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I wanted something with a built in DAC. I ordered the TA-84 to try as a pre-amp to add some "tube warmth" to my class D setup. To save money, I got an open box but I can't return it. I also ordered some Genalex EL-84's because I like how these sound. I already have a pair of Tung Sol 12AU7W's that I got to use with the Xduoo MT-603 (used one only) but I returned that unit. I'm hoping the TA-84 will be an improvement over the MT-603 since they will be basically used in the same way. I'm concerned that the sound will be too warm (bassy, bloated, lacking in detail) though, since I find that the setup I'm using has a basically perfect sound presentation with the XLR inputs. I just want to try a tube stage to shape the sound before it goes to my amp. I love my headphone setup so I don't really need the headphone amp output, but I will test it out for sure. I had to position my ASL headphone amp away from my router and computer/monitor to avoid interference and I'm concerned the TA-84 will be the same way, limiting where I can place it.There are cheaper ways to experience Tube sound:
AIYIMA T1 Pro Tube Preamp Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the AIYIMA T1 Pro tube preamplifier with tone controls and Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $75. Build quality is a step above budget products in its class. Case feels sturdy and controls have good feel. Nice to...
My existing tube setups (see signature) work well for me and satisfy my needs perfectly.Talk you out of it? Alright, I’ll try.
I used to be very into tubes. All of the flowery lingo one often comes across whilst reading impressions of tube gear…well could have been written by me a good while back.
I loved and actually still love the look of a tube amp. My imagination would run wild listening to music while looking at those fiery tubes.
Fast forward to me trying my hand in blindtests: suddenly when I couldn’t see what was playing…I started detecting things I didn’t like. Sure..at the start I was fairly certain that the things I didn’t like emanated from the solid state amp that I was comparing to. Nope..what I heard was the actual distortion, the mud in the bass and a lack of overall detail vs the solid state amp.
Then again I’ve also blindtested several amps with tubes in them that were completely transparent aka they were indestinguishable from solid state amps in a blind setting. No differences whatsoever.
True tube sound is not something that most folks prefer…well is what my experience tells me. I’ve been to a lot of blindtests and have personally seen loads of professed tube fanatics, time and again, choose solid state gear, when they did not know what they were listening to.
Tube gear is perfect for visual placebo. It lets the imagination run wild. So does a lava lamp though, and the latter doesn’t develop ground loops, hum or muddies up your favourite tunes
I started using it as a pre-amp again! It sounds better using the internal DAC and Mogami RCA cables! The XLR input is technically superior, it's just not as warm and pleasantly distorted.
today I rediscovered the tube pre made the sound worse! It's interesting how my perception changes sometimes. It's still a great OTL headphone amp.
So true.
I said that when I sold my little dot mark II. Here I am looking again, I loved your title talk me out of it, but here I am craving the tubey sound again, the TA84 is on the radar, also TA66. Mainly for headphone use and perhaps some inline use for sources. It's a never ending vicious cycle this audio changing
I really don't appreciate tube sound anymore. And this particular headphone amp/pre-amp was actually pretty bad in terms of distortion.I said that when I sold my little dot mark II. Here I am looking again, I loved your title talk me out of it, but here I am craving the tubey sound again, the TA84 is on the radar, also TA66. Mainly for headphone use and perhaps some inline use for sources. It's a never ending vicious cycle this audio changing
I did like the effect that the tubes use to give me with the little dot, I changed those tubes many times as well, had some nice results. Listening to these reviews on youtube is just insanity, and a constant wind up!
Old thread this, I know.
it wasn't a distortion you liked then. it's all about the distortion we like after all. The effects we get used to. Why do you think vinyl still has so much charm for many. Tubes are no different, some people like it and with a combination they like, they can put a lot of time and money into finding that. Glad your a sensible one though, that takes some doing to see beyond it in this crazy hobby of ours.
