This amp challenged everything I thought I knew! xDuoo TA-66 review

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xDuoo TA-66: US & CA - bit.ly/xDuooTA-66, US - amzn.to/3VWWSYS, AUS - amzn.to/45MagTc, CA - amzn.to/3RMl11N
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xDuoo TA-66 OTL tube headphone amp and OTL pre-amp review including discussions of the tubes used, point-to-point wiring, comparisons with TA-26 and TA-26S, and my favourite headphone pairings.
My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
Sony MDR-Z1R - $1,800 - amzn.to/4dy4szZ
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
Join the Passion for Sound community on Patreon: / passionforsound
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Like the music in this video? You can get it here: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Design & price
02:34 Tubes & power
03:51 Sound quality
04:18 TA-66 vs TA-26
09:14 Tube options
10:44 Headphone pairings
#audiophile #audioreview #tubeamp

Опубликовано:

3 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 204

@nunoferraz5426 22 дня назад

A Quality delivery.... always a pleasure hearing your review. Secondly, you are being faithful to the hobby by reviewing different price points. Well done.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I'm glad you liked it. I find there's great enjoyment at all budget levels so I try to share anything I can get my hands on that I think is interesting in some way.

@CJDilag 22 дня назад

Enjoyed this one as always, Lachlan! Got my TA-66 a couple of days ago and on sale. Eagerly waiting for its arrival.

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

Awesome! I hope you love it as much as I do.

@schoi604 22 дня назад

Thank you Lachlan for another great review!! Cheers from Vancouver Canada

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

♥️

@Nephilim-81 23 дня назад

Lachlan. I love how you are finding value in HIFI at all price points. Well done. ❤.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

There's so much great gear at every level (and some duds too) so it's fun trying it all out

@SuperSeltzer 10 дней назад

The secret to TA-66 excellence is in hardwiring design! I love Darkvoice for the same reason. If you like DV you will love TA-66 also. The only gripe is that the transformer hum is more audible than in DV which is very silent.

@PassionforSound 9 дней назад

I have zero transformer hum in the TA-66 I received

@richardblaauwgeers4349 22 дня назад

I love the new style!

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

That's great! Thanks for letting me know

@Artemis_Prix 21 день назад

Hi Lachlan, absolutely thrilled to see you caption Tash Sultana on your channel! She is an incredible artist and her music is mesmerizing. Her Tiny Desk concert is truly amazing because you get to see a master at the top of her craft.

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

Ooh! I'll definitely check out her Tiny Desk gig. Thank you!

@mtinhk 22 дня назад

Amazing review. Most tempted to get one to replace my Fosi P3. Got an HE-R9 in the past after listening to your review. Most happy with it. That was a brave one.

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

I'm glad I could help here and with the R9. The TA-66 is definitely a really solid choice IMO.

@datdudeinred 22 дня назад

Lol the intros are getting better & better. 😂❤ My brother lives in Australia so when i visit him i would love to meet you in person too 👊

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I'm so glad you're liking the new approach as I develop it further. I don't have a lot of time to meet up with people, but if you happen to get here when there's a show on like the Melbourne HiFi Show then that would definitely work!

@MichaelBrown-oo1ym 11 дней назад

Nice review. You helped me decide on both TA66 and Burson Voyager deluxe . Right now I have ZMF Atrium, HE1000SE and JM Audio modded closed Hifiman. Looking forward to your follow up review of the Burson Voyager with the new power supply

@PassionforSound 10 дней назад

Great collection! Glad I could help. I hope to have the new power supply and the new Conductor GT4, and Timekeeper Voyagers coming soon...

@user-cy9og3cy4q 12 дней назад

Thank you for a great review.😊

@PassionforSound 11 дней назад

I'm glad you liked it!

@MatthewDiFazio 23 дня назад

Love this! I’m a huge TA-66 fan myself, and am so happy with the recognition it’s getting. Thanks for the review, Lachlan. Have you tried the TA-22? It’s another fantastic product from xDuoo!

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I haven't tried the TA-22, but I love most of their products. Whoever designs their gear is/are very talented.

@dragonfire61 4 дня назад

Just got my ta-66 yesterday. Using a Voskod 6n2p-EB and a Winged "C" 6H13C power tube. Sound quality is nothing short of amazing.

