Holiday Sale! go to kamikoto.com/cheapaudioman to get your knives set and help support our channel. USE CODE: cheapaudioman for $50 off your new knives Cayin LA34 Tube Amp bit.ly/3XQnVUC Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5

@randycook2170

Жыл бұрын

Heads up. Recently, I've seen info indicating Kamikoto is a scam company, along with Established Titles.

@carcrashjayson

Жыл бұрын

So your channel is about affordable quality but you shill for horrible knives that are overpriced to ridiculous levels?

Hi Randy, Thank you for your review of the Cayin LA-34. We know that tube amps aren't always your thing, and the EL-34 is not your favorite tube...with that being said, we appreciate the honest straightforward review of this integrated...For the price, we haven't found another item built to the same degree that offers a sonically neutral and engaging presentation. You are correct in that speaker matching is something to take into account. Depending on what you listen to, and the size of your room, this amp really has the ability to drive all but the most inefficient speakers. We have found in our experience that this amp does continue to get better as it runs in...we will see if we can find out who manufactures the EL-34's used...Once again, thank you for your time and insight! Richard Segal-Aida Audio

@MasterofPlay7

Жыл бұрын

how come he doesn't like tube amp?

Aparently KT88 tubes might bring you the bottom end joy you are looking for. It never gets old, keep up your entertaining style.

Solid reviews (like this) help we price conscious stereo types from blowing our scant $$ on equipment we wont like long term. Glad to see more tube amps coming in at moderate price-points. Never thought I would pay more than $200 for any amp, solid or tubular…but it is sweet. I have a tube amp on an A/B switch with a semi-vintage Technics rack system and the differences are pretty dramatic. Even though the Technics pre & power amp combo has like 3x the power, the tube amp has all I need and more…and the sound is pleasing for most of the music I play.

Had this amp before. It runs on four EL34 power tubes, two 12AU7 & one 12AX7 on its preamp. Really liked this amp a lot but I had to sell it when I upgraded my system. But this is a highly recommended amp. Thanks for sharing this review Randy!

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

thanks!

@andrewwood9067

Жыл бұрын

@@cheapaudioman You have never heard a Mcintosh or Audio Research tube amp? Amazing sound. What a lot of us do is use our tube amps on the top and a hefty solid state on the woofers. I have a pair of Infinity Kappa 9's, notoriously hard to drive, crazy impendence dips, "Amp Killer" is it's nickname. I went through about 5 amps before moving to Bi-amping with both Tubes and SS. Crazy thing is I tried many 200 250w High current SS amps that fell short, I had a friend that brought over his 30w Dynakit tube amp and the Kappas came alive! I was blown away.

Hey Randy, enjoyed the review. Try the Cayin with a source hooked up directly, instead of using a pre-amp. It may sound even better. Putting a somewhat inexpensive solid state pre-amp in front of a tube amp is kind of missing the point. Just my opinion, of course.

@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices

Жыл бұрын

How about putting a vintage Marantz as a pre-amp? Relative newbie here looking to get into his first tube amp from a vintage 22xx series Marantz. Have Auris BlueMe DAC's.

Adult Randy: I love it when manufacturers know how to make products that represent the purity of what was intended in a song or musical production. The precision and transformative joy that proper audio equipment can bring when done correctly is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Inner-kid Randy: It lights up and the needles move, and I couldn’t be happier.

After 60 + years in audio I went all tube about 3 years ago. But earlier this year I switched back to SS. Power was the most critical reason, but it was more than that. Speed and dynamics at lower volumes were enhanced using 155wpc SS but also the detail and stage was better. That's not supposed to work like that. The final nail in the tube coffin was the AC power draw running multiple tube amps. One annoying thing was the heat dissipation issue as well. Class A tubes giving 6wpc max output, idles at 125 watts at the wall. My 155wpc ss might draw 15 idling and rarely more the 25 watts and that's rockin', with zero heat. I had my two favorite SS amps rebuilt at AETechron in Indiana and will use them for the remainder of my music listening on my master system. I am deliberately not mentioning the brands because some are prototypes and others very old designs surely to bring a bunch of unwanted trolls. BTW you might want to buy a set of 4 Gold Lion KT77 tubes which are direct replacement for EL34. They have a different sound and for me it was an improvement. Plus the quality has been flawless. Going with KT88's and higher may require more transformer power than many EL34 designs can handle. Use caution. The 77's are fine. Also, you didn't mention if you experimented with the bias adjustments. Sonic changes can be had with different bias power settings, especially in lower feedback designs, less so with higher feedback circuits. I'll shut up. Thanks for the video.

