Editor’s Note: A New Trajectory, Previewed
Letter from Shenzhen (22-11): My Lowest Fi - but a High
HiFi Basics: What’s the Correct Audio Value (and Why Bluetooth can Help You)
Editor: Subsequent events prove that I was not entirely on the money with the Anubis. Its place in the living room means less critical listening. Simply put, the clone ("Stirling 史特灵") just completely killed it. I have opened up the Anubis and a post-mortem is coming.
I shall start with myself (and it’s lengthy), but this Note is not just about myself. Collectively, this Blog has some new and surprising articles coming from its authors. This is kind of a Preview.
This letter first traces an Inner Journey of mine that led to the start of a new phase here in China. Shenzhen is literally a stone-throw away from Hong Kong (where I still have quite a bit of treasured audio equipment). Yet, with the complicated requirements of border crossing, and consideration for family, one cannot easily move around, and so for now I don’t have access - neither to equipment nor the large number of exceptionally endowed fellow audiophiles (only in terms of equipment).
The past 10 years For most of this period, although I had drastically (by my standards) scaled down my activities, whether in NYC or HK. I still had access to my stuff and would buy something now and then, not to mention I still had all my audio friends around - and so I still had things to write about.
Pandemic and Watershed Moments The pandemic changed everyone’s life, as it did mine, in more ways than I would want to relate here. In NYC From the Fall of 2018, when I repatriated to NYC, till March of 2020, when Covid hit NYC in full stride, I had not acquired much, nor did I feel the need to. Then, finding myself alone and in isolation, for the next few months (before I exited NYC for HK) I did what many audiophiles did (I’d think): I perused listings and actually acquired a few things (the most notable being my Yamamoto preamp). But by far the most significant event during this period was getting into Streaming and Bluetooth. Reviewing the small and inexpensive gadgets in many ways re-affirmed this blog’s cheaptubeaudio roots. Even more importantly, it portended a way of listening which has extended into my current life here without my humongous collection of LPs and CDs. Mind you, many of my friends in HK, at least those around Icefox, had long been pioneers and influencers in this respect, and I was a latecomer. Now, they are emphatically not novices, but seasoned audiophiles (many use complicated and ultra-expensive horn systems and WE) who play LPs and CDs, but who employ BT a lot for casual listening. I know there are skeptics, but I’d say (and I think my predecessors would agree) that if you can make your BT (or low-res files) sound satisfying to you, your system is right on the money. Yes, given the right circumstances (like in my NYC home) for the greatest pleasure I’d simply play LP, but the portability and comprehensiveness of Streaming is just indispensable, and not partaking in that can only be your loss. In Shenzhen The Past Year and A Half In terms of audio, this period had been the most atypical in my audio journey, indeed an anomaly. I just streamed music and didn’t buy a thing. People like ELO repeatedly reminded me that Taobao is audio heaven (and it’s true), but I never perused it. Indeed, I had gone into Retreat. In terms of exploration of music, if you read my Streaming articles, you’d know it has been the most fruitful. Before streaming it’d have been impossible to think of living here. Without diddling in audio, I had time to expand my musical horizons. Let’s not forget: Audio Hibernation is not Inaction; Music Appreciation continues unabated, or even heightened in sensation. As Alex, once prominent in tri-state audio activities, said in our wechat group, it forces one to listen harder to the music. And that has its considerable rewards (not that my setups sound so bad).
Hitting the Play Button Again
As I mentioned in my recent article on the wildly popular Aiyima T9, the audio aspect of my life here (as opposed to musical appreciation) had started to change after its arrival. Like the advent of Spring, or a single digital switch from 0 to 1, it woke me from an audio hibernation. The last was no exaggeration, for during the preceding year and a half I had not harbored any thought of new acquisitions. It’s not that the Aiyima, competent as it is, is an earth-shattering event in my long audio life; it was just the right timing.
Chinese Audio Products, Then and Now
For the last twenty years, perhaps more, many people, including older yahoo cheaptubeaudio group readers, have asked me why I don’t “review” more Chinese products. Well, there had been many reasons, and I must say that my early exposures in the mid 90’s were not encouraging, which stopped me from buying Chinese products (with few exceptions, I only review what I buy), or even from looking at them as bargains. Over the next decade, things started to change as I heard some very competent stuff. Much of it was DIY oriented, but things by then started moving in the right direction.