@PassionforSound 3 дня назад

Awesome! So glad you're enjoying it

@FrantaPo-bc5mu 22 дня назад

Man, this video is visually amazing. Who is clothing you? Great job!

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

I'm so glad you liked it! I chose the clothes. Nice to know they look good. 🙂

@rbhis000 10 дней назад

I know it was only a minor gripe, but there is a great reason for the power switch being on the back. I do that on my builds to keep power away from the audio signal. It’s a little inconvenient, but makes the rest of the build so much easier.

@PassionforSound 9 дней назад

I can understand that. I'm sure there could be creative workarounds though...

@OzSteve 25 дней назад

Great review. I ordered one of these last week and waiting on it to arrive. I have the 26 and 26s (and a few others from Xduoo) Be interested in the replacement from tube when you get your box.

@PassionforSound 23 дня назад

I hope you enjoy the 66! I'll try to do a short video or community post when the tube arrives. 🙂

@OzSteve 23 дня назад

@@PassionforSound I'm really looking forward to the TA-32. I wonder how much better it'll be over the TA-22. I'll be pre-ordering it when I see it advertised

@russellnedland4569 6 дней назад

This with a pair of Senn 6XX ROCKS!!! As far as tube rolling, you might gain soundstage, but tonaly it’s pretty good.

@PassionforSound 5 дней назад

I agree. It's really only staging I was wanting to tweak 🙂

@tek00732882 22 дня назад

Im rocking the TA-20... Xduoo is great.

@ancientalien815 22 дня назад

Your mic sounds really good in this video.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Thanks for letting me know. I've been tinkering with mic placement and think I've got it almost perfect now... 🙂

@chuckmaddison2924 22 дня назад

I'm just listening to a Naim test disc I forgot I had. It's amazing how it sounds. I guess what you feed in makes a big difference to what comes out.

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

Absolutely. I sometimes start a comparison test with any old track and think things are similar. I then switch to a high quality recording and that gap often opens significantly.

@andrewgiovannini6613 22 дня назад

In an interview Rob Watts mentioned that the licensing cost to use the 4.4 connector was very high and cited it as the reason for not including it in the Mojo 2 to stay within their target for pricing. I wonder if the cost reduction mostly came from not including it on the TA 66. Nice review as always!

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

That's a good point. It's not what's happening here though because the TA-26 had no 4.4mm either and still cost $70 more.

@BillyKueekSG 22 дня назад

Great review, again! I still have the original TA-26, just find that having the on/off switch in front for a tube amp makes more sense. The 6N8P replacements are easier. I have the Sylvania 6SN7GT, Ken-Rad 6SN7GTA, GE 6SN7, a Soviet OTK 6SN7 and my favorite being the Tungsol 6SN7GT Mouse Ears. I find it hard to get more options or better replacement for the 6N5P, only managed to get a Soviet Union 6H5C/6080, GE 6AS7 and Thomson-CSF 6080WA and none really delights me yet. I can so resonate with your statement “some nights everything just sounds amazing”, glad I am not alone. Any recommendations for the 6N5P replacement?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I really like my Tung Sol 6AS7G

@vaneast411 19 дней назад

xDuoo making some great tube gear for cheap I have some pricey HP amps but gravitate to the TA-26 for is forgiving and fun musical presentation right up there with the Bottlehead Crack

@Atomicman123 22 дня назад

Nice Review! Even your given compatibility specs do not fit, do you think it will run a DCA E3?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

The E3 is probably a tough call for it, but it might scrape through.

@joshchacko7729 22 дня назад

Thanks man.

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

My pleasure 🙂

@SuperSeltzer 10 дней назад

There are lots of tube choices if you like to use the adapter. Any 5751 and 12AX7 would do nicely w/ adapter.

@spamcan9208 22 дня назад

Wow, having point-to-point wiring that also doesn't look like absolute dog sh!t is a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting that at all. And I'm glad they decided to not chase power numbers. I really like the updated look but I still don't get why they kept that power switch on the back after all the attention to detail. Regardless it's a very nice unit.

@TheRedMantra 13 дней назад

The 6N5PJ tube can still be rolled. 6AS7G, 6080, 7236, 7802, 5998/421a. Lots of good options from $20-60 USD. Of course some of the ones I mentioned can cost a fortune relative to the cost of the amp, but good tires can make a mid level bicycle ride noticeably better.

