Dude can you bring back the technics piece with those monster vu meters? Would love to see it fight with the iota or emotiva playing some real world music none of that jazz and classical bs, pardon my french🤘
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 that would be amazing! Definitely down for some equipment sharing for reviews! I'm currently swamped in video editing land but let's chat in a few weeks about it? My email is themidfiguy@gmail.com
you sir are my new favourite audio babbler on utube, please keep doing what you do, the best part is you focus on what gear pairs with what music...i love how them tubes glow but i’ll be honest jazz and classical are not my thing, gimme some michael jackson anytime...also i like that your audio gear is not an eye sore🙇🏻♂️🔥👏
Thanks for the review. I have the Iota SA3 and PA3 (same power amp as in SA3). Use a SMSL su-9 DAC. Upgraded all the power cords. Use the Iota's to bi-amp my Q acoustics 3050's towers. Unbelievable immersive soundstage! Upgraded power cords was the key to improved performance of all components.
@@michaellynch6080 No specific brand. Important to get braided conductors which are shielded. Approximately $50 at Amazon. Made a huge difference in my system. Note: I use the Iota's in mono block mode now since learning tweeters require little power to drive. Good luck
If you want to use valves you can use a preamp with your powered speakers something dirt cheap like Art tps 2 valve 2-channel preamp about $220 You best scenario is to get two of the iotavx power amplifiers what are about £200 each and connect a valve preamp to them. You can connect a preamp to the iota integrated as well but if you have have the power amp or two power amps you can Bridge or biamp vertically. Another thing you might find the valve amplifier change the valve Bridge rectifier for solid-state Bridge rectifier ideally scotchy diodes, you can buy them in tubes just swap it out give give you more grip bass low end
Love your videos. U seem to touch a lot of things people would have questions about. I would be interested in seeing what different tube preamps would sound like with the IOTAVX SA3 or PA3. I'm currently using both(sa3 &pa3) and have them in biamp stereo(that's the only way I'm able to use RELs high level connections :/) and I am very curious where a tube preamp would fit in there.
I picked up the X7 a few weeks ago. It is the coolest looking audio equipment I've owned and it really does the tube thing I was looking for. I still have another solid state amp (First Watt F6, I do have the Schiit Freya before it though), that I enjoy, but the Muzishare isn't going anywhere.
Tubes are better for late night listening . Solid state for loud daytime listening . IMHO. I'm partial to older Harman Kardon amps. You don't miss anything . Plays all kinds of music very well.
Hello, will you do a review of the Feliks Euforia for its headphone output section? And a comparison between the Feliks, Muzishare, & the Cayin? Thanks.
Right now I'm just stunned over my latest purchase the Vincent SV-200. A beautiful compact amp with tubes in pre. For its price - it's a steal. You should try it out. It runs my KEF LS50 like a champ .....and ..... it has a loudness button (I love that)😁
Love your channel! Did you originally get the Euforia with the stock tubes? If so, how do you like the Gold Lion quads with it compared to the stock setup with the PsVane driver tubes?
Hello buddy. very nice review! Those gold lions look awesome in the Euphoria. Can you share with us how are those Tubes Coded? I´ve looked for 6SN7 & 6N13S Gold Lions but I can't find any. Thanks!
Those are KT88s with an adapter. I have the same setup. The 88s aren't technically supported on the euforia but they are magic together. There is a huge hifi thread where people figured out the 88s are awesome in the Feliks. I couldn't speak to KT88s in place of 6sn7's in other amps though.
Nice vid. How is your ht integrated with all the hifi stuff? Schiit has a passive output but volume control has to be all the way up when i feed an audio processor thru it. Not ideal if you make a mistake switching to dac input and blow your head up.
Ever since your review of the multiple DAC, I have been a big fan of your review and no-nonsense style. I am really looking forward to more video from you .. I am also super delighted to see your cut on the Muzishare X7, IOTA SA3 and Triangle Bro 3, both of which I am personally very interested in , not to mention I already own the Klipsch ... Thanks so much for the great review. I do have a couple of question and hope you may be able to address here or also in your video in the future. First , I always look for the similar function speaker/amp selector box that you show in your video. I ordered one from AliExpress but the result is not very good as I can detect obvious sound quality decline when I put the switch in between. I wonder if you have try to compare with and without the switch and if there is any obvious decline in quality. Perhaps it would be another video topic, Secondly, you mentioned using the IOTA SA3 as power amp with a tube pre-amp, I am wondering if this would work nicely because the SA3 does not provide a main-in for input from another pre-amp, like Muzeshare does. If you plug directly one of the regular RCA source input, woud this cause any mismatch and hence degrade the effect of the pre-amp ( I am not a technical guy and have no idea of the volt/resistance etc requirement for the pre-ampp input vs regular CD/DAC RCA input). thanks a lot, and looking forward to your video.
