I was tube curious years ago but then I very quickly adopted the tube lifestyle. My family, friends, co workers etc have all been very supportive. I have never looked back as this is who I really am. I am proud of my audio choice.
I bought one of these about 8 years ago and it has paired well with my PSB and Focal speakers, great for desktop and small bedroom. I love the amp, plenty of power for normal listening levels. Highly recommended!
I think both of you should keep going with Transistor amps claiming to be "1000 Watts" Instead... Because you will never get the point with tubes anyway.. Just saying :-)
I was one of the 1st who reviewed them and sent a demo units to other audiophiles. That was yeaaaaars ago. Glad to see that this little amp still makes a buzz. I remember taking this little thing to Omega speakers owner and never got it back. He loves that thing. Lol
So glad you mentioned the miniwatt Steve! I bought a later/newer generation version called the APPJ PA1501a for only $180 on Amazon (look it up) half a year ago and I can’t rave enough about how these flea watt tube amps have performed and become my “gateway drug” into the wonderful world of tubes! Great warmth, tone and sultry highs paired with guess what, Klipsch R-14 (prev gen of the Klipsch you just reviewed). Also does ok with my Dynaudios although a smidget lacking on the bottom end. Great recommendation and high on my value/great-bang-for-your-dollar list too!
I know a lot of people forbid "double amping". But if you really really need that tube sound or really want to just Introduce a tube into a setup, no matter the size of speakers or rated power requirements. Just grab a Nobsound mini speaker Amp. And use it as a pre-amp before you're tube setup, whatever it may be. That will grant you the extra power your setup may need, whilst keeping the tube sound fully intact. I've been doing this method for almost 25 years with no damage to equipment. This also may help people realize you don't have to spend stupid amounts of money to get power and quality sound. Buy a cheap tube and a cheap class d and link them together and hell, you may find it sounds better than a really expensive setup. I'm currently using a Syba Sonic going to a NFJ an FX tube P1 then to a Dayton hybrid tube amplifier then to speakers or headphones and it sounds cleaner and warmer than my Darkvoice, better than all of my SMSL tubes and class d amps, my loxjie full balanced tube, my mid level Yaqin tube amplifier, any middle shelf Schiit tubes I've had and competes hand in hand with the crispness of my thx aaa 789 portable and a Uniharpa type warmness still. And you could even skip going out to the dayton tube I use and use a Syba going to a Fx Tube P1. That's a total of Like 130$ for both shipped form amazon. And if you don't believe me go on and try it ya self. It amazing the quality you can get if ya have time to mess around and do some bypassing. Cheers
I just got my TubeCube I7, a rebrand of the Miniwatt you reviewed. Got NOS tubes coming for it (RCAs from the last century) but, out of the box, after about 4 hours play time, it sounds awesome! I got pretty good gear to go with it, a pair of Klipsch B-200 speakers (92.5 db sensitive), an Iris DDC and a Pontus II DAC, and good AQ cabling. Everything helps to bring out the potential of this little jewel of an amp. It is a great buy and a thoroughly enjoyable, quite musical amp for my near field setup. Three tube amp watts can go a long ways! I'll be waiting nearly a year by the time I get my Decware Super Zen Triode amp next April to go into my main rig, fed by the same Iris/Pontus combo and powering with 3.5 w/ch my Klipsch Forte IVs. You could say that horns have won me over. They are a super match of well-designed low powered tube amps. Heaven on earth!
It's addictive! Eventually you might end up with a higher end amp with Altecs... my restored Scott 222-D and 9849s make quite the combo, but eventually want to try pairing them with a 300B or 2A3 SET amp
I have the Tube Depot version of this amp, picked it up used for $120. Tube rolling with this one is definitely worthwhile. I'm currently using it with a nice long plate Mullard 12AX7 and NEC 6BQ5 (basically Japanese Mullards) tubes. It sounds really good with Mission 771 speakers (not very efficient, but fine for desktop use). I also have a well-matched set of Telefunken ECC83 and EL84 tubes to try next, along with some Tannoy System 12 DMT II speakers (way more efficient, hopefully they'll work in a medium-sized room). BTW, the Mullards and Telefunkens can still be found on the cheap if you know where to look...old Heathkit test gear and late '50s to early '60s German radios and reel to reel machines are a good place to start.
