Watching an episode of Thomas is never a waste of time.

Thomas,your videos are never a waste of time for me. Even when the product is out of my price range or not of interest to me. I still find your videos to be entertaining and educational.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot.

This was 17 minutes I'll never get back, but I DON'T WANT IT BACK, because this was highly entertaining and educational! Well done Tom! You've done it again! Booya! 9.8/10

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Your previous video was very clear. I’ll never understand why some people appear to be committed to misunderstanding or misrepresenting others.

@weatheranddarkness

Күн бұрын

seems popular these days.

You are the very definition of patience, Thomas.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first review, and respect you for coming back and doing this one. Hard to believe that anyone would have misunderstood the first one, but like you said, they may have clicked off early, not catching your dry sense of humor..again..mad respect!

Thank you for adding the tubes types you used in your review

Another great vid. Very clear & concise presentation.. You included the pros and cons of this unit & what vacuum tubes would pair well with this hybrid Amp. Thanks for all your great work. I really enjoy them & review many of them for reference purposes.

I have learned much and truly enjoy your videos Thomas. Much Appreciation Sir.

Your videos are always informative and well carried out. Keep up the good work. I would love to hear this amp in my system.

Great content as always and the extra detail about the preamp versatility was helpful in the decision to purchase 👍

I liked your previous episode. I liked this one. You were clear in both. Continue with your great work.

I enjoyed your use of the term, 'glare' to define the Class D power amp sound. A perfect single word summary. Well done. Thank you Thomas.

Always down to earth, honest and thinking of your audience though agree with others on no apology needed. You clearly take pride in your craft. A gentleman utuber can always express their views without being a jerk and you sir do that all the time. Appreciate the review.

Great review on the Billie mk2 hybrid. I own a rogue Sphinx v2 which is class D and tubes 12AU7 on the preamp side, and wow what a terrific sound on all genres. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Billie, I’ll have to check it out someday.

The saying goes, time we'll wasted. I'm glad you did do a review on this amp. I have seen Steve Huff's review and was hoping that you especially was going to one as well. I enjoy both you guys as reviewers.

Great looking amp! .. I like the details! I'll have to pick your brain in a few more days =)

This amp seems really interesting. I'm glad to hear it has other knob options cause that is all I see when I look at it.

I think this is a great all in one type solution...I absolutely love my VTV ET400A with input tube Buffers...to me Bruno Putseys nailed it with his Purifi modules...paired with a Schitt Freya+ preamp that I tube rolled to my taste and an R2R musical DAC from Ladder Schumann my Totem Acoustic Tribe speakers have never been so sonically spot on for me...thanks Thomas for enlightening your audience to the incredible benefits to Class D when paired with the appropriate balanced preamps and DACs.

THANKS AGAIN 🙏WE HOPE PEOPLE WILL LISTEN 👂 MORE CAREFULLY THIS TIME…but we won’t get our hopes up ⬆️ too much 😁💚💚💚

I enjoyed both videos this one and the previous one. Hard to pick a color though, silver or black both looked elegant.

I love your videos.

Very clear and detailed presentation, thanks! What I still wonder about is, if you have hungry electric current speakers, how is the amp then dealing with this?

Love your videos Thomas. I've been thinking of the Unico Primo or Nuovo and was wondering if you had any thoughts on yheir resoective sound qualities compared to the Billie Mk2? Keep thos videos coming...

I didn't follow the comments so will not judge these. According to me, you were very clear. I was so captured that I searched for other reviews about the heaven11. It is a bit salty - taxes and shipping to Europe are quite an extra cost for me, but I am putting it on my list. You convinced me to get tubes in my chain. At the moment I am enjoying a Feliks Audio Echo mk2, as an OTL amp and pre-amp - I do headphones and wanted an OTL. But the heaven11 is very captivating piece of art to me, due to you (:-)

Everytime you film in this room of your home, I can't help but keep smiling at the child in the photograph on the wall, lol. What a great picture 😁

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

That’s right Tom no gloves these glass valve’s aren’t xenon car bulbs, so it won’t be a problem handling them with clean fingers

A very good and helpful review. Does the amp still have decent attack in high end or do tubes soften the sound and exaggerate decay/ lush feel. I'll be first to admit I'm not experienced much with tubes. I tend to gravitate to a sound the closet duplicates a singer or musician sing or playing in my listening room. Nervous about the tubes offering too much decay/extension on notes. Your review explains the sound well and I'm considering pairing it with my dynaudio special 40s.