I replaced the cheap Chinese EL34 tubes with quality matched tubes from JJ in my Reisong A10 (and did all the Skunkie Audio mods) and presto, the thing kicks butt! My Klipsch R820F towers never sounded better. Plenty loud too.

@peterbaugh51

Жыл бұрын

JJ TUBES - Yes.

@user-ji7gz8lx1q

Жыл бұрын

& if you’re going to roll the tubes; think about re-biasing it to 6L6 tubes. Never heard of a hi-fi amp using those tubes. EL34’s are found in Marshall guitar amplifiers, which I always found harsh; while the 6L6’s can be noticeably warmer. Eddy Van Halen’s 5150 series is based off his custom Marshalls he had fitted with 6L6’s and hotter 12AX7’s (from 4 to 5).

Thank you for this review, Randy. I have been a tube amp lover for several years. It is not everyone's cup of tea. Appreciate your honesty!

The stock cayin tubes do not offer as much bass as the amp can bring. I upgraded each tube to Genalex gold lion and have been very pleased.

@gooma27

Жыл бұрын

This right here!!! Reviewers rarely mention that you can gain a lot of bass by upgrading the tubes. I have the same issue with the Jolinda (black ice audio) 6802 fusion waiting for the funds to buy the gold lions

@brandonwilliams648

Жыл бұрын

@@gooma27 JJ and electro harmonix have worked well too.

It is good to know that better tube integrated amps like the Cayin LA34 are available; for *reasonable* prices. And I agree that 32W/ch (into 8 ohms, presumably?) is more than enough for all but the lowest efficiency / impedance speakers, at "sane" volume levels. As a *longtime* listener to a tube preamp (35+ years with an Audible Illusions Modulus 2C), I love the way tubes sound - but I think you're correct that a tube *power* amp is not likely to have the bass control and extension and clarity - that better solid state power amps can have.

Good morning brother. Tube amps are amazing when they’re well designed and you can afford them(historically).

The Sith Audio record wire brush I bought has made a bit of a mess of my records. Except for the Bob Dylan records which now sound better than before.

I've owned all sorts of tube and solid state year over the years and like both. The one piece I recommend to all people who want to understand the " tube sound" is a rebuilt Fisher 400 tube received using 7868 output tubes. All those I've demonstrated it to have been blown away of at least grudgingly impressed.✌

@stephenscharf6293

Жыл бұрын

The classical "tube sound" is history. Listen to a modern tube amplifier e.g. those from Conrad-Johnson, Ayon, Wavac, Wavestream Kinetics etc., sometime. They are very quiet, transparent, fast, and dynamic. Plus they have a musicality that it generally takes 10X the price for a SS amp to have. We're not living in the 60's any more...

@johnstump2433

Жыл бұрын

I’m running a restored The Fisher SA-300 and I can mirror your comments with that amplifier

@js1812

Жыл бұрын

@@stephenscharf6293 Agreed on those products, but way out of price range for this forum.

@stephenscharf6293

Жыл бұрын

@@js1812 Hi JS: respectfully, and in the interests of accuracy, the title of the video was for "tube amps", it didn't specify tube amps within a specific price range. Also, if we get down to the physics of it, both SS and tube amp perform the same function: voltage gain in an electrical circuit. The "quality" of that voltage gain is such that the physics of signal amplification "doesn't care" WHAT (e g. transistors or tube) is used to provide the voltage gain, only HOW. At the of the day, we're talking about a _transfer function_ and there are multiple ways* to mediate a transfer function. The aim is to provide maximal gain and minimal noise, and to minimize the impact of odd-order harmonics. There are numerous ways to do that, and generalizing "one is better than the other" is inaccurate. What matters most is the circuit topology and the parts used to mediate the transfer function. *-if interested, look up TRIZ. TRIZ is all about the multiple ways that can to solve problems. Cheers.