What a lovely, even handed and generous discussion of tube sound and what looks like a tremendously accessible way to try it. It is the experimental mind set that makes an audiophile. Being willing to entertain new ideas and try new stuff. It is different for everyone and the true high end leaves most of us behind in its staggering cost, but this is an invitation to a way of thought that was once far more common and, I hope, may yet be rediscovered.
I bought one of these in November from TubeDepot. Totally blown away that it works so well. It's not my main system, I just run it on my desk and it's so cool. Macbook Air to AQ Dragonfly to Tube Amp to some nice NHT bookshelf speakers. It's perfect for watching RUclips or listening to a little music. And it's tubes which I just love. Sounds really super. It does run a bit warm.
Still have my Allied model 333 for hs (1970) graduation. Good tube receiver.....still sounds the same as it ever was...same as it ever was... Good show.....subbed, etc....keep on rockin', Steve! ✌️🎵
A far far better small, but very well made tube amp is the Musical Paradise MP-301 MK III. This amp is substantial, 6.5 watts, and has ample tube rolling options. It also has a dedicated headphone output that is far better than the DarkVoice item. The Musical Paradise will absolutely play my Klipsch RF-3 floorstanders at 100 dB. My planar headphones sound super with it. You can probably pick up a used one for $300.
I've had one as my living room setup for about 8 years, powering a pair of Omega 3ts, which have a 94db sensitivity. Love it. Mostly play vinyl, but also streaming. Not great for big rock records, but utterly sweet with jazz and acoustic music. I've definitely had some breathtaking moments listening to this setup, but it's not great with all music.
I love the options you're covering Steve. There are so many great little companies out there with equipment that isn't bank breaking yet sounds remarkably well for certain situations. Like near field listening. And you can still pair things up with a full size speaker if you really want to have some fun. Thanks for showing so many ways to enjoy this passion.
I own the tubecube7 from tubedepot.com $150 on sale. I think it’s the same unit Steve reviewed here. This is a great amp for an office or a dorm room. 7 watts with some efficient speakers like klipsch rp-160m is quite loud. It’s probably not loud enough for a medium size listening room, but it’s surprisingly loud. The sound is deep and rich. I hear no hum. It’s extremely quiet. I did replace the Chinese oem tubes, but if you’re on a budget the stock tubes are perfectly fine. Get one on sale like I did. Ken brockwell has a thorough instrumented analysis of the tubecube7.
I run the APPJ 2013 variant of this amp as a power amp with a chinese tube preamp into 86db speakers, use a powered sub, that will take u far. It's like bi-amping on the super cheap.
I own an original Miniwatt when it was first available. Probably sometime in 2010. It lasted about a year then it stopped working and paid about 125 buck to have my 200 dollar investment fixed. Lasted about another year and broke again. My local hifi shop that fixed it finally said, Hey this thing is gong to keep on breaking so I gave up. It did sound amazing, when it worked. I had it running a Mission MS-50 bookshelf speakers I got from a Denon System. I hope these new ones don't have issues like mine had. I loved it and still contemplate going for this newer version.
My 2 cents... I've had one of these for about 3 years and I think its great. However, anyone considering getting one needs to have their expectations in check... there's a lot of hype about this thing on the web... some deserved, some not. First, one is not going to rock the house with this amp... not even a small room... even with very efficient speakers. When I first got mine, I used it to drive an old set of Klipsch Cornwalls, and at low background levels it was a hoot. But even with these massively efficient speakers the little amp struggled to fill a room at even moderate levels. I find this amp is best in a desktop nearfield experience. One other thing that is fun to do with this thing is tube "rolling"... I've run a number of different mfgs and vintage EL84s in it and the tonal differences are amazing...