I find this to be one of the most interesting amps to me. No major hi-tech rodeo. Just what I think I need. Thank you.

@MarcelNL

Жыл бұрын

I really want it, but import costs are crazy high! On the other hand; try to find something similar for this price + the costs of import.

Thank you for your reply to my question, on your last video about the F18 Lii Song. You described how strong the bass was, but I couldn't get the last part, as this video was deleted. I would greatly appreciate the rest of your thoughts on the F18, and how it compares to the Liionidas OB speakers.

I don’t need another amp, but if I did the Billie would be ordered already. Good price, great sound!

I'm using Elekit tube pre to pair with an Aiyima A8pro Class D and the combo is perfect match!!!

I have the Class D XTZ Edge A2-400 and pair it with the Denafrips Hades preamp and the Schiit Freya S with the Ares II and KLH Model 5 speakers. It sounds fantastic in my room. I also have the Denafrips Thallo amp in the mix. I like the sound of the Class D with the Ares II and Cayin RU6. I just ordered the Venus II 12th from Alvin, it should be here in a few days. I would really like to try this out as a preamp, not interested in its internal DAC.

the subs all have class d, great for bass.amazing how much the front end tube brands affect the sound in this unit and generally.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

For me, the tubes did affect a lot depending on the brand.

Great review. I somehow missed this review when it came out but found it after watching the audiophiliac's rave review. The amp sounds very attractive to me. Great that it has preamp outs for future flexibility. Not too expensive and made in Canada. Looks fantastic. I don't think the 90% keeper rate is all that important to me. I returned a pair of zu audio dirty weekends which supposedly have a 95% keeper rate. I like what I like.

Thank you with the review Thomas! What do you think this Billie would match like with some LS50 Meta?

This makes sense to me. I have tried incorporating 3 different budget Class D amps (Fosi, Aiyana, etc.) into a small desktop setup (iFi Zen preamp->amp->Klipsch R-51M). That combo has resulted in a very harsh and rough experience. The warmth of the tube pre-amp would help tone down the Class D experience. Thanks for posting this.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

It is a bit more than that. Budget class D tend to have that harshness and glare. I don't know those brand you mentioned but there is definitely a difference between how each company handle class D. XTZ A300 for example, is a bit rolled off on the top end to give it a bit of smoothness.

@MJHiteshew

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Those products are all well-known "Chi-Fi" brands, and that may be why you don’t know of them as that’s not how you roll. 😂 However, some of us are still on the lower budget stage of our hi-if journey.

I thought the first review was a great one. I even commented on it. I'm not sure why you took it down. You described the amp perfectly.

WHO is saying the first video was a waste? REALLY? That's hard to believe. Certainly you SHOULD watch the ENTIRE video before sounding off! If you DO you will see that Thomas presented pluses and minuses and after being a bit disappointed or not that impressed, he started swapping out the tubes and the amp WOKE up, came into its own. Chill out people. Audiophiles, jeesh, get some ice, a glass, and some bourbon and put on some tunes, THEN post your comments, maybe?

You’re very articulated. 20 minutes of zero BS.

Great review Thomas thank you. Can I ask, is there a possibility that you might come out with a pre-amp version of the Galion TS120 ?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Sure, in the works.