@scottdavis0801

Жыл бұрын

I own a Fisher 400, and can't find anything I like better. An amazing sounding receiver!!

I’ve been waiting for you to try the much lauded Wilsenton R8 ever since I first heard you didn’t like tube amps. The bass on the R8 is fantastic.

@donpettit7107

Жыл бұрын

I couldn’t agree more. With my vintage (given free to me) Fischer 3-ways with 13”? woofers…there is all the bass I need without any tone controls. At $1499, the Willsenton R8 was about 10x more than I have ever paid for an amp or integrated…but I’m not ever getting rid of it. My kids may fight over it when I am gone…because the build quality seems like it will be long time running.

@mikeknowles5848

Жыл бұрын

It has real bass punch, even with EL34 rather than KT88s (I use EL34s with LS3/5As and KT88s with ATC SCM19s - both incredible).

@mindhead1

Жыл бұрын

The R8 is a winner for sure. I’m running stock kt88 tubes and it sounds fantastic. I’m told SQ can be improved with better tubes. This is probably the case with the Cayin so extra cash is probably needed to make these amps sound there best. The R8 has plenty of power for my RSL CG25 and Triangle Comete speakers. It’s the best audio upgrade I’ve made to date. Tube amps FTW.

@donpettit7107

Жыл бұрын

@@mindhead1 You said it….that settles it. Win.

@mikeknowles5848

Жыл бұрын

@@mindhead1 I've found NOS Svetlana 'winged c' tubes to sound superb with this. You probably have to be patient to get a good deal, but I got a matching quad for £50 and they are incredible. The same with EL34s.

As a proud owner of the CS55a, I can assure you this company’s price / value ratio is quite remarkable.

@postaudio

Жыл бұрын

I love mine too. I went for the KT88s

@somebody9762

Жыл бұрын

@@postaudio Cool, that’s a very respectable amp. Enjoy !

Great review and intro to tube amps. Thank you for your perspective, time, and opinion, as always.

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

thank you

People often blame the tube type, but it's all due to the power supply being adequate, or not. Especially for a tube amp. The power supply is where most of the money goes on better tube amps. Oh, and btw, 32 tube watts w/a good power supply will sound beefier than the same wattage from a ss amp. Thanks Randy.

@marloncumberbatch9442

Жыл бұрын

exactly this! I have a 12 Watt Tube Amplifier with an oversized power supply (the unit weights 80 pounds) and it has better base authority and slam than a my smaller EL34 App with three times the watts.

Ahaha, the old schtick "remember when this use to be pasture land" This long in the tooth country boy laughed out loud to that. Still watching and loving. Thank you kindly.

Hi Randy, love your channel! Was just curious if you tried running a source directly into the tube amp and if you did, did it sound different without the preamp in the chain? I only ask because sometimes I notice some preamps can influence the sound- sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. Thanks!

Thanks for the insightful review. They should include a built-in bias meter for convenience. I would love to see your review on the Willsenton R8 - The KT88's have much more bass drive and the Ultra-linear mode kicks it from polite to party mode!

Cayin is a very well regarded brand.. Unfortunately, the dealer network in the USA is almost non existent. I think it is much stronger in Canada and parts of Asia... It sure looks very similar to the Primaluna !!!

@js1812

Жыл бұрын

That's because the company that makes Cayin, also makes Prima Luna. Spark electronics, I believe.

Hi Randy, how did it do with your Elac uni-fi 5.2’s? What should I be using to power them properly? Thanks and keep up your awesome work.

Randy, just an idea -sell all your amps except for the Akitika and buy the Willsenton R8. Full bass and everything you're looking for. Combined with a Denefrips (buy another) and the Lintons, you'll be closer to the sound you're looking for. Use the Akitika in the summer and the R8 in winter. That would be my perfect set up.

Great review! Welcome to the wonderful sound of lightning in a bottle. If you want to hear Merrill bass, add more watts.