@@Justwantahover you take a tube and start rolling it on the floor as the music's playing... Lmaoooo no but really it's when you swap tubes in and out of the unit to see which ones you like
I built my own high-efficiency speakers specially for my 4 W amp. 98 dB efficient speakers Fostex FE206En and paired those drivers with the Fostex cabinets I built downloaded the plans for the BK-20 back loaded horn. When measuring at 1 m distance and turning it up to only one watt output I was getting 96 dB. Way louder than you would ever listen to in a small listening room. Like Nelson Pass would say “it’s that first Watt that counts”
People forget 3.5w can split your ears if you have the right speakers! I have some floor speakers that are 90dbs, they have 12 inch subs 6 inch mids and 3 inch tweeters, and my single ended el84 amp drives them so well I can't even turn it up past 5-6 or else I'm scared I'll blow my speakers! That amp is right around 4.5-5w
I bought this little guy back in 2011 it was 378.00 US at the time. It is a nice piece to get started with tubes it gives a nice warm sound .It didn't rattle my windows but when listening to other types of music like soft rock ,jazz vocals ,chamber its nice sounding . If you want to hear a huge orchestra or heavy metal I would suggest the next step up .
I built a stereo tube amp with a 6FQ7 and a couple 50C5s as outputs, maybe outputting 1.5 watts per channel. After I resolved some oscillation issues. I drove two full sized infinity triaxle speakers with it, and it sounded great and it was fairly loud.
great video. I've read about these amps before and always wondered what they would do with my vintage Heresy's. I think I'll finally pull the trigger and give one a try. thanks!
Glad to see Steve review this amp. I'm using it with a pair of Klipsch Forte one's that I got on CL for $500. Works very well indeed. The old Creek integrated amp I was using sounds dull and lifeless compared to this little amp. I got mine from Tubedepot.com. Its the same amp. 3.5 watts is plenty of power for me with horns.
@@NoMoreRadioMyths I have not even done that yet. BUT, I DID fix a woofer my cat decided to scratch his nails into... I was so sick about it, I put them in a closet for 4 years. Then I got the idea to check RUclips for SPEAKER REPAIR! IT WORKED! I CAN SIT IN A DARK ROOM, RUN LOSSLES DIGITAL THRU MY DAC AND CAN NOT TELL WHICH WOOFER WAS TORN! NAKAMICHI 35 WATT RECEIVER, 1988...
I produce the same amplifiers from local parts, but they have more than five watts of power, because I do not use negative feedback in them. The most beautiful sound of single-ended tube amps.
Just pulled this out of the closet. Sounds better than some pretty expensive tube integrated when paired with Altec Carmel. Tube rolling is a must. Using 12at7 1960s RCA makes a big diff.
When I worked in a 2000 seat cinema in London i was surprised that they used amplifiers that wee only 5 watts per channel. The speakers were ultra efficient horn loaded and filled the auditorium adequately. So watts does not mean volume. My first Hi Fi amp was only 10 watts per cannel and I still have it.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt The little tube amp had best treble sound I ever heard in any of the amps I had. I have a NAD and had another NAD but that little valve amp sounded better in the treble to me and the NAD is about (technically) the best, but sounds "wiry" compared to the little Star brand valve amp. I had other valve amps but the Star outshone them all. I got it for $30 and sold it for $100 10 years after and I still regret it. It would have been made in the mid '60's I reckon.
I just picked up a $50 Craigslist 1956 tube reel2reel hi-fi, stereo phono input mono power amp. I use a Bluetooth boombox to fill out the lows and provide tweeters. The difference is phenomenal. What people don't know is that there are 2 measures of audio reproduction/amplification. Everyone knows frequency response. A tube amp has amplitude response. The sound of a ride cymbal relies on amplitude response and headroom to not sound muddy and compressed. The problem with digital is that you only have 16 steps of amplitude aka 16bit CD quality. When that same process is fed through transistors particularly class D amp ones the amplitude response is sacrificed but power is gained... Which is why modern stereos are so much louder. For me, combining both technologies has worked perfectly to make a stereo that allows me to hear the room acoustics in a live concert as though I'm at the show.. all while making minimal noise for the other people in the house and also having the volume at a very decent level in my room.
I bought an open box APPJ version of this amp on eBay a few years ago for the princely sum of £28.99 (that’ll be something like 45 Yankee bucks in 2017 money) and use it all the time as my work desk amp, driving either Rega R1 speakers or STAX Lambda headphones (from ca 1979) and it’s up there with the best value-for-money kit I own. It’s unbelievable for the money.
Any time small or for that matter larger power tube amps are mentioned, Klipsch is the first speaker name that comes to mind for me. There is something magical about this combination. My main system consists of a pair of 10 watt tube monoblocks and I will substitute in my La Scalas and Fortes depending on the type of music I am playing.
