roundup of affordable hifi upgrades for soundbar owners. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Don't start at hundred dollar range if you can stand it. Each piece (even if you go integrated) should be at least $500 to start getting decent. You'll spend less over the long run, because you say you are an aspiring audiophile, you *will* end up spending more to upgrade even from the $500 pieces, so spend less by just skipping the bottom of the barrel. If you aren't really an aspiring audiophile, and just want a system for some tunes, do whatever you want.
@@Audfile I would disagree, insofar as a simple "soundbar replacement". I bought the Sony SSCS5's (2 pairs) on sale for $89 and an Aiyima A9 for $136.99 and am FAR out performing my Klipsch soundbar and sub, even without using a sub. Grant it, I lack the lower bass frequencies, but it's still a far better listening experience
would work but i think you might want a true tube amp for the tektons. they're super efficient speakers so they don't need much wattage. this is a tube hybrid amp - the amp stage is solid state. look into a low power tube intergrated. the tube cube at the tube depot would do it at 3.5 wpc or go a little further and try the reisong a10 at 6 wpc. the dream would be the wilsenton r8 but that's real money.
I don't understand buying anything with built in bluetooth... it's only going to add complexity and distortion to the signal chain. If I need Bluetooth, I will get something that costs little as a separate.
I guess I'm classified as an "Elder" stereo newbie. I say this to give you some idea of where I'm coming from. Thanks to discovering your site you reintroduced me to Stereo music listening. I had abandoned it 30-40 years ago with surround emerged onto the consumer scene. Your channel helped me understand that great music listening can be had on a 2.0 or 2.1 stereo system and it can be done on a budget. Now I sport two Sony SSCS5's I picked up on Amazon for $88. I've plugged them into a Topping D10s and Aiyima D03 and the music blossomed. Thank you for that. Now, as I mentioned, I'm elderly so by definition I have more money than time so I'm ready to upgrade. My question is where are the price performance-price breaks for basic systems DAC's, Amplifiers and Speakers. Are they $150, $500, or $1,000 per component? I'm looking for price breakpoints that yield significant upgrades in audio listening performance/quality. In addition, does the order of components make a big difference? I mean by that should you upgrade the speakers first followed by the amp then the DAC? Obviously the law of diminishing returns applies her but having only spent around $150/component so far I'm pretty sure I'm still on the steep part of that performance curve. Thank you for reintroducing me to STEREO and I look forward to your future videos.
@@cheapaudioman Oh, it's just meant to mean that so many products that get reviewed are described as having great build quality anytime the dac/amp is in a metal case and the knobs aren't falling off. Just a funny thought I had. No knock on you, sir Randy.
Irrespective of politics. The Chinese are rocking at the moment. I have a BRZHIFI X10 which is rated at 150 watts at 8 Ohms. For a laugh I stuck it in my big rig ( tube preamp, 600wpc power amp) The BRZHIFI at one 15th of the price of the main rig was utterly beguiling. It lacked the last ounce of power but I had it driving 8 Ohms 86db sensitivity floorstanding Ruarks and my ears gave out before the amp did. I urge anyone on a budget to try it. It outperformed an Arcam a39 costing £1500 new and rated at 120 wpc. Sold the Arcam and bought more vinyl. BRZHIFI X10 is £100 from China direct or £130 from eBay. Absolutely stunning sound and power and I still can't believe the price of it. Had it for a year now not one issue
Curious as to why your audio/video center speakers are up so high, above the TV? It will be quite some time before electronic vacuum tubes will be readily available, at a reasonable cost that is. Western Electric is already considering ramping up for production of tubes here in the USA.
my center speaker is up there because thats where there is room. I have it pointed downwards a bit. Works just fine that way. I can hear it and everything. I can buy tubes right now from places like tube depot. Especially ones in these sizes or equivalents.