@tonythearchitect 22 дня назад

Great review and I'm very tempted to get one but I already have a bottlehead crack w/speedball. Curious to know how these two compare either if you have the speedball or maybe from memory. I know my speedball, for iems, is better than my Aune S17 Pro. Thanks!

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

I don't have a Crack anymore, but having built a few of them in the past, including upgrading caps, etc. I'm pretty confident that the Crack is the better amp still. Enjoy what you have. 🙂

@tonythearchitect 19 дней назад

@@PassionforSound Thanks. I hear from Wave Theory that the bottlehead crack has more resolution.

@PassionforSound 19 дней назад

@tonythearchitect that makes sense

@mauriceverstraten844 10 дней назад

Just found my Ta-66 came with the Voskhod from the factory, trying an ubranded 6n2 tube from China atm. Furthermore I got some Philips, RCA an a GE 6080 tubes to play around. It’s a nica little amp for the monny imo

@PassionforSound 9 дней назад

That's a bonus! Enjoy!

@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo 21 день назад

I like the point to point wiring idea. See if it had been balanced too, that might be asking for the moon on a stick, but I would have had one at the price had it been balanced.

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

Balanced OTL tube amps are rare (if not non existent) and generally not necessary. It doesn't improve the sound in any way (assuming both circuits were equally well designed) and it means at least twice as many tubes and the need to buy expensive matches pairs or quads

@JTB-- 22 дня назад

Xduoo MT-604 is a great little Amp too. Don't pay attention to the price at $170. It's legit. Drives the ZMF Atrium beautifully adding punch/slam. How does theTA-66 sound the more you crank the volume up? This is usually when the cheaper OTL's struggle. More volume = more distortion

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I agree about the MT-604. I love that amp! I'm not one to test amps at high volume because I don't encourage loud listening due to the danger it poses to our hearing. I heard no signs of any issues at "enthusiastic" listening levels though.

@JTB-- 22 дня назад

@@PassionforSound I agree. But I'm a headbanger!! 🤟 I'll probably be be deaf soon because of it

@shawnrobinson5242 18 дней назад

My MT-604 with Voskhod tubes wiped the floor with my Feliks Euforia. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Literally, the only thing the Euforia won at was bass extension. That's it.

@JTB-- 18 дней назад

@@shawnrobinson5242 the MT-604 is going for $84 Bucks on Amazon prime today. What a deal/steal. I'm considering getting another one for a secondary HP set-up

@PassionforSound 17 дней назад

@shawnrobinson5242 the MT-604 is bunches of fun, but I suspect there might have been a bottleneck somewhere preventing the Euforia from performing its best due to DAC, cables, or headphones

@marcusm5127 22 дня назад

The efficency is typically measured at 1000 Hz meaning that bass and subb-bass requires a lot more power.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

That's not accurate for headphones where there's only a single driver.

@markothomas9765 22 дня назад

I've always wanted a tube amp. Would you be reviewing the ta22 as well? That is a dac amp combo, if that one isn't that fun, 66 might be the ideal pick up

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I don't currently have any plans to review the TA-22. Sorry

@markothomas9765 21 день назад

Thank you Lachlan! Keep up the great work :D

@pk.002 11 дней назад

I can give my input as I own the TA-22. It's nothing short of phenomenal and easily the best dac/amp I've ever owned, period. I put two Genalex Gold Lion tubes in mine and the presentation is balanced with warmth, rich, and spacious. The stock tubes are good by themselves but I prefer the Gold Lion tubes. I've also tried RCA clear tops which sound more analytical, and Electroharmonix which are the warmest sounding of the sets I've used. It powers my HD 600, and hungrier planars like the Moondrop Para and Moondrop Venus balanced wonderfully. It also drives them great single ended too. My only cons in my use case about the device are as follows: -The menu is a pain to navigate -Class A amplifier generates noticeable heat, so on hot, humid summer days I have to switch back to another solid state amplfier that's more efficient and runs cooler Overall, it has my seal of approval and has my highest recommendation. Apos offers them refurbished which I bought for $415 which makes it an incredible bargain.