Pair that with Audio Nirvana Super 8 Ferrites for $295/pair, build a couple of plywood cabinets, and you can play Zeppelin loud enough that your wife will throw you out of the house. I run those single-point drivers with a K-12M 3W tube amp in a large home, and cannot turn the gain past noon. 9:00 (3/10) is my normal listening setting. Shine on you Crazy Diamond is magnificent.
Cute amplifier. The power supply inside works in switching mode (PSU) and have a little ferrite transformer. For this amplifier one iron core conventional transformer. are so big and more expensive. This power for two EL84/6BQ5 in SE mode is enough if you have high performance speakers or vintage quality baffles.I would change those valves that are very "hard" for a NOS brand like Mullard or Miniwatt and the same would do with that double triode ECC83/12AX7 that change, even if it does not seem like it, can make the sound change like night to day. Anyway it is a little cute amplifier for beginning in a awesome world of the sound with tubes. Like. Thanks.
Hi Steve, thank you for all the great reviews. You have won me over to tubes! I bought a Chinese 8.5 watt tube amp, very basic, only one input and paid just over $300. Money well spent! I have the Hersey IVs which just sing with this little amp. Sound stage is great, base is really good. I was a little concerned about 8 watts per channel, but this little guy can shake the walls with the Klipsch. The drawback is only one input, so I’ll be replacing it, down the road, with something that will give me more input options. Thanks again for getting me curious enough to try a tube amplifier! I’m sold.
i have an unbranded version of this very same amp (in black) and have for about 6 years. its my main amp and i use to drive a pair of now defunct klipsch r-15m speakers. its an excellent match. i get a little extra volume with some upgraded tubes i bought a couple years back and i recently added a preamp to the chain. i get a little extra volume without any extra distortion. would love to someday upgrade to a bigger tube affair and some nicer speakers, but this is all thats in the cards for now and its really held up.
I have one which I swap between a pair of Klipsch RB-61 and a pair of Large Advents (metal basket version). Better imaging on the Klipsch but a lot more bass extension on the Advents. The Klipsch have a 6db advantage when compared to the Advents which should equate to the 3.5w into the Klipsch will provide the same volume as 14w into the Advents. The volume difference is less dramatic than it looks on paper. To me I prefer this amp on the Advents. It seems to have a smoothness of frequency response; highs, lows, and the in between that I prefer.
owned 2 of those over the yrs. good product that i tused with audio nirvana 12 in full rangers.... traded up to musical paradise set amp. an amazing amp for the cost. at moderate volumes the little amp does a great job. and tubes are cheap
I bought the Gemtune X-1 from Amazon and use my Marantz 2230 as a pre-amp. It only has 8 watts per channel, but the sound through my Elac b6’s is amazing. Not the most efficient speaker, but good enough.
I have the TubeDepot TubeCube 7 hooked up to my Klipsch La Scala's and it sounds awesome! Plenty of volume. The lower frequencies are diverted to a vintage powered Velodyne sub, so 3.5 wpc to the La Scala's is more than enough. I have a large listening area too. In my opinion there is no substitute for a low powered amp and the Klipsch. It is a match made in heaven! I've even been trying different el84's in the amp. Vintage Amperex and Telefunken. The amp is super quiet too. Certainly is a very affordable audiophile quality amp.
I use Tube Depot's version of this amp.. the Tube Cube 7. Maximized output and performance by changing out Shanguang EL84'S to 25 year old New Sensor Sovtek EL84M's and changed 12ax7 to 60 year old Telefunken. Playing my Cambridge Audio CXC transport with the Schiit Modi 3 directly into the amp then into my Zu Omen Mk ii's at 97 db efficiency brings a huge, 3D, true to life sound often too loud for my wife in our living room with cathedral ceiling. Full orchestras to small ensembles all are wonderful. See the Glow In The Dark Audio's amp review.
I have a miniwatt matched with a pair of small diy single driver speakers and a turntable. It doesn't have great bass, flat frequency response or get very loud, but boy is it fun to listen to.
Speakers - AR38s but change them to Vifa tweeters and just rebuild the crossovers with reasonably good audio caps, its what I did, they sound jaw dropping and the total cost was about £100!