Tube rolling with vintage tubes is fun and worthwhile. Just about all the internet threads talking about NOS or strong testing vintage tubes vs. current production tubes; well, the consensus is generally that they don't make em' like they used to. The vintage tubes are said to win for sound quality. If your look on ebay they most expensive vintage tubes will almost always be Telefunken brand. If you are bidding on vintage Telefunken tubes, bring a fat wallet. The reason they get the most money is that they are considered the Rolls Royce of tubes. They sound wonderful. The ribbed plate Telefunkens are liked slightly more and somewhat more desired than the smooth plate Telefunkens. Vintage tube rollers go to the trouble of finding them and bidding on them because they have better sound, according to their perception. By vintage tubes we are talking mostly 1950's, to into the 1960's. Another vintage tube known for its excellence and has unsurpassed desirability is the Siemens Gold Pin tubes. Their pins at the bottom are obviously gold plated. You will probably never see one in person; they're that rare. Some of the vintage CBS tubes were also said to be made by Siemens in Germany. The Gold Pins are the rare ones. There rare plenty of regular vintage Siemens and CBS tubes out there. Besides Telefunken, the vintage tubes most people look for are Mullard, made in England at their old Blackburn factory. Mullard makes current production tubes also, but tube rollers are after the vintage ones the most. Vintage Sylvanias are also pretty good, as are some vintage GE's and Bugle Boy tubes. I have not done much comparing of vintage and current production tubes. They one time I did, the new Russian tubes sounded hard and brittle, especially in the highs compared to the vintage NOS American & German tubes I compared them with. Really worth the extra to get the vintage tubes in that instance. It wasn't hard hearing the difference between them. The 12ax7 input tube is the most commonly used tube of all time. It was used in about 70 to 80% of vintage tube gear equipment.
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Question. Why does Douk insist on making me get up from my chair every time I need to change anything on the amp? It's almost as if infrared remotes were never a thing!
Not buying no matter how good it sounds or how cheap the price point. Am I wrong?
A very very succinct review about this amp. A good friend of mine picked this amp up about a year ago for his garage. Keep in mind that he is, and has been, an audiophile for years (he is now 60). He swears by the sound and power of this compact unit. So much so, that he purchased one for his daughter, who, too, loves it!
My input for this amp; which in all likelihood I will purchase, I have owned audio equipment since I was in my late teens (now 63), from Bryston, to Adcom mono blocks (behemoth amps, to Pioneer and many other manufacturers. In the grand scheme of things, you cannot compare this unit to higher end audio, especially when the price point is significantly greater. We are talking about $150 (give or take) to thousands. Adding extras for better enhancement sound that will bring your price point higher will not break the bank for what you get in return. Weigh the options and price and you will find that $300 dollars is peanuts to achieve a very respectable sound. I have sold off all my big components just because I don't listen to it to justify the cost invested. I much prefer the compactness of audio equipment today. It also takes up less space.
At any rate, the video was very informative and I got a lot of good insight from it. I just wanted to mention that all the other manufacturers don't have a phono option, which to me is essential. Just saying and just my opinion.
Thank you I have been waiting for this review!
Dig the review and practicality of it - glad I found you - i'm a fan of my X1 as my first "tube'ish" amp bought blindly during insomnia. Sound is pretty solid, improvement over my sony integrated amp for sure. Running switched line level into it from my Wiim mini for streaming and from my Puffin pre-amp for the ProJect T1 with an Orto OM 20 which does sound amazing pumping through my new Monitor Audio Bronze 100's (love love) - the stream it's just SO LOUD. Luckily was able to adjust the output gain from the Wiim so it was reasonable, but still crazy loud. Looking forward to watching more of your vids to find a solid external DAC (preferably with a VU meter because, you know, it's cool) for the Wiim. Thanks again dude!
