My first system was so long ago, it was mono: a Calrad AP-15 integrated amp; Italian LESA record changer with Empire 880 cartridge, a home-built corner enclosure with two 10" full-range speakers, a University Sound 2-way crossover and outboard Pioneer horn tweeter. I was 15 and the whole system cost a bit less than $100. First stereo was a few years later: an EICO ST-70 integrated I built, still the LESA turntable, a DeWald AM/FM tuner with outboard multiplex adapter and two Sonotone RM-1 Sonomaster speaker systems.
Good review. It has pointed me in the right direction. My first experience with higher end music reproduction was my Craig Power Play S-280 car radio/8 track tape player that I installed in my 1966 Mustang. It's been all downhill from there. In house I run two different amps and two different speakers so this review really did help.
My first reaction was, Why? Yet, the nostalgic music listener in me clearly understands why someone may like this. At least, unlike cable risers, this performs a function and can make the experience more engaging. Now, going back to those cable risers... well... I plead the 5th while wearing a Captain Obvious hat.
Its one of those where you kind of just go...."Ok, I get it" Not an improvement in sound per say but certainly appreciated by many, plus the switch functions can be really useful.
Almost pulled the trigger on one of these till I looked at the details. I thought it would have RCA I/O to switch from amp A to amp B . But it’s switching speaker signals. I want to switch a source (preamp) from amp to amp. None of these do that, not Fosi, Douk, not this one. Started my journey at 14 dropping the needle on Jim Croce records for 10 seconds at a time to learn the guitar parts on my dad’s TT. My 1st real amp was a JVC R X500, followed that up with a pair of Polk SDA 2Bs that are still I. The rotation Today.😮
As for the hifi product which really sucked me in, it was the beautiful Musical Fidelity X-A1 amp. If you have never seen one, look it up. A glorious marriage of form and function. So different from the big brand audio stuff of the time, it made me feel my hifi was something special.
If the power supply for this ET30 is connected to my amp's switched outlet, will it go on and off with the amp, or do you have to press the remote's on/off button every time? Thanks.
I am in the market for something like this...I am going to do 2 amps, one SS one tube to 1 pair of speakers. I want to be able to switch between the solid state amp and the tube amp. As you probably know, tube amps should not be run without a load on the speaker terminals, it will damage the output transformers. Do you know if this unit provides a dummy load for the amp that is not selected? Thanks for the vids.
Pretty much what I do. My switcher does not have a dummy load so I just need to be careful. To be honest I think the risk may be overstated. I have messed up a few times and nothing bad has happened, but it caution makes sense. So, a good question. If it had a dummy load I would be very interested for my smaller, two amp and occasionally two speaker system.
I have not tested this but they do specifically state it: "NOTE: The ET30 is designed with a dummy load when the speaker channel is NOT selected to avoid damage to the amplifier" So it sounds like they have you covered but as always proceed carefully.
Considering something like this for your #2 scenario, two amps - one pair of speakers. How can you use a single subwoofer with both of the connected amps?
? Hi Matt, I have a question maybe you can help, I have a modern Onkyo Receiver, so to use neohipo unit do I use the speaker inputs to the neohipo amplifier inputs and then just hook speakers to the inputs on the neohipo unit I am kind of confused and not up on the modern electronics. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I actually will be trying that one out too, the Fosi version is here in the box still. This one just came in weeks prior so I put this review out first.
Hi Matt. Thank you for the video. I started Event Alp 5 for Computer use, and later I got those tiny amps/preamps from Nobsound and a Pioneer receiver Elite 2.1 (SX-N30) with a pair of Q Acoustics 2020. Just got a Peachtree Nova 150 new for 899 and would like to step up with speakers at some point, speakers on which I haven't narrowed down selection enough yet. One thing though. no one reviewing these switch products ever shown how to do the connection of 2 amps with one single source, since nowhere to connect the source on the switch device like with my Mackie Big Knob I use for power speakers switch, connecting my PC to it . For newbies, it would be awesome to see a video showing how one connect a single source to 2 amps or to that thing in order to switch them later. How is it done if your single source before the amps is a PC, streamer Ever Solo style, etc. ? Thank you for any insight, or even better a visual video to come (but for now any insight would do...)
Can the meters lights be turned of? Yups passive it is.. wait.. no remote... So can the unit be turned on snd the lights turned off? Looking for this to switch between solid state and tubes. Solid state is used to ht duty. Not for my front speakers but my side pair. I use quad ESL 57 for side, back and front height. My front speakers are acoustat x 😂
Seems to be very similar to Douk VU3 with different remote. Can change colors of VU's on Neo seems to be only difference that I can see. And ambient mic mode...basically worthless.