Good sounding and affordable is the little Synthesis Nimis (integrated class A) amp. Very simple design and controls (source and volume for each channel). I payed €375 for it used and it sounds really good on my Wilson Watt Puppy (DIY) speakers. The amp does 2x15W and the speakers have 92db/W/m sensitivity. I have never gone beyond the 4 mark of the volume controls. With a Clearaudio Concept MC and Lehmannaudio Decade phono amp I dare say that my systems often times outperforms demo gear at high end shows that cost three times more.
Contrast that little amp that can to the 125Kw tubed modulator stages in our 250Kw transmitters.The small amp just may be worth getting to experiment with-even though I have 3 McIntosh MC60's in the closet and one 225,and two other MI 60 amps.These all need caps for the power supplies and I cannot find electrolytic caps over 450V lately-need 525-550V.Want to get those "firebottle" machines going again--HOT GLASS!Thats why I like super power transmitters--the tubes give a better feeling of power and simplicity.
Tube amp specs ought include speaker sensitivity recommendations. Speaker spec sensitivities are not apparently standardized. That is to say , for instance - your car speedo is calibrated to mph . Speakers do not have similar .
I' ve had this amp for 8 years now I have not used it for awhile now . I tried it for bi amping along with my Parasound amp SS .It didn't do much for the tweeters of my speakers I know tweeters don't need much power like the woofers but have to have the same gain. with the mini watt I tried to match the gain .
Gents, they pair great although it may lack a little on the low end. I have a newer version of the same style SET amp called the APPJ PA1501a tube amp which uses a pair of 6AD10s and they sound fantastic with my Klipsch R-14 (exact same speaker as the current gen Klipsch R-51/R-41 Steve just reviewed but just in a diff finish scheme)
This amp will certainly Excell with the rp-600m it was crazy good with my lil Hsu and the Klipsch are way more efficient....this will be a helluva match on the R-51m's to...
Lee Lucas, speakers are passive, so your " this amp needs a low watt speaker" statement is laughable. The old adage if the 1st watt is crap adding more isn't going to make things better
I cannot see that anyone has mentioned it though I may have not gone back far enough but it would be fascinating to see a comparison between this one or if there is one similar but newer, to the deckwear Zen Triode
I have owned the exact model that Steve reviewed for at least 5 or 6 years now. I use it with a 94db efficient pair of Omega bookshelf speakers and they pair wonderfully. Nevertheless, my main speakers were Magnepan MMGs and there is no way that a 3.5 watt per channel tube amp would work with these, unfortunately. So I more recently bought a pair of 98 dB efficient Tekton Lores, in part out of curiosity for how the Miniwatt N3 would fare in a larger situation. Once again, they pair beautifully. I am streaming to the N3 by using an inexpensive FX Audio DAC connected to a vintage Counterpoint (tube) preamp, connected to the Miniwatt. I am not sure the preamp is truly needed but It may be providing some boost and certainly does not adversely affect what I am hearing. My listening has been primarily with classic jazz and jam band rock. I’m not sure how some define “rock out” but I am getting very satisfying loudness levels at perhaps 80% of their volume level capacity that I have. Yes, this amp has whet my appetite for a next level tube amp, which I researching, but I feel that the Miniwatt will definitely remain in rotation for some time to come. It’s an elegantly simple, well made, and wonderful sounding amp that just happens to be readily affordable.
Ever thought of getting one of those cheap tube pre amplifiers that are sold on eBay? They are available with a clear acrylic case that you have to assemble yourself and the come with a pair of tubes... (not good tubes but you do get some with it), The reason why I ask is because out of curiosity, I purchased one since they only cost less than $20 although you will need to supply your own 12V AC power supply to run it.... But what I noticed is that I was able to plug my phone into it and get a decent output on the other side of it.... Generally speaking, whenever I use the headphone jack on my phone to connect it to any amplifiers, I loose a lot of output... But this little tube pre amplifier must have it's gain set really high that just by using this, you can get a little more output from your power amplifier... I can't remember what tubes it used exactly but they were marked with a 6j something or j6 something possibly... The tubes themselves sell on eBay for $2AU... Like I said, there are better tube substitutes for those things but for an experiment, you can't really go wrong with the price... Who knows... You could potentially get 5W out of your power amplifier... Even though you might be over driving it... But I believe that amplification sounds amazing when it's at it's limits working hard... I guess that's why I always say that it's better to have a smaller amplifier that has to work hard giving you everything that it's got than a big amplifier not even trying... There's just something about the sound which I can't explain why I like the way that it sounds, maybe it's the thought that the amplifier is working so hard just to make me happy... Anyway.. Thanks for the great video...
