The Billie amp playing in my den. While my dog listens to her favourite song. Chris Isaak makes her happy. ruclips.net/user/shorts7HH3d_Iw5Lc?feature=share
@@hificave I have to second that comment, you are by far one of the most interesting reviewers on YT in regards to audio gear. And I am not just saying that. You have a skill, and nice to see you are not wasting it on something like making apple strudel. Seriously, you are now one of my favorite channels. ;-)
One of my fav audiophile restaurants is your place with no pretensions and some laughs to boot. Don't stop giving us the recommended special steak of the week w awesome sauce. I leave with more audio wisdom and a happy heart.
Great review... not sure exactly why I enjoyed and appreciated your review so much... original, down to earth, honest, silly... shit I don't know, but I'm subscribing. Thank you for a different kind of review!
Hi I really enjoy the channel and have recently been nosing around your content. Would you mind giving me some advice on an amp build? I want to d.i.y an amp and have my eye on the Icepower 1200 AS2 what lii speaker set up would you recommend? from what I have learnt from your channel i'm thinking the W15 /F15 combo with crossover? any input would be much appreciated, cheers and greetings from London.
Icepower is class D… high current. Lii drivers are not the happiest with high current. But, its not impossible. The one driver that handles higher current the best is the f18. Then the f15… But for bass drivers like w15 the ice power will be awesome and have great control, but dont go too high in the band pass on them. They sound their best under 200hz, but still sound good imo up to 500hz.
It sounds like I want everything (sonically) that this amp has to offer. However, the challenge I am grappling with is... how does it perform at mid to mid/low volume? (and with what speakers?) Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated. My room is medium in size. 11 feet wide by 14 deep with flexible listening positions.
I really enjoyed watching your online videos. I recently bought a Billy amp heaven 11 mk 2. I’ve been a Tube person for 44 years and it’s not tubie enough for me. Would you mind recommending some tube replacements that might get me closer to where I wanna be?
Well keep in mind, class d amplification with tubes will not ever be the same flavor as old class A tube amps in terms of adjusting expectations. But maybe tubes like GE 12bh7 tall plates would bring that old warm and airy feeling.
I really wish I could hear this amp. I also hope to hear the Galion Amp Thomas has put out one day. Thomas and I have very similar taste so I would imagine it's fantastic.
Thanks Hifi Cave, i laughed, i cried, i learned, and now i am more complete after watching your video. Billie sounds like a good friend. Noise levels ok for sensitive speakers?
I hear it a bit in silent passages of songs with my 97db speakers over 80db of listening levels. But, if you don't have clean power and already have a transparent amplifier, you would hear the same from almost any source, or component. I didn't find it was a deal breaker.
I caught sight of a Musical Paradise piece at 4:29. I'm interested in knowing what exactly it is and see a review on it, while comparing it to the Billie Amp. I've been eyeing a Musical Paradise preamp, however they are out of stock at the moment. I'm also on the fence about separates vs integrated (Billie Amp). Anxious to get your take on the subject.
This is the one Thomas reviewed... Really liking this, wish it had XLR... But, I can overlook that. This amp just looks gorgeous. Speaking of Class D, I have the XTZ Edge A2-400, I can say this, that amp is DAC dependent... Depending upon which DAC you use. Mine is not going anywhere. I am going to start saving up my pennies for a Billie Amp. Thank you for a stellar review sir!
Well my taste is different; I am not charmed by the looks but I am VERY interested in the sound quality. I could live without the DAC: without USB it's useless for me. I'll get a Denafrips Pontus for that.
I would like to add, any system is DAC dependent. It's a matter of synergy. And it may not be the same brand. Matching and synergy is part of this hobby!
Steve Guttenberg's (Audiophiliac) review mentions it is a little warm. Perhaps due to the class A tubed preamp section since the class d amp section should be very cool. There's nothing to suggest it's anything to be concerned about though.