@markothomas9765 11 дней назад

@@pk.002 thank you Peter, this is awesome insight. I will add it to the top of my plan to buy gear list

@pk.002 10 дней назад

@@markothomas9765 You're welcome! I'm sure you'll love it once you get yours. It's a fantastic piece of kit.

@Alextraz 21 день назад

Is this a good combo with Sivga P2 pro you have recently reviewed. I felt that those headphones ...at least the way you have described them...might be goos fit for me.

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

I would probably choose a good solid state amp for the P2 Pro. They don't really need extra smoothness or warmth. The TA-66 isn't overly rich, but still might not be the best fit with the Sivgas. I'd look at a decent amp from Schiit or Geshelli Labs first. Perhaps a Topping or SMSL option if you're somewhere that's hard to get the USA brands.

@Alextraz 20 дней назад

@@PassionforSound in that case wonti be ok with my main amp - atoll in200se?

@PassionforSound 19 дней назад

I don't know that one, but if it's a regular solid state amp it should be great

@michaelorton9887 14 дней назад

Ive always thought the bass was better with tube amps you can here the voice of all the instruments better altjough i like the sound of some of fishers first solid state germanium stuff also ,theirs alot of really good soundingdesigns out their

@jcisme 18 дней назад

Did you try this as a preamp ? I wonder how this would go into some of the new D class mono blocks like the Fosi V3 mono or some Aiyima offering.

@PassionforSound 17 дней назад

I didn't, but I have tried the TA-26 and they work great as preamps.

@caseyodonnell6621 23 дня назад

Interesting. So tube pre and buffer but solid state amplification (and I'm guessing solid state rectifier)? So it's more of a hybrid than a true OTL, right?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

No, it's 100% tube for the amplification. The rectifier is solid state though.

@russellnedland4569 21 день назад

Have you had a chance to demo the Drop/Xduoo TA-84? EL84 power tubes for way more accessible rolling options.

@russellnedland4569 21 день назад

$399 (US) w/ stock Psvane classic tubes!

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

I haven't tried that one.

@boyanddog 22 дня назад

What are the advantages/disadvantages of an OTL amp having two input stage tubes and two output stage tubes over one and one?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

It will largely come down to the specific tubes and circuit design, but more tubes can provide more power (although not a guarantee), can lower output impedance (also not a guarantee), and means you almost definitely have to buy matched pairs of tubes. 🙂

@jaybrodnax 22 дня назад

I love Xduoo products, especially their visual design. I HATE blue LEDs though

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Yeah, blue isn't my favourite either. It's nice that it's diffused behind the volume knob on the TA-66 though so it's not piercing and uncomfortable like a direct view to a blue LED

@Prxyshj 22 дня назад

Given that the point to point wiring is just simple metal, doesn’t that imply that any investment in high end cables is worthless? In fact it made me think that in general even printed circuit board interconnect is just copper so how can high end cabling at the end of this chain make a difference? And yet there are many people on places like Head Fi who genuinely believe their nice cables do alter the sound. Thoughts?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

It can seem contradictory for sure, but the final wire that runs to the speakers /headphones / earphones has influence too over things like the degree to which very small signal fluctuations are transmitted and the timing coherency of the signal which is important too. The internal wiring of the devices also matter and it's why higher priced gear often (but not always) sounds better - because the quality of internal components and circuit boards/wiring is better.

@joshuastephens3926 23 дня назад

I still have been unable to find anyone video reviews of the xduoo MH02. If you ever get a chance to test that, I would love some insight into what you think about it as a budget tube dac/amp.

@hoiley555 23 дня назад

I second this motion. Looks like a perfect combination of what I am looking for but can't find anyone who's given it a solid test or comparison.

@joshuastephens3926 23 дня назад

@@hoiley555 I have it and it’s really good but I have no other reference and limited headphones to try it with. I would love to see if it’s as good as I think it is or if there is a much higher limit to greatness I have yet to reach. I also don’t know what tubes should or should not sound like. For $150 though, it’s really nice.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I think I've actually got it coming up for review. I can't access my schedule planner right now, but pretty sure it's in there.

@shawnrobinson5242 18 дней назад

I tried it for a few weeks next to my MT-604 and the sound was just as good, maybe better, but there is a catch with it. The MH-02 is an RFI...magnet. I tried all kinds of sound eliminating transformers and power strips. I was never able to eliminate enough RFI to make it listenable, but nope. The MT-604 was sitting right next to it while A/Bing and the 604 has almost no RFI issues, so I don't know what was going on with the MH-02. Regardless, I emailed Xduoo and told them the issue. Hopefully, they fix it, because it has tons of potential.