It was not until the Digital and T-amps arrived that I started to consider the cheap and cheerful stuff. It was really a revolution, as it made good sound available in a small and green package (even an old Class A veteran like Ray of Rayaudio recognizes the development as such). There is no question the Chinese manufacturers saw an opportunity and they surely wedged themselves into the preeminent positions in the bargain market - deservedly so (and here, especially as one who champions efficient loudspeakers, I shall re-emphasize that all the “high-end” digital amps are mostly nonsense).
Bluetooth, and Why it is a Good Audio Tool
As mentioned in detail above, during the pandemic, I finally took up Streaming and BT and never looked back. In terms of Streaming, I use free sources (mostly NML through the NYPL, and sometimes others,) which are not hi-res. I use mostly USB, but sometimes resort to BT, and I don't find the divide so big. Mind you, I’m aware that I’m likely a laughing-stock in some circles. Like everyone, I know BT is lossy, but BT today can be surprisingly listenable (I have been streaming for 2 years, sometimes eschewing USB for BT). What most people forget is that BT is kinda like Radio Wave which is analog in its transmission, and that could be a strength. Talking about the latter, remember the many audiophiles who sneer at FM, who (just like with LP playback) decry its limited bandwidth and dynamics? It’s likely these people have never heard a great tuner. The superb sound of Analog Sources serves as the best proof that there is something seriously wrong with over reliance on measurements.
In audio, I maintain that it matters very little if your system can play audiophile tracks well; whereas it matters a lot more if you can stream over USB or BT well. The former usually means there are many “unlistenable” stuff in your encounters; the latter however conveys pleasure even in musical but not sonically impeccable material. Many years ago, my friend Hoi (a horn user and a classical fan) said to me that it’s most important to be able to playback mono well. Time only makes me agree with him more. There’s a treasure trove of mono stuff that are heritage material (especially jazz) that should be listened to (I spend at least a few hours per month exploring the latest jazz, but I’m sorry to say most of the stuff sound tepid next to a mono Ellington or Miles). One my friend Andy likes is Ellington Uptown. It will likely sound execrable in a “high end” system, but I can enjoy its music with my humble setups, and that is what I advise you to strive for too. This kind of album mercilessly exposes the over-inflated audiophile “values” that often in the name of resolution creep into the system: wiry treble, lean midrange, un-natural bass. When a system is right (especially with horns), this kind of album can be listenable and enjoyable, and our sonically vastly superior audiophile albums that we enjoy for the physical thrills (make no mistake, I love them too) will not be worse for it. In passing, I cannot help to mention that this album, even in a latter day “mono” Columbia pressing (ubiquitous, as it was likely a best-seller in its days) really comes to life with a true mono cartridge (even the ridiculously well built and cheap Denon DL-102)! We often say there has been no progress in audio, which I agree with in sonic terms, though I make an allowance that compact and green and ridiculously cheap modern digital amps have changed the landscape (including mine) forever.
Value, that is what it is. NOT audio value, but musical value - more often than not, you cannot have “all” of both (but you can have most of it if you listen and work hard), and it is YOUR CHOICE. But audiophiles are a masochistic bunch: we mess up ourselves as much as we make improvements, meanwhile murmuring to ourselves that it must be our fault!
I also got some cheap cables and I’m getting some tools and a soldering station, all to make my life here a little easier and more interesting. I chose equipment that are cheap and good-looking. Some previews:
AOSIBAO 6P1 PSE The 6P1 is not so far away from the 6AQ5/6V6 and EL84. This is a hard-wired, tube rectified, all-tube amp with 2 meters for about USD120. As expected, sweet sound from the 6P1, and it’s a great pleasure to look at! I may do a little tube swapping but it sounds pretty good as it is.
APPLauseAudio 300B amp Finished in hammer tone, in pseudo-WE fashion, this is at least several rungs lower in price from the better known Chinese WE imitators (and miles from that newly launched garbage “WE”). At USD 350, it is hard-wired, double tube-rectified. I also chose it because it uses a 2-stage triode-pentode 6F3 (similar to 6BM8) in front, ensuring good driving power. It is solid sounding and I think will put many competitors to shame.
My preliminary evaluation is that
both of these sport decent transformers. I hear good bandwidth and tight bass, signs of quality. They also do not unduly overheat. At this price, especially if you are handy to upgrade parts (which are not bad), they are ridiculous bargains.