Well whadda ya know, I have just got the x1 and a pro-ject turntable. Glad to hear it's good. I got wharfedale 9.1 speakers too.🤠
@@neildennis4588 Yeah - I probably should have updated this comment. My X1 started failing after less than 2 months of use - line noise and hiss and static. I eliminated every possible parameter - it is the x1. Sent multiple emails to the manufacturer, never heard back. It is now a very heavy paperweight in the cabinet of gear I've moved on from. Hope you have better long-term luck!
Paired this with a bi wired b&w bookshelf speakers. Sounds very pleasing to the ears. And the size is perfect!
I am a fan of these cheap, powerful Amps.....they are perfect for my Sean HD6XX my modded Fostex T50RPs....Mac to Schiit DAC to Nobsound (Douk) ...they do a nice mid-fi job.
There are way too many factories in China to assume that products come from the same facility, keeping in mind also the fact that imitation is par for the course in Chinese manufacturing. It's far easier for them to replicate something that works than to design something that works from scratch. Sharing really is caring in their manufacturing culture.
Hi Randy! Thanks so much for your invaluable information and advice. Probably a dumb question but interested in your opinion on the Aiyima T9 vs SMSL AD18. Also can you add a O7 to a AD18? Thanks for looking out for the little guys!
I do have the douk p1 dac/preamp and it sounds fantastic with lamps upgrade !
I love your reviews and the DOUK Audio X1 is high up on my list. I am going to buy some new audio equipment next week and i wonder if you can give me some advice.
So i got a couple of sequence 30 speakers and a pro-ject P 1.2 turntable. For now they are connected on a Sony AV receiver with a external phono pre-amp.
I want to buy a seperate amplifier with a phono pre-amp. I was going for the DOUK Audio X1, but now someone offered me a NAD 306. I read up on both and the NAD has very good phono input as well (MM and MC).
Since they are both around the same price, what would you recommend?
So I have one of these and an Aiyima A07. I swapped op amps on the Aiyima BUT I first bought OPA 1656 op amps without the PCB adapter so I have four surface mount OPA 1656 chips. I may try and use a hot air rework tool to swap the stock ones out on the X1 to help open it up a bit sound wise. Swapping tubes can get expensive and am not sure how much that’d even help.
Another outstanding video. Thanks Brah
Being able to bypass the tubes like that is very unusual and interesting
Last Monday, Aiyima's online store sent the T9 I ordered from them so they are still available (20% off at time of typing this).
yeah. they are available direct. I should have said that
Snagged one of these on FB marketplace with some GE tubes for $60 and boy, I don't think I could have done much better with the budget. Perfect for my garage system where my critical listening is far less important than just filling the space with warm sound while I'm out there pretending to DIY.
Based on my experience with Nobsound- a lot of the self proclaimed "tube gear" at budget prices are really just a solid state device and the tubes are for show. Revealing speakers sound veiled if they are fed a veiled component, no a/b needed to tell, just experience listening to what should be revealed. IE: I have a DAC as a secondary, it is softer and veiled compared to my main DAC.
Nice watch. Would love to see more of that
Thanks for great vid.
Can you please tell me if i can connect RCA inputs to Schiit Modi 3+?
Asking because Douk X1 specs say input sensitivity is 0.7V. Thank you
Hello Every body,
Has anyone tried the Douk Audio G6 (with ton control and tubes)?
I compared it to the A07... I find it really good...
Do you think the T9 is the same or better?
Regards
Question. Do you think this receiver would pair well with the Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers? I currently power them with a Sony STR-DH190, but I'm trying to go with a receiver that has a smaller footprint. Thanks in advance :)
Hi I bought this after finding your channel and it’s made my life better my Tibo 420 cd sound fantastic now and my new AT140XP sound awesome. One question how can I get head phones on the amp? Wired if possible but BT is ok?