@joshuastephens3926 18 дней назад

@@shawnrobinson5242 so keep it away from other amps I guess and it will be amazing. I have it connected directly to my iPad on my nightstand and my Meze headphones sound wonderful.

@jefffeith4201 22 дня назад

I wish xDuoo made amps to drive speakers too.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

That would be brilliant!

@jaybrodnax 22 дня назад

I'd love to know how it compares to Bottlehead Crack (preferably w Speedball)

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Me too, but I don't have a Crack anymore. I suspect the Crack would be comfortably better (and far easier to upgrade with capacitors, etc.)

@Prxyshj 22 дня назад

What do you recommend for ZMF Caldera Closed? Also are there portables that can power TOTL headphones?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

If you've got the budget, I'd look at a higher level tube amp from Feliks or Linear Tube Audio for the Caldera Closed. There are plenty of portables that will drive those too, starting with the Chord Mojo 2 as a great option.

@Prxyshj 22 дня назад

@@PassionforSound this may sound silly, but I just don’t like the way the chord looks. It’s a bit … plastic looking. I like the xduoo looks but they might be a bit big for true portability. I assume a Qudelix 5K is underpowered for it

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I'm not sure about the Qudelix, but it's quite possible it would be fine. Being battery powered means it should have decent power output (as opposed to USB only powered dongles). If you're after a better cable option for the ZMFs (which do look and feel a bit plastic), the Apos Flow cables are a great option with ZMFs (if you're in the US, Canada or Australia)

@hartyewh1 22 дня назад

Would this in general be the best tube amp for the price? Sound quality being the only consideration.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

So long as you're pairing it with headphones of sufficient impedance, I'd say it's definitely the best I've tried at the price (assuming we're talking pure tube and not hybrid like MT-604)

@progrocker84 15 дней назад

Is the TA66 line-out anywhere close to a Freya+ with stock tubes? Which sounds more "tubey" (as that term is commonly understood)?

@PassionforSound 14 дней назад

I haven't tried a Freya+. Sorry.

@michaelorton9887 14 дней назад

I hope they keep it at a low price for quite a while so i can save up to buy it

@PassionforSound 14 дней назад

I've never seen them raise prices of existing products before so you should be fine.

@necrodh 22 дня назад

Xduoo is a legit audio brand they dont need to lie like others

@randolphlee3025 22 дня назад

Mr. Lachlan, I have a pair of Grado GH 3, I would like to find a robust amp to drive them I think they are 32 OHM

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

OTL amps won't be your best bet. What is your budget?

@taho88 21 день назад

Hey Lachlan, you're saying this should work well with 40 ohms and above. Back in the day I had the Bottle Head Crack paired with a Beyer 770 250 ohm and it was great.I have missed both of them dearly. Now I find myself owning the 770x anniversary. At 48 ohms,do you think they would be a decent match for the TA-66 ?

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

That should do very nicely based on what I've experienced here. How sensitive is the 770x? The only concern might be noise if they're as sensitive as something like the DT 700/900 Pro X

@taho88 20 дней назад

@@PassionforSoundThanks for the reply. They are 98db.

@PassionforSound 19 дней назад

I haven't tested the TA-66 with such a sensitive and relatively low impedance design so I don't know if you'll hear noise with them. They'll work well in terms of sound performance. It's just a question of the noise floor of the amp and that can also vary with tubes. It's definitely worth a try if you're able to return the amp if it's no good because the TA-66 sounds great.

