[CJG888]

You can buy inline attenuators or attenuated phono cables…

 

[pomegren8]

I do have the Topping E30 and it has a preamp mode where I can set the volume so I think I'm pretty much set if ever I pull the trigger on the 602. So far that's what I'm most interested in.
I probably should write down the tube options and go window shopping sometime on what's available locally and if I have to go to ebay and source some there. Thanks for the insights! It might be a while tho as I kinda want a nice dynamic driver headphone first before dipping my toes into hybrids. either the 6xx or the 660s

 

[CJG888]

Why not the classic HD600?

 

[CADCAM]

I had the HD600 and they sounded good but hurt my jaw. I'm a pretty big guy and have a big head btw and it may have been the oval shape of the cups but had to sell them. My jaw would ache after a listening session. YMMV

 

[Jonmakauu]

Is the TA-26 an OTL Tube amp? Wouldn't make sense to just make it single ended if it were just another hybrid like a lot of their tube amps.

 

[Barndoor]

Can't beat a bit of tube glow on a winter's day

 

[jsmiller58]

Can't beat a bit of tube glow on a winter's day

Winter…. It has been incredibly hot and dry here in the western part of the US…. Could use some of that winter!

I haven’t had much of a chance to use my 602 for a while, so I envy you that as well!

 

[Barndoor]

Winter…. It has been incredibly hot and dry here in the western part of the US…. Could use some of that winter!

I haven’t had much of a chance to use my 602 for a while, so I envy you that as well!

I'll take that sunshine. We are getting hit by storm after storm at the moment

 

[pomegren8]

I'm wondering for all the 602 users here, how hot does the 602 get? and what ambient temperatures are you having in your respective places?
Also is there a maximum temperature recommended for the tubes before it's too hot for usage?

 

[CADCAM]

I'm wondering for all the 602 users here, how hot does the 602 get? and what ambient temperatures are you having in your respective places?
Also is there a maximum temperature recommended for the tubes before it's too hot for usage?

I have measured 105°F degrees max at the tubes themselves, I do have central air and the room is set to 74°F. No heat issues here my Monolith in the same room has hit over 300°F at the tubes.

 

[CJG888]

I can second that. Heat is negligible.

The Tzar’s 6S41S get up to 260C, though. You could sear steak on that, never mind fry an egg!

 

[mikemuzak]

I'm wondering for all the 602 users here, how hot does the 602 get? and what ambient temperatures are you having in your respective places?
Also is there a maximum temperature recommended for the tubes before it's too hot for usage?

No they really don't. I took the side panel off the other day to get a better look and sure enough there are two little LEDs directly below the tubes. I pulled the tubes out and flipped the power switch to the ON position and sure enough they lit up. So I don't know if the the 6J1 tubes and/or equivalent even produce a glow at all.

 

[jsmiller58]

No they really don't. I took the side panel off the other day to get a better look and sure enough there are two little LEDs directly below the tubes. I pulled the tubes out and flipped the power switch to the ON position and sure enough they lit up. So I don't know if the the 6J1 tubes and/or equivalent even produce a glow at all.

Thanks for confirming what most have surmised - LEDs produce the glow. It is a nice touch by Xduoo, and a little deceptive, at the same time!

 

[CADCAM]

No they really don't. I took the side panel off the other day to get a better look and sure enough there are two little LEDs directly below the tubes. I pulled the tubes out and flipped the power switch to the ON position and sure enough they lit up. So I don't know if the the 6J1 tubes and/or equivalent even produce a glow at all.

They are going to glow and light up as any other tube would, Xduoo mounted lighting under tubes to "enhance" the tube effect. The tubes are definitely working and used in the circuitry as swapping tubes changes sound characteristics. I had heard of all the tubes not being used in the 604 but Z's review proves that wrong.

 

[Wiljen]

my 604 review went up today here and my blog. https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/xduoo-mt-604-balanced-tube.25147/reviews#review-26233

Tube rolling article is also done and up (blog only for now).