Are you sure that the TC-7220 is compatible with the Muzishare? When you switch to another amp it must cut out the speakers. To my knowledge, not too many tube amps can take this without damage because of the open circuit. They need to have a load connected to the speaker terminals. Can you verify please?
9:35 Just what I was wondering... I have the Willsenton R8 w/Bluesound Node upstream and was thinking of adding a Zen Decware as a pre-amp but didn't know if the results would justify the upgrade. As far as your noise interference, don't know if you found it. I had a noise interference too. Tracked it back (via process of eliminating/swapping cables) to my Ethernet switch where my Node was connected to. One of the ports had a interference in the Ethernet cable, no more annoyance. Also, you want to make sure your Speakers are at least 90+ db Sensitivity; to benefit from the integrated Tube amp. It is different world than solid state, I'll never go back to S.S., great video.
By using denafrips ares 2 as the dac for the SA3, will it give you that middle ground between tube and solid states? Currently building my separates, I would like to hear your advice :D
Thank you for your video, I happen to have SA3, X7 and BRO3 too and I enjoy them very much. I have rolled signal tubes ( 12AX7 and 12AU7) to Gold Lion that seems to help to produce more extension in treble and bass area even with stock KT88. Also I sometimes roll KT88 to Tung Sol EL34 which brings mellower sound. I am still trying and learning about this adult audio LEGO game. I had added the Speedwoofer for a sub too that brought richer total sound. I am looking forward to your coming videos.
100% agree on the assessment that tube pre-amp is like 20% of the tube magic sound, not 50% at all, which is sad. I was experimenting with my Woo WA2 and came to the same result, it's just a little tube flavor, but that's all, not coming close to the pure tube at all.
Glad someone else can confirm this. Everytime I mention a dedicated tube amp there are folks that say I should just get a tube pre and it will sound the same. Tested this theory on two different setups (headphone and 2-channel) and I couldn't get the tube preamp to reproduce nearly the same level of euphonics from the dedicated tube amp. There are pros & cons to each method but it's all subjective in the end so there's really no "wrong" answer. Thanks a ton for chiming in on this.
@@MidFiGuy Yea I would love it to be true, that one could just get tube pre and be done, get rid of the impedance/damping factor issue, unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. My goal was to get WA2 work with Focal Clears somehow, and it seems impossible, if I use it as pre, it's as you said, like 20% of the effect, just little bit of magic dust, but it's still solid state sound. If I plug it straight to WA2, I get the huge damping factor problem everytime I play any song with some bass and that's just unlistenable. Even bought Feliks Elise II, since I've been told they did some woodoo there and it should work with lower impedance headphones like Clears... well it does work, but it's not "pure OTL", they're not fooling me ! : D It sounds to my ears like 50% WA2 so I'm not happy with that either. So I guess I'll just get ZMF Aeolus, which will work fine from WA2, and if I'm not impressed I'll listen to HD650 forever, probably. Anyway, enjoy your reviews very much ;)
And a tube pre-amp will limit the frequency response of the integrated/solid state/power amp based on its FR. The Euphoria is a 3000USD headphone tube amp with pass through 🤣 the Elise unfortunately doesn't have the pre-out but you could rig something TRR to RCA. I think McIntosh "Entry level" integrated and MHA headphone amp with pre-out would be interesting.
Hi, Thank you for the review, I have a Linn Majik DSM/1 Year 2012, with Tote, Model 1 Signature Speakers, but wanted to upgrade and latest tech DAC with IOTAVX3 and PA3 combo, whats your thought? will it be upgrade to the latest sound technology? or it will be a sideways upgrade?
They should have labeled the preamp input as “Home Theater Bypass” which it’s more intended for, for connecting the front right and left preouts from a receiver to drive the front channels.