Hey.. I was at the Montreal show and saw everything. I spent some time with Itai. I was quite impressed with this unit. It was my first time hearing the Buchard’s. Great guy and I’m thinking of buying one. Also I was super impressed with the new Matin Logan series…. Everything else I felt was bla bla bla….😊

Thanks Thomas for this enlightening review. A have a few questions concerning the pre amp setup. What happens then to the power section? Is it switched off, can it be used as a stand alone power amp? And what is it with the figurines? Is this the Audio Thomas Review channel setup (derived from ASR)?😉

@aaronkingi545

Жыл бұрын

Hi there. As a new owner of the Billie mk2, I can tell you when using the preout or in the line out setting the power amp does stay active. So adding a second amp or subwoofer you have the benefit of both.

I thought the original made your feeling about it very clear. I've been waiting for this time for best part of a decade and now Class D has finally revealed its possibilities.

been using x10d + linn akurate with Maggie's for years... even if many were thrashing class D. in my setup, it's brawn and sparkles!

I use a Schitt Freya+ and NuPrime ST-10Ms class D monoblocks and love the combo.

I have the Graham ls6 speakers 6:26 which I purchased for their lush mid range. Would adding a tube amplifier such as the Billy enhance that mid range, or would it be too much of a good thing and flatten out the sound.

Yup…so many ways to get synergy with tubes and solid state…. I am running a "supercharged" Schiit Freya+ (I soldered in all-new audiophile capacitors and resistors into the Tube Stage), with a McIntosh MC152 Solid State Power Amp (not Class D, tho). I am loving the combo.

How does the Billie MK2 stack up against the similarly priced Buchardt i150?

Thanks for the review. I bought one based on your review and based on my experience using an Elekit TU-8500 tube preamp with a Hypex NC502MP Class D power amp. So far, I am a bit underwhelmed with the Billie compared to the Elekit/Hypex combo. Speaking of Elekit, the Billie's design resembles the discontinued Elekit EKF-01, though the latter suffered from low power output.

@ThomasAndStereo

6 ай бұрын

That is why I always say, when you upgrade, jump 2 levels. An Elekkit TU-8500 is about $600 + a Hypex NC502MP is about $500 , which comes down to about $1100 + labor to assemble the kit , so let's say $1500. If you add in bluetooth, DAC, and phono, we are close to $2k which is the price of the Heaven 11. So I am not surprised if it is a lateral move than an upgrade. You probably need to spend $5k+ for a true upgrade. You can always return the Heaven 11 and thanks for leaving this honest feedback so it helps others to have the correct expectations.

" . . . . old man friendly"! Damn, I'm sold! I have to say, the more I listen to you talk about the combo of class D and tubes, the more I want to hear it. If only my wallet was fuller! . . . . but even then I'd have to overcome the pleasure I get from my Musical Paradise MP-301! It just gives soooo much for such a ridiculous price! Anyway, as someone else stated in their comment, I always enjoy your reviews and feel like I learn so much from just watching them, even if I can't afford or don't necessarily want to get something new. By the way, I can't help but notice the Musical Paradise components that I've seen sitting within the setups of your audio friends!

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I will review it soon.

Hi Thomas, would you recommend this for Ls3/5a speakers?

Hallo my Hifi-Hero :) One fast question, I have a Maerson dac 1 and I need a digital transport(streamer) without eating noodles for 3 months :) I think that the source is realy important for the sound and I have a Bluesound Node right now. Do you have any ideas about a streamer without a dac thats sounding superb !! :)

I’m wondering if these ICEpower class D are the newer versions, I have an Amplitude 16 amp which has the ICEpower modules and they are not fatiguing at all.

Comment at 1:05.. it looks gorgeous.. back to da video

great video Thomas - I don't have any experience with tube amplification, so sorry for the rooky question: how hot does it get ? is it a drag to use it during the summer because of the temperature around it ? Thanks

@ThomasAndStereo

10 ай бұрын

Don't worry about the temperature because these are small tubes. Email and ask them how hot does it get but usually, it is the big power tubes that get really hot.