I love VU meters. I have the One Little Bear model and I love it. If I was Emperor of the world, my first decree would be that all amplifiers would have VU meters! LOL I just use mine for visual appeal and nostalgia. Fun review Matt.
I have had the Douk in my system to switch back-and-forth between a tube class A amplifier and a class A/B stereo receiver for maybe two years now and it’s worked flawlessly.. Not a fan of the first generation remote. I do like the one you just presented because I’m not a fan of the yellow backlit meters on the Douk And that seems to be the norm on all these small amplifiers with meters. I started out my hi-fi journey building Heathkits products and my first real serious receiver was the Pioneer SX-1980 that I purchased back in 78 that I still used to this day. I do have some McIntosh vintage tube gear as well as vintage Fisher equipment and for my UV viewing pleasure, I have Onkyo Integra M-504 to fill that need. 😊
I had a similar Douk audio product previously but it introduced obvious distortion so I sent it back. To be fair I was making a lot of changes so my system could be partly at fault or I may have just had a faulty product. Douk took it back without issue. Genuinely transparent switch boxes are thin on the ground and I run three amps in my main system and two in my second, so they save a lot of plugging and unplugging. The VU meters are fun but not essential. A balanced option would be nice, as would a three amp switcher (just for me).
If you just want the VU meters, you should be able to wire it in parallel (normal wiring from amp to speakers and 2nd wire from same amp binding posts to Neohipo). Fosi shows this on their video of the LC30, which is pretty much the same device.
I have a Dynavox amp-s to switch amps, but after I found out the vintage Sansui AU-317 sounded so much better than my Pioneer AVR, I just got rid of it. (The AVR). Getting a three month free Spotify subscription pulled me into the hobby. First I got some nice vintage speakers, then the Amp. Not using the Dynavox anymore. I guess i'll cannibalize it for it's binding posts at some point.
@@MattCoykendall1I am moving from vintage to modern at the moment. It started with a DAC and streaming (I already had a Chromecast Audio went to Argon Solo and WIIM pro, next step the Volumio Rivo I saw in your video unless something better appears). Recently got a new pre-amp (Aune S17 pro) still using the power amp in the Sansui. Next power amp (looking at the ZA3, upcoming V3 Mono and the more expensieve Hypex Nilai DIY kits). My speakers will probably remain vintage because there is so much great stuff out there. Unless I decide to go the DIY route there. I will probably have two systems in my living room ultimately. Modern and Vintage. (No female interference, so that helps...)
Really enjoying your channel and this review was excellent. As far as the question on old school, I am a mix. I have a vintage McIntosh 225 that was originally my dad’s and I had it brought back to Specifications but problem is that it doesn’t have sufficient power to drive my first set of higher end speakers, Dahlquist DQ10s. So right now I am running a Mix while selecting a pair of higher sensitivity but affordable speakers to pair with the Mc225. So for me I enjoy the old and the New and my current system is mix. Schiit Freya +, Emotiva XPA2 Gen 3, Schiit Bifrost 2, Audiolab 6000 CD Drive, RT85 Turntable with Ortofon Blue and B&O Beogram 4004 Turntable and Dahlquist DQ10 with updated crossover
Do the VUs operate in the middle through adjustment at lower volumes ? I just purchased the Fosi LC 30 but it doesn’t have enough adjustment to get the needles to move unless it’s really loud. This could be a better option. Thanks for the review 👍
These VU meters are all OEM white label designs. The NeoHipo sounds good but the Fosi Audio LC30 is the same product, cheaper, with a better looking faceplate and remote.
And the style is different, the ET30 is a bit more retro, with a MIC mode that can be used without wiring, and there are also various lights, which are very beautiful; The design of the FOSI LC30 is more refined, and the remote control is better.
In this case think of the meters as more for show, they accurately move with the music and look good but dont actually measure anything, more so visual effects.
I love VU meters. My SPL Crossover and Elector both have them. Elector is an all analog preamplifier and the Crossover is a crossover. I have vintage Kenwood Model 11 and 11 iii's as well as Sansui. I have gone the big am route though the last couple of years and prefer them. The Kenwood's sound great though and I love the vu meters on them as well. I wish they made a switch box for balanced and high power amps though. Good video! Keep.em coming!
A Westinghouse Clock Radio in our kitchen pulled me in to AudioDOM at age 7, 63 years ago🤗 My father actually bought..but he bought me a transistor radio On The Go🤣🤣 I had to carry it because it was so big..And every visit, my Audiophile Uncle let me crank his solid oak Victrola playing “ oh my darling Clementine” sang by Hoagie Carmichael as I stared at the Dog🤣🤣 That Uncle was the 1st. Audiophile to have a Record Player that only played 45’s installed in his Ranchero.. I changed the records and It never skipped even going down bumpy roads.. Long before 8 track was wacky weed Audiophiles🤣Good times of “The Old” ❤️