@clintonwalker5000 17 дней назад

Hi, I’ve got the original Chord TT DAC/headphone amp. I’ve never enjoyed the headphone output on it my headphones are.Adeez lc closed back. I know you have a new TT so my question is what valve headphone amplifier would you recommend which would really be an upgrade from the TT

@PassionforSound 16 дней назад

I'm not sure how the original TT and TT2 compare, but if you want an amp that's on the same level of transparency and technical performance, but with different sonic character, you need to be in the territory of a Burson Soloist GT or above. What don't you like about the TT output? (Trying to narrow down the field for your)

@clintonwalker5000 16 дней назад

@@PassionforSound Hi thanks for replying , I look out for Hi-Fi i’m interested in on your channel I think your reviews are great with amazing detail 👍 my original TT sounds thin ,not holographic and there’s not much sound stage. The other thing is I can only listen to my digital streamer through my TT. I recently bought a Linn lp12 turntable which I can only listen to through my headphones output from my amplifier. Which is Luxman 550 AXll pure class A ,phenomenal beautiful amp headphones output is not good ,but still sounds slightly better than TT with my digital ,can’t listen to my turntable with the TT because it’s obviously built into the DAC, So I’m looking for probably Valve amplifier with a holographic good soundstage transparent and very detailed. I’m not looking for much am I 😁 i’ve probably answered my own question but LTA Looks good. is there a cheaper option that can rival the TT/LTA. many thanks .

@PassionforSound 15 дней назад

@clintonwalker5000 you could maybe look at something like the Auris Euterpe, but I've not compared them directly to know how the LTA Velo stacks up. I would choose the Velo for its tube rolling options and general design and performance.

@TheMaurob1979 22 дня назад

I wonder if can drive also the hifiman 400 se

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

That might be a stretch because the HE400 SE is quite hard to drive.

@kentbergstrom3020 20 дней назад

I would probably love the design when I was 17, but now at 67 not so much 😄

@marekkordzik7517 22 дня назад

I think Im good with Feliks audio echo mk 2 ....

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Definitely 🙂

@progrocker84 22 дня назад

I recall seeing on a forum that the amp hums until the front tube has been properly burned in. I can confirm that tube burn-in removes the hum through headphones. However, I'm still hearing the hum through my speakers even after 50+ hrs of burn in. The hum is only present when no music is playing, however. Does anyone else have this issue? Other than the hum when there is no signal, I love this amp.

@0rogontorogon 22 дня назад

Thats correct, tubes require some "burn-in" before they reach peak performance. My guess is that your speakers have a far lower impedance than your headphones do. In my experience preamp tubes are a bit of a lottery regarding hum and/or microphonics. If one hums after completing break in time it will likely hum for the rest of its life. If it annoys you, replace the tube and hope for the best.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Great advice above.

@backrack01 22 дня назад

What headphones would u recommend for this? Thinking 2k or less.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Any ZMF that suits your fancy or either the Sennheiser HD800S or HD660S2.

@necrodh 22 дня назад

Any AKG

@Rezzzn0r 22 дня назад

Hmm maybe I should try it... I've never owned tube amp. Is it compatible with IEM?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Not really. You're better off going hybrid or transformer coupled for IEMs at this price level. The OTL designs will alter the frequency response of most headphones due to having higher output impedance. They're also likely going to be noisy with IEMs because they're designed more for high impedance headphones.

@Rezzzn0r 20 дней назад

@@PassionforSound awesome, thanks bro. I will stick with my Mojo2 then ;)

@johnratcliffe6438 22 дня назад

How are you getting on with the Aero DAC?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Loving it and excited for the review!

@moonabhinav 21 день назад

Dang is it good upgrade over Mt602 or 604? Or should we continue saving for better tube amps?

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

It's a decent step up in some areas, but it's also less versatile because the TA-66 needs higher impedance (48 ohm plus) headphones to be optimal. Depending on your headphones, I'd probably recommend saving up for the TA-20 Plus which is more of a direct upgrade from the MT-602/4.

@rudyvirupakshaiah5818 9 дней назад

I have both, I like the MT604 better, as it's more versatile about about 99% as good...i find the MT604 is better than the TA66 when it comes to dynamics

@moonabhinav 9 дней назад

@@rudyvirupakshaiah5818 thanks for your thought on them. I do agree 604 seems to be more useful specifically if you have your speakers at an different angle or distance. However I did not find any significant differences between 604 and some other similarly priced chip based amps. I have yet to experience that tube goodness it's seems.

@blank-jo1xp 22 дня назад

Do you think the Ta-66 would be a good pairing with 600 ohm Beyers?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Absolutely!

@masterazlan6999 23 дня назад

Wow it's looks like Eddie Van Halen guitars..wow point to point...2 wow so far..I'd really like Progressions.. Hmm only things I'd to ask frequently..Does it noisey for an iem?..Peace!

