[sonicm]

I want to buy my first desktop tube amp. The thing is, I don't have a dedicated DAC so I'll need to get one of those too. I'd like to spend about $600-700.

I was looking at the xDuoo TA-30 Tube AMP/Dac combo for $600. It looks like it might be a great choice, although it's a little obscure.

I was also thinking about Schiit Modius (229) + Schiit Valhalla (399) combo. I stepped away from the community for a long time and just returned, so I'm not familiar with Schiit really at all, though.

Thought? Suggestions? Anything you need to get off your chest?

 

[HWB3]

Schiit makes good products, and you can't go wrong with them. I have a Vali 2++ amp, a Loki Mini equalizer and a Modi 3+ DAC. I'm happy with all three. My set up is modest. You can go up from there.

 

[pbui44]

If you want a cheaper OTL tube amp, then you can get a DarkVoice 336SE amp:

https://drop.com/buy/dark-voice-366se?searchId=f585d8369f11df39af10fca7b6d2d6e0

Also, if you want a nicely powered on-board single-ended amp on your DAC to use when you want a more neutral sound, then this Topping DX3 Pro Plus is a great deal:

https://www.amazon.com/Topping-ES9038Q2M-Bluetooth-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B09HBS8SLJ

 

[Ufanco]

I felt the Xduoo TA20 with the right tubes imho sounded really good for the price. The new Xduoo ta22 might be a worth checking out.

https://apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-22

 

[Ieonasj]

I felt the Xduoo TA20 with the right tubes imho sounded really good for the price. The new Xduoo ta22 might be a worth checking out.

https://apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-22

im choose ta-22 from ta-03s,ta-10,ta-20 and ta-30. it is latest and newest from xduuo .ordered telefunken 12au7 pair tubes for change stock tubes is cheapest installed.

 

[Ieonasj]

ta-22 phenomenal sound even with superior stock genuine Xduoo tubes

 

[Wolfhawk46]

I want to buy my first desktop tube amp. The thing is, I don't have a dedicated DAC so I'll need to get one of those too. I'd like to spend about $600-700.

I was looking at the xDuoo TA-30 Tube AMP/Dac combo for $600. It looks like it might be a great choice, although it's a little obscure.

I was also thinking about Schiit Modius (229) + Schiit Valhalla (399) combo. I stepped away from the community for a long time and just returned, so I'm not familiar with Schiit really at all, though.

Thought? Suggestions? Anything you need to get off your chest?

Schiit and Xduo are pretty much your best options in that price range.

 

[Ieonasj]

Schiit and Xduo are pretty much your best options in that price range.

there is now difference in sound from big valued amp. i hsve cheap 50€ 2tube china amp and compared to my 550€ ta-22 difference small . you can buy 50-80€ cheap amp from aliexpress with 2 tubes , change stock tube for better ones such psvane art, tungsol,jj electrics and you ate ready for highest sound music listen.

 

[Pretardo]

I've been looking to switch it up and move into tubes myself. I have always had my eye on xDuoo and love the solid aluminum IEM cases that they have, but I've been very close to buying some of their other equipment on multiple occasions, but they finally got me with the TA-22. It just seemed like it had everything that I was looking for at the price that I was willing to spend to dabble in tubes. It will be a while till I get the unit, but hopefully, you can find something that suits your interests. report back if you make a choice.

 

[DenverW]

What headphones are you using? Some tube dacs (OTL) respond better to particular impedance headphones. Others can play with anything, but may have less of the lush 'tube-ness' of some OTL models.

 

[Pretardo]

What headphones are you using? Some tube dacs (OTL) respond better to particular impedance headphones. Others can play with anything, but may have less of the lush 'tube-ness' of some OTL models.

Based on the OP’s sig, it looks like they’re running Grados and DT990 Pro. As for me, I need a hybrid setup because of my planar’s and the th900’s have a low impedance.