WHY xDuoo? WHY? xDuoo TA-26S OTL tube amp review
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Buy the TA-26S here: 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 bit.ly/TA-26SApos 🌏bit.ly/TA-26SGlobal
A review of the xDuoo TA-26S OTL tube amp including comparison with the original TA-26, discussion of good headphone pairings and some tube rolling too.
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My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - amzn.to/4c1C4F9
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
ZMF Atrium - $2,499 - www.zmfheadphones.com/
Meze Elite - $4,000 - bit.ly/3UMIDWb
Focal Utopia (2022) - $4,999 - amzn.to/44xEHvx
My top recommended IEMS (prices in USD)
KZ ESX - $30 - amzn.to/4bpMyxC
Tangzu FUDU - $89 - amzn.to/3UvOrlk
Simgot EM6L - $129 - amzn.to/4a3SLy1
Meze Audio Alba - $159 - bit.ly/AlbaIEM
Thieaudio Elixir - $209 - amzn.to/3ULd9zr
7Hz Timeless - $220 - amzn.to/3QslVA8
Elysian Pilgrim - $399 - bit.ly/3y7N995
Xenns Mangird Top - $530 - bit.ly/XENNSTopLin
Sennheiser IE600 - $700 - amzn.to/44AxcUQ
Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir - $799 - bit.ly/3Wu2k5O
Sennheiser IE900 - $849 - amzn.to/4b66wxy
Westone Mach 70 - $1,400 - amzn.to/3ULUK5P
My top recommended TRANSPORTS (prices in USD)
WiiM Pro - $168 - amzn.to/4bpTDOw
SMSL PL200 CD - $669 - amzn.to/3Wsd0lJ
Eversolo DMP-A6 (Master Edition) - $1,299 - amzn.to/44sBMUR
Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
My top recommended WIRELESS 'PHONES (prices in USD)
Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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00:00 Introduction
00:33 Glamour video
01:49 Pricing & specs
04:15 Device tour
07:03 Tubes in use
07:44 Sound quality
11:25 Tube rolling
15:26 Tube conclusions & recommendations
16:35 Final conclusions
#audiophile #audioreview #tubeamp - Наука та технологія
I have the OG TA-26 and its great with Senn 6XX!
The reason these Chinese companies release new DACs and amps every 2 weeks is simple: new products get reviews, old products don't. Can't really blame them when UA-camrs are more than happy to feed the beast while the manufacturers don't have to manage a marketing budget.
Yes, that's true. It's also why they get upset with me when I tell them I can't review their latest product until 2-3 months from the release date. It's a strange model and not a particularly good one I think.
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❤❤😅?😅
Great video! I think I'll be buying this for my Sennheiser HD 660 S2 and Mojo 2. I don't have much cash to spare these days and I'm exploring the mid-fi realm as yet. Besides, this will be my first tube amp, so let's see how it goes... Wish this were balanced though, but then again, at this price, can't expect the moon and stars...
Love your approach to high-end audio. Keep it up!
Glad you liked the videos! Great choice with the TA-26 too! Don't worry about needing balanced - it makes absolutely no difference and a quality single ended design will perform just as well as a quality balanced design.
Been considering this one as a cheap way to satisfy my interest in tubes to compliment my Jotunheim2 and bifrost 2/64 stack. Excited to hear your thoughts on it.
Would be great to have a good sounding amp with tube flavor for the price.
I think it would be a fantastic fit alongside your current setup. Hope the review was helpful!
Thanks very much for the review.
Could you please review and compare Schiit Audio's Valhalla 2 OTL amplifier at some stage?
Also Aune recently released the S17 Pro. Hopefully you'll be able to review that at some stage also.
I don't expect to be reviewing either of those anytime soon, but you never know...
No mention of the newer models more linear volume control making it far more user friendly, or the improvement to the pre amp valve base. Also, a lot of headphone users have 4.4 balanced cables, and it's nice to have a 4.4 input (even if not into a balanced amp) to avoid having to constantly change your cables. but otherwise a very nice review.
I didn't notice any meaningful shift in the use of the volume control from the OG to the S version, but thanks for raising it! 🙂
As always great job thank you so much. Hope you have the opportunity to review the new XDuo XD 05 balanced 2 as a portable option for demanding headphones would be amazing to know your valuable opinion thank you
I haven't as yet, but it's one I would gladly try if I get the opportunity. I generally really like xDuoo products
The Felix audio Euforia OTL it has the power switch on the backside too. :-) Best wishes y
Such a shame IMO. It makes for a less enjoyable interaction each time you switch the amp on/off.