You should check out PSVane Cossor (black chinese tubes). Offered more precision, sound separation, thickness and depth over my Mullards.

From what I observed, Cayin EL34 and KT88 power tubes are likely PSVANE Classic series. Have had my Cayin CS-88A for two years now, hooked up to a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 225, a wonderful match that I am enjoying in my office 5 days a week. Edit: If you're looking for more bass, try an amp that uses KT88 or 6550. Those are usually stronger on bass than EL34.

It’s a nicely priced product. If I was going to switch to tubes, I’ll certainly take a look at this one. Not so much money to bring on an acute case of buyers remorse.

Kamikoto knives has the same parent company as Established Titles so buyer beware. Please watch the Shadiversity video on the Kamikoto subject and the Scott Shafer's video on Established titles with the Kamikoto company mentioned at 7min 50sec in to decide for yourself if Kamikoto Knives meet your particular use case.

Great review Randy. So, for the bass issue, Have you tried using a subwoofer with a tube amp? Think that would solve the bass/impact issues? I'm new to tubes and just now starting to look into them...Looking for a good tube integrated to drive my Tekton Design Lore Reference speakers. Would like to be able to use a sub. Thanks for the great reviews!

@gooma27

Жыл бұрын

Tube change out will help a great deal, other option is add a sub.

@stephens2r338

Жыл бұрын

Subs wont help, more bass but no more speed or power . Subs copy the signature of the amp. EL34 is a warm and cosy tube. Try using an amp running KT88, 120 or 150. They have much faster and more controlled bass.

@knotslip8862

Жыл бұрын

@@stephens2r338 Makes sense. Thanks for the info. I have a lot to learn as far as tubes are concerned.

Hi Randy, I don't gave access to your email so I thought I might post Musical here. I 'm 71 YO, retired and a Resurrected Drummer - who plays drums now after 50 Years (1969). I play for fun and pleasure about 1 hour a day. I think I saw previous videos from you where you alluded to Playing Drums as well. I am at this moment playing Do What You Like , by Blind Faith (Ginger Baker was the Drummer). I'm playing the music on my Denon Receiver connected to two pairs of speakers that I selected with your favorable reviews : 1 pair of Fluance Signature series Bookshelf and 1 Pair of Elac Debut Reference 62s. WOW!! If you are not familiar with the tune, play it and listen to one of the Masters of Drumming. Baker was the King of Syncopation. You will love it !! Happy Music All.

I bought my first and only tube integrated amp (Cayin LA 34) in 2013 at Hi Fi Lounge (Manila) along with a pair of Wharfedale 10.4 speakers and a Marantz CD6004. Audioquest evergreen RCA interconnects and made my own speaker cables with audio quality 14 gauge stranded pure copper wires (2.5m) with banana plugs. The Cayin came with it's own Cayin el 34 tubes, 2 pcs 12 au7 and one 12 ax7. I started buying other tubes and experimented until I discovered the sound and feeling I enjoyed whether it is classical music, new age, modern and vintage jazz, and others like James Taylor, Enya, Rolling Stones. My tubes today are either Mullard el34 x4 or PsVane el34 x4, 2 pcs PsVane 12au7 gold pin, and one Tungsol ECC 803 gold pin, one PSVane 12ax7 gold pin or one JJ ECC803S gold pin which I change depending on the type of music. I run my tubes a bit cool. My stereo system works fine, no issues and now 11 years old in my bedroom and listen about 2 to 3 hours a day.

Might bi-amping with tubes on top and solid state on the woofers give a livelier presentation and keep the pounding base that most people love?

@HarmonyHomeInspectionServices

Жыл бұрын

Good question. I hope someone who appreciates the best of both worlds. is willing to answer.

Nice review as always. You Need to demo the Willsenton r 8, 45 wpc Integrated tube amp. I Have it paired with the Wharfedale Lintons which I know you loved. Also a Bluesound node 2i and At 11:00 on the dial I am At 80-85 dB with killer base.