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

It won't suit IEMs due to being OTL. It's probably noisy and also will alter the frequency response on most IEMs.

@carminedesanto6746 23 дня назад

GM☕️🦘 I’m still rocking the 604🙂

@TheVeganVicar 22 дня назад

How’s the weather in Toronto today?

@carminedesanto6746 22 дня назад

It’s actually pretty decent (now that two days of rain ☔️ have gone )

@JohnClarkW 22 дня назад

I use the 602 and am very happy.

@brianliu522 22 дня назад

I live in Toronto too, and I love my mt-604

@carminedesanto6746 22 дня назад

@@brianliu522 Great! Are you going to Audiofest in October

@Mark-rw3kw 23 дня назад

More direct wiring paths? The electrical circuit design of point-to-point wiring is not different than using a circuit board, unless they are two different amplifier designs. There "may" be other advantages, but often in a simple circuit like this is often less complicated to use point to point wiring, just like is used in many simple speaker crossovers.

@jaybrodnax 22 дня назад

Does the size of the "wire" matter? If find it kind of amazing how small tiny traces work, especially when people talk up the benefits of better power cables and headphone cables

@Mark-rw3kw 22 дня назад

@@jaybrodnax Yes, that is a contradiction. But large cables generate a lot of revenue and a talking about them generates a lot RU-vid views and ad revenue. I noticed in this amp, the point-to-point wiring doesn't appear to be copper (and not likely silver), and it is not shielded. Looking at the inside of the amp, it looks like the point-to-point wiring is probably the easiest and cheapest solution for such a simple tube design.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Traces in circuit boards are also not shielded. The wires in the TA-66 appear to be silver-plated copper. Also, by going point-to-point, each wire can take the most direct possible route to the next component. This reduces the length of the pathways which will improve the circuit by reducing the filtering effects that ALL wiring/traces have on the signal. Less wire/trace equals less filtering equals more transparent circuit.

@Mark-rw3kw 22 дня назад

@@PassionforSound I maintain that you could not hear the difference (in a blind test) if this amp had a well designed printed circuit board (PCB) vs point to point wiring. Properly designed using copper, a PCB can perform just as well as a point-to-point wiring in an amp. But for a tube design this simple it doesn't need a PCB, and using one would make it harder or more costly to build and harder to do revisions. Also, it appears that a lot of so-called point to point wiring in this amp is going to the output and inputs, which would usually be point to point even if using a PCB.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

@Mark-rw3kw I don't really understand the point of this and what you're trying to prove. There's not a debate to be had here.

@aRc11-11 22 дня назад

Why do I have an adverse reaction to XDuoo? Maybe the early clunkers from five, six years past. One reason? Is the egg laid with the hummm- dinger, with the very latest co-op with Drop.

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Is that an xDuoo co-op with Drop? I'm not on there at all these days

@aRc11-11 22 дня назад

They have "dropped" the ball in that organization.@@PassionforSound

@danisold 10 дней назад

There is a 6sn7 to 6n2 converter on Amazon, i searched 6n2 tube converter. Would that work in the ta66. Anyone have any experience with that?

@PassionforSound 9 дней назад

I haven't looked into that. Just be sure that the electrical requirements align before plugging it in. Adapting pin layouts doesn't mean the voltage and current requirements will match. 🙂

@Mixail747 22 дня назад

Can it be used with IEMs? Prolly not coz of sensitivity?...

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

Yep, sensitivity and lower impedance of IEMs will mean that most aren't a good match for an amp like this one.

@paulyllow 21 день назад

How is this compare with Schoit Vali 3 or Lyr?

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

It's quite different from the Lyr because this is OTL and Lyr is hybrid. I haven't tried the Vali so can't comment there - sorry.

@artureff3046 22 дня назад

tube rolling is fun....

@jw-lk1pe 12 дней назад

does the 26 have a dac?

@PassionforSound 11 дней назад

No. Both of these are pure amp and pre-amp only.

@jeffhernandez5098 17 дней назад

Are OTL amps good for lower impedance headphones? Say 32 - 80 ohm.

@PassionforSound 16 дней назад

You need to be a bit selective as it will depend on the specific output impedance of the amp. This one is good for headphones from about 50 ohms and up IIRC. I'm pretty sure I covered the specifics more accurately at the end of this video.