Union Audio Anubis LS3/5A (Update 11/27/22: I have kept the original text here, but reservations have emerged - see Editor's Note at top) I wanted another pair of loudspeakers but would not like to spend time auditioning. So I picked this “clone” of the venerable BBC monitor. It freely admits of following the sound but with some updates (and is 8 ohm, though a 15 ohm version is coming). At USD 300, this is an excellent choice. I don’t have my LS3/5As (or Harbeth P3 ESR) with me, but, given my long-term familiarity, I can safely attest that the sound is in the same vein. I’d think it is slightly more polite and less forward in the midrange, smoother and more efficient in the bass. Most of all, it does not suffer from the slower transient of the LS3/5A. It has completely transformed the sound of my System 2 (less used living room). In fact, unlike before, whenever I get the chance now, I happily listen to and tweak this system. I’m struggling over whether to get a pair of cheap stands to use them occasionally in the Study (which houses my main system). See, in audio one thing begets another, and I have to exercise restraint.
XINYI Sini Audio amp Now, this is a real surprise (from here in Shenzhen no less). I bought it with another function in mind, but it came up with such a good effort that I was charmed off my pants. It’s a bluetooth amp with auxillary input and output. The input chip is a Chinese JL bluetooth chip (different from the Aiyima one) but the output chip is the familiar TDA3116 (same as the SMSL I own). There are 4 versions: single 3116 vs double, and audiophile upgrades for both (I guess only caps for USD 2 premium). Given my efficient loudspeakers I opted for the single chip one. The result is so good that I’m contemplating also buying the double-chip one. At USD 6 for the whole amp it is absolutely the LOWEST Fi in my entire life - but that is referencing the price, not the quality! I’d not be surprised if Goldmund takes this, puts it in a nicer case, calls it JOB Mk X, and sells it for Euro 2000. But they won’t as it’ll sound much better than their lousy and crazily expensive digital amps.
I’m just too excited to report all this to you, and there are more, but not too much more. All of these will be duly reviewed in depth soon, so watch this space.
Finally, even more exciting stuff are coming from some of the other Authors! In no particular order:
--For those interested in Tannoy, Michele Surdi has more on amps that he has used and a few loose ends that are quite interesting. Plus, I don’t know where he gets all these nice brochures! His contribution makes sure this site shall contain the most comprehensive useful information on the Tannoy Prestige series. He shall likely contribute on some other surprises too! Maybe the heat in Europe is cooking him to our advantage!
--ELO was abroad and had just returned to HK. His soul searching continues. He has a couple of articles left with me and one audition (albeit brief) is a surprise, on something that I had been interested in a long time. Soon.
--Some of our occasional contributors have things up their sleeves, but they are just too busy. Let’s hope they find a moment to pen something.
--Last, but absolutely not the least, my dear colleague mrgoodosund is boiling soup in a BIG cauldron. I may have inklings, but true to our understanding, I’m not to divulge. I love his surprises, even when his views are not quite in agreement with mine (such as on LTA; but I can totally understand his view). In fact, with like-minded individuals I look at different views as healthy, and contribute to our understanding. No less a mind than the great Kierkegaard argued with himself in Either/Or.
I am thankful for the contributions of all. This blog is not a corporation, does not monetize (even if it can), nor adhere to a schedule or fixed agenda. All in due time. Check back often. Salut!
Letter from Shenzhen (22-11): My Lowest Fi - but a High
HiFi Basics: What’s the Correct Audio Value (and Why Bluetooth can Help You)
Editor: Subsequent events prove that I was not entirely on the money with the Anubis. Its place in the living room means less critical listening. Simply put, the clone ("Stirling 史特灵") just completely killed it. I have opened up the Anubis and a post-mortem is coming.
I shall start with myself (and it’s lengthy), but this Note is not just about myself. Collectively, this Blog has some new and surprising articles coming from its authors. This is kind of a Preview.
This letter first traces an Inner Journey of mine that led to the start of a new phase here in China. Shenzhen is literally a stone-throw away from Hong Kong (where I still have quite a bit of treasured audio equipment). Yet, with the complicated requirements of border crossing, and consideration for family, one cannot easily move around, and so for now I don’t have access - neither to equipment nor the large number of exceptionally endowed fellow audiophiles (only in terms of equipment).