Good video and review
Thanks for this.
Very cool item.
I have been collecting components most of my life and this little Jem is most welcomed.
I like the fact its OTL out the box which is a no brainier.
Have heard dual mono full valve hard wired OTL power amplifiers and that liquid crystal mid range is so damn good.
I bought some imported headphone amps Years ago which to be honest had the most ridiculous build quality.
They had literally welded the main transformer on the top of the chassis to its case instead of just using screws.
The Earth wiring was drastically rubbish and in some cases non existent.
Having said all that the sound was half decent using KT88 and I think the same pre input tubes as in Your video.
I hope the company who made this video watches Your video and takes the positives as well as the negatives on board and keeps refining and chipping away to give the audio consumer base exactly what they want.
Like You mentioned the additional small headphone input is to Me a complete waste of time.
I also dont like the red volume control which seems out of sync with the rest of the unit.
The handles on the top of the chassis are the cheap ones found in furniture cupboard doors.
What I would like to see is:
Gold or silver plated options for the top chassis.
Better handles on the top.
Optional cage to protect the valves.
Dual PCB boards for each channel negating as best as possible cross talk and inter modulation.
Very high quality stepped attenuator's ( One for each channel ) and for each dedicated dual mono PCB.
The company logo on top of the power transformer housing in maybe gold.
Optional Spikes supplied for the underneath support feet.
At the rear the input plugs kept as far away from the aux ones as possible.
Possibility of an impedance selector switch so one can match as close as possible to the owners headphones.
Great review though and one that is extremely useful.
Thank you Passion for Sound.
Glad you liked the review. I think, with the things you're asking for, that's the kind of thing you get at higher price levels. I think xDuoo are providing one of the better looking, feeling, and sounding products at this budget level.
@@PassionforSound
Thank you
Exactly they are offering a remarkable unit at at extraordinary price range.
I wish something like this unit had been around many Years ago.
Its an absolute bargain.
Much appreciated Passionforsound.
Have a great Day :))
I enjoy your videos. Great job! How would you rate the xduoo to the Valhalla 2.
I haven't tried the Val 2. Sorry.
Using a pair of ZMF Aeolus headphones, do you think this amp would be an upgrade over the Asgard 3 that I own?
Love your reviews!
Glad you like the reviews! I think the TA-26S might be a slight upgrade, but it's more about providing a different experience and it will synergize beautifully with the ZMFs so will likely be an upgrade from that perspective.
I have the old TA-26, got some 6SN7, 6AS7 and 6080 tubes to roll and loving it. I feel that having the switch at the front is better because after using it and the tube is hot, I’ll hate to accidentally touch it when switching it off. However, I do wonder what the Cayin tube amps sound like at over 10 times the price
Glad you're still enjoying the OG TA-26. I'm yet to try any of the really pricey tube amps other than the LTA MZ3, but there's no doubt that resolution and clarity can increase compared to the TA-26.
@@PassionforSound hope you’ll get a few for reviews, I’ll be watching
Yes, I'd like that too 🙂
As my Little Dot Mk 2 has just recently died and I've been looking at this as a replacement. I wanted a European made tube amp for more convenient warranty terms but they're so much more expensive. It's a shame the 4.4mm on this isn't truly balanced - that would have made it an easy buy!
Yeah, still an excellent amp though - excellent bang for buck
Thank you for the review! I have recently bought a Sennheiser HD600 headphone, do you think this would be a good tube amplifier for it, paired with an OG JDS Labs ATOM DAC?
Yes, the TA-26(S) is a great match with the Sennheisers. If you add the Ray 6SN7 Select tube, it can get even better!
@@PassionforSound Thank you! :)
This is going to be an interesting one.
Hope you like it!
I did!
Please review the TA-66 it is point to point wired, not sure if that will effect the sound quality, a comparison with TA-26S will be nice too ;-)
I'm working on that one right now!
Hello, How with imaging, channel balance ? it;s ok ? It's not as "warm, lush" like other tube otl's You check ?
The benefit of a tube amp like this is that you can make it what you want with the tubes you select. The stock tubes are fairly neutral and the imaging is good, but it can be improved with some better tubes.
I have quite many 600ohm headphones. Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic and AKG
This would be a great amp with those
What would you suggest for real tubey sound? I want more coloration, these hybrid amps just don't do it for me....
