AIYIMA T20 Tube Pre-amplifier Review

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Listen to me SMen, please:

I'm not going to waste my time (even less that of the readers) 'fighting' with you in an endless discourse about a device that is not worth the detour and especially about your only and very real nonsense because you cannot assimilate what you don't know, have no plausible experience and therefore don't have the slightest mastery of it, it goes without saying.

This device has all its features that can be surpassed for less without any worries and at least offer what they would normally have been designed for, which is not at all the case here.

A bit like a cake in a superb packaging that would indicate a certain 'aroma' when the content is not what is indicated but above all unmanageable because its date has passed...

Try to talk only about this device and don't 'spread' your feelings here:

it is a technical, scientific forum that is based on technical observations that are well established with measurements that can be carried out if the need is necessary in case of doubt:

with this set-up, there is none and moreover the measurements have already been carried out (you remind you yourself) and confirm this observation, Nothing less, there is no room for utopia, nor for the behaviors usually encountered on social networks.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Kind regards.

 

[SMen]

Listen to me SMen, please:

I'm not going to waste my time (even less that of the readers) 'fighting' with you in an endless discourse about a device that is not worth the detour and especially about your only and very real nonsense because you cannot assimilate what you don't know, have no plausible experience and therefore don't have the slightest mastery of it, it goes without saying.

This device has all its features that can be surpassed for less without any worries and at least offer what they would normally have been designed for, which is not at all the case here.

A bit like a cake in a superb packaging that would indicate a certain 'aroma' when the content is not what is indicated but above all unmanageable because its date has passed...

Try to talk only about this device and don't 'spread' your feelings here:

it is a technical, scientific forum that is based on technical observations that are well established with measurements that can be carried out if the need is necessary in case of doubt:

with this set-up, there is none and moreover the measurements have already been carried out (you remind you yourself) and confirm this observation, Nothing less, there is no room for utopia, nor for the behaviors usually encountered on social networks.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Kind regards.

Just don't waste your time. You have wasted enough of it already coming onto this thread for a device that is "not worth the detour".

I refer you back to what I have written here about the circuit. I would love to be enlightened by anyone who actually knows what circuit this actually is!

 

[caught gesture]

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

Anyone who feels the need to list the brand of USB cable they use should probably look in the mirror before lecturing other forum users about what is scientific.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Hi.

Are you sure of what you are saying ?

The 'goal' of mentioning this cable is not to promote a brand that would sell 'snake oil' but to allow the curious (which is a 'scientific' approach) to discover why I mention it by doing a search on the net.

It is a very solid cable, shielded with quality connectors and above all at a justified price, very affordable, with ferrites at each end: which in my opinion should define such a cable and nothing else, let alone wacky things, it goes without saying.

In the case of our DACs and personal computers, the connectors are rarely or never 'isolated', which in some cases can be a problem.

Here is an (attempt) to explain the interest of having to use such a cable:

When you connect a data cable to a computer or printer, it is there to carry information, in the form of an electrical signal. It turns out that all electrical and electronic devices unintentionally emit electromagnetic waves (this is a simple phenomenon of electromagnetic induction), including in cables, which then behave like antennas.
In some extreme cases, on a computer, these stray waves can crash the system or corrupt data.

The ferrite block attenuates these interferences: it reduces electromagnetic noise in the data cables by acting as a kind of filter.
From a physical point of view, the filter increases the impedance of the cable since these are voltage signals (5V/0V, binary) that pass through the wires.
This signal is comparable to an alternating signal, and the impedance reflects the resistance to the passage of an alternating signal.
A high impedance prevents sudden variations in the current, and ferrites are used for this: they smooth the signal until they erase the signals that have no place in the cable they protect.

Don't you think that nowadays, the use of switching power supplies, our smartphones or any other such devices do not emit 'parasites' around them ?

Have you experienced it ?

If not, then I invite you to visit the various serious sources (like here) to get an idea

NB: you will have noticed that I use the same 'approach' for my XLR cables too.
This allows me to isolate myself from all external 'influences':
isn't this what we make sure of first when scientifically we carry out measurements, whatever they may be ?

Have a nice day.

 

[Noske]

When you connect a data cable to a computer or printer, it is there to carry information, in the form of an electrical signal. It turns out that all electrical and electronic devices unintentionally emit electromagnetic waves (this is a simple phenomenon of electromagnetic induction), including in cables, which then behave like antennas.
In some extreme cases, on a computer, these stray waves can crash the system or corrupt data.

Have you experienced it ?

If not, then I invite you to visit the various serious sources (like here) to get an idea

No. Maybe I'll accept your invitation and migrate to France to experience the pleasure. Did it feel good for you?

 

[fwwwk]

Ferrites have any confirmed usage in audible frequencies?

 

[JimFarrell29]

Just ordered one of these, currently £119 on Amazon UK, which is a reduced price. I am lucky to have several systems, and both tube and solid state amps in each. I like variety. I currently also have a pair of SMSL GaN PA200 monos being fed by a modified Musical Paradise 701 mk 3 tube pre, and very much like the sound. However I have a dual mono Purifi 9040 amp on order from Apollon Audio and plan, at least initially, to use the MP701 with that.

I was going to feed the PA200s directly from a Fiio K9 AKM, but at that price am going to try this little tube pre and see what I prefer.

Incidentally, what would you guys suggest as a solid state preamp to go with the Purifi power amp, were I to go down that route ? Im mostly an integrated amp guy and lack expertise with pre amps as a class of product. Well, Im not an expert on anything else, either, but you know what I mean.

 

[JoeHTGuy]

Thanks for reviewing this. It’s simple and sounds great. Handles single ended to balanced conversion with no audible issues. Quite the surprising little gadget.

 

[DanielT]

Tubes, as I said earlier in another thread, as a hobby for those with genuine knowledge in electronics, I fully understand. I understand the satisfying feeling of building something yourself that it gives.
Then you (not me) can design and build together for example this neat tube amp in the pictures below (plus with distortion measurement).

And that tube amplifier will power a pair of highly sensitive tube amp friendly DIY speakers. It kind of goes together.

HiFiForum.nu - Pix - Projekt Pukor & Trumpeter. Dagboken

www.hififorum.nu

Otherwise, lacking DIY knowledge and ability, I don't see the point in tinkering with tube stuff.

 

[JoeHTGuy]

I don't see the point in tinkering with tube stuff

It depends on what type of person you are. If you liken it to cooking, some like to follow the recipe to the letter, and others like to modify a bit it to their liking. I like tubes for that reason, there is a sound to them that I find pleasing and different tubes allow me to tweak the sound a bit. The down side is that if poorly or cheaply done, it can “over spice” things…. Or even ruin it.

As this review points out, it does a good job of keeping things in check.

 

[DanielT]

Since Hifi is a hobby, of course anyone can do anything, as long as that person is satisfied and happy.

However, it doesn't hurt to understand a little of the objective aspects, interpret measurements and their results so that you don't get fooled by snake oil crap for example. However, that's a topic for another thread.
With tube amps, at least extremely expensive power or integrated ones, it doesn't hurt to have a little knowledge of what you get for the expensive tube watts.
Do you think it's worth it so fine. You want a tube amp and are willing to spend a decent amount of money. I'm not addressing you directly @JoeHTGuy but more generally.

AIYIMA T20 Tube Pre-amplifier on the other hand, it's not expensive and it has ok SINAD, so why not if you want a little tube glow in the dark.

By the way, DIY doesn't have to be that expensive compared to what commercial (power/integrated) tube amps with the same or worse performance cost.

 

[JimFarrell29]

Thanks for reviewing this. It’s simple and sounds great. Handles single ended to balanced conversion with no audible issues. Quite the surprising little gadget.

Hi Joe.
I thought if you fed it single ended you had to use the single ended out and vice versa for balanced. Sure I read that somewhere.
If it does convert that is very useful.
Thabks fir the heads up.

 

[SMen]

Thanks for reviewing this. It’s simple and sounds great. Handles single ended to balanced conversion with no audible issues. Quite the surprising little gadget.

Hi Joe.
I thought if you fed it single ended you had to use the single ended out and vice versa for balanced. Sure I read that somewhere.
If it does convert that is very useful.
Thabks fir the heads up.

Just coincidentally I was reviewing Aiyima's technical contributions to this thread, and it indeed looks like a 'true' balanced circuit where you can output RCA from balanced inputs, and balanced from unbalanced inputs, and use the line outs to power subwoofers while using the XLR to drive a power amp, so both at once. So separate buffering for both (this last I would love confirmed as I have inferred it).

Indeed quite the surprising little gadget!

 

[Noske]

I have three pre-amps with a Purifi power amp.

For over four years the SMSL SP400. Often it is on at least 12 hours a day with zero issues.

The T20, and a pair of Genelex 12AX7 Gold Lions. Both items on a Black Friday deal with Aliexpress. Very sweet.

Must be very careful with the pins when inserting into the sockets. I really think that Aiyima needs to improve the sockets. A lot. What were they thinking? Otherwise, perfectly happy.

Prior to the T20 even being announced I got a Topping L70 pre. Just as backup should the SP400 ever go snap. In hindsight I very much regret now that I have the T20. Stupid. Bad decision. Who does just 2K ohm input impedance? Topping does, that's who. It is still in the mail wrapping. Oh well. Blah.

 

[SMen]

I have three pre-amps with a Purifi power amp.

For over four years the SMSL SP400. Often it is on at least 12 hours a day with zero issues.

The T20, and a pair of Genelex 12AX7 Gold Lions. Both items on a Black Friday deal with Aliexpress. Very sweet.

Must be very careful with the pins when inserting into the sockets. I really think that Aiyima needs to improve the sockets. A lot. What were they thinking? Otherwise, perfectly happy.

Prior to the T20 even being announced I got a Topping L70 pre. Just as backup should the SP400 ever go snap. In hindsight I very much regret now that I have the T20. Stupid. Bad decision. Who does just 2K ohm input impedance? Topping does, that's who. It is still in the mail wrapping. Oh well. Blah.

There are some nations who do not "do" irony ... fortunately I am not from one of them. Bravo with the Ashes!!

 

[JoeHTGuy]

Hi Joe.
I thought if you fed it single ended you had to use the single ended out and vice versa for balanced. Sure I read that somewhere.
If it does convert that is very useful.
Thabks fir the heads up.

It does… and sounds great. No loss that I can tell.

 

[pdodo2003]

Hello everyone , jsut a change in scenery if i may I have the Aiyima T20 preamp , its an awesome device . Let me expose my system : Source is PC - DAC Topping D50 III - Preamp Aiyima T20 - Audiophonics LPA S450 ET (purify chip) - speakers, some older Canton .
The Aiyima came stock with theyr tubes and i recently changed the tube to PSVANE AX27- Horizon , what i noticed immediatly was the volume increased considerably , the bass is more focused, short, impactful and now comes the BUT the highs are pitchy , tirying can not get myself cranking the volume like before, is like the highs scream at me ... I think i am on the too bright side now , very clean but very analitycal , when i swap the original tubes back, everything goes back to normal - but not so punchy bass . I ordered the ART Series from PSVANE i hope that those will sound a little calmer and more musical , lets hope . If anybody did this , or maybe change the opamp what opamps should i change ? I use only XLR to my amplifier and i have a subwoofer connected also to the RCA output .
Thank you

 

[Tontom]

I have the PSVANE 12ax7-s and I am very satisfied.

 

[SMen]

Hello everyone , jsut a change in scenery if i may I have the Aiyima T20 preamp , its an awesome device . Let me expose my system : Source is PC - DAC Topping D50 III - Preamp Aiyima T20 - Audiophonics LPA S450 ET (purify chip) - speakers, some older Canton .
The Aiyima came stock with theyr tubes and i recently changed the tube to PSVANE AX27- Horizon , what i noticed immediatly was the volume increased considerably , the bass is more focused, short, impactful and now comes the BUT the highs are pitchy , tirying can not get myself cranking the volume like before, is like the highs scream at me ... I think i am on the too bright side now , very clean but very analitycal , when i swap the original tubes back, everything goes back to normal - but not so punchy bass . I ordered the ART Series from PSVANE i hope that those will sound a little calmer and more musical , lets hope . If anybody did this , or maybe change the opamp what opamps should i change ? I use only XLR to my amplifier and i have a subwoofer connected also to the RCA output .
Thank you

You are heavily into tweaking mode here! If you were a designer of the T20, and you needed to keep to a price, where would you cost save?

1 - Op amps ... I am really not sure that Aiyima have cost saved here...
2 - Valves ... I popped in some basic Tung-Sols at twice the price but hardly bank breaking,
3 - Power supply.

If you want to experiment for fun, I'd go with the power supply. I went with a 50W linear and it looks great . I found myself cranking up the volume (relatively speaking) with the stock Aiyima T20, and now I don't.

 

[mhardy6647]

aiyeeeeeeeeee!