A Harley may be loud, obnoxious and use 20x the fuel of a quiet, refined economical Vespa ...... really just depends on your perspective and what you are seeking from the experience...
I like valve amps! I’ve used one for the last couple of years, and It’s a keeper.. I do however think about getting a solid state as well. Like you suggested before: different equipment and different sound keeps you interested and happy.. A 4 series Accuphase integrated would be nice, but a bit expensive 🙁
Hi Steve , John my Casta would drive easily . My speaker are 18 years old and sell now for 4 times what I paid $23,000.it could bring a cheap tube start thank you
Saludos, como siempre excelentes sus vídeos, sus comentarios, con los.cuáles.me identifico, excelentes máquinas las que analiza, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia....
The loudest Tube stereo is the Sansui 1000A i had but the best sounding was an H.H Scott 299b at 40 watts - I use a Bell el34 75 Watt PA and looking for another to make 2 mono block stereo amps with, tUbe PA amps are cheaper and LOUD ..but you need 2 for stereo, even thought of using 2 Fender tube amps Lol..but yeah, I need it LOUD ..er louder than this, id use this for a Preamp for phono stage tho
In a previous video, Steve said that playing sound clips is pointless. But... if Steve played a clip of the amp the listener could get an idea of how loud the amp goes!
Yup Steve and Paul would be interesting! Steve in my estimation is very much in the music camp, Paul very much in the sound camp. Could lead to a good discussion.
I am using one of these with Audio Nirvana 10 inch full range speakers in their 2.8 cubic feet bass reflex cabinets. Around 99dB efficiency. The combination has dynamics, space, tone, impact, LIFE like nothing remotely in their price range has any right to. I first tried them with some average efficiency vintage speakers. Up to sensible volume levels it still gave a taste of that liquid, transparent, detailed but listenable valve sound. Recommended? A no-brainer.
Fun video Steve! Great way to get people into tube amps for a reasonable price with efficient speakers. Next review do a USED tube amp, same price range, paired with an economical used efficient speaker pair.....off topic but i gotta go bk to some of your old videos about buying good audiogear, since, local retailers are very few these days to demo gear u like...
Can you try it with super efficient big horn med and treble drivers (field coil ones that cost a fortune) and class D subs? Should sound OK. But be aware of your neighbours though.
I have a suggestion. Douk Nobsound 6j pre, between cd and pre. Gain and very mild tone adjustment. It adds a very pleasant aspect to an overly crisp Marantz CD 5001. $50 and if and when she dies, it's been great fun.
I got 6 ohm Spekers and i got two miniwatts n3 . And thats all i ever wantet to have . Und ich habe die zwei besten Gehäuse für Breitbänder der Welt erfunden und entwickelt . Bei mir spielt der n3 so laut auf daß ich ihn aus Rücksicht für die Nachbarn noch nie voll aufdrehen konnte . Er benötigt aber einen zusätzlichen Vorverstärker weil die Eingangsempfindlichkeit doch recht niedrig ist . Ich nehme am Rechner ein Steinberg UR22 das ist bretthart und kostet auch nur ca 200€ und hat als Audiointerface eine Latenz von ca. 2 millisekunden . Ich spiele ja auch Gitarre .
Just purchased Tube Depot's version of Miniwatt N3 called Tube Cube 7 at a 20% Discount so $143.00 with free shipping! I'm taking delivery on Zu's Omen DW'S in a few weeks as well. Will the little guy work with Zu's or will it perform a little better with the Klipsch RP600 M's and maybe put together a separate, second system?
Ok, It may be a lot more then. I stand corrected. BTW-FWIW, We are talking single ended here. An entry point would be a console unit. (If someone is willing to do the leg work) It's my opinion buying Chinese output transformers is not a good idea. As with everything, opinions vary. Hopefully this is helpful to someone who is unaware and willing to spend some more.
