That is crazy, I did not know wifi could interfere with tube amps like that, thanks for the heads up. Also I did not know you could use a preamp with the A700, I seem to be learning allot today. Also I did not know about the MP701 mk2 configuration preamp which look really good.
Wow tubes sound great! Like how my logans sounded with tubes. So when using the preamp with xlr, you need to keep speakers on to use the internal amps. Dont need to use wireless process. Cool!
@@NoStereoNoLife I bought the last white tower A700 until next run. I had considered it before with other reviews but your sound demos sealed it for me. :)
@@clintonsmurf6496 White would be the toughest to keep nice, but they are also giving off storm trooper audio vibes. What's not to love? Any thoughts on your ownership?
I found that switching to 5Ghz only for my main wifi got rid of my issues with interference. My older 2.4 GHz devices are connected to another access point that's far away from my amp :)
Hi, having a pair of s400 and waiting for a pair of a700, I have some questions for you, if you please? I have a pair of bw802n and I will exchange them for the A700. For many this seems stupid, but since I bought the s400, that I enjoy more listening to music through them, then through the bws. I also have a Mcintosh c2200 pre-amp, so I guess I will have capabilities of having a wonderful sound :). My question is, how do you compare the a700 to the s400? Since you had them both, can you tell me what are the main differences? Thank you
Hi again, would you still recommend tube preamp or preamp for the A700 setup? Since going through the Hub seems to be the purist route. I am still debating if I should get a tube preamp for my A700 or not. In most of your time, do you use the hub or do you use the preamp more? :-)
And, what did you decide? :) I am in doubt between getting an A500 or A700 set, and after that I wonder if I should add a DAC + tube amp to the set or not. In this demo the music coming through the tube amp clearly sounds better.
Chromecast is streamed 96KHz/24bit with the hub then sent to A700 at same bitrate via WISA. Plenty of resolution. As far as the preamp connection, it is connected to the XLR input of the A700, the analog input is then converted back to digital (ADC) 192Khz/24bit.
@@NoStereoNoLife Are you using digital cable from the chromecast or the normal analog jack ? I once tried with a chromecast audio and the audio it sounded so low. I heard using digital cable had higher sounding output. But I dont use it anymore after I bought a bluesound.
@@artfartzy Are you talking about chromecast audio puck? If so yeah using optical/digital out would definitely sound better with better DAC. Also make sure your chromecast speaker setting has the "Full dynamic range" enabled.
Are you keeping these? Do you find them detailed but not fatiguing, are they great "all arounders", and lastly did they ship from a US warehouse or Denmark? Im thinking of buying but a little worried about longevity and resale value down the road
These are keepers. Not fatiguing at all. I find myself glued at my listening chair now. "All rounders" , neutral are the right words for them, just like the S400. They shipped from US warehouse. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with customs anymore just like it was on the S400.
@@NoStereoNoLife Great to hear. I heard kanta 1's and found a great local deal on them, cheaper than a500. Was extremely impressed with their sound. Considering buying...Also heard the paradigm 7k monitors, even more detail and sparkles but too much imo.
I have a feeling that your gonna sell your A700 in the long run hahahah3, u still have that itch for old-school matching electronics lol, well it's a good thing to experiment and try to mix and match components. Just my 2 cents, Nice vid keep up your channel
Ha ha. My wife just said that too! Having experienced good result with XLR input, the A700 may actually stay longer. It's my tube preamp, DAC and the stereo hub that may get upgraded soon :)
@@NoStereoNoLife A700 deserves an top grade tube preamp, check out Cayin M-11LS, I am thinking about getting something like that for my A700. What better tube preamp do you have in mind?
Yes, I got the WAudio www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2UNMXI I've never compared but just for peace of mind that I get every bit of improvement where I can (cheaply :)
listening to it in person would the sound quality difference between the XLR input and stereo hub be very obvious? I'm thinking if it is worth it to give up the room correction feature for a better SQ wired setup.
Not obvious in most cases. Depends on music you play too. I notice more difference in intimate sounds with vocals. I plan to just use the XLR input when I play my soon coming turntable :) I'll use the hub for streaming.