@@hificave Nothing at all. Just thinking I might like a slightly warmer sound. I will probably stick with the Kinki as it is a pretty great integrated. Have you listened to one? Cheers
@@hificave I’ll take that back. Kinki support sucks and have been getting the run around for 2 months on a simple fix that I was going to perform once they sent me the part. Months later and no part. Todd over at Tek Audio Systems has been extremely rude and lacking on basic customer service skills. Told me to stop bitching and was lucky I was getting a part period. I called him up to go over things and he hung up on me when I asked why this is taking so long.
Ahh maggies are special animal. Strangely it sounded great but couldn’t get louder then 80-85db or so. But considering that it was much better sound then using a tube amp with maggies, regardless of loudness.
I like you. I listen to a lot of reviewers. Advice: be less goofy, trying to be funny does not work that well with hifi guys, who are all geeks. You have excellent communication skills, stear in the Guttenberg style: relevant, honest, candid, simple. Good luck.
The Billie amp playing in my den. While my dog listens to her favourite song.
Chris Isaak makes her happy.
ruclips.net/user/shorts7HH3d_Iw5Lc?feature=share
EXCELLENT REVIEW. I'm in.
Accidentally ran into this channel, and it was great, detailed, honest and fun. I subscribed immediately after this video.
The video editing is amazing, should drop by and learn from you.
😅 man, you’re the teacher.
@@hificave LOIC , THAT IS HOW THOMAS BECAME SUCH A GOOD TEACHER 🧐 you learn from everyone … if you pay attention 🤔💚💚💚
Man, this channel keeps getting better and better!
Wow thanks!
@@hificave I have to second that comment, you are by far one of the most interesting reviewers on YT in regards to audio gear. And I am not just saying that. You have a skill, and nice to see you are not wasting it on something like making apple strudel. Seriously, you are now one of my favorite channels. ;-)
@@michaelwright1602 i second that.
I'm discovering the channel. Very nicely made. I have the Billie MKII and learn things in this video. Looking forward to the next episodes.
The wood joke earned you a follow. Great review.
One of my fav audiophile restaurants is your place with no pretensions and some laughs to boot. Don't stop giving us the recommended special steak of the week w awesome sauce. I leave with more audio wisdom and a happy heart.
Oy Vey!!!!!!!!!!!!! And now, I want this amp.....and....stake too....Thank you for the tastiest in every way review!!!!))))
I love watching your videos. Keep up the good work. You are a natural. And I get your humor... ;-)
Thanks!
Amazing video! Excellent presentation. I'm going to try to download this video and keep it on my hard drive!
First review of yours that I've seen. Not too long, not too short, informative, and of course...entertaining!
Great review... not sure exactly why I enjoyed and appreciated your review so much... original, down to earth, honest, silly... shit I don't know, but I'm subscribing. Thank you for a different kind of review!
Enjoyed the video! Started following you today! 😂❤
Also ordered mine yesterday. Waiting to receive one :g
Hi I really enjoy the channel and have recently been nosing around your content. Would you mind giving me some advice on an amp build? I want to d.i.y an amp and have my eye on the Icepower 1200 AS2 what lii speaker set up would you recommend? from what I have learnt from your channel i'm thinking the W15 /F15 combo with crossover? any input would be much appreciated, cheers and greetings from London.
Icepower is class D… high current.
Lii drivers are not the happiest with high current. But, its not impossible. The one driver that handles higher current the best is the f18.
Then the f15…
But for bass drivers like w15 the ice power will be awesome and have great control, but dont go too high in the band pass on them. They sound their best under 200hz, but still sound good imo up to 500hz.
A beautiful product.
Like your sense of humour, and your reviews. Think you should include your reference setup in your postings.
It sounds like I want everything (sonically) that this amp has to offer. However, the challenge I am
grappling with is... how does it perform at mid to mid/low volume? (and with what speakers?) Any
comments/suggestions would be appreciated. My room is medium in size. 11 feet wide by 14 deep
with flexible listening positions.
Good stuff, thank you. Good enough to sub!
Great video. Entertaining and informative. Nice job.
nice review
Great review man. This video makes some reviews of the amplifier look like highly polished promo videos without “meat”.
Hmm I wonder why you feel that? Is it the steak? ;-)
Nice slap! LOL
Compare to R8, will this amp more suitable to drive S400 mk2?