@0rogontorogon 22 дня назад

Sadly tube rolling has reached a pricepoint that makes no sense anymore for $250 6as7g/6080 amps. These tubes are in dire need for new production versions, but sadly nobody makes those. I suspect the factory equipment is not available anymore (afaik new production pentodes are made with the original factory equipment relocated to the new factory, like Gold Lion tubes).

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

That's exactly the case. I think there might be one or two factories making 6AS7G/6080 tubes, but it's becoming more difficult to track down good and affordable options. I suspect we'll see a shift to alternative power tubes for future OTL amp designs.

@ThinkingBetter 22 дня назад

Better not buy some US$5,000 RCA cables for this one hahahaha

@Prxyshj 22 дня назад

I am skeptical that this is the right way to pronounce their brand name 😂

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I have no idea what it should be so I just go for it with confidence! 😂

@PeterbFree 21 день назад

The names of these products are so similar it’s hard to follow which one you are speaking about. It would be great if companies gave their products proper names and not codes. So many audio companies go with the code route. Focal and others understand better than Sony etc

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

Very true. The affordable Chinese brands in particular seem to love random letter and number combos!

@MaxKnoxwille 22 дня назад

Ordered this one few months ago and cancelled the order, cuz I'm tired of waiting. The shipping date was always postponed and I got mad. And I glad I did. Because I really hate how it looks with this blue led freakin' light and totally incompatible grey and red colors. 1/10 for design. Pretty sure it sounds great, but it can't be integrated in my system because of this cheap look and colors. So I ordered Drop + Xduoo TA84 which looks absolutely gorgeous and premium, also packed with a nice features like an internal DAC for those of you who don't have one. I'm really excited and happy that I didn't get this ugly amp. Salut

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

I'm glad you're happy with your ultimate choice.

@Thoughtflux 17 дней назад

Why are tube amps never balanced ever?

@PassionforSound 17 дней назад

Because it's not necessary for high quality sound and you'd need twice as many tubes and matched pairs of tubes which would raise the price with no benefit other than more power and higher noise floor (not a benefit)

@Thoughtflux 16 дней назад

@@PassionforSound that is true! Thanks for the response.

@kamertonaudiophileplayer847 13 дней назад

Forget about money, remember only about your ears.

@kurt120032002 22 дня назад

to be fair, their point to point wire is meh. The advantage of ptp wire is that 1. the path is shorter, and 2nd you got a far better control over the medium that caries the signal. I was expecting a monocrystal copper wire, and that does not look copper to me, and I really doubt it is monocrystal silver wire, and 2nd let down is 90 deg bend. That damaged the crystal of the metal and affects in how the signal arives at the other end. In heneral aplications, the most annoying aspect is raised impedance and potentially heat, but here in Audio world, thing tend to be a little more picky, and that is a really innexpensive thing to avoid, I mean just pay attention when you bend the wire, no extra cost needed, and it takes less wire.

@hifitommy 16 дней назад

here is a link to Brent Jessee..... www.audiotubes.com/bjtubes.htm#6A%20to%206Z ....perhaps.

@PassionforSound 15 дней назад

Thank you!

@paulpaulzadeh6172 22 дня назад

So it means you like distortion color , 😂😂

@BigBoss-kk8hq 21 день назад

Damn makes me wish I didn't buy the schiit folkvangr

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

The Folkvangr still smashes it 🙂

@TheTastefulThickness 22 дня назад

The catch is the power.

@russellnedland4569 22 дня назад

Will the Meze 109 pro tolerate the high impedance of this amplifier?

@PassionforSound 22 дня назад

At 40 ohms it should be ok. The tonality might shift a little, but I wouldn't expect much shift.

@russellnedland4569 22 дня назад

@@PassionforSound What headphone would you recommend for stepping into high ohm otl tube use around, say $500 or so?

@russellnedland4569 21 день назад

I did a bit more homework and realized hd6xx is a good inexpensive starting point. I love your reviews and the fact that you answer fan questions, patron or not most don’t.

@PassionforSound 21 день назад

@russellnedland4569 any of the Sennheisers from HD600/6xx/650 and up or the Sivga SV023 would be my choices.

@PassionforSound 20 дней назад

@russellnedland4569 great choice. Always happy to chat to viewers! 🙂🙂