I also tried both routes (connecting a preamp via XLR and using the wireless hub) and to my surprise there was very little or no difference. I have my turntable connected to the hub via RCA cables and it sounds outstanding
@@NoStereoNoLife oh, you're going xlr to xlr. I'm going xlr go rca. Endedup getting these cables... www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQS55C7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MrjbGb18A0143?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I have the A700 for several days now. Still waiting for the Twitters to break in. They are still harsh now. The bass is great! The are smaller than I expected but it's a good thing a I have a small living room. The s400 are truly wonderfull for their size, but the bass is what I was missing. Both for music and movies. I watched the opening of Blade Runner (The original one, with the vangelis soundtrack) and I was floored by the bass response. It takes you straight into the movie. And it's not that I don't have a sub. I have 15 inch sub, but it's not the same as getting it from that thump from the front speakers.
Do you feel the noise level is high while adding tube preamp? I have them connected to my budget-ish tube preamp and the noise level is higher, and consider it not a good match...
There's noises coming from my weird tubes like pops and cracks while they are heating up, most of them, the noise floor is the same. Some tube amps are well designed they should have very low noise levels. My MP701 has very good sound but I think it's lacking on some finesse like soft start or output delay (until tubes are ready). So I'm looking form alternatives.
The difference is really dependent on the signal tube I install in my preamp. Let's say the hub is at most neutral, the RCA 12au7 tube added more bass at the 40hz region and also texture and presence on mids (600-5khz). With EH 6h30pi tube, there's more shimmer and transparency (12khz up). With the tube though, I feel in general, it losses some of the razor sharp instrument separation. But maybe that's actually a good thing on others as it makes the sound more engaging and not too analytical. Oh, I also connected may SMSL M500 directly into the A700 XLR - it's even more resolving than the hub, and keeps the superb imaging and soundstage. This is also a good alternative if you're not into tubey sound.
@@NoStereoNoLife But if you do so, you lose the DSP function of the A700, right? So no master tunings available this way. Is that a bad thing in your opinion?
@@grsamael You still have master tuning since this is inside the speaker. It's the room correction that you lose which is in the hub. So far, I'm not liking much the room eq result, so I'm ok losing it.
Not sure about this but since the a700s have built in dacs doesn’t that mean your dac wont make a difference? Or can you somehow bypass the internal dacs?
The internal DACs are not for traditional inputs. Those are solely for converting digital output from DSP to analog signal for amps. We can't bypass those. My understanding is XLR (analog) --> ADC (analog to digital) --> DSP --> DAC (digital to analog) --> amplifier--> speaker. So the sound quality of the analog input can definitely affect the sound that will come out of the speaker.
@@NoStereoNoLife two camps on this, these days this shouldnt matter unless ure a purist tube fanatic that is anti dsp..i think you are not! Dsp is the future but implementation and where in the chain it is used makes a difference.
That is crazy, I did not know wifi could interfere with tube amps like that, thanks for the heads up. Also I did not know you could use a preamp with the A700, I seem to be learning allot today. Also I did not know about the MP701 mk2 configuration preamp which look really good.
Sounds great over my Klipsh Fives. Can't imagine how good it sounds over the A700's
listening to your demo on my S400 lol. wonderful presentation!
Thanks very much for your video, are you able to show how you connected the rca output on your preamp, thanks in advance.
The sound is impressive, I think the PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamp will be a perfect pair for the A700.
That is one of my "dream" tube preamp for the A700. Another is the Mcintosh C8. Someday...when I have mo money :)
@@NoStereoNoLife how do yoi bypass the preamp inside the a700?
Can you still access the features of the hub (room correction, master tunings, HDMI connectivity) when using the tube preamp?
Wow tubes sound great! Like how my logans sounded with tubes. So when using the preamp with xlr, you need to keep speakers on to use the internal amps. Dont need to use wireless process. Cool!
That's right. They can be off too. The speakers detects the presence of signal and automatically power on. There's just around 2 seconds delay.
@@NoStereoNoLife I bought the last white tower A700 until next run. I had considered it before with other reviews but your sound demos sealed it for me. :)
@@clintonsmurf6496 White would be the toughest to keep nice, but they are also giving off storm trooper audio vibes. What's not to love? Any thoughts on your ownership?
I found that switching to 5Ghz only for my main wifi got rid of my issues with interference. My older 2.4 GHz devices are connected to another access point that's far away from my amp :)
wow sound much better with the tubes!!!!
Yeah, so addicting. It could also be the combination with the DAC.
