RedJohn456
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Feb 8, 2014
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While xDuoo may be well known for their X3 DAP and XD-05 DAC/Amplifier, they also have a series of tube amplifiers, TA-03 being their flagship model. The TA-03 is an all in one solution, a tube amp packing a 24Bit/192Khz USB Dac.
Here are some tidbits from the official product page:
General
This amp is very versatile in terms of what its capable of and how it can be used. For example, if you have the USB DAC connected to your computer, you can have the RCA line in act as a line out, allowing you to add a different amp to be used with the DAC.
It has plenty of power to drive even my most demanding cans AND it can drive my iems without issue, adding to its versatility. It utilizes a 12AU7 tube for pre-amp and 6C19 tubes tubes for each channel.
The TA-03 is built to high exacting standards and positively exudes premium build quality. Its built like a tank and has a good heft to it, despite its relatively smaller size. The outside panels fit together perfectly, the knobs are not loose nor too tight. The volume indicators are nice and bright, making it easy to control volume easily. It really is a quality piece of kit, quite the looker!
Sound impressions
I have it hooked up to my Geek Out V2, driving my AKG K7XX for the sound impressions.
First things first, I know that the stock tubes aren't said to be great for tube amps coming from the east. However I will comment on the sound with stock tubes and update when I try different tubes.
These don't have the warm gooey sound that I had imagined. In fact, it has a very clear and clean sound. The AKG K7XX soundstage soundstage sounds larger with this amp than any of my other amps. The elements feel quite spaced out, sounding positively larger than life. Way different than what the Geek Out V2 amplifier sounds.
The bass sounds a lot more defined and punchier with the TA-03. It has a sense of effortlessness that just helps me melt into my chair while listening to my favourite tracks. The first time I plugged my AKG K7XX into the TA-03 and cued up my favourite Breaking Benjamin album, I had the goofiest grin on my face. The AKG K7XX are finally sounding like what I had imagined they would, as I was initially let down by their soundstage on my solid state amps. The sound is clear, musical and very spread out - positively cavernous.
It gets plenty loud so the lack of a gain option won't be an issue for most as it can handle up to 600 ohms, plus it drives my iems and earbuds just fine.
I am not sure what else to mention in terms of early impressions - its my first time trying to review an amp. This amp feels like a premium product, its built like a tank and it makes me feel this:
For the full review, I go into much more detail about smaller aspects as I get more used to the amp, but as of now, this amp is my muse. I find myself very eagerly looking forward to my music listening sessions in a way I haven't before. And for that alone, its worth every penny.
Tube Rolling
I will update this section when I venture into themasochistic fantastic world of tube rolling and update as necessary.
TL;DR - The TA-03 is the boss sauce.
More info can be found out at xDuoo. These can also be purchased at Penon Audio.
Here are some tidbits from the official product page:
General
This amp is very versatile in terms of what its capable of and how it can be used. For example, if you have the USB DAC connected to your computer, you can have the RCA line in act as a line out, allowing you to add a different amp to be used with the DAC.
It has plenty of power to drive even my most demanding cans AND it can drive my iems without issue, adding to its versatility. It utilizes a 12AU7 tube for pre-amp and 6C19 tubes tubes for each channel.
The TA-03 is built to high exacting standards and positively exudes premium build quality. Its built like a tank and has a good heft to it, despite its relatively smaller size. The outside panels fit together perfectly, the knobs are not loose nor too tight. The volume indicators are nice and bright, making it easy to control volume easily. It really is a quality piece of kit, quite the looker!
Sound impressions
I have it hooked up to my Geek Out V2, driving my AKG K7XX for the sound impressions.
First things first, I know that the stock tubes aren't said to be great for tube amps coming from the east. However I will comment on the sound with stock tubes and update when I try different tubes.
These don't have the warm gooey sound that I had imagined. In fact, it has a very clear and clean sound. The AKG K7XX soundstage soundstage sounds larger with this amp than any of my other amps. The elements feel quite spaced out, sounding positively larger than life. Way different than what the Geek Out V2 amplifier sounds.
The bass sounds a lot more defined and punchier with the TA-03. It has a sense of effortlessness that just helps me melt into my chair while listening to my favourite tracks. The first time I plugged my AKG K7XX into the TA-03 and cued up my favourite Breaking Benjamin album, I had the goofiest grin on my face. The AKG K7XX are finally sounding like what I had imagined they would, as I was initially let down by their soundstage on my solid state amps. The sound is clear, musical and very spread out - positively cavernous.
It gets plenty loud so the lack of a gain option won't be an issue for most as it can handle up to 600 ohms, plus it drives my iems and earbuds just fine.
I am not sure what else to mention in terms of early impressions - its my first time trying to review an amp. This amp feels like a premium product, its built like a tank and it makes me feel this:
For the full review, I go into much more detail about smaller aspects as I get more used to the amp, but as of now, this amp is my muse. I find myself very eagerly looking forward to my music listening sessions in a way I haven't before. And for that alone, its worth every penny.
Tube Rolling
I will update this section when I venture into the
TL;DR - The TA-03 is the boss sauce.
More info can be found out at xDuoo. These can also be purchased at Penon Audio.