The past 10 years For most of this period, although I had drastically (by my standards) scaled down my activities, whether in NYC or HK. I still had access to my stuff and would buy something now and then, not to mention I still had all my audio friends around - and so I still had things to write about.
Pandemic and Watershed Moments The pandemic changed everyone’s life, as it did mine, in more ways than I would want to relate here. In NYC From the Fall of 2018, when I repatriated to NYC, till March of 2020, when Covid hit NYC in full stride, I had not acquired much, nor did I feel the need to. Then, finding myself alone and in isolation, for the next few months (before I exited NYC for HK) I did what many audiophiles did (I’d think): I perused listings and actually acquired a few things (the most notable being my Yamamoto preamp). But by far the most significant event during this period was getting into Streaming and Bluetooth. Reviewing the small and inexpensive gadgets in many ways re-affirmed this blog’s cheaptubeaudio roots. Even more importantly, it portended a way of listening which has extended into my current life here without my humongous collection of LPs and CDs. Mind you, many of my friends in HK, at least those around Icefox, had long been pioneers and influencers in this respect, and I was a latecomer. Now, they are emphatically not novices, but seasoned audiophiles (many use complicated and ultra-expensive horn systems and WE) who play LPs and CDs, but who employ BT a lot for casual listening. I know there are skeptics, but I’d say (and I think my predecessors would agree) that if you can make your BT (or low-res files) sound satisfying to you, your system is right on the money. Yes, given the right circumstances (like in my NYC home) for the greatest pleasure I’d simply play LP, but the portability and comprehensiveness of Streaming is just indispensable, and not partaking in that can only be your loss. In Shenzhen The Past Year and A Half In terms of audio, this period had been the most atypical in my audio journey, indeed an anomaly. I just streamed music and didn’t buy a thing. People like ELO repeatedly reminded me that Taobao is audio heaven (and it’s true), but I never perused it. Indeed, I had gone into Retreat. In terms of exploration of music, if you read my Streaming articles, you’d know it has been the most fruitful. Before streaming it’d have been impossible to think of living here. Without diddling in audio, I had time to expand my musical horizons. Let’s not forget: Audio Hibernation is not Inaction; Music Appreciation continues unabated, or even heightened in sensation. As Alex, once prominent in tri-state audio activities, said in our wechat group, it forces one to listen harder to the music. And that has its considerable rewards (not that my setups sound so bad).
Hitting the Play Button Again
As I mentioned in my recent article on the wildly popular Aiyima T9, the audio aspect of my life here (as opposed to musical appreciation) had started to change after its arrival. Like the advent of Spring, or a single digital switch from 0 to 1, it woke me from an audio hibernation. The last was no exaggeration, for during the preceding year and a half I had not harbored any thought of new acquisitions. It’s not that the Aiyima, competent as it is, is an earth-shattering event in my long audio life; it was just the right timing.
More Personal History
It was not the first time I had taken a hiatus. For the longest time in NYC, as chronicled here, I just used a modest system as a means to listening to music. Thirty years ago I repatriated to Hong Kong. For more than a year before that, having rented out my apartment (and sold or given away my stereo, but not my LP collection) I was kind of nomadic. I then spent some time living with my mother (and saddled her with my LPs) before leaving for HK, and did not really keep a steady system, though by this time I did start to acquire some vintage electronics. When I arrived in HK, as an expat, the University paid for my stay in a hotel. I had in advance shipped about a hundred CDs and listened to them on a Discman I bought, through generic earphones. After 4 months, I was given a cavernous University apartment but I still felt impermanent and did not really install a decent stereo system. Another 8 months later, given a different contractual arrangement, I moved out of the campus into a local “village” type apartment. And gradually there I started to build a meaningful system. I bought a second-hand pair of Spendor LS3/5A (plentiful and cheap in those days) and brought back from the US one of my Dynaco ST70s (with the more desirable earlier trannies). My student DIYed a “Marantz 7” for me and I was all set with a cheap Philips CDP - the rest is history, albeit a very long one which I may write about some day (I am inspired by Signore Surdi’s recent Tannoy article, very much down his memory lane)
Quitting vs Hibernation
I have met many audiophiles who, for various reasons, often rather abruptly, called it quits. Many reasons were offered, ranging from WAF factor, interest in another hobby to lack of money. It’s not my place to question anyone’s choice, but my observation is most of these individuals lost interest in music. If you look into what they listen to, you’ll find a lot of audiophile picks (much mediocrity) but few selections of their own liking. Mind you, the reverse is not necessarily true, as quite a few who are only obsessed with audiophile tracks soldier fearlessly on (but usually the longer they go, the more they begin to like some real music - the power of music is such that few remain incorrigible to the end). Suffice to say, the more one really likes music for the holistic aspect, the more one stays an audiophile (who wants to get more out of music).