I had the SAX3 from IOTA pumping into my Wharfedale Evo4.4 towers from my Schiit Freya line, however it sounded compressed and non musical. I looked at the Muzi share, the Willsenton etc... My problem with all these Chinese products is QC, you dont know what youre getting, and also the components such as capacitors. Plus its not a huge upgrade from the SAX3 from IOTA. I bought a used Rogue Magnum, and Im glad I did. Lightyears above both of these products and American made!!!
Why not just get a normal Denon AVR with pre-outs. That would then do the jobs of DAC ,pre-amp, room correction / EQ, source switching, network streamer etc.You could still use your tube favourite tube amp with the AVR's pre-outs. Edit: oh, you have a multiple amps same time with a swticher. Are those safe? What if you switch it wrong while tube amp on, without a load, or is there a dummy load, does the switcer affect sound quality?
I’m don’t know a lot about tubes, but it looks to me like the Feliks do not have pre amp tubes. If this is the case, what is the point of using its pre out in this context?
Actually SS has harmonic distortions that more annoying, with Tubes is more pleasing. If an AMP can NOT do the midrange right, why bother with the rest ? And as far as the higher frequencies, SS will get tiring after a while, “ear bleeding” annoyance. Unless you get something like Pass Labs or First WATT…. Even then you lose on the midrange lush and bloom.
Hi! Nice video...you had me at the dac comparison. I'm waiting the klipsch review. Please run them in for a bit and the sound will be better. I had them for a while now...i drive them with integrated SS powernode 2i. I was planning to buy a willsenton r8...but i am afraid because o the lack of service in europe. So i'm getting one built localy by some kind of a guru in tubes....heard notthing but good things about the prima luna...so it.s going to be something similar. Could you test how much can the rp600m benefit from the standard dacs ...to the qutest? I want to go the tubes way all the way. And get a streamer.node2i or maybe something better...a qutest and the custom tube amp... Sell the power node ..and get a yamaha S1200 as a ss. Cheers and keep up the good work!
Thank you!! Ran the Klipsch for 1.5wks before testing and they did open up. Will have some words about the Qutest in the next vid. Good luck on your new setup, it sounds slick!
Thanks for another great video, wondering why did you decided to go with book shelf instead of the floor standers? (same foot print)and I can vouch for Freya plus with some psvane tubes
Thanks much! I had the notion that floor standers would require more power since there are more drivers. As I explore what's available I may go that route!
I am quite sure one could do some filters and apply them to solid state audio to sound like tube - at the end of the day the tubes simply... distort the sound. Yes, some people like it and this is ok but there is nothing magic in it that could not be done either with analogue filters or DSP.
Hi how you compare muzishare to the cayin or feliks audio but only as a headphone amp? I know muzishare is very popular but i am only headphone guy and I dont know if it is good for headphones also :) i have senn 800s
Thanks for the rec! So many decent choices in this price range now. I also hear great things about the Doge 10 and Willenston R8 but a hybrid would make for a great comparison 👍
@@MidFiGuy Another "midfi" option is Maggie + Hegel. Maggie LRS are $650 and the you could get a H95 or H120 used for ~ $1500. That is probably just getting to the tippy top of midfi before you get into hifi prices. They need to be brought out min 2 feet from the wall if not 4 feet but I tuck them back against the wall when not listening to mine.
I owned the muzishare tube amp, and reselled it quikly. I did not like the sound signature. In the past, i owned a Yaqin ms34d tubeamp, with el34 tubes. The sound was better in terms of depth and speed than the muzishare, and that device is also much cheaper. Now i have a solid state amp, and i really like it a lot. Yup, the IotaVX sa3, with the pa3 power amplifier.😁
I owned the Iotavx and got sick of the hash treble etc... Purchased Cayin 845 and it is as clear as the Iotavx but lacks tiring treble etc... Iota is good for a basic amp though high VFM.