Thanks for the review

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

You should do a video on tube rolling, cheap amps can sounds amazing with the right tubes. I have musizhare x7 with genalex gold lions and klipshe heresy iv. Sounds amazing and yeah has very punchy bass that you are looking for. I use a schiit equalizer to push a little more bass in and works like a charm. (equalizer haters what do you think they do in the studio and when mastering audio? What about your crossover configuration in your speakers. Circuitry in amps/electronics will adjust the sounds like an eq functions on a smaller level).

I bought a cheap Fosi tube preamp and hooked it to the tape monitor loop in one of my receivers. I can instantly switch back and forth with my remote and I can't hear a difference. It does have tone controls so I turned the bass way up for use with my headphones. So I guess it wasn't a total waste.

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

nice

Randy, if you want bass maybe try a KT88 tube amp. Regardless, I’m sure you could improve the sound of this amp with some different tubes (and more $$).

One step up and you are in Wilsenton R8 Territory. A very well thought of tube amp. Especially since it (Cayin) is sold for 1300 tot 1400 euro here in the Netherlands.

At what point should we give up on a blown sub? My Elac only needed a fuse, so very cost-effective. But when should we give up on fixing stuff and buy new. Thanks, and have a nice day.

I have an HH Scott LK-72 amp with JJ Tubes, 35 wpc that blows away every solid state amp I have heard. Was made in 1960! Now that amp would be what, 4000 - 6000$. Also not kid or pet friendly. Dangerous high voltages. But sellers won't mention that. If you ever have the chance to hear a tube system, maybe you shouldn't...

@peterbaugh51

Жыл бұрын

I should mention that a tube amp is usually a lifetime investment. So over 60 years of use and pleasure, are they really more expensive? Cheaper actually.

Hi Randy, how did you get the LED to turn green?

Enjoy your reviews and style, Randy. I’d like to try a tube amp but have Klipsch Hesesy IV speakers. Can you recommend a tube amp that doesn’t add to the forwardness of these speakers?

@hank8499

Жыл бұрын

When you refer to forwardness what tonal range do you find forward? What is your budget?

@curtusua

Жыл бұрын

@@hank8499 The highs can “bite” at times. $1K - $1.5K would be my budget.

@NosEL34

Жыл бұрын

Take a look at some Decware tube amps

@hank8499

Жыл бұрын

I do not know what amp you are currently using however if you more or less like that amp and you have the option to upgrade the power cord and have not done that yet see if you can find a local retail that will let you do an in home demo on an upgraded power cord. When I upgraded my PC it took away the harsh brassy sound in the high end as well as added more layers, bass and power. Also look for used ones or open box.

@donpettit7107

Жыл бұрын

I think most tube amps are warm, so most should tamp down on upper end harshness. The newer version of the Willsenton R8 has a different tube set and still has the $1499 price…so I would not hesitate to get either the new or original KT88/EL34 version.

Hi, love your channel. Can I ask you if anyone makes a tube amp with HDMI? If not does any make a nice intergraded with HDMI that’s affordable? I’m using a Integra DTM-7 two channel and I like it but I’m not sure it would power the LRS Plus speakers.

How would you compare this to the Willsenton R8?

If you could pick an amp for vinyl around $1000 what would you recommend? Mainly listening metal/rock/edm

Watching your video I saw your ad for knives oh dear but hey it pays the bills lol

If you want more bass then hybrid is the way to go! Tubes on the pre-amp stage and solid state on the output stage! My XA6950 give 130w in 8 ohms and will drive pretty much any speakers!

Did you try your tekton speakers? And what model are they? Thanks

@JohnScheppler

Жыл бұрын

@tomgibson5769 They were the Tekton Lores, and Randy no longer has them as they were a Patron giveaway.

Randy, please review the just released Aiyima T9 Pro. could you tube roll and compare the stock tubes versus GE5654 tubes as to sound quality? T9 Pro fixes the 'clicking' problem in the T9. btw, the Aiyima A3 Pro tube preamp uses 2 GE5654 tubes and runs cool and gets warm (not hot) during silent input periods. Yea to tube Preamps. Nay to tube Amps (hot, expensive, hassle to replace tubes)

@AI_HQ

Жыл бұрын

Douk Audio fixed the clicking issue with the ST-01 without having to upsell the Pro model. 😎👍

@LithicKing

Жыл бұрын

The T9 doesn't actually have a clicking issue. The clicking is due to the internal mechanical on/off switch that responds to audio signals in your system. If your T9 is repeatedly clicking on and off, that means it's receiving intermittent ghost audio signals from your PC or whatever device it is that you have it plugged into. Ive heard that the M1 button on the remote disables the on/off mechanical switch, but failing that, and failing to locate what on your PC is sending ghost signals, then you can simply download the program sound keeper, which will always play a silent audio signal in the background so that the T9 never clicks off.