This isn't a hybrid amp - it's pure tube and even transformerless. I think you'd find it suitably tubey and then it's just a question of finding some richer sounding tubes if that's what you specifically want.
1:25 Can I ask what lens is creating this much distortion? I've been looking for that effect
I use a little Sony ZV-1 camera for my B-roll and bought an add-on 2-in-1 lens for macro / wide angle. It's the add-on macro lens that creates the barrel distortion and chromatic abberation.
Cool 👍
Super interested in this as a gateway into OTL for my ZMFs (Auteur, Eikon, Atticus) as well as my HD600. Would love to know if this has good synergy, or better to save up for higher tier? Thanks for any steer…
This is a lovely entry point and pairs well with the ZMFs. It's an excellent way to listen and decide if you like the general feel of OTL. It can also improve significantly with the right tubes, too, so there's room to upgrade it a bit if you enjoy what you hear.
@@PassionforSound Thanks kindly for the super quick reply and insights….got disconnected over the holidays so only saw the reply now. Sounds like I have my next purchase all lined up :-) Thanks for all the grand work you share with the headphone community and all best wishes for 2024 and beyond.
My pleasure. Happy new year!
Would this be too much power for my Audeze LCD-X 2021?
Not too much power. The only challenge might be that the LCD-X are low impedance and the TA-26 has high output impedance. What this means is that a lot of power is lost from the amp to the phones and might actually end up making the TA-26 underpowered for those headphones.
Hard to beat the price, but still expect early problems with these devices. I do repairs of audio equipment. While overall built quality of xDuoo amps seems better compared to other similarly priced Chinese tube amps, but still not without issues. Particularly the anode supply circuitry is prone to early failure. The circuitry is basic, however the transistors and most of the discrete elements are of low quality, Hence the affordable price. To be fair, my experience was with the TA-03s device, but I believe this one would not be much different. On TA-03s there is a noticeable tube ringing noise, impossible to use with sensitive headphones. I have not experimented enough, but it seems the ringing is from the mechanical vibrations of the transformer or the mains 60Hz from the 6V heater AC supply. replacing the Chinese clone tubes with originals did not help.
The TA-series amps are a step up from the MT-series range, but they're still a budget amp and we still get what we pay for so you're probably right. 🙂
Just to confirm, you used a 3.5 mm to dual RCA cable from the Mojo 2 headphone out? Did you use max volume from the Mojo? Thanks
That's correct about the cable. For the volume, I had to set the Mojo 2 volume to the listening level I needed for the headphones and then adjust the TA-26S volume to match. This allowed me to quickly switch back and forth without the delay of correcting volumes in between.
@@PassionforSound Do you think the TA26s would have sounded better if the mojos volume was all the way up since that's how you usually set the source volume? Just asking because I was thinking of using a BTR5 the way you used the mojo. Thanks again.
I did test that to make sure I wasn't under powering the inputs and it was fine. If I weren't testing and needing the matched volumes, I would have raised the Mojo 2 volume to the 2V output level so it behaved like a regular line output as that is generally recommended.
Great review. You think this pairs well with the Focal Clear?
The Clear is an interesting one because it's impedance is low enough that the high output impedance of the TA-26(S) will influence its sound. Whether or not you LIKE that influence is a personal question so a bit hard to answer. I do enjoy the Clears on an amp like this, but I'm reluctant to completely recommend it due to the extra subjectivity involved.
Thanks for the reply. If I pull the trigger I’ll let you know my thoughts. Cheers
So I bit the bullet and went for the TA-26. So far - with my Clears - I’m really happy. It’s early days though and need to experiment with a lot more music. For me this amp adds some more completeness and reality (- if they are valid descriptors) to the sound. Less analytical - but in a good way - knocks off some of harsher edges. So - so far so good! Again, love the reviews and your engagement with your subscribers. Cheers.
So glad you're happy with it! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
The reason why NoS sound better than new production is quality control and materials used in the production.
That would make sense when I hear some of the new tubes produced with tighter tolerances.
Did you prefer the Sovtek + Ken-Rad over the Sovtek + Electro-Harmonix from your original review?
Yes. The KenRad is a wonderful tube!