Your user name here on RUclips is similar to mine on another website. I tend to like really well made mid-fi gear. I don't consider myself a high end guy even though I have owned equipment from Audible Illusions, Audio Research, Cary, McIntosh, Conrad Johnson, etc... When it comes to tubes versus solid state, there is no way to say one is better than the other. When you listen to a component that has tubes, you are not only listening to the tubes, but you are listening to the sonic signature of the designer of that piece of equipment. In order to see(or hear) which sounds better, you would have to have two pieces of equipment that are exactly the same. Except, one would be using tubes, and the other solid state. And then compare them. I'm not sure that could even be done since one circuit would have to be designed for tubes. And the other for solid state. No two tube amps sound the same. Just as, no two solid state amps sound the same. So there is no way to really compare tubes to solid state. I used to consider myself a tube guy. But that is probably because I like the warm glow of the tubes, the fact that you can change the sound using different tubes, and (this may sound corny)the connection to audios' past. Not all solid state sounds harsh anymore, so I can't even use that as an argument in favor of tubes. I have had two different KT88 tubes arc in two different McIntosh 275 tube amps. I don't know if this is because McIntosh runs the tubes hard, or if the current production of tubes are not designed well. I can tell you seeing a tube arc is not pretty. Seeing this did cool my affection for tubes.
It's not she-ite its shit
Lol.
Nice review
Haha I don't want Google to cuss me out in the algorithm 🥴
@@MidFiGuy censorship of XXI century ;-(
I like the she-ite version
Really looking forward to Part 2. Great video as always!
Thanks for the kind words!!
Dang at work i will watch when i clockout ! Doing a great job midfiguy thanks for the videos '
The more you know' 🌟 😃
Dude can you bring back the technics piece with those monster vu meters? Would love to see it fight with the iota or emotiva playing some real world music none of that jazz and classical bs, pardon my french🤘
@@goodforwatch yeah that new Techniques 700 series is 2499.00US ! Nice looking though ! Class G A/Ab
Thanks for the kind words TeeJay. You're killing it with your channel!!
@@MidFiGuy Thank you , if you live in the U.S. I can send ya the IOTA PA3 if you wanna try the stack out your call ?
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 that would be amazing! Definitely down for some equipment sharing for reviews! I'm currently swamped in video editing land but let's chat in a few weeks about it? My email is themidfiguy@gmail.com
you sir are my new favourite audio babbler on utube, please keep doing what you do, the best part is you focus on what gear pairs with what music...i love how them tubes glow but i’ll be honest jazz and classical are not my thing, gimme some michael jackson anytime...also i like that your audio gear is not an eye sore🙇🏻♂️🔥👏
Haha thank you! Love me some MJ. I'll keep babblin just for you!
Although your name is Mid-fi guy, your review quality is High-End 🚀✈🛩🗼🗽🗻
Dude, there is no comparison. The Muzishare would cost $5000 if made by McIntosh.
Daing. Really love the look of the Muzi, but based on the review will pull the trigger on the Iota. Shipping seems fast too. Thanks mate!
Fabulous Review ! ,Quite interesting Mix & looking forward for more.
Thanks for the review. I have the Iota SA3 and PA3 (same power amp as in SA3). Use a SMSL su-9 DAC. Upgraded all the power cords. Use the Iota's to bi-amp my Q acoustics 3050's towers. Unbelievable immersive soundstage! Upgraded power cords was the key to improved performance of all components.
What power cord do you use for the Iotavx? I have the stack myself. Thx.
@@michaellynch6080 No specific brand. Important to get braided conductors which are shielded. Approximately $50 at Amazon. Made a huge difference in my system. Note: I use the Iota's in mono block mode now since learning tweeters require little power to drive. Good luck
If you want to use valves you can use a preamp with your powered speakers something dirt cheap like Art tps 2 valve 2-channel preamp about $220
You best scenario is to get two of the iotavx power amplifiers what are about £200 each and connect a valve preamp to them. You can connect a preamp to the iota integrated as well but if you have have the power amp or two power amps you can Bridge or biamp vertically.
Another thing you might find the valve amplifier change the valve Bridge rectifier for solid-state Bridge rectifier ideally scotchy diodes, you can buy them in tubes just swap it out give give you more grip bass low end
Thanks for great video, more meat to the bones. Looking forward to the next video.
Love your videos. U seem to touch a lot of things people would have questions about. I would be interested in seeing what different tube preamps would sound like with the IOTAVX SA3 or PA3. I'm currently using both(sa3 &pa3) and have them in biamp stereo(that's the only way I'm able to use RELs high level connections :/) and I am very curious where a tube preamp would fit in there.