Steve, have You had any experience, with the 'Little Dot' lll Tube "headphone amplifier" ? I put it in quotes, because, there is a Variable Line Output. I ask because the 'Little Dot' cautions against the use with a Direct Coupled Amplifier. Hell, most Solid State Amps (to the best of my knowledge), excluding McIntosh and some Very esoteric stuff, is Direct Coupled. I'm hell bent, to try it on a pair of KALI LP-6 powered Monitors. Any thoughts before my instincts; create a Pyrotechnic Disaster ??? ;)
We had a tube TV. Every few months my father would take some to Walgreens and test them or replace them. Since Steve first reviewed this in 2010,how many times has he replaced a tube? What does it cost? Tubes are fun to look at!
Are you sure there is power transformer inside that tiny box? 2xEL84 + ECC83/85 that is at least 1A/6,3V + 150mA/200V which in transformer dimensions is at least 1/2 of the chasis of that amp. I have seen lots od ebay stuff running w/o any power transformer with just a fuse on main AC leads.
It uses a solid-state rectifier and a switching power supply to obtain the plate voltage. While certainly not equal to a tube rectifier and CLC filter, it costs far less and makes this amp possible.
Yes it uses a switching power supply and run's in ultra linear....kinda rare combo but their out there....a friend of mine owned a el34 single ended amp when I had the MiniWatt, we had a blast Rollin them and putting them thru their paces....
I was tube curious years ago but then I very quickly adopted the tube lifestyle. My family, friends, co workers etc have all been very supportive. I have never looked back as this is who I really am. I am proud of my audio choice.
And we’re all pleased with your decision to give in to your curiosity!
Supportive 😂
I bought one of these about 8 years ago and it has paired well with my PSB and Focal speakers, great for desktop and small bedroom. I love the amp, plenty of power for normal listening levels. Highly recommended!
try ge 12ax7wa
thanks for the video. I'm going to hold out until they release the 3.75w model.
i'm waiting for the 3.9!
I think both of you should keep going with Transistor amps claiming to be "1000 Watts" Instead... Because you will never get the point with tubes anyway.. Just saying :-)
@@Moparvanman theyre obviously joking around.
Rewire it for UL mode. :)
I was one of the 1st who reviewed them and sent a demo units to other audiophiles. That was yeaaaaars ago. Glad to see that this little amp still makes a buzz. I remember taking this little thing to Omega speakers owner and never got it back. He loves that thing. Lol
So glad you mentioned the miniwatt Steve! I bought a later/newer generation version called the APPJ PA1501a for only $180 on Amazon (look it up) half a year ago and I can’t rave enough about how these flea watt tube amps have performed and become my “gateway drug” into the wonderful world of tubes! Great warmth, tone and sultry highs paired with guess what, Klipsch R-14 (prev gen of the Klipsch you just reviewed). Also does ok with my Dynaudios although a smidget lacking on the bottom end. Great recommendation and high on my value/great-bang-for-your-dollar list too!
I just picked up this little guy for $10 off FB Marketplace in mint condition. It should be illegal for it to sound THIS good with my Klipsch Chorus!
I know a lot of people forbid "double amping". But if you really really need that tube sound or really want to just Introduce a tube into a setup, no matter the size of speakers or rated power requirements. Just grab a Nobsound mini speaker Amp. And use it as a pre-amp before you're tube setup, whatever it may be.
That will grant you the extra power your setup may need, whilst keeping the tube sound fully intact. I've been doing this method for almost 25 years with no damage to equipment.
This also may help people realize you don't have to spend stupid amounts of money to get power and quality sound. Buy a cheap tube and a cheap class d and link them together and hell, you may find it sounds better than a really expensive setup.