I bought it, but the switch says boost flat, is there a difference between mine and this one? I ask because of the tubes which setting you described, trying to figure out what's going on with my model X 1, it newer or older, how and when did it change besides the obvious words boost and flat
Thanks man, awesome/comprehensible review and suggestions. I'll go with your last one ;-)
Cool beans! Randy. I ordered a Fosi T20 before I saw your vid, and I was about to order the phono preamp too. Now I'm wondering what to do cause I thi k the T9 is available now.
My wife says she loves my shallow, narrow audio stage and that I shouldn’t be ashamed of it.
😅
Should be fine after cable burn in
Run away from any woman who knows the difference.
Hey there, CheapAudioMan. I have this amp. Love it lots. Need a subwoofer. I don’t know much about ohms and watts. What sub would you recommend for this one? Thanks in advance.
I got the douk audio p1…wanted a pre amp to add dome warm tube sound to my fire tv 😀
I bought the Douk x1 years ago specifically because it has subwoofer output. I think I only paid $130 back then. No regrets. I run it through Acoustic Research speakers.
I have a Douk Audio P1 and i tube rolled with the Voshkod tubes and now it sounds awesome.
Can you share the name/model of the Voshkod tube?
@@QuangNguyen-md8ky I keep telling you the name and model of the tubes and UA-cam keeps deleting my post.
Riverstone audio GE Jan 5654
@@pjo1964 thanks
I hope you review the Ampapa A1 soon. It's a brand new product on Amazon and I'm considering buying it but no reviews exist yet. Be the 1st Randy! I'll be watching.
After a bit more critical listening to my T8, I'm thinking the DAC is adding some high frequency modulation or "sibilance". So people shouldn't feel bad about using an outboard DAC at this price point. Next, I'm going to try different tubes to see if I can get the highs tuned up, otherwise I will be happy to get the Schiit. Also I might add, getting a bluetooth receiver with LDAC is the way to go. If you need it, it's worth the extra money to seek it out. Randy, thanks, always enjoy your videos.
BTW the Schiit Modi is really awesome. I have it running out of my computer for streaming and playing CDs going to just a Fosi Class D amp and it dramatically improved the sound and detail.
Hey Randy, funny but true, I live in the 'Audiophile hills' in Jamaica! If you're ever in Island, drop me a line, I'll hook you up with some Blue Mountain coffee! Among the best (arguably the best) in the world.
Do cheaper amps and dacs die faster than expensive ones?
What can possibly go wrong? Personal experience: the phono grounding screw broke while I was trying to connect the grounding wire of my turntable to it. Other than that? I loved it; however, I was so frustrated by the incident that I returned it and possibly won't buy anything from Douk audio ever again, but that's just me, I have issues.
I ordered from Amazon the Jamo s803, but for the amp, I ordered the Moukey Home Audio Bluetooth 5.0 2 channel with a headphone jack, which is what I was looking for, and the Monoprice gold plated banana plugs, and the amazon gold plated speaker banana plugs....did I over do it....I just noticed I got 2 different orders for banana plugs...could someone help lol...thi.s is my first system, so I'm a complete newby....and by the way I had ordered the Neumi speakers but I'm going to send them back. Opinions and thoughts anyone
Thx dude, still a newbie on this, do you think that I can connect this to a subwoofer like the Klipsch r-12sw subwoofer, which comes with an internal amplifier as I understand it, not sure :-) could you comment, wanting to connect phone-bluetooth-this-big speakers...
Yes
Hello my friend , I picked up an Aiyima A07 based on your recommendation . It is fantastic . What non DAC tube preamp would you recommend to go along with it ? Thanks in advance .
I think (not sure) the A07 has aux output and you can use it as a preamp.
@@1337sim1 Thanks for your reply but I am looking for a tube front end without bluetooth and a day to go with the Aiyima A07 . Any ideas ?
@@JesusLovesYou9999wyjście słuchawkowe + lampy GE 5725 będzie super !!!
I have a Douk P1 preamp that I run into an Aiyima A07. Similar looking to this but no Phono stage. I use this with my Echo Link into Sony SC's and a Polk 10 inch Sub. Sounds great to me . Plus I rolled the tubes and got more " loudness" at lower volumes .
I’ve got a couple of P1’s with upgraded tubs and enjoy them quite a bit. The only thing I’m not fond of is the blue LED on the power supply that lights up a room. It’s so unnecessary.
@Douglas Blake Indeed. It’s the principle of the thing. You know what I mean.
I enjoy your reviews of these ChiFi products. I would love to see more.
@cheapaudioman if you were going to build an "entire" hi fi around this using nothing but Amazon bought.. where would you start and what would you go with? 2.1ch with phono and a DAC (and something to store music files and something to access and play it.cd player too. douk, fosi, nobsound, moukey... There are a lot of chi-fi options.. I love the compactness and the look of little tubes and machines everywhere.
60 watts for bookshelf speaker driven by this tube-hybrid....with sub out....is plenty of power for a medium to small room.
Cheapaudioman, have you ever reviewed the monoprice true tube IIIP?
I must try some Sith brand coffee. You must make this a thing!
what mini amp is worth getting that also has HDMI in for firestick so we can stream spotify/other over wifi ? me and many others would rather just go wifi instead of BT.
I have the T9, and have found the blue tooth streaming from my phone (Spotify) through the DAC is pretty clean sound wise. Certainly makes it easier to listen while exercising. It makes plenty of power for the small exercise room I use.
New to vinyl and I’m very confused after pre amp. Will any amp work? Or do I just buy a receiver for passive bookshelf speakers (Sony) and sl1200 mk2 turntable
Hi Omar, the signal from your TT is very low if you use MM moving magnet cartridge type or ultra low if you use MC moving coil cartridge type. Therefore it needs to be pre-amplified. You can buy an integrated power amp which has also the phono pre-amp for MM or MM/MC cartridges inside. Or if your amplifier does not have a phono pre-amp included, you can buy a separated phono pre-amp. If you have passive speakers, then your system can be: TT > power amp > speakers or TT > phono pre-amp > power amp > speakers. MM cartridges are cheaper, MC are more expensive. Interconnects are RCA stereo cables, speakers need usually banana connectors or nothing. Turntable needs to be connected with a separate cable to the ground on amp or phono pre-amp to avoid a hum.
My Douk X1 doesn't have the tube bypass switch. Instead it has a Boost/Flat switch. Not sure if it's an older or newer version of the amp. I have played around with different tubes and I can actually hear a difference. Not decided whether the difference is qualitative or just a difference. Running some Polk ceiling speakers and a Polk sub at the end of it. Got a AT turntable feeding it. Sounds better than I thought it would.
I was wondering if these amplifiers are class D design.
@@anthony2010707 Yes they are, the tubes just add a little warmth to the sound. But do not get the Douk X1. I have had Bluetooth stop working on three of them after a few months. So stay clear. Get something like the brilliant Topping MX3s instead. Sounds better also.
Okay, the up all night listening to Yo-Yo Ma was deeply hilarious
I have to try it at least once, it might be a good experience.
Randy have you heard about the new Arylic Dac DIY plate?? Can buy an external case from them and you’re good to go. A review on that would be much appreciated!
Why ask if he never respond 🤭
Douk audio st01 is available on amazon Uk if anyone's after one in the UK, i got one last week for £99.99
Ok everyone, be gentle, as I know not what I am doing, kind of…. Is there a small tube amp out there that I can run my AV equipment as well as a turntable at the same time? Any help is appreciated.
Woohoo, Randy finally heard some tube magic and is finally going to start loving tube amplifiers.
Not a tube amplifier. It's a class d amplifier with an integrated tube preamplifier.
Narrr
@@imral3so if you use a amplifier with the douk it will act as a tube pre amp regardless?
@@TheShadowPerson.Well, I don't know if this device's tubes are actually used in the signal path or just there to look cool.
