Seriously - it's time we had a forum ban on posts derived from AI.
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AIYIMA T20 – Audiophile-Grade Hi-Fi Tube Preamp in Development
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It depends very much on the question you ask. AI can wax lyrical if it is sourcing other comments and opinions as you correctly state, but (certainly in my field) if I ask it a technical question I get a technical answer. The T20 uses an njw1195 for volume control so I was quite interested to discover that this is a stepped attenuator, digitally-controlled, 0.5db steps.
So I'm quite interested that Aiyima have made an effort with this pre-amplifier (regardless of tubes) to make a balanced pre-amplifier with a decent volume control at a very low price. It seems a cut above their previous offerings. If there was an op amp in place of the valve, or even if both options were switchable that would have been a cut above again. It would be interesting to see it measured here vs Aiyima's own measurements. Pity there is no bypass facility - or indeed my bugbear: a balance control. Stepped balance control would be novel.
And there is the problem - the people who seem to think it is a good idea to post the responses here also don't seem to understand that point.
And the problem for audio discussion is that with four decades of nonsense audiophilia posted all over the internet, the training set for the AI's is hopelessly contaminated. You can get it to say anything depending on how you phrase the question.
I quite agree. I think probably guidance rules are the answer rather than a ban but it is a minor point ... a year or two from now it will be different ... the pace of change is accelerating.
In the meantime I hope AI will help me understand your expertise ;-) (I mean that literally btw - not being ironic or such)!!
I'm going to try out this pre-amp just for the hell of it! The stepped attenuator tipped the balance!
I have had a T20 a few days now. I am surprised having been very cynical about every other cheap unit I've seen where manufacturers have stuck valves in.
But this occupies a genuine niche so gave it a go.
The stock valves slightly overdo the warmth and slightly bloat the bass. I put in Tung-Sol 12AX7's and prefer these, as to my ears they sound neutral. I don't miss a by-pass option with these in, though it would still be interesting to have.
A balanced pre-amp with stepped attenuator with remote control... the harmonics, if indeed that is what it is, do enhance my sense of space, depth and width, body on speech and vocals etc.
So to say that I am surprised is an understatement. Using with a 3e A7 class D.
But this occupies a genuine niche so gave it a go.
The stock valves slightly overdo the warmth and slightly bloat the bass. I put in Tung-Sol 12AX7's and prefer these, as to my ears they sound neutral. I don't miss a by-pass option with these in, though it would still be interesting to have.
A balanced pre-amp with stepped attenuator with remote control... the harmonics, if indeed that is what it is, do enhance my sense of space, depth and width, body on speech and vocals etc.
So to say that I am surprised is an understatement. Using with a 3e A7 class D.
You are using new production Tung Sol 12AX7 or NOS?
New production.
Pulkass
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【New Product Preview｜Tube Preamplifier T20 Under Development】
Hello friends at the ASR forum!
We’ve been listening closely to the market and to our users. After extensive research, we’re excited to announce a brand-new fully analog tube preamplifier — the T20, which is now officially under development and has its product ID confirmed!
T20 features a brand-new design language, with a refreshed look that incorporates updated brand elements. Its functionality has also been comprehensively upgraded:
Supports XLR balanced input and output
Equipped with RCA unbalanced interfaces
Includes a digital display for clear and intuitive information
More features coming soon — stay tuned!
We hope the T20 will deliver a warm, detailed, and musical listening experience for all audiophiles.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments — we read every message carefully and truly value your feedback!
Thank you for your continued support. We’ll keep sharing updates on the T20’s development as they happen. Please stay tuned!
— From the AIYIMA Team | New Product Development Log View attachment 452429
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Pulkass
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Have many other pre amps. This one just got me hooked. I never used the stock tubes. I just sneaked in Tube Amp Store s own red label 12ax7 s excellent IMHO.
Pulkass
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I did not like the color s display, l put gel film for filtering stage lights, over it. Prettier in Pink !!!!
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I did the same - and yes very easy to hear a difference - for me Tung-sol clearer, extended, controlled bass.
And exact this is the problem of a tube amplifier when not done properly. It reacts with sound change upon different tubes inserted.
A good design should work almost the same way when tubes degrade over time or exchanged.
OK, if it is desired to tailor the sound impression by tube rolling then this is for me reasonable. Of course even today some recording studios use tube amplified condenser microphones in order to get a specific sounding voice and/or instrument. My intention is that an amplifier should not alter the original signal in terms of distortion and f-response. But if it is wanted, why not. The hobby world is an open free space.
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