I'm currently using a Syba Sonic going to a NFJ an FX tube P1 then to a Dayton hybrid tube amplifier then to speakers or headphones and it sounds cleaner and warmer than my Darkvoice, better than all of my SMSL tubes and class d amps, my loxjie full balanced tube, my mid level Yaqin tube amplifier, any middle shelf Schiit tubes I've had and competes hand in hand with the crispness of my thx aaa 789 portable and a Uniharpa type warmness still. And you could even skip going out to the dayton tube I use and use a Syba going to a Fx Tube P1. That's a total of Like 130$ for both shipped form amazon. And if you don't believe me go on and try it ya self. It amazing the quality you can get if ya have time to mess around and do some bypassing. Cheers
I just got my TubeCube I7, a rebrand of the Miniwatt you reviewed. Got NOS tubes coming for it (RCAs from the last century) but, out of the box, after about 4 hours play time, it sounds awesome! I got pretty good gear to go with it, a pair of Klipsch B-200 speakers (92.5 db sensitive), an Iris DDC and a Pontus II DAC, and good AQ cabling. Everything helps to bring out the potential of this little jewel of an amp. It is a great buy and a thoroughly enjoyable, quite musical amp for my near field setup. Three tube amp watts can go a long ways! I'll be waiting nearly a year by the time I get my Decware Super Zen Triode amp next April to go into my main rig, fed by the same Iris/Pontus combo and powering with 3.5 w/ch my Klipsch Forte IVs. You could say that horns have won me over. They are a super match of well-designed low powered tube amps. Heaven on earth!
It's addictive! Eventually you might end up with a higher end amp with Altecs... my restored Scott 222-D and 9849s make quite the combo, but eventually want to try pairing them with a 300B or 2A3 SET amp
I have the Tube Depot version of this amp, picked it up used for $120. Tube rolling with this one is definitely worthwhile. I'm currently using it with a nice long plate Mullard 12AX7 and NEC 6BQ5 (basically Japanese Mullards) tubes. It sounds really good with Mission 771 speakers (not very efficient, but fine for desktop use). I also have a well-matched set of Telefunken ECC83 and EL84 tubes to try next, along with some Tannoy System 12 DMT II speakers (way more efficient, hopefully they'll work in a medium-sized room). BTW, the Mullards and Telefunkens can still be found on the cheap if you know where to look...old Heathkit test gear and late '50s to early '60s German radios and reel to reel machines are a good place to start.
What a lovely, even handed and generous discussion of tube sound and what looks like a tremendously accessible way to try it. It is the experimental mind set that makes an audiophile. Being willing to entertain new ideas and try new stuff. It is different for everyone and the true high end leaves most of us behind in its staggering cost, but this is an invitation to a way of thought that was once far more common and, I hope, may yet be rediscovered.
I bought one of these in November from TubeDepot. Totally blown away that it works so well. It's not my main system, I just run it on my desk and it's so cool. Macbook Air to AQ Dragonfly to Tube Amp to some nice NHT bookshelf speakers. It's perfect for watching RUclips or listening to a little music. And it's tubes which I just love. Sounds really super. It does run a bit warm.
Tubes get warm that's fucking Normal.
Still have my Allied model 333 for hs (1970) graduation. Good tube receiver.....still sounds the same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Good show.....subbed, etc....keep on rockin', Steve! ✌️🎵
I got one 9 years ago and love it. Just need to replace the Chinese tubes with vintage.
Cool. So if I've got some $3600 speakers kicking around in the garage, I can try out tubes for just $200.
A far far better small, but very well made tube amp is the Musical Paradise MP-301 MK III. This amp is substantial, 6.5 watts, and has ample tube rolling options. It also has a dedicated headphone output that is far better than the DarkVoice item. The Musical Paradise will absolutely play my Klipsch RF-3 floorstanders at 100 dB. My planar headphones sound super with it. You can probably pick up a used one for $300.
I've had one as my living room setup for about 8 years, powering a pair of Omega 3ts, which have a 94db sensitivity. Love it. Mostly play vinyl, but also streaming. Not great for big rock records, but utterly sweet with jazz and acoustic music. I've definitely had some breathtaking moments listening to this setup, but it's not great with all music.
Warm, juicy and sweet!, have I tuned into the wrong channel 😁
I love the options you're covering Steve. There are so many great little companies out there with equipment that isn't bank breaking yet sounds remarkably well for certain situations. Like near field listening. And you can still pair things up with a full size speaker if you really want to have some fun. Thanks for showing so many ways to enjoy this passion.
I own the tubecube7 from tubedepot.com $150 on sale. I think it’s the same unit Steve reviewed here. This is a great amp for an office or a dorm room. 7 watts with some efficient speakers like klipsch rp-160m is quite loud. It’s probