AIYIMA T20 Tube Pre-amplifier Review

[mhardy6647]

I think once it's past the 50-hour burn-in mark, things can only get better.

hmm...

 

[Winemaker]

You need to use a 3.5mm stereo cable.

I tried using both stereo and mono 3.5mm cables, and it doesn't work with either.

 

[Audionaut]

I am going to recommend the AIYIMA T20 preamplifier. Kudos for the company showing that such a product can be done well, outclassing many solid state products!
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

With other amplifiers or DACs, I wouldn’t ask you this—but do you have any subjective impressions of how this amplifier sounds? Does it “sound” any different from transistor amplifiers with similar specs?

If it doesn’t sound any different, I don’t see the point, other than having two tubes sticking out of the case that glow in the dark.

 

[Mort]

other than having two tubes sticking out of the case

Why is this not enough? And who cares?

 

[Power Pop 23]

I appreciate that with the 'T20', Aiyima offers the option of a tube-based preamp with this level of measured performance.

 

[Chanur]

I appreciate that with the 'T20', Aiyima offers the option of a tube-based preamp with this level of measured performance.

Me too. Even if it's just placebo I enjoy the visual.

 

[mhardy6647]

Two "plinker" tubes (e.g., tubes with low emission or grid leakage, but with functional heaters) with their heaters powered by a low voltage AC supply capable of providing suitable power could be added to any audio component to provide the aesthetic and the warm glow. No connections to any of the tube's functional elements - plate, cathode, or grid(s) - are required.

OK, these particular tubes are active, but use low voltages even for their plates. No lethal voltages in this well-known DIY hybrid headphone amp from clever and generous audio designer Pete Millett.

Low-voltage Hybrid headphone amp

(full disclosure - I've built a couple of these over the years. )

... and, of course, holiday decor is also an option!

NOT my series-string holiday lighting! I've been tempted, though...

 

[rebbiputzmaker]

Two "plinker" tubes (e.g., tubes with low emission or grid leakage, but with functional heaters) with their heaters powered by a low voltage AC supply capable of providing suitable power could be added to any audio component to provide the aesthetic and the warm glow. No connections to any of the tube's functional elements - plate, cathode, or grid(s) - are required.

View attachment 527095
OK, these particular tubes are active, but use low voltages even for their plates. No lethal voltages in this well-known DIY hybrid headphone amp from clever and generous audio designer Pete Millett.

Low-voltage Hybrid headphone amp

(full disclosure - I've built a couple of these over the years. )

... and, of course, holiday decor is also an option!

View attachment 527094
NOT my series-string holiday lighting! I've been tempted, though...

Maybe just buy a box of birthday candles, and stick them on top of the components.

 

[SMen]

With other amplifiers or DACs, I wouldn’t ask you this—but do you have any subjective impressions of how this amplifier sounds? Does it “sound” any different from transistor amplifiers with similar specs?

If it doesn’t sound any different, I don’t see the point, other than having two tubes sticking out of the case that glow in the dark.

Referring back to your quote from the original review: "Kudos for the company showing that such a product can be done well, outclassing many solid state products!"

Technically speaking this ought to be important. Subjectively, my experience and that of others is that many sounds have more 'body'. So voices, and indeed strings have more body, while at the same time clarity and detail remains.

But equally, given the price, perhaps comment only after buying and listening ... otherwise the comments are subjective. They can only go on the measured specs ... regarding which I refer you back to your quote from the original review.

 

[Pulkass]

With other amplifiers or DACs, I wouldn’t ask you this—but do you have any subjective impressions of how this amplifier sounds? Does it “sound” any different from transistor amplifiers with similar specs?

If it doesn’t sound any different, I don’t see the point, other than having two tubes sticking out of the case that glow in the dark.

No sound coming out of the T20. It worked perfectly. No sound now. Tubes are warm and lit. I have tried all the combinations. It s now in another system of mine. I m getting mad.

 

[Winemaker]

Sorry, but does anyone have a trigger that works with products other than Aiyima?
I'm trying with a stereo and mono cable, but nothing works. If I turn off the T20, the power amp stays on.
What could be causing this malfunction?

 

[Pulkass]

Wow! ()

Stopped working for no particular reason !!! I m getting mad. Requested assistance at Ali Express. Tubes are lit. Display is on. No sound. Mistery. Could it be a power supply issue?

 

[SMen]

Stopped working for no particular reason !!! I m getting mad. Requested assistance at Ali Express. Tubes are lit. Display is on. No sound. Mistery. Could it be a power supply issue?

I doubt it could be a power supply issue if the Tubes are lit. And both channels are not working as opposed to one or other. ...

Make sure that if you are using balanced you have not defaulted to RCA output or vice versa ...

I got caught out by that once! Your tape covering the display would also hide this ... blue I think is balanced, and red is RCA.

 

[Pulkass]

I doubt it could be a power supply issue if the Tubes are lit. And both channels are not working as opposed to one or other. ...

Make sure that if you are using balanced you have not defaulted to RCA output or vice versa ...

I got caught out by that once! Your tape covering the display would also hide this ... blue I think is balanced, and red is RCA.

the plastic does not cover the red-blue led ----yes I switched the inputs--red blue---but no sound coming out---thanks for your attention

 

[Pulkass]

the plastic does not cover the red-blue led ----yes I switched the inputs--red blue---but no sound coming out---thanks for your attention

Finally l solved the problem, l even bought a new T20! Thinking the other one was broken. The problem was in the out put of the smsl dac 200 pro. Switch was in balanced. But no sound came out.

 

[SMen]

Finally l solved the problem, l even bought a new T20! Thinking the other one was broken. The problem was in the out put of the smsl dac 200 pro. Switch was in balanced. But no sound came out.

That is at least solved ... and a vote of confidence that speaks volumes. Funnily, as I decamped a couple of weeks ago to a second system, I pondered if I might not need another T20! Guess in fact you need another DAC also!

 

[Pulkass]

That is at least solved ... and a vote of confidence that speaks volumes. Funnily, as I decamped a couple of weeks ago to a second system, I pondered if I might not need another T20! Guess in fact you need another DAC also!

No my DACs they all work. It was the switch....Audio out. Some pressing of the remote and the music came out.

 

[SMen]

No my DACs they all work. It was the switch....Audio out. Some pressing of the remote and the music came out.

Worn the t-shirt!

 

[Pulkass]

Worn the t-shirt!

I will check them all tomorrow, thats system 3 ( of 4) sited in my wharehouse C of my humble abode. Down in the former bricks oven and then wine room, now just an amazing crisp n loud rick n reel bedlam, thanks to the products tested in ASR, that lil 3e Audio is a beast! T shirt is blue Orange amplifiers.

 

[Pulkass]

That is at least solved ... and a vote of confidence that speaks volumes. Funnily, as I decamped a couple of weeks ago to a second system, I pondered if I might not need another T20! Guess in fact you need another DAC also!

But : Wiim streamer-dac-t20 pre amp-then to Kali Audio lp60ii. All connected with xlr cable, this way l lose a lot of signal, is the T20 fault or a bad XLR cable? Now Wiim streamer-dac - Kali. Enormous signal (!)