Randy, Kamikoto knives are made in China. The company is run by the same dude that did DealDash. It is a scam company. Please have a look.

Yeah, Randy - what about some Sith Audio (used toothpaste)-Tube Upgrades? Could be a winner...?!

Most Chinese-made tube amps are delivered with no-name or the brand-you-are-buying-named tubes only for the purpose of delivering the amplifier in working order. You’re not really supposed to use them. Of course some high-end amps will be delivered with Chinese tubes approaching decent like PSvane but if the tube has no print or just the name of the amplifier company printed on them, feel free to replace those tubes ASAP. And no you don’t have to go crazy with NOS NIB tubes. Buy used tubes from someone with good reviews and enjoy the heck out of those pre-burned-in tubes till they fizzle, which they might never do. Have reserves on-hand and experiment with different manufacturers.

Willsenton r8 would probably be your cup of tea.

Little Bear switcher, with VU meters. Yes!

I'd like to hear your thoughts on willsenton r8 ,I know it's not in the cheap category but I feel it's the biggest bang for the buck for beginners like me..jbl l5,,,wharfedale 7.2,,,,klipsch rb81ii,,,,,psb t4,c5,,,,event 20/20,,,,have all sounded great ,I rarely hit the volume to half way,good day to all

@richarddemers2798

Жыл бұрын

The R8 were reviewed a gazillion time, and they are best from what I heard with the KT88 tubes. I would be interested in seeing a review of their R-35i EL34 tubes also from Willsenton that go for $649 at China hifi and for which are a more direct contender to the Cayen in my opinion, and fit more the Cheap Audio Man ticket 😀... also, their R300 that use the best sounding 300B tubes would be interesting to compare with the R8 for about the same price.

Every time you say “tube-a-rific”, I hear “tuberific”, and I momentarily get excited about some high-grade potatoes.

I know you love recommendations from your non-paying viewers, so please pardon any offense or annoyance, but; I would suggest not running switchers/comparitor boxes, and rather do A/B's by using the same set of leads for both line and speaker levels, and comparing. I've found often when level matching (which can still be done prior to running the A/B), that extra connections/boxes/circuits can colour the results, more than mildly. YMMV. Just a thought. thanks.

Now thats a good lookin amp. Esp with the metal grate cover

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

it's surprisingly well built

Check out willsenton r8. Lots of bass!

@donpettit7107

Жыл бұрын

True dat.

Hi have you reviewed Nobsound 6p1 yet?

Love your reviews Randy but watch your fingers you were a little too close on that last cut! 😆

Randy, Instead of level matching by ear, you can play the same noise through both, and using the same noninductive load resistor (inexpensively available from Parts Express), a DVM can be used to measure and level match the AC signal voltage at the amplifiers' outputs while each of the outputs is separately attached to the load resistor. That is easy and cheap, and reduces the likelihood that one is playing a little louder than the other in the comparison, because not much level imbalane would be needed to skew perception, with a little louder sometimes being perceived as sounding a little better (a dishonest trick too often utilized by audio gear retail store sales staff in comparisons to steer sales).

If you want to try a tube amp with some bass heft get your hands on a Rogue Cronus Magnum III. It's a a solid 100 watts per channel and has the best bass I've heard. $3500 but made in the US and really nicely done.

@ptg01

Жыл бұрын

Huge difference though between $1000 and $3500...

@robertgruber982

Жыл бұрын

@@ptg01 Undoubtedly. But still a relative bargain in the tube amp world and truly a world class amp which rivals cheapaudio man's MacIntosh amp. The same way I don't see the point in paying big bucks for a class D amp when there are really good inexpensive and mid-tier implementations, I think low cost tube power amps probably are only for people with relatively efficient speakers or who really crave tubes. A good middle way is the cheap FX Audio Tube 01 pre paired with a powerful Class D power amp.