Audiophiles are Very Lucky Today
Cheap equipment has improved to such a degree that, if one loves music and develops a strong personal value system, one does not need to spend much to really enjoy music. Even more than that, streaming has put an end to having to own all that physical media (and in cases like my generation, moving them around wherever we go, which btw showcases our dedication to software). Of course, ultimately, vinyl and tapes sonically reign supreme, but those are only for stable (and discriminating) folks to enjoy, and who today will count himself as destined to stay in one place?
For the last twenty years, perhaps more, many people, including older yahoo cheaptubeaudio group readers, have asked me why I don’t “review” more Chinese products. Well, there had been many reasons, and I must say that my early exposures in the mid 90’s were not encouraging, which stopped me from buying Chinese products (with few exceptions, I only review what I buy), or even from looking at them as bargains. Over the next decade, things started to change as I heard some very competent stuff. Much of it was DIY oriented, but things by then started moving in the right direction.
It was not until the Digital and T-amps arrived that I started to consider the cheap and cheerful stuff. It was really a revolution, as it made good sound available in a small and green package (even an old Class A veteran like Ray of Rayaudio recognizes the development as such). There is no question the Chinese manufacturers saw an opportunity and they surely wedged themselves into the preeminent positions in the bargain market - deservedly so (and here, especially as one who champions efficient loudspeakers, I shall re-emphasize that all the “high-end” digital amps are mostly nonsense).
Bluetooth, and Why it is a Good Audio Tool
As mentioned in detail above, during the pandemic, I finally took up Streaming and BT and never looked back. In terms of Streaming, I use free sources (mostly NML through the NYPL, and sometimes others,) which are not hi-res. I use mostly USB, but sometimes resort to BT, and I don't find the divide so big. Mind you, I’m aware that I’m likely a laughing-stock in some circles. Like everyone, I know BT is lossy, but BT today can be surprisingly listenable (I have been streaming for 2 years, sometimes eschewing USB for BT). What most people forget is that BT is kinda like Radio Wave which is analog in its transmission, and that could be a strength. Talking about the latter, remember the many audiophiles who sneer at FM, who (just like with LP playback) decry its limited bandwidth and dynamics? It’s likely these people have never heard a great tuner. The superb sound of Analog Sources serves as the best proof that there is something seriously wrong with over reliance on measurements.
In audio, I maintain that it matters very little if your system can play audiophile tracks well; whereas it matters a lot more if you can stream over USB or BT well. The former usually means there are many “unlistenable” stuff in your encounters; the latter however conveys pleasure even in musical but not sonically impeccable material. Many years ago, my friend Hoi (a horn user and a classical fan) said to me that it’s most important to be able to playback mono well. Time only makes me agree with him more. There’s a treasure trove of mono stuff that are heritage material (especially jazz) that should be listened to (I spend at least a few hours per month exploring the latest jazz, but I’m sorry to say most of the stuff sound tepid next to a mono Ellington or Miles). One my friend Andy likes is Ellington Uptown. It will likely sound execrable in a “high end” system, but I can enjoy its music with my humble setups, and that is what I advise you to strive for too. This kind of album mercilessly exposes the over-inflated audiophile “values” that often in the name of resolution creep into the system: wiry treble, lean midrange, un-natural bass. When a system is right (especially with horns), this kind of album can be listenable and enjoyable, and our sonically vastly superior audiophile albums that we enjoy for the physical thrills (make no mistake, I love them too) will not be worse for it. In passing, I cannot help to mention that this album, even in a latter day “mono” Columbia pressing (ubiquitous, as it was likely a best-seller in its days) really comes to life with a true mono cartridge (even the ridiculously well built and cheap Denon DL-102)! We often say there has been no progress in audio, which I agree with in sonic terms, though I make an allowance that compact and green and ridiculously cheap modern digital amps have changed the landscape (including mine) forever.
Value, that is what it is. NOT audio value, but musical value - more often than not, you cannot have “all” of both (but you can have most of it if you listen and work hard), and it is YOUR CHOICE. But audiophiles are a masochistic bunch: we mess up ourselves as much as we make improvements, meanwhile murmuring to ourselves that it must be our fault!
A New Budget and Acquisitions
Now, what’s happening to me. After the Aiyima T9, I have decided to spend not much more than USD 1k on Chinese products, and I finally went for some tube equipment (just to remind myself)! This is a much harder decision than you think. Given that I have tons of gear and good tubes in NYC and HK, I’m not about to spend a lot on swapping tubes here. But there is little doubt in my mind that Chinese transformers have gotten a lot better (indeed likely the best in the world now in general), so bring forth the tube amps!
Now, what’s happening to me. After the Aiyima T9, I have decided to spend not much more than USD 1k on Chinese products, and I finally went for some tube equipment (just to remind myself)! This is a much harder decision than you think. Given that I have tons of gear and good tubes in NYC and HK, I’m not about to spend a lot on swapping tubes here. But there is little doubt in my mind that Chinese transformers have gotten a lot better (indeed likely the best in the world now in general), so bring forth the tube amps!
I also got some cheap cables and I’m getting some tools and a soldering station, all to make my life here a little easier and more interesting. I chose equipment that are cheap and good-looking. Some previews:
AOSIBAO 6P1 PSE The 6P1 is not so far away from the 6AQ5/6V6 and EL84. This is a hard-wired, tube rectified, all-tube amp with 2 meters for about USD120. As expected, sweet sound from the 6P1, and it’s a great pleasure to look at! I may do a little tube swapping but it sounds pretty good as it is.
APPLauseAudio 300B amp Finished in hammer tone, in pseudo-WE fashion, this is at least several rungs lower in price from the better known Chinese WE imitators (and miles from that newly launched garbage “WE”). At USD 350, it is hard-wired, double tube-rectified. I also chose it because it uses a 2-stage triode-pentode 6F3 (similar to 6BM8) in front, ensuring good driving power. It is solid sounding and I think will put many competitors to shame.
My preliminary evaluation is that
both of these sport decent transformers. I hear good bandwidth and tight bass, signs of quality. They also do not unduly overheat. At this price, especially if you are handy to upgrade parts (which are not bad), they are ridiculous bargains.Union Audio Anubis LS3/5A (Update 11/27/22: I have kept the original text here, but reservations have emerged - see Editor's Note at top) I wanted another pair of loudspeakers but would not like to spend time auditioning. So I picked this “clone” of the venerable BBC monitor. It freely admits of following the sound but with some updates (and is 8 ohm, though a 15 ohm version is coming). At USD 300, this is an excellent choice. I don’t have my LS3/5As (or Harbeth P3 ESR) with me, but, given my long-term familiarity, I can safely attest that the sound is in the same vein. I’d think it is slightly more polite and less forward in the midrange, smoother and more efficient in the bass. Most of all, it does not suffer from the slower transient of the LS3/5A. It has completely transformed the sound of my System 2 (less used living room). In fact, unlike before, whenever I get the chance now, I happily listen to and tweak this system. I’m struggling over whether to get a pair of cheap stands to use them occasionally in the Study (which houses my main system). See, in audio one thing begets another, and I have to exercise restraint.
XINYI Sini Audio amp Now, this is a real surprise (from here in Shenzhen no less). I bought it with another function in mind, but it came up with such a good effort that I was charmed off my pants. It’s a bluetooth amp with auxillary input and output. The input chip is a Chinese JL bluetooth chip (different from the Aiyima one) but the output chip is the familiar TDA3116 (same as the SMSL I own). There are 4 versions: single 3116 vs double, and audiophile upgrades for both (I guess only caps for USD 2 premium). Given my efficient loudspeakers I opted for the single chip one. The result is so good that I’m contemplating also buying the double-chip one. At USD 6 for the whole amp it is absolutely the LOWEST Fi in my entire life - but that is referencing the price, not the quality! I’d not be surprised if Goldmund takes this, puts it in a nicer case, calls it JOB Mk X, and sells it for Euro 2000. But they won’t as it’ll sound much better than their lousy and crazily expensive digital amps.
I’m just too excited to report all this to you, and there are more, but not too much more. All of these will be duly reviewed in depth soon, so watch this space.
Finally, even more exciting stuff are coming from some of the other Authors! In no particular order:
--For those interested in Tannoy, Michele Surdi has more on amps that he has used and a few loose ends that are quite interesting. Plus, I don’t know where he gets all these nice brochures! His contribution makes sure this site shall contain the most comprehensive useful information on the Tannoy Prestige series. He shall likely contribute on some other surprises too! Maybe the heat in Europe is cooking him to our advantage!
--ELO was abroad and had just returned to HK. His soul searching continues. He has a couple of articles left with me and one audition (albeit brief) is a surprise, on something that I had been interested in a long time. Soon.
--Some of our occasional contributors have things up their sleeves, but they are just too busy. Let’s hope they find a moment to pen something.
--Last, but absolutely not the least, my dear colleague mrgoodosund is boiling soup in a BIG cauldron. I may have inklings, but true to our understanding, I’m not to divulge. I love his surprises, even when his views are not quite in agreement with mine (such as on LTA; but I can totally understand his view). In fact, with like-minded individuals I look at different views as healthy, and contribute to our understanding. No less a mind than the great Kierkegaard argued with himself in Either/Or.
I am thankful for the contributions of all. This blog is not a corporation, does not monetize (even if it can), nor adhere to a schedule or fixed agenda. All in due time. Check back often. Salut!
Posts
Thanks for making this blog, waiting eagerly to see how the landscape of chifi has changed. In beginning of 2000's i ordered lot of audio stuff from china, some scam, some actually good.
ReplyDeleteBest
Jarkko
Ya, one has to pick carefully.
DeleteWow, after all the fuss stirred up with your Aiyima post, a brief silence came with a insightful and interesting post from you!!
ReplyDeleteTruth is, Chinese hifi scene is bustling and with such insane diversity and most importantly dirt cheapest prices in WWW which makes one feels like in audio Mecca. Happy hunting and glad you rekindle music listening with a brand new or enhanced perspective!
I'm sure look into buying the cheapo amp for my office. Now I have to look out for a super cheap bargain speakers to match with the QPR of this Xinyi amp.
Yes, recently, I'm in a happy merry go round joyride/pain ride. Now I have maintained an audio rig that makes one think I'm playing music from a pair of active speakers with amp/dac/streamer built inside of it, haha.. More about that later.
Sometimes one must lose some to gain a lot back down the road.
Very interesting ariticle and I cannot wait to read your reviews. Regarding the APPLauseAudio 300B, I wonder if the amp has any hum pots for the 300B and if so; I wonder if those have to be adjusted inside of the amp as I could not see any hum pots sticking out of the amp for the photo. Thank you so much! Reading your articles has always been enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHi, as u can see it has NO hum pot. The circuit can be found on AliExpress. It's very quiet. I just totally revamped my System I and it sounds just superb (and shall write about it). Last night I used this amp and it was very very good. BUT it tends towards neutrality (as u can see from the parts) and those who would like a somewhat more tubey sound should change some caps, but that can be tricky as spaces are tight around the triode-pentode 6F3. It also has a 2A3 version that our own mrgoodsound had expressed interest in, but the most astonishing thing is that it has a 211 version for around the same price! It all comes down to trannies. The power trans can handle even 211, and indeed it's very cool in my 300B amp. For people with skills and tinkerers it's likely a good value.
DeleteThank you so much for your reply! I cannot wait reading your further write up on the amp. Thanks!
DeleteI thought I was the only I may have been the only one who took a chance on the Applause 300B amp (although I requested mine to have the Western Electric plaque). It is a great amp, less fat-sounding than other 300B amps I’ve had in the past, Cary, Audio Note, etc. The front end is similar to a Shindo circuit, I believe, using 6F5’s, although I’ve replaced mine with 6GV8’s or ECL85, I have to check and now with GL PX300B’s. Running them with either Ref 3A de Capo (non- BE) or Spica Angelus. You and I have very similar tastes, good doctor! Still in my possession: Naim Nait 1, Cyrus 1, 3020, LS3/5a, SF Concertino, old DAC’s like Micromega, Monarchy, 1541’s, BP DAC-SE-i, Belden 9497, Gotham GAC4/1, etc. I have been reading this blog ever since yahoo group, and would like to thank you for all these years of great information and entertainment. BTW what happened to your Ongaku? Do you still have it?
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise and thank you! I am absolutely delighted. I'd love to hear more of your experience with the 300B amp. Actually, can you send me an email? cheaptube@hotmail.com
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