@gabrielbacca381

10 ай бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas - just found this on their FAQs section: to the Question "Do the tubes get hot?" this is their answer: " Yes, they do -think 25w light bulb. Not enough to cause serious burn, but tubes are not meant to be handled when hot. Keep them out of reach of ‘little hands’"" I guess this applies when someone is touching them. Their Billies are out-of -stock.... I am on the waiting list for September... cheers, and thanks again

Enjoy your videos and your point of view. PS Audio uses tubes and class D as well. Innovation is where it is at and class A, AB is far from being dead.

Wondering if anyone has tried the upgraded JCC Gold Pin tubes offered by Heaven 11 and if the Phillips or other tubes mentioned are a better choice.

Is that a MP-701 MK2 pre at Loic place? 😀. What about MP-701 vs. Billie's pre, what would be better?

Thomas I am curious what you observed when testing the use of both the Gustard R26 and SMSL D3 DACs, when the BIlly Mk2 already has a DAC circuitry inside?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

It was smoother in the sense there is less digital glare.

Outstanding review, Thomas. But then, I got it on the first review. You dont need to apologize just because some people complain. There are a lot of opinionated know it all audiophiles out there who spout their opinion as if it is actual experience. This isn't religion or politics so I wish people would stick to the facts please. I have been a class AB guy forever and have been skeptical of class D but only to the extent that some people try to rationalize its short comings. I remain hopeful that it will improve and be a great amp design. I am one of those old guys who cant lift the big stuff any more and for that reason I have a couple Mono AB amps to split the weight. I am a fan of tube preamps and solid state amps so this development in taming the negatives of class D is very welcome. This has already been done by Rogue in their Sphinx integrated with great success and acceptance. I wonder how NADs new class D amp would match with the Billie preamp? People need to chill out a bit. This is free entertainment done at some trouble on your part. Unfortunately, some audiophiles have the attention span of a bipolar humming bird on meth.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment!

Because you're asking Thomas - - currently running ARC's Ref6SE ahead of Bel Canto's Ref600ms (class D monoblocks)- - driving 3.7i maggies - - - all the usual audiophile stuff is covered - especially sound staging in all directions - glorious. I guess it could be argued that the Ref6SE is a hybrid with it's JFET input transistors, but for the sake of general discussion, I think most people would agree that it's a tube preamp. I am, through my own experience, a believer in the tube front end driving class D set up - imho, it's a bargain sort of way to at least approach a taste of reference.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for sharing, I had the Bel Canto 1000s myself at one point, great amps.

Hello Thomas, What power conditioner for tube amps would you recommend? Is a regenerator the best way to go?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Check out Loic's video on the purifi power conditioner.

I wonder how this amp compares to the Rogue Audio Sphinx which is also a tube front end feeding a class D amp.

I watched your last Billie amp video Thomas and totally understood it. Your video made me want to buy the Billie amp EXCEPT I need more power to drive my speakers. I’m hoping the next Billie amp will be even better and have much more power next time. My Gershmans are very hard to drive properly. But I would Love to buy a great CANADIAN hybrid amp. Either that or you can build a new 150 watt full tube amp, the Unicorn 150. Anyway, just keep on being honest Thomas in your reviews Thomas. That’s why most of us are here.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

You need power to drive your Gershman? Go to the 9th customer review on this page. www.galion-audio.com/blogs/news/reviews

@kenjames246

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Maybe at the next Toronto Audio show you CAN bring the Galion and try them in the Gershman room on the Grande Avant Gardes ?

I found a good class D amp tends to evoke more emotion out of music if the recording has a big dynamic range or a faster transient. But, for vocal focused music, class A and tube amp are still the kings of the hill. Class D is also very good for string and acoustic music (quartet, jazz, classical...), and works better with harder-to-drive speakers.