Hi, having a pair of s400 and waiting for a pair of a700, I have some questions for you, if you please? I have a pair of bw802n and I will exchange them for the A700. For many this seems stupid, but since I bought the s400, that I enjoy more listening to music through them, then through the bws. I also have a Mcintosh c2200 pre-amp, so I guess I will have capabilities of having a wonderful sound :). My question is, how do you compare the a700 to the s400? Since you had them both, can you tell me what are the main differences? Thank you
This is fantastic! You're going to save a lot of people a lot of their hard earned money. :) Thanks for it.
Also, we’re you ever able to pin down whether the tube amp or the DAC were responsible for the change?
Excellent! I am listening this on my A700.. it sound great.. you must have a good mic.
Thanks!
Yes. The tube is luscious. Mads told roon ready should improve the sq. Until i am breaking in mine over tidal/flac casted to roon.
Thanks. Yeah, I can't wait for the roon ready certification.
Do you think this could pair well w auralic Altair g1? How good it will be ?
Nice pants!
Hi again, would you still recommend tube preamp or preamp for the A700 setup? Since going through the Hub seems to be the purist route. I am still debating if I should get a tube preamp for my A700 or not. In most of your time, do you use the hub or do you use the preamp more? :-)
And, what did you decide? :)
I am in doubt between getting an A500 or A700 set, and after that I wonder if I should add a DAC + tube amp to the set or not.
In this demo the music coming through the tube amp clearly sounds better.
Didnt think you could get such good sound from streaming with a chromecast. Im guessing you are using digital cable right and not jack/phono rca ?
Chromecast is streamed 96KHz/24bit with the hub then sent to A700 at same bitrate via WISA. Plenty of resolution. As far as the preamp connection, it is connected to the XLR input of the A700, the analog input is then converted back to digital (ADC) 192Khz/24bit.
@@NoStereoNoLife Are you using digital cable from the chromecast or the normal analog jack ? I once tried with a chromecast audio and the audio it sounded so low. I heard using digital cable had higher sounding output. But I dont use it anymore after I bought a bluesound.
@@artfartzy Are you talking about chromecast audio puck? If so yeah using optical/digital out would definitely sound better with better DAC. Also make sure your chromecast speaker setting has the "Full dynamic range" enabled.
@@NoStereoNoLife Yes I was talking about the chromecast audio device, not the chromecast made for TV / video streaming ;-)
IMO best setup for them, but what's the point of active speakers with DSP when they sound the best with tube preamp?
I feel like sound volume of the hub is lower making it feel a lot less 'full' sounding. Bluetooth isn't helping either.
Are you keeping these? Do you find them detailed but not fatiguing, are they great "all arounders", and lastly did they ship from a US warehouse or Denmark? Im thinking of buying but a little worried about longevity and resale value down the road
These are keepers. Not fatiguing at all. I find myself glued at my listening chair now. "All rounders" , neutral are the right words for them, just like the S400.
They shipped from US warehouse. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with customs anymore just like it was on the S400.
@@NoStereoNoLife Great to hear. I heard kanta 1's and found a great local deal on them, cheaper than a500. Was extremely impressed with their sound. Considering buying...Also heard the paradigm 7k monitors, even more detail and sparkles but too much imo.
I have a feeling that your gonna sell your A700 in the long run hahahah3, u still have that itch for old-school matching electronics lol, well it's a good thing to experiment and try to mix and match components. Just my 2 cents, Nice vid keep up your channel
Ha ha. My wife just said that too! Having experienced good result with XLR input, the A700 may actually stay longer. It's my tube preamp, DAC and the stereo hub that may get upgraded soon :)
@@NoStereoNoLife Haha nice! Imo i have had active speakers.for 10 years now, the speakers stayed but the frint end have been rolled.times a many..
@@NoStereoNoLife A700 deserves an top grade tube preamp, check out Cayin M-11LS, I am thinking about getting something like that for my A700. What better tube preamp do you have in mind?
@@shawnwu3170 My dream is the McIntosh C22 or C70. Wow that Cayin M11ls is amazing. The looks alone wins - matches the Buchardt design language.
I have a pair of white A700. Have you upgrade their power cord cables? That could improve their sound as well.
Yes, I got the WAudio www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2UNMXI
I've never compared but just for peace of mind that I get every bit of improvement where I can (cheaply :)
If you compare...please let us know the results.. I am considering this too..
listening to it in person would the sound quality difference between the XLR input and stereo hub be very obvious? I'm thinking if it is worth it to give up the room correction feature for a better SQ wired setup.