I am in agreement that the Gold Lion KT88's are the best. You mentioned Cayin and wished for a comparison to Muzishare.
Great video... Loved it...!!! Looking forward to part II... 👍
i'd love to hear your opinion on the Euforia and how it compares to your Cayin HA-6A.
I picked up the X7 a few weeks ago. It is the coolest looking audio equipment I've owned and it really does the tube thing I was looking for. I still have another solid state amp (First Watt F6, I do have the Schiit Freya before it though), that I enjoy, but the Muzishare isn't going anywhere.
That was great. You have some nice gear. Awesome comparison.👍
Thank you!!
Kabayan, great reviews! Keep it up!
Tubes are better for late night listening . Solid state for loud daytime listening . IMHO. I'm partial to older Harman Kardon amps. You don't miss anything . Plays all kinds of music very well.
Hello, will you do a review of the Feliks Euforia for its headphone output section? And a comparison between the Feliks, Muzishare, & the Cayin? Thanks.
I was curious about headphones with these. Looking forward to that!
Right now I'm just stunned over my latest purchase the Vincent SV-200. A beautiful compact amp with tubes in pre. For its price - it's a steal. You should try it out. It runs my KEF LS50 like a champ .....and ..... it has a loudness button (I love that)😁
Always wanted to try Vincent. Haven't gotten around to it yet 😛
I have quite a few 70’s Stereo (solid state) Receivers and I’m looking to get a Tube amp .X7 is on Radar and the Luxman L-550uxII.
Love your channel! Did you originally get the Euforia with the stock tubes? If so, how do you like the Gold Lion quads with it compared to the stock setup with the PsVane driver tubes?
Hello buddy. very nice review! Those gold lions look awesome in the Euphoria. Can you share with us how are those Tubes Coded? I´ve looked for 6SN7 & 6N13S Gold Lions but I can't find any.
Thanks!
Those are KT88s with an adapter.
I have the same setup. The 88s aren't technically supported on the euforia but they are magic together. There is a huge hifi thread where people figured out the 88s are awesome in the Feliks. I couldn't speak to KT88s in place of 6sn7's in other amps though.
Nice vid. How is your ht integrated with all the hifi stuff?
Schiit has a passive output but volume control has to be all the way up when i feed an audio processor thru it. Not ideal if you make a mistake switching to dac input and blow your head up.
nothing against solid-state but i always find good tubes more engaging when it comes to music.
Agree
Ever since your review of the multiple DAC, I have been a big fan of your review and no-nonsense style. I am really looking forward to more video from you .. I am also super delighted to see your cut on the Muzishare X7, IOTA SA3 and Triangle Bro 3, both of which I am personally very interested in , not to mention I already own the Klipsch ... Thanks so much for the great review. I do have a couple of question and hope you may be able to address here or also in your video in the future. First , I always look for the similar function speaker/amp selector box that you show in your video. I ordered one from AliExpress but the result is not very good as I can detect obvious sound quality decline when I put the switch in between. I wonder if you have try to compare with and without the switch and if there is any obvious decline in quality. Perhaps it would be another video topic, Secondly, you mentioned using the IOTA SA3 as power amp with a tube pre-amp, I am wondering if this would work nicely because the SA3 does not provide a main-in for input from another pre-amp, like Muzeshare does. If you plug directly one of the regular RCA source input, woud this cause any mismatch and hence degrade the effect of the pre-amp ( I am not a technical guy and have no idea of the volt/resistance etc requirement for the pre-ampp input vs regular CD/DAC RCA input). thanks a lot, and looking forward to your video.
The video looks pleasant and sounds good. You put your heart into it, so do I, ha ha
Are you sure that the TC-7220 is compatible with the Muzishare? When you switch to another amp it must cut out the speakers. To my knowledge, not too many tube amps can take this without damage because of the open circuit. They need to have a load connected to the speaker terminals. Can you verify please?
I know you're not supposed to but I did it numerous times without issue :x
MidFi Guy does the switching mid-song so you don't have to :p
Sorry buddy, what tubes are those on the EUFORIA?
Those aren’t the stock PS VANE are they?
Great review. I have two Sunfire subs I use, do you think they will fill in the bass with the Muzishare ?
what tubes do you recommend for the X7. I have purchased one and I'm not getting a clear sound when I turn the volume passed 10 o'clock.