@@imral3 Im too scared to open up my douk p1 lol I dont want to break it. if its not used in the signal path(idk what that is im a noob audiofile) i might as well give it away
It's technically an aerial. Antennae transmit data. Although that word came from biology, i.e. Insect antenna.
Commonly debated but it has no general consensus; antenna and aerial are more or less interchangeable, but aerial has the connotation of "an antenna towering into the air" like those used for radio transmission.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_(radio)#Terminology
Thanks
I was surprised at how well I can tell how speakers sound or a stereo sound demo on the little speaker on my cell phone. I can tell if it's rich , how much distorshion, or just how good whatever sounds. I think instead of just going on and on about details , which are important ,but just let people hear whatever.
Great sponsor, Mr. Randy, great sponsor, you didn't mention the price of that "caffeine transport" system, must be really expensive!
Nice review and good product and good looking too.
Any chance to review some of the Dayton Audio hybrid tube amps? There are a few listed on Parts Express priced between $150-200.00, all class A/B. Thanks!
Amazon also has the Dayton Audio HTA100BT, it looks much more flexible than the Douk, and it seems to have discrete transistor output rather than an IC amp, is class A/B rather than D. It has a built in DAC, though they aren't letting us know which one. Still, probably worth a look.
Does sith audio have a website?
Where do I find this Sith Audio Audiophile coffee? ☕️😃
that unique douk-y tube sound
Which sounds “better” the T9 or the A08?
Obviously this is a subjective question but any input is appreciated.
The 08 would sound better... tubes add distortion. Cheap tubes with LED lights aren't going to sound amazing. For the 120 bucks, I went with the 08. It is good... quiet enough (clicks on my very sensitive speakers, dead silent on Wharfedale 9.1
@@spencexxx Great thanks for the insight! Makes sense when you put it like that.
the amp is unavailable on Amazon. To bad for me.
3:44 need the DAC included...qawd this search isn't easy. I've found a Denon unit for about $400 but well it's $400 and about 5x's the size...uggg!
Love your videos, maybe you could do a video on selling old equipment for new better equipment. Just wondering how/who you go though.
Great idea!
The equivalent of the Aiyima T9 is the Douk Audio ST01
at this price point i think the behringer u-control dac for $25 or less is the way to go. they sound damn good.
Aiyima A07 with Douk P1 tube pre seems like a fun combo
Please review the Fx-Audio dac-m1 Randy! It's supposed to be the successor (and different sounding) to the D01 you liked so much.
The original and best ACCA DACCA
I've got a Knobsound tube headphone amp and it's pretty good.
Edit: Last year I got a Dared MP-5BT Tube Amplifier and that's good value too.
i think knobsound and douk are the same company
I had an AMD branded phono stage that they sold the year before they received an IBM contract. After that it was all chip sets.
What's the model number I can't find it on Google?
@@peterlarkin762 it was a rebranded fisher pr-6 I think.
@@peterlarkin762 I got it at an estate sale of a retired Texas Instruments engineer who started TV and radio repair. The house was full of tubes.
I'll be taking the Douk Audio ST-01 (Aiyima T9 twin) to Axpona, if anyone wants to hear it.
Ha! You finally heard it! “A tubey sound”
😊
Wonderful review Randy!
thanks!
I'd get this but no headphones and I already have that problem
If you buy this, get a few extra sets of tubes because Russia isn't sending any more out. I have 4 sets of tubes for my Douk P1
this is a class D amp with a tube preamp.
Noobsound b100 worth it?
Hi, you found some info on that? Thanks!
Great video! As an aspiring audiophile I appreciate that you focus on the value proposition. I've seen you mention "soundbar replacement" a few times, and I'd love to see a roundup of affordable hifi upgrades for soundbar owners. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Check out his "Hifi for under $$$" videos
Don't start at hundred dollar range if you can stand it. Each piece (even if you go integrated) should be at least $500 to start getting decent. You'll spend less over the long run, because you say you are an aspiring audiophile, you *will* end up spending more to upgrade even from the $500 pieces, so spend less by just skipping the bottom of the barrel. If you aren't really an aspiring audiophile, and just want a system for some tunes, do whatever you want.