I have had 3 different Class D and even a Class G in the Arcam SA30, I don't have any issues with what Class an amp is labeled, as long as it sounds good in my home. I won't disregard any amp just because it says Class D or whatever on the box. My favorite Class D was the Elac Alchemy DPA-2, it seemed like it took a couple weeks to "break-in?" but I felt it was superb for the $12 or $1300 I spent on it. Ultra quiet, black background and rather warm..yes I said warm lol. I try all my amps with tubes up front but not all amps, especially Class D have a high enough input impedance to match well with some Tube Pre's. My feeling is that most amps (not all) sound better with a Tube preamp.. and not because of this warm tubey sound (which I feel is a big misconception of most tube gear) but because of the bigger soundstage and presence. It can help soften up some amps, as well as smooth out how the streamers sound. My opinion anyway.

@Alephkilo

Жыл бұрын

What was ur impression of Arcam SA30? Asking coz i heard the JBL anniversary amp SA750, it sounded really fine .. and pure ..

@NosEL34

Жыл бұрын

@@Alephkilo I have a feeling the Arcam and the JBL sound very similar by how you were able to describe the JBL in 2 words. It is a very nice, clean, refined sound. I did feel it sounded a smidge lean and 2 dimensional for a couple weeks, but then all of a sudden I felt it rounded out and a depth of soundstage started to show up. That is just something I feel I experienced but others on the Discourse forum said they did not. Originally I wanted to try and go for the JBL but the Arcam I got was at a big discounted price.

@Alephkilo

Жыл бұрын

@@NosEL34 Thanks very much for responding. I almost bot the JBL SA750 but it didn’t have a preout, which would have allowed me to connect it to a tube pre.. will check out the arcam PA240 or the audion :-)

The main man. Thomas. Thats why we watch. The personality. The confidence. Alpha male.👍

Is it possible to use this amp in a home theater bypass mode? Essentially use this amp for my L/R for 2ch and HT into my processor? Thabjs

Thomas where did you get the baffles for the Lii Songs?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Loic built it.

I currently use the Jeff Rowland 125 power amp with the Schiit Freya+ preamp and love the combo of tubes paired with solid state

Tube pre/Class D synergy is superb if Class D is done right. I have AGD Audion monoblocks. When combined with my Supratek line stage the result is incredibly satisfying. I use a few different speakers including Magnepan LRS, Tekton Encore and Klipsch Forté IIIs. I’ve never had more time spent with the sound keeping me locked in, listening to track after track. Great review. Thanks!

@ufarkingicehole

Жыл бұрын

Between those 3 speakers, which are your favorite?

@Revelator2025

Жыл бұрын

@@ufarkingicehole hard to say. I enjoy each of them for different reasons. Fortes are lively and a lot of FUN. LRS are room-filling and just pleasurable. Encores are well-balanced and all-around favorites. When I use all of them, I’m also using a pair of Tekton 4-10 subs which makes all the difference in well-balanced low end dispersion. The Audions are my favorite amps, hands down though I will trade them out with Pass XA-25 or the SIT-3 from time to time. The detail and warmth is so satisfying coming from the Audions.

On their website, there is not a single image of the amp internals. I usually like to see what I am buying before spending money on gear. I prefer the Schiit approach: you know what you get when you pay.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Maybe you can ask them for a photo.

Thomas... What has been your favorite combo for your polk lsim 707? Most of what I've seen on the Billie amp has been pretty positive

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

The last time I listened to the 707 was at a friend's place, with the Galion TS120, it sounded really good.kzread.info/dash/bejne/pYmIo9xmd5ippdo.html

@ufarkingicehole

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo thank you Thomas

@ufarkingicehole

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo would it be possible to eventually add full range pre outs? I would like the option to run it as a pre amp or even run it along with another amp and I Dont think anyone does this.

I bought the Billie 1. It sounds great with my Philharmonic BMRs. I will be upgrading to the Mk2!

Well this episode won't change my mind. 🤣 As far as i am concerned nothing is as good as a full on short circuitry class A preamp, with some excellent clear clarity rhythmic and fast monoblocks in class AB, for a passive set up that is 😎 🤣 .

could use XLR inputs, used strictly as a pre how would it compare to my Audible Illusions line stage?