9:35 Just what I was wondering... I have the Willsenton R8 w/Bluesound Node upstream and was thinking of adding a Zen Decware as a pre-amp but didn't know if the results would justify the upgrade. As far as your noise interference, don't know if you found it. I had a noise interference too. Tracked it back (via process of eliminating/swapping cables) to my Ethernet switch where my Node was connected to. One of the ports had a interference in the Ethernet cable, no more annoyance. Also, you want to make sure your Speakers are at least 90+ db Sensitivity; to benefit from the integrated Tube amp. It is different world than solid state, I'll never go back to S.S., great video.
What did you do wrong? Did you Match volume levels to within 1db? Must do this first.
By using denafrips ares 2 as the dac for the SA3, will it give you that middle ground between tube and solid states? Currently building my separates, I would like to hear your advice :D
Thank you for your video, I happen to have SA3, X7 and BRO3 too and I enjoy them very much. I have rolled signal tubes ( 12AX7 and 12AU7) to Gold Lion that seems to help to produce more extension in treble and bass area even with stock KT88. Also I sometimes roll KT88 to Tung Sol EL34 which brings mellower sound. I am still trying and learning about this adult audio LEGO game. I had added the Speedwoofer for a sub too that brought richer total sound. I am looking forward to your coming videos.
100% agree on the assessment that tube pre-amp is like 20% of the tube magic sound, not 50% at all, which is sad. I was experimenting with my Woo WA2 and came to the same result, it's just a little tube flavor, but that's all, not coming close to the pure tube at all.
Glad someone else can confirm this. Everytime I mention a dedicated tube amp there are folks that say I should just get a tube pre and it will sound the same.
Tested this theory on two different setups (headphone and 2-channel) and I couldn't get the tube preamp to reproduce nearly the same level of euphonics from the dedicated tube amp.
There are pros & cons to each method but it's all subjective in the end so there's really no "wrong" answer. Thanks a ton for chiming in on this.
@@MidFiGuy Yea I would love it to be true, that one could just get tube pre and be done, get rid of the impedance/damping factor issue, unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case.
My goal was to get WA2 work with Focal Clears somehow, and it seems impossible, if I use it as pre, it's as you said, like 20% of the effect, just little bit of magic dust, but it's still solid state sound. If I plug it straight to WA2, I get the huge damping factor problem everytime I play any song with some bass and that's just unlistenable.
Even bought Feliks Elise II, since I've been told they did some woodoo there and it should work with lower impedance headphones like Clears... well it does work, but it's not "pure OTL", they're not fooling me ! : D It sounds to my ears like 50% WA2 so I'm not happy with that either.
So I guess I'll just get ZMF Aeolus, which will work fine from WA2, and if I'm not impressed I'll listen to HD650 forever, probably.
Anyway, enjoy your reviews very much ;)
And a tube pre-amp will limit the frequency response of the integrated/solid state/power amp based on its FR.
The Euphoria is a 3000USD headphone tube amp with pass through 🤣 the Elise unfortunately doesn't have the pre-out but you could rig something TRR to RCA.
I think McIntosh "Entry level" integrated and MHA headphone amp with pre-out would be interesting.
Did you try the headphone output's ? and did you try the tubes through the tubes ? looks like great value, versatile set up. Great review
Yes headphone comparison mention is at the end, will be in the next video 👍
@@MidFiGuy thanks wrote to soon, most 2 channel reviewers don't care about the headphone outputs.
Do u need to warm up the X7 first before playing music?
Have you listen to IOTAVX AVX17. How does it perform with movies and 2 channel music.
Hi, Thank you for the review, I have a Linn Majik DSM/1 Year 2012, with Tote, Model 1 Signature Speakers, but wanted to upgrade and latest tech DAC with IOTAVX3 and PA3 combo, whats your thought? will it be upgrade to the latest sound technology? or it will be a sideways upgrade?
Very helpful. Thank you.
do u have the link for the JEC TC-7220? It's not available on amazon
The Willsenton R8 is a good alternative to the X7. The R8 accepts EL34 tubes in addition to KT88, and it’s dead silent even with sensitive speakers.
They should have labeled the preamp input as “Home Theater Bypass” which it’s more intended for, for connecting the front right and left preouts from a receiver to drive the front channels.