@@Audfile I would disagree, insofar as a simple "soundbar replacement". I bought the Sony SSCS5's (2 pairs) on sale for $89 and an Aiyima A9 for $136.99 and am FAR out performing my Klipsch soundbar and sub, even without using a sub. Grant it, I lack the lower bass frequencies, but it's still a far better listening experience
@@unknownspectre which model sound bar?
Great suggestion!
This looks like it could fun! But so would the T9...
G. You need both. kidding.
@@cheapaudioman I really do!😅
This & the Lore mini tower Speakers? Will it take a NAD538 cd player? Help I'm new & cheap
would work but i think you might want a true tube amp for the tektons. they're super efficient speakers so they don't need much wattage. this is a tube hybrid amp - the amp stage is solid state. look into a low power tube intergrated. the tube cube at the tube depot would do it at 3.5 wpc or go a little further and try the reisong a10 at 6 wpc. the dream would be the wilsenton r8 but that's real money.
@@aworminmybook8234 thank you so very much
If Scott Frost was a speaker, what kind of speaker would he be? GBR!
lol. You know I actually played against him twice in high school.
I don't understand buying anything with built in bluetooth... it's only going to add complexity and distortion to the signal chain. If I need Bluetooth, I will get something that costs little as a separate.
Wait...so this has FAKE tube lighting.... how "hi fi"
I guess I'm classified as an "Elder" stereo newbie. I say this to give you some idea of where I'm coming from. Thanks to discovering your site you reintroduced me to Stereo music listening. I had abandoned it 30-40 years ago with surround emerged onto the consumer scene. Your channel helped me understand that great music listening can be had on a 2.0 or 2.1 stereo system and it can be done on a budget. Now I sport two Sony SSCS5's I picked up on Amazon for $88. I've plugged them into a Topping D10s and Aiyima D03 and the music blossomed. Thank you for that. Now, as I mentioned, I'm elderly so by definition I have more money than time so I'm ready to upgrade. My question is where are the price performance-price breaks for basic systems DAC's, Amplifiers and Speakers. Are they $150, $500, or $1,000 per component? I'm looking for price breakpoints that yield significant upgrades in audio listening performance/quality. In addition, does the order of components make a big difference? I mean by that should you upgrade the speakers first followed by the amp then the DAC? Obviously the law of diminishing returns applies her but having only spent around $150/component so far I'm pretty sure I'm still on the steep part of that performance curve. Thank you for reintroducing me to STEREO and I look forward to your future videos.
Ok, but can it power the Acoustic Studio Monitor 3311?
@Douglas Blake The 3311s are an ongoing jab at the cheap audio man, because they are the original "back of the van" speakers. lol
Nice review. Keep up the great work.
Much appreciated!
They really need to change that name.
Less than 30 seconds in and I am laughing....thanks Randy, I appreciate you (as they say in Funkytown.)
I didn’t know I was funny that quickly. I appreciate you!
@@summerforever6736 valuable contribution
@@summerforever6736 yeah. I’m not quite convinced either. But I trust some guys that swear by them. I’m keeping an open mind about them
@@summerforever6736
You're right the tubes in this is for pre-amplification .
And is not the same as normal tube amp
Sounds like a great introduction to a tube front end! Final thoughts? Do uou get any buttery smooth tube sound? T-9 ,better?
I just bought one and already disappointed even before I get due to your review..thanks
I had the little brother of this and it died in about a year, hopefully this one is more durable
100K soooon
I hope!
Metal case? THE BUILD QUALITY!
- everyone that makes audio videos LOL
I have no idea what this means.