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

I was hoping to see XLR on the back too...

@carlitomelon4610

Жыл бұрын

Try musical Paradise MP 701mk2? Mr "Vintage" has one in from Mr T for review. See video. XLR outs aren't actually balanced. May need to double check the coupling cap values for your amp....

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

The problem is to do true XLR, it is expensive and I think you need to double the amount of tubes. Never listened to the Audible Illusions, sorry.

i have heard no one comment on how this would perform with Classical music which is my No.1 love. as you may know Classical music requires large dynamic swings. could this deliver? i realize that they also have a return policy but since i am in Thailand this could be problematic.

Hybrids by Vincent and Rogue come to mind with this product. Would you have any thoughts about that comparisons?

@crazyprayingmantis5596

Жыл бұрын

I'd like to hear his opinion on the Vincent amps, they're high on my radar. And they're the best looking amps I've ever seen

@fletchermunson6225

Жыл бұрын

The Sphinx is highly regarded in its price range and it's class D with 12AU7s a pair.

@hilde45

Жыл бұрын

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 And they've been around for a while. The Billie amp is young and....do they make any other products? Not much track record and how long will they exist as a company to stand behind their product? They can only make empty promises.

@crazyprayingmantis5596

Жыл бұрын

@@hilde45 Yeah the Billie amp falls into the boutique category, very small scale and may not exist in a year or 2 who knows.

@hilde45

Жыл бұрын

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I don't object to "boutique" but there are other companies making a similar product with much longer track records. Frankly, I suspect that the looks of the design is the main selling point, and now the company is doing a full court press with youtube influencers to sing its praises. I'd pass on this, frankly.

Thomas, I want to order the Galion TS120 SE but it is sold out. When will they be available again? Hope the price don't increase. 😱

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

They should be around April, best to put a deposit so reserve your unit with a refundable deposit because if you miss the April batch, the next batch will be months later. I am having a hard time keeping stock for the SE version.

How would you compare this to the Peachtree stack?

what is the damping factor ? thanks

I just started discovering Class A. I've put together some nice budget systems for my daughters using Class D

I have recently bought some episode 700 series bookshelf speakers. Rms on them is 130 at 6 ohms. I also have a 10in episode powered sub at 300 watts rms at .02% thd. My question is what amp do you recommend for the best performance and quality out of those speakers for a reasonable price. Not like a $3000 class a tube amp. I was looking into the Yamaha amps but they all claim they do almost the same thing. If possible can you help suggest an amp to buy and also a good daq too?

@shadowsiren3058

Жыл бұрын

Tweeter on the speaker is a 1in Titanium Catenary dome tweeter with a neo magnet.

@shadowsiren3058

Жыл бұрын

The woofer is a 6-1/2 paper w/Kevlar cone.

How does this compare with the Buchardt i150 on the S400?

@MilosVavrek

Жыл бұрын

That is very good question - and strange is, that no one answered - as Thomas reviewed them both Billie mk2 and also Buchardt i150 - But never compare them directly - even it seems, they are direct rivals. And also Billie mk2 is often marked as perfect match to s400ii

How was the headphone amp portion of this? Did I miss your opinion on that Thomas. Thanks

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I did notbuse the headphone so no idea.

@deanfisher1656

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas. Appreciate the response

I am so disappointed that Thomas did not try the Billie MK2 with the LRS+ speakers.

Selecting the right power cord will dial in the sound as much as changing the brand of vacuum tubes. In my experience, doing both ( tube rolling and power cords) is absolutely essential to getting the best possible sound.

@marcusmcmurray77

11 ай бұрын

I’m not disagreeing nor have the experience to do so. I don’t understand how a power cord will make a difference when there are miles power of lines ran from a power station to the house and hundreds of feet from the house to your outlet. How does a power cord make a significant difference? Are stock power cords incredibly cheap and of lesser quality?