I had the SAX3 from IOTA pumping into my Wharfedale Evo4.4 towers from my Schiit Freya line, however it sounded compressed and non musical. I looked at the Muzi share, the Willsenton etc... My problem with all these Chinese products is QC, you dont know what youre getting, and also the components such as capacitors. Plus its not a huge upgrade from the SAX3 from IOTA. I bought a used Rogue Magnum, and Im glad I did. Lightyears above both of these products and American made!!!
Why not just get a normal Denon AVR with pre-outs. That would then do the jobs of DAC ,pre-amp, room correction / EQ, source switching, network streamer etc.You could still use your tube favourite tube amp with the AVR's pre-outs.
Edit: oh, you have a multiple amps same time with a swticher. Are those safe? What if you switch it wrong while tube amp on, without a load, or is there a dummy load, does the switcer affect sound quality?
I'm surprised you did not purchase the Wilson R8 amp
love your review
Great review. Try some Gold Lion Preamp tubes,,, you'll be surprised the difference they make...
Did you change the stock tubes on the Muzishare?… if not, then we’ll worth it.
Would really appreciate your take on tube preamps and tube amps in a higher price range? PLs? Thanks for a great review!
Thank you!! Would love to if cost allows. What does PL stand for?
@@MidFiGuy PL = PrimaLuna
Great review. fyi; For Brits, 'Schiit' rhyming with 'hit' is actually less contentious than rhyming with 'height'!
I’m don’t know a lot about tubes, but it looks to me like the Feliks do not have pre amp tubes. If this is the case, what is the point of using its pre out in this context?
I'm running adapters to get a bigger soundstage than stock. Default preamp tubes are 6sn7's. I tried both and prefer the former for this test
how does the Muzishare compare to the Cayin tube amp
How did you hook up the tube preamp to the Iotavx sa3
Do you notice any microphone effect the tubes bring?
Actually SS has harmonic distortions that more annoying, with Tubes is more pleasing. If an AMP can NOT do the midrange right, why bother with the rest ? And as far as the higher frequencies, SS will get tiring after a while, “ear bleeding” annoyance. Unless you get something like Pass Labs or First WATT…. Even then you lose on the midrange lush and bloom.
Hi! Nice video...you had me at the dac comparison. I'm waiting the klipsch review. Please run them in for a bit and the sound will be better. I had them for a while now...i drive them with integrated SS powernode 2i. I was planning to buy a willsenton r8...but i am afraid because o the lack of service in europe. So i'm getting one built localy by some kind of a guru in tubes....heard notthing but good things about the prima luna...so it.s going to be something similar. Could you test how much can the rp600m benefit from the standard dacs ...to the qutest? I want to go the tubes way all the way. And get a streamer.node2i or maybe something better...a qutest and the custom tube amp...
Sell the power node ..and get a yamaha S1200 as a ss.
Cheers and keep up the good work!
Thank you!! Ran the Klipsch for 1.5wks before testing and they did open up. Will have some words about the Qutest in the next vid. Good luck on your new setup, it sounds slick!
What are those gorgeous white speaker stands?
Thanks for another great video, wondering why did you decided to go with book shelf instead of the floor standers? (same foot print)and I can vouch for Freya plus with some psvane tubes
Thanks much! I had the notion that floor standers would require more power since there are more drivers. As I explore what's available I may go that route!
@@MidFiGuy all depends on sensitivity and impedance of the speaker, with book shelf speakers you are loosing a lot of bass extension.
No shipping on the IOTA? I just checked and I get charged shipping and tax.
So odd, are you based in the US? Maybe they changed their policy
@@MidFiGuy yes I am. I've tried looking for codes and what not. Nothing.
I am quite sure one could do some filters and apply them to solid state audio to sound like tube - at the end of the day the tubes simply... distort the sound. Yes, some people like it and this is ok but there is nothing magic in it that could not be done either with analogue filters or DSP.
This is definitely an idea for a future video! Would love to blind A/B compare that
What is the power output if the Euforia with the KT88s?
Hi how you compare muzishare to the cayin or feliks audio but only as a headphone amp? I know muzishare is very popular but i am only headphone guy and I dont know if it is good for headphones also :) i have senn 800s
Cayin sounds fantastic, same factory that make Prima Luna
Rogue Sphinx v3 can be had for ~$1500 and the V2 popped up in my area at $750. Those are interesting class D hybrid integrated options as well.