@@cheapaudioman Oh, it's just meant to mean that so many products that get reviewed are described as having great build quality anytime the dac/amp is in a metal case and the knobs aren't falling off. Just a funny thought I had. No knock on you, sir Randy.
@@Jon-nz3dm well it was built better than I thought it would be and I’ve seen some stuff at all price points that would make you sad
Thanks to John 👏 and Randy for this review to come.
You bet
The People want a Rocktopus they can buy in your merchandise section. Make it so.
YES! The people demand it...
I would love to. Maybe soon
Irrespective of politics. The Chinese are rocking at the moment.
I have a BRZHIFI X10 which is rated at 150 watts at 8 Ohms. For a laugh I stuck it in my big rig ( tube preamp, 600wpc power amp)
The BRZHIFI at one 15th of the price of the main rig was utterly beguiling. It lacked the last ounce of power but I had it driving 8 Ohms 86db sensitivity floorstanding Ruarks and my ears gave out before the amp did.
I urge anyone on a budget to try it. It outperformed an Arcam a39 costing £1500 new and rated at 120 wpc. Sold the Arcam and bought more vinyl.
BRZHIFI X10 is £100 from China direct or £130 from eBay.
Absolutely stunning sound and power and I still can't believe the price of it.
Had it for a year now not one issue
Yo-yo maaan 😂
Amazing video as always buddy.
Glad you enjoyed
Curious as to why your audio/video center speakers are up so high, above the TV? It will be quite some time before electronic vacuum tubes will be readily available, at a reasonable cost that is. Western Electric is already considering ramping up for production of tubes here in the USA.
my center speaker is up there because thats where there is room. I have it pointed downwards a bit. Works just fine that way. I can hear it and everything. I can buy tubes right now from places like tube depot. Especially ones in these sizes or equivalents.
I love the gold knobs.
Tube rolling with vintage tubes is fun and worthwhile. Just about all the internet threads talking about NOS or strong testing vintage tubes vs. current production tubes; well, the consensus is generally that they don't make em' like they used to. The vintage tubes are said to win for sound quality. If your look on ebay they most expensive vintage tubes will almost always be Telefunken brand. If you are bidding on vintage Telefunken tubes, bring a fat wallet. The reason they get the most money is that they are considered the Rolls Royce of tubes. They sound wonderful. The ribbed plate Telefunkens are liked slightly more and somewhat more desired than the smooth plate Telefunkens. Vintage tube rollers go to the trouble of finding them and bidding on them because they have better sound, according to their perception. By vintage tubes we are talking mostly 1950's, to into the 1960's. Another vintage tube known for its excellence and has unsurpassed desirability is the Siemens Gold Pin tubes. Their pins at the bottom are obviously gold plated. You will probably never see one in person; they're that rare. Some of the vintage CBS tubes were also said to be made by Siemens in Germany. The Gold Pins are the rare ones. There rare plenty of regular vintage Siemens and CBS tubes out there. Besides Telefunken, the vintage tubes most people look for are Mullard, made in England at their old Blackburn factory. Mullard makes current production tubes also, but tube rollers are after the vintage ones the most. Vintage Sylvanias are also pretty good, as are some vintage GE's and Bugle Boy tubes.
I have not done much comparing of vintage and current production tubes. They one time I did, the new Russian tubes sounded hard and brittle, especially in the highs compared to the vintage NOS American & German tubes I compared them with. Really worth the extra to get the vintage tubes in that instance. It wasn't hard hearing the difference between them. The 12ax7 input tube is the most commonly used tube of all time. It was used in about 70 to 80% of vintage tube gear equipment.
You did well with that one 🤣
thanks,
I’ll take it if it’s 100pqercent THC
Yes, that certainly would be a bargain. Especially if it had to go through visual customs.
Nice cheapman 👍😊
Thanks 👍
Another problem with the X1 compared to the T9 is you can't launch a nuclear strike.
ha.