oldwine
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2007
- Posts
- 303
- Likes
- 12
Something writing in the front:
After read the review from REVIEW: Audiotailor “Jade” Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, i am interested in its unique "Yin" and "Yang" design, which can accept 2 headphones at the same time and simple design.
After several email conversations with Joseph, i take my order on early March. One of the most attractive to me is, Jade can tailor to what u need! As i have a SACD Player and a CD player, i want to have a amp with TWO RCA inputs. in past, i use 2 different HeadAmp to drive, but it takes me in trouble. Although there are some products available with 2 RCAs, i found Jade is the most affordable.
This is what audiotailor tailor-made for me, standard version are only 1 pair RCA input.
Other than the RCA inputs, they can also allow to alter most of the parts, like ALPS volume switch, gold plated RCA plugs, headphone jacks, etc.
After about 2 weeks process (it seems audiotailor are still in production by order), i got it by the express delivery.
Parts
Once opened the box, there is a manual (but there is some missing, mentioned later), the main unit and .... a cage??? i was questioned what it is, but it is really useful later.
the first BIG question i saw is, the Jade does not enabled with IEC sockets!!! It comes with a UNDETACHABLE power cord, which is not common in Headamp, even the LD and DV such China-made amps also with IEC socket. So, if u want to have it, the FIRST request is
DO REMEMBER changing it to IEC socket in prior!!
UNDETACHABLE power cord means u cannot change to your own high quality power cord.
Manual
The manual is printed in English, with a plastic cover, with a bit better than other China-made headamp, which just comes with a piece of paper.
However, as i think they are still in tweak process, some parts on the machine are NOT mentioned in it. For example, the "H/L" switch on the front panel. We can easily "guess" it seems to be "High/Low" gain switch, but i think it would be better if they mention it with most updated manual.
Also, the most important of the headphone jack, they DIDN'T mention which one is "yin" and "yang", i need to surf the web and trial by error to find it. It seems the one near the "H/L" is more Tuby like, while the other one is SS like. [Thanks PaulyT and moonboy 403 to point the correct headphone jack performance]
They may also print the parts with words for easier identification.
It is good to know the manual include the circuit diagram, which useful for people want to have modification.
Tubes
Unlike the previous review, this time they have sent a 6AS7G and 12AX7 together with the machine, that is the one inside the cage. Once you installed the tubes, you can fasten the cage with the screw provided, to prevent being hurt.
these are the stock tubes
However, the stock tube provided are those China-made, so, i haven't used them.
i have replaced them with the RCA 6AS7G with TFK 12AX7.
For the soul of it, its performance in music, i will post it later after the machine have burnt-in.
Summary
As a budget headamp (don't remember it just cost US$300 with FREE shipping until May), it seems it is a nice product with affordable price, IF they have corrected some part as i mentioned.
Its dual headphone output can also act as tweak for the headphone. I think it would be nice after trail to find out which "pair" of headphones can provide optimum performance.
DISCLAIMER
I have no connection to the manufacturer, this headamp is purchased by my own, without any sponsor or discount. The impression is solely personal comment, it may not reflect all the truths of the product. Anyone should take this as reference only, I will NOT responsible for any loss and duties caused by this article ( and the replies)
Larger size picture of this article are posted in
ImageShack® - Gallery
After read the review from REVIEW: Audiotailor “Jade” Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier, i am interested in its unique "Yin" and "Yang" design, which can accept 2 headphones at the same time and simple design.
After several email conversations with Joseph, i take my order on early March. One of the most attractive to me is, Jade can tailor to what u need! As i have a SACD Player and a CD player, i want to have a amp with TWO RCA inputs. in past, i use 2 different HeadAmp to drive, but it takes me in trouble. Although there are some products available with 2 RCAs, i found Jade is the most affordable.
This is what audiotailor tailor-made for me, standard version are only 1 pair RCA input.
Other than the RCA inputs, they can also allow to alter most of the parts, like ALPS volume switch, gold plated RCA plugs, headphone jacks, etc.
After about 2 weeks process (it seems audiotailor are still in production by order), i got it by the express delivery.
Parts
Once opened the box, there is a manual (but there is some missing, mentioned later), the main unit and .... a cage??? i was questioned what it is, but it is really useful later.
the first BIG question i saw is, the Jade does not enabled with IEC sockets!!! It comes with a UNDETACHABLE power cord, which is not common in Headamp, even the LD and DV such China-made amps also with IEC socket. So, if u want to have it, the FIRST request is
DO REMEMBER changing it to IEC socket in prior!!
UNDETACHABLE power cord means u cannot change to your own high quality power cord.
Manual
The manual is printed in English, with a plastic cover, with a bit better than other China-made headamp, which just comes with a piece of paper.
However, as i think they are still in tweak process, some parts on the machine are NOT mentioned in it. For example, the "H/L" switch on the front panel. We can easily "guess" it seems to be "High/Low" gain switch, but i think it would be better if they mention it with most updated manual.
Also, the most important of the headphone jack, they DIDN'T mention which one is "yin" and "yang", i need to surf the web and trial by error to find it. It seems the one near the "H/L" is more Tuby like, while the other one is SS like. [Thanks PaulyT and moonboy 403 to point the correct headphone jack performance]
They may also print the parts with words for easier identification.
It is good to know the manual include the circuit diagram, which useful for people want to have modification.
Tubes
Unlike the previous review, this time they have sent a 6AS7G and 12AX7 together with the machine, that is the one inside the cage. Once you installed the tubes, you can fasten the cage with the screw provided, to prevent being hurt.
these are the stock tubes
However, the stock tube provided are those China-made, so, i haven't used them.
For the soul of it, its performance in music, i will post it later after the machine have burnt-in.
Summary
As a budget headamp (don't remember it just cost US$300 with FREE shipping until May), it seems it is a nice product with affordable price, IF they have corrected some part as i mentioned.
Its dual headphone output can also act as tweak for the headphone. I think it would be nice after trail to find out which "pair" of headphones can provide optimum performance.
DISCLAIMER
I have no connection to the manufacturer, this headamp is purchased by my own, without any sponsor or discount. The impression is solely personal comment, it may not reflect all the truths of the product. Anyone should take this as reference only, I will NOT responsible for any loss and duties caused by this article ( and the replies)
Larger size picture of this article are posted in
ImageShack® - Gallery
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