@tarquineous

11 ай бұрын

@@marcusmcmurray77 The power lines run from transformer to transformer. So the wiring in your home goes to through the transformer on the pole (or on the ground). Likewise, the large wires at the power plant, do not exit the plant. There is a large transformer in the power plant. So the electricity travels many miles, but the wires only span from transformer to transformer. Similarly, each stereo component has a transformer inside. Electricity is passed through transformers by magnetism, no metal connection. Even different style transformers sound different, from one type to the next. Why all these parts and wires sound different, or affect the sound is not thoroughly known.

@marcusmcmurray77

11 ай бұрын

@@tarquineous thanks!

Hi, I bought one of these a few months back partly due to your review. Sounds great, I love it! Question: do you think this would make a passable preamp for an LSA Discovery Warp 1... at least temporarily? I plan on getting a LADDER Bach eventually.

@ThomasAndStereo

10 ай бұрын

For me, I prefer this as a preamp over the Ladder.

I will wait for ultimate clarity...in a 3rd video

would you pair r2r dack with hybrid amp?

Sounds fair. Missed the class d drama and cant wait for the great wave of new class d amps to flush away preconceptions

I've access to 320kbps MP3 audio, I love music. What should be my Max budget to buy headphones. I don't wanna spend too much on it provided I don't have access to FLAC or CD quality audios. Please suggest

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, no idea.

@thebestoffools

Жыл бұрын

Try Drop+Sennheiser HD6XX or HD58X. Best bang for the buck. No need to spend $1K + on headphones if you only listen to lossy quality music.

Class D amplification combined with tube preamp of the Billie Amp MKII is a the next lever of performance.

@jackfalco5351

Жыл бұрын

The tube preamp is great, but doesn’t negate shortcomings of class D

Would be great to hear this amp with 12SN7 tubes (using an adapter).

@carlitomelon4610

Жыл бұрын

@Sean Heisler Hi Sean. Doubt it. Would need 12v heater. Maybe 6sn7? Better contact the designer first to see if the power supply can handle it. Cheers matey. PS My bad it is 12 v

@sean_heisler

Жыл бұрын

@@carlitomelon4610 The heater IS in fact 12 volts, right?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Would be, I did not know 12SN7 existed or it is just a wish.

@sean_heisler

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Oh, yeah, that's pretty much all I run is 12SN7's. I have that Musical Paradise MP-701 MKII tube preamp that I've mentioned to you before, which has a 6 and 12V heater switch allowing you to use tons of different tubes. 12SN7's are 100% identical to 6SN7's except they run off the higher 12.6V heater like a 12BH7 or a 12AU7 for example. Just like a 12AU7 or 6SN7, a 12SN7 has the gain of 20. Another great tube preamp that will run both 6 and 12SN7 tubes is the Mapletree tube preamp and the Valves N More Mellowtone preamp kit. 12SN7's cost a fraction of what 6SN7 tubes as well.

@carlitomelon4610

Жыл бұрын

@@sean_heisler I run a mix of one 12sn7 and two 12au7 right now. 12v yes;-/

I wonder how this would pair with the R3 Meta’s.

@nepomo1

4 ай бұрын

They pair very well. They look good together too (Walnut Finish Metas). That’s my exact setup. I swapped the tubes with Bugle Boy 12au7s. Thomas’s recommendations weren’t available. The stock tubes were muffled and a little dark. Sounded ok but bugged me. With the Bugle Boys, they sound great. Top end opened up. Much more clear and airy. So net net. Warmish and very open and clear with good bottom end.

A very nice more sophisticated, more powerful alternative to the Aiyima T9 PRO, built in N'America.

It’s a Preamp better than Freya +?

Nothing to say apart from in agreement about tube pre and class d. Class d also gives a chance to build a system and use class d power until being above to afford the 5k AB one..

I really enjoy the mix and compromise of a tube pre and class d power amp ....as I wanted that tube space, warmth and harmonic distortion ....but not the crazy expense of rolling NOS power tubes. ... But admittedly I still would love to try a little Decware zen amp or something similar.