I really enjoyed watching your online videos. I recently bought a Billy amp heaven 11 mk 2. I’ve been a Tube person for 44 years and it’s not tubie enough for me. Would you mind recommending some tube replacements that might get me closer to where I wanna be?
Well keep in mind, class d amplification with tubes will not ever be the same flavor as old class A tube amps in terms of adjusting expectations.
But maybe tubes like GE 12bh7 tall plates would bring that old warm and airy feeling.
I really wish I could hear this amp.
I also hope to hear the Galion Amp Thomas has put out one day. Thomas and I have very similar taste so I would imagine it's fantastic.
Thanks Hifi Cave, i laughed, i cried, i learned, and now i am more complete after watching your video. Billie sounds like a good friend. Noise levels ok for sensitive speakers?
I hear it a bit in silent passages of songs with my 97db speakers over 80db of listening levels. But, if you don't have clean power and already have a transparent amplifier, you would hear the same from almost any source, or component. I didn't find it was a deal breaker.
what that means, is, I could take my high sensitivity speakers to MOST systems and hear that noise anyway. :-)
Would it be good at driving large speakers with rap and edm dance tracks ? Say some Kplisch RF III
I got my answer Hahah thanks really enjoy the video and the billy 11
I caught sight of a Musical Paradise piece at 4:29. I'm interested in knowing what exactly it is and see a review on it, while comparing it to the Billie Amp. I've been eyeing a Musical Paradise preamp, however they are out of stock at the moment. I'm also on the fence about separates vs integrated (Billie Amp). Anxious to get your take on the subject.
Its the dac. Mp-d2 mk3.
Great review. It’s on my radar to match with Buchardt s400 mk2. BTW what brand are your open baffle speakers? Cheers
Lii-song drivers, diy for the rest.
This is the one Thomas reviewed... Really liking this, wish it had XLR... But, I can overlook that. This amp just looks gorgeous. Speaking of Class D, I have the XTZ Edge A2-400, I can say this, that amp is DAC dependent... Depending upon which DAC you use. Mine is not going anywhere. I am going to start saving up my pennies for a Billie Amp. Thank you for a stellar review sir!
Well my taste is different; I am not charmed by the looks but I am VERY interested in the sound quality.
I could live without the DAC: without USB it's useless for me. I'll get a Denafrips Pontus for that.
I would like to add, any system is DAC dependent. It's a matter of synergy. And it may not be the same brand. Matching and synergy is part of this hobby!
Good review bud! I’m just wondering how is the heat dissipation with the wood?
Class D, hardly any heat.
Steve Guttenberg's (Audiophiliac) review mentions it is a little warm. Perhaps due to the class A tubed preamp section since the class d amp section should be very cool. There's nothing to suggest it's anything to be concerned about though.
Thinking about ordering one but not sure how well it will hold up next to my Kinki EX-M1.
Whats wrong with the Kinki Ex-M1?
@@hificave Nothing at all. Just thinking I might like a slightly warmer sound. I will probably stick with the Kinki as it is a pretty great integrated. Have you listened to one? Cheers
@@hificave I’ll take that back. Kinki support sucks and have been getting the run around for 2 months on a simple fix that I was going to perform once they sent me the part. Months later and no part. Todd over at Tek Audio Systems has been extremely rude and lacking on basic customer service skills. Told me to stop bitching and was lucky I was getting a part period. I called him up to go over things and he hung up on me when I asked why this is taking so long.
Nice review.Did it have enough juice to drive the maggies?
Ahh maggies are special animal. Strangely it sounded great but couldn’t get louder then 80-85db or so. But considering that it was much better sound then using a tube amp with maggies, regardless of loudness.
I like you. I listen to a lot of reviewers. Advice: be less goofy, trying to be funny does not work that well with hifi guys, who are all geeks. You have excellent communication skills, stear in the Guttenberg style: relevant, honest, candid, simple. Good luck.
Nah, changing directions. Going to do my thing. Not interested in making infomercials. Grateful for your feedback tho. Thank you.
No! Don't change... we like you just the way you are!