@@PassionforSound and how does the Ken-Rad compare to the new APOS? I saw that video after I posted here
Good question and I didn't compare directly because the KenRad can't be purchased easily anymore. My impressions between the two are that both are of similar overall quality, but the KenRad has a slightly fuller midrange while the Ray 6SN7 Select (there's also the even better Reserve version now) is a more analytical sound (as much as tubes are ever analytical). I think, if both were available at the same price, I'd probably grab the KenRad, but given the rareness of those and the price they fetch, the Ray is a great consolation prize for way less money. 🙂
What do you think about the new Chinese tubes Linlai Elite E-6SN7? Could it be a good investment for my TA-26 and Sivga SV023? Do you perhaps know some people who use them? Or should I rather visit JJ Electric, a tube factory which is one hour drive from my home, and ask them if they have any special good quality 6SN7's?
I don't know anything about the Linlai tubes as yet. JJ are producing some solid options though.
@@PassionforSound Besides the stock one, I have an old Soviet tube, but I don't particularly love the sound. I would not say that "tha bass is bloated", as some people call it, but the low registers are definitely too fuzzy, not distinct enough. And I also have Electro-Harmonic Gold, the tube that you also had tried, and it works with my Sivga just great. Everything sounds perfect, and it is difficult to imagine that it could sound better (vocals are sweet, the bass is just right, not too strong and not lacking) ... except that in some kinds of music it is just a little bit too "bright". It bothers me especially in the case of symphonies of my very beloved composer Allan Pettersson. Perhaps I need to find another tube, such that synergize better with the music on string orchestra. (or wait for some bargain sale and buy ZMF Atrium ;])
Hi I use the Linlai Elite 6sn7 and 274b in my Feliks Audio Euforia and Musical Paradise preamp 701 mk 2 and they seem quite lovely. I don’t know your tube gear. Linlai tubes are rather large. So they might not fit. They give air to my set up. My end game.
Yeah, it is always a trick finding just the right tube combo for a particular headphone
@@yoramdiamand I only have a cheap TA-26, although it is big enough I think, and there should be no problem with placing Linlai E-6sn7 there. The question is, if those tubes are not a bit of overkill for such a medium class equipment, and if they would help with strings and string orchestra, to make listening to symphonies a more pleasant experience in general. What is also quite interesting, btw, I live in the same region of Poland where they produce Feliks Audio amplifiers. I was born and grew up in a town located some 40 km from there. But presently I don't even consider buying any of their products, perhaps one day in a couple of years. ;]
Will this pair with Topping DS50III and arya organic
It won't be a great synergy with the Arya. It will drive them ok, but wouldn't be my first choice for the best possible sound.
Got it thanks
Tried xDuoo and failed badly, ended up with a seconhand Woo WA 3. Fantastic - I am sure to own this for a life time. But I am addicted to the tube sound and Solid State is good for a change, but mostly pre-amp.
Sorry to hear that about the xDuoo. Glad you found a solution you're enjoying!
@@PassionforSound I can't be upset at all, without their failure I wouldn't have ended up where I am. My biggest surprise is Woo are mainly on forums along side BottleHead and little on youtube.
Yes, for me in Australia, I can't get their products via the local distributor, but I might check direct with Woo.
I am so lost on tubes! You have a course I think? Is yes then how do I get into it?
The course development stalled a bit due to family and work commitments, but hasn't been forgotten. What's your specific challenge with tubes? Perhaps I can help here.
@@PassionforSound that there different sizes types etc
Ah, gotcha! Yes, that can be tricky. Basically, you need to stick with the models used in the original amp design, but don't worry about choosing an amp based on the tubes used as all tube types (generally) can sound good if you get the right version (i.e. there's no specific benefit in buying an amp using 12AU7s vs and amp using 6N1P tubes).
The final thing to know is that if you have a tube amp and want to try other tubes, you can just do a search for equivalent tube models and find direct replacement options. Just be sure that there's no talk of them using different voltages. I.e. you would search for "12SN7 tube equivalents" and see what comes up. A 6SN7 might be listed, but would also say that it uses 6V instead of 12V so even though they have the same external design (size, number of pins, etc.) they're not directly interchangeable.
Finally, if in doubt, stick to the tube model that came with the amp 🙂
would Woo Audio WA2 or WA22 be better if we can afford it?
Im wondering the same about the firefly
I don't currently have access to Woo products so can't help there. Sorry!
@@PassionforSound that's okay. of those tube amps you've heard below $2k or $1.5k, which is your top recommendation?
I've kind of jumped from the budget xDuoos straight to something like the Linear Tube Audio MZ3 and the Schiit Folkvangr. The only others I've got extensive experience with are the Bottlehead kit amps which are brilliant if you can wield a soldering iron. The Mainline is still one of the most impressive tube amps I've heard for the money.