Not obvious in most cases. Depends on music you play too. I notice more difference in intimate sounds with vocals. I plan to just use the XLR input when I play my soon coming turntable :) I'll use the hub for streaming.
@@NoStereoNoLife Awesome to hear that! Guess I can focus on improving my room acoustic with the $$ saved from buying a dac and pre :D
I also tried both routes (connecting a preamp via XLR and using the wireless hub) and to my surprise there was very little or no difference. I have my turntable connected to the hub via RCA cables and it sounds outstanding
Just ordered the A700! Any recommendations? preferred cables, etc.
The video used this cable..
www.amazon.com/Audiophile-AC-Power-Cable-WAudio/dp/B07F6JM229
@@bicster6535 I meant XLR cables :)
Ahh, I use Gotham cables. They have Neutrik and Canare versions like this-
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JV7WTZ2
@@NoStereoNoLife oh, you're going xlr to xlr. I'm going xlr go rca.
Endedup getting these cables...
www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQS55C7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MrjbGb18A0143?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have the A700 for several days now. Still waiting for the Twitters to break in. They are still harsh now.
The bass is great!
The are smaller than I expected but it's a good thing a I have a small living room.
The s400 are truly wonderfull for their size, but the bass is what I was missing. Both for music and movies. I watched the opening of Blade Runner (The original one, with the vangelis soundtrack) and I was floored by the bass response. It takes you straight into the movie. And it's not that I don't have a sub. I have 15 inch sub, but it's not the same as getting it from that thump from the front speakers.
Esquisit !
Do you feel the noise level is high while adding tube preamp? I have them connected to my budget-ish tube preamp and the noise level is higher, and consider it not a good match...
There's noises coming from my weird tubes like pops and cracks while they are heating up, most of them, the noise floor is the same. Some tube amps are well designed they should have very low noise levels. My MP701 has very good sound but I think it's lacking on some finesse like soft start or output delay (until tubes are ready). So I'm looking form alternatives.
Thanks
I know that wifi interference sound only too well. I even had to be careful routing cat6 cables.
+1 for the lamps
... and heaters :)
Would please do a review of all the masters tunning... The descriptions on Buchardt is not the best..
I have REW measurements with these now. Coming soon :)
Yes, it's a good sound from the mike. What is the name of it?
I'm using Shure MV88.
Could you describe the sonic characteristic difference between the Hub vs Tube Preamp? Such as high, mid, bass, and etc.
The difference is really dependent on the signal tube I install in my preamp. Let's say the hub is at most neutral, the RCA 12au7 tube added more bass at the 40hz region and also texture and presence on mids (600-5khz). With EH 6h30pi tube, there's more shimmer and transparency (12khz up). With the tube though, I feel in general, it losses some of the razor sharp instrument separation. But maybe that's actually a good thing on others as it makes the sound more engaging and not too analytical.
Oh, I also connected may SMSL M500 directly into the A700 XLR - it's even more resolving than the hub, and keeps the superb imaging and soundstage. This is also a good alternative if you're not into tubey sound.
@@NoStereoNoLife err....how do you connect the DAC to the XLR directly, without a preamp in between there is no volume control though...
@@shawnwu3170 Yeah you need a DAC that has volume control. My SMSL M500 has one.
@@NoStereoNoLife But if you do so, you lose the DSP function of the A700, right? So no master tunings available this way. Is that a bad thing in your opinion?
@@grsamael You still have master tuning since this is inside the speaker. It's the room correction that you lose which is in the hub. So far, I'm not liking much the room eq result, so I'm ok losing it.
Is this the end of the 701?
Do you mean the latest model of MP701? I believe so.
Not sure about this but since the a700s have built in dacs doesn’t that mean your dac wont make a difference?
Or can you somehow bypass the internal dacs?
The internal DACs are not for traditional inputs. Those are solely for converting digital output from DSP to analog signal for amps. We can't bypass those. My understanding is XLR (analog) --> ADC (analog to digital) --> DSP --> DAC (digital to analog) --> amplifier--> speaker. So the sound quality of the analog input can definitely affect the sound that will come out of the speaker.
@@NoStereoNoLife two camps on this, these days this shouldnt matter unless ure a purist tube fanatic that is anti dsp..i think you are not! Dsp is the future but implementation and where in the chain it is used makes a difference.