Thanks for the rec! So many decent choices in this price range now. I also hear great things about the Doge 10 and Willenston R8 but a hybrid would make for a great comparison 👍
@@MidFiGuy Another "midfi" option is Maggie + Hegel. Maggie LRS are $650 and the you could get a H95 or H120 used for ~ $1500. That is probably just getting to the tippy top of midfi before you get into hifi prices. They need to be brought out min 2 feet from the wall if not 4 feet but I tuck them back against the wall when not listening to mine.
IDK
Instead of the Felik$, why not just use a base model Primaluna integrated?
Future comparison with the Muzishare, maybe?
I happen to have the Euforia for a future headphone amp review. If I could get my hands on a PrimaLuna I'd be one happy reviewer 🙌
"Research" is not simply reading online reviews.. Its a little more involved than that
can I ask because my birthday is coming up. many thanks even more headphone amp :)
I owned the muzishare tube amp, and reselled it quikly. I did not like the sound signature. In the past, i owned a Yaqin ms34d tubeamp, with el34 tubes. The sound was better in terms of depth and speed than the muzishare, and that device is also much cheaper. Now i have a solid state amp, and i really like it a lot. Yup, the IotaVX sa3, with the pa3 power amplifier.😁
You mean Solid State, not transistor. Resistor, Capacitor and Transistor make up a Solid State unit.
@@ralex3697 Yes you are right. Corrected it.
I owned the Iotavx and got sick of the hash treble etc... Purchased Cayin 845 and it is as clear as the Iotavx but lacks tiring treble etc... Iota is good for a basic amp though high VFM.
Your user name here on RUclips is similar to mine on another website. I tend to like really well made mid-fi gear. I don't consider myself a high end guy even though I have owned equipment from Audible Illusions, Audio Research, Cary, McIntosh, Conrad Johnson, etc... When it comes to tubes versus solid state, there is no way to say one is better than the other. When you listen to a component that has tubes, you are not only listening to the tubes, but you are listening to the sonic signature of the designer of that piece of equipment. In order to see(or hear) which sounds better, you would have to have two pieces of equipment that are exactly the same. Except, one would be using tubes, and the other solid state. And then compare them. I'm not sure that could even be done since one circuit would have to be designed for tubes. And the other for solid state. No two tube amps sound the same. Just as, no two solid state amps sound the same. So there is no way to really compare tubes to solid state. I used to consider myself a tube guy. But that is probably because I like the warm glow of the tubes, the fact that you can change the sound using different tubes, and (this may sound corny)the connection to audios' past. Not all solid state sounds harsh anymore, so I can't even use that as an argument in favor of tubes. I have had two different KT88 tubes arc in two different McIntosh 275 tube amps. I don't know if this is because McIntosh runs the tubes hard, or if the current production of tubes are not designed well. I can tell you seeing a tube arc is not pretty. Seeing this did cool my affection for tubes.
nothing has ever matched the KT88 for accurate sound. designed specifically in 1957 for audio.
sound demo ??????.............The x7 how is the headphone output ?
Upgrade all the tubes on the Muzishare amp… it will pay dividends! 😉. Better bass, better treble and more transparency.
Pretty amps.
Gold Lions are superior.Make a huge difference vs Chinese stocks.Best available new tubes
That little switch box would probably put noise on your system.
well that preamp is more then the entire tubeamp so ifs not rly fair to compare =D
Something about the IOTAVX just turns me off, looks cheap
nice video brother , if you like tube try macIntosh
The Iota VX looks like it belongs inside a Mitsubishi from the Mid 1980s.. 😂😂
A link for Part 2 would be nice to have in the video description. Here it is ruclips.net/video/RRy8ZWW_t3E/видео.html
Cayin is superior. Great tube amp
Euphonic review..!!
Change the valves those chinese/Russian valves r crappy compared to the best nos.. But GEC kt 88 r v xpensive
Euphonic tube sound ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Oof 🫣 you relegated that $3,500 Feliks Euforia masterpiece to a paperweight. Plug some dynamic headphones in that endgame beast
Great vid as always.
PS the way you pronounce Schitt is how Scottish people say shit ie shite...
how did you use an ext pre on the sa3?