I had purchased other tube amplifiers that use the same 6AS7 with 6SN7 tube combination; two of xDuoo TA-26, three of Darkvoice 336SE, and one of Eufonika H5DS. Both of the xDuoo TA-26 were returned to the seller. This is the only time in my decades of amp collecting that I have ever returned an amplifier due to poor performance. The xDuoo TA-26 neutered my tubes by lessening all of my tubes special characteristics! I DO NOT recommend the TA-26. So if the TA-26 is basically unchanged, I suggest one purchases hesitantly.
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I also own other tube amplifiers including Little Dot MK III that Lachlan brought up. The Little Dot MK III is a great value tube amp that would be the best option for most beginning their journey into tube amplifiers if they don’t intend on rolling tubes. If one does intend on rolling tubes The Eufonika H5DS is a great option but does cost a bit more.
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As for running planar magnetic headphones. No OTL amplifier that I own can do this successfully. I do own the Quicksilver Headphone Amp (not OTL) which is over $1000 but sounds sweet to run planar magnetic headphones. I also own many hybrid tube amplifiers, but with these inexpensive models one would have to be selective with carefully matching easy to drive planars.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. That's interesting that you felt the TA-26 reduced the influence of the tubes.
I agree that I would not recommend OTL amps for planars. It will work on high sensitivity units, but I would only really recommend OTL amps for high impedance dynamic cans
How about as a pre-amp to an SS amp, @@PassionforSound ? TA-26 pre-amp >> SS amp >> low sensitivity planars.... that's the idea I'm contemplating. Or is there just a different kind of tube amp that's a better idea?
This will work great as a pre-amp in that type of setup.
Hello, what are differences between xduoo ta-26 & eufonika ? in terms of sound signature
@@ing.enuity3392 The Eufonika H5DS is on par with the Darkvoice 336SE. It's performance is in the same ball park. However, it does exceed the Darkvoice in performance slightly. The main over glaring difference is that the Eufonika does not have all of the quirks with tube buzzing and tube burning in that the Darkvoice has. The Eufonika is a solid choice as it does not neuter tube characteristics like the xDuoo TA-26 does. Eufonika tube amplifiers are great amplifiers and the better choice of the three choices for most consumers.
i think the standard tubes on the ta26s are very bassy / slightly to much even. I can believe a lot of people like this though, but i thought it came with a loss of detail. Tube rolling is necessary, but its a very good amp with tube rolling!
That's interesting and makes me wonder if there's significant variation between some batches of the tubes they've sourced. What you've described is similar to my thoughts on the Darkvoice 336SE, but both TA-26 variants were not like that.
@@PassionforSound it was pretty weird. Actually thought my hd800s was to bassy 😜
Yeah, that's definitely not how either of my TA-26 units perform unless there's a specific synergy thing with the HD800.
@@PassionforSound you must have one laying around :😜
It's like that, but no 😁
Do these pair well with the sundara?
No, you'd want a hybrid amp like the MT-601, 602 or 604, or the TA-20 Plus that I'll be reviewing soon. 🙂
@@PassionforSound was eyeing the mt-602. I already have the zen stack. Will the 602 add any value? Perhaps a little tube sound?
Probably just some tube colouration rather than any upgrade
@@PassionforSound thank you so much for your inputs. Love the channel and the content. Keep the good work going! 😊
Just wondering what planar headphones you tried on the TA26 ?all of mine sound like crap on it, but the HD600 and R70x sound like gold on it ...if xduoo read this if you want to change anything with this amp put in some gain switches...
It's been ages since I tried the planars. That comment was based on my experiences reviewing the OG TA-26. It's not an amp I'd recommend for planars as such, but easy to drive options like the Elites, Arya, etc. (IIRC) should be fine. That said, the magic is definitely with high impedance dynamics.
As far as I know, with tube amps, the gain is determined by the input tube so you can't just put a switch like you can on a solid state - you'd need to find a 6SN7 equivalent with higher/lower gain.
Being an OTL, most of those will work better into high impedance loads, so I think your expectations are slightly out for the design of this amp.
Yes. OTL is really a good match for current hungry (low impedance) cans, however, there are a few planars that will work well because they have a flat impedance and are quite sensitive.
oops!
couldn't help myself...
can't have too many OTL amps imo... thx
Haha. Hope you love it
colness!!!
Thanks mate, grab a coffee on me
Much appreciated, Heath! Thank you!!