Unrelated. How do I use a sub with a phono preamp. Listening to vinyl

You should try biasing the Cayin a bit hotter to see if the bass comes back to you a bit.

Cayin LAS4 seems like a light weight compared to the Willsenton R8 which is twice as heavy and considerable more power than the LAS4 for a only a few bucks more.

Personally I like a tube preamp and solid state amp combination.

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

that's kind of the way that I've been going too

@js1812

Жыл бұрын

That is a really good way to go. Tube juiceness with solid state slam.

I was really worried about your fingers on that knife demo!

Please compare Bestvox LS3/5A (15ohm) and Sound Artist LS3/5A

If you want, bass, connect a subwoofer, wind level, and on the turbine. All the best you could ever want with the right subwoofer.

cheapaudioman, where can I buy an amp that goes up to 11??

Is that 32W/channel or 32W total into 8 Ohms? Tuber-riffic! This is $500 cheaper than the ubiquitous Willsenton R8. Interesting...

“Drop” has a Cayin MT-12N, lower powered with EL84’s in Pushpull, at about half the price of this..

Osd nero class h any good?

You should try and hear some Audio Research tube amplifiers........👍

I wouldn’t bet on it. Tubes are the ultimate analog

They used their on Tubes but it appears the new Models shipped will have GE tubes

This might be a good match (on paper) with the Golden Ear BRX..

I do like the sound of a decent Tube amp but I feel if you have speakers under 89-88db sensitivity they just aren't worth it. I have kept a hold of a Tube preamp that is really sensitive to tube rolling..matching that with a solid state amp still gives me that little bit of extra realism or rounded texture to the notes but with the authority and speed of a traditional amp.

Please make best sounding Bluetooth Dac 😊🙏

But can it run RB42s?

Try a 300B tube amp.

Smaller tubes look like GE? general electrics

If you are reviewing equipment everyday, there is just not enough time to fully evaluate it properly. It takes many weeks and maybe months to get a complete picture! I have been doing this for 50 years and this guy is a magician, "NOT"! How does he do it?

i heard the newer designs use three bamps

Every time I see a tube amp review, it seem to only be viable in a bi amp role, running mids and highs alone.

@rosswarren436

Жыл бұрын

Check out the Galion TS120 then. That should do it for the bass...but no, it isn't cheap....

Randy, I’m not saying it would have been good if you’d accidentally chopped off your finger while demonstrating the sharpness of the knives, but I’d be buying them right now if you had. I love you, Bruh, but that would be an endorsement I couldn’t ignore.

This isn't even listed on Cayin's website anymore, there's only a broken link to a manual. What gives? NOS units? Someone cloning Cayin?

I would like to see you review some tube gear using speakers that are known to work well with tubes. Like a tube vs solid state shoot out with high efficiency horn loaded speakers etc.

the ayima T9 is the best thing you ever reviewed

I watched you when you just started reviewing, now you definitely sound like an audiophile

Now compare to a 2 wat Decware Zen Triode. $1500ish... find some sensitive speakers!

You are the chosen one to review the Orsefon 275, the McIntosh 275 clone. Would you ever consider doing a review on it??

I’d rather have a tube preamp driving a solid state power amp.

Randy you need to report back after you do some tube rolling. Stock tubes on these lower priced amps aren’t usually the highest quality. You’ll likely see noticeable improvements with $200-$400 in upgraded tubes. Not cheap , but worth it. IMO. I’m running a Willsenton R8 and love it.

Reddit has a thread about this knife company, this seems to be either bad timing or a bit of a coincidence, given all the negative feedback about Established Titles on a recent video. Apparently both owned by Galton Voysey and outlined in Scott Shafer's video, 8 days ago, at 8:53 (on Scott's video). Disappointing!

This video was tuberrificly tubular!

@cheapaudioman

Жыл бұрын

why thank you

I still don't understand the appeal of tube amps, as I thought tubes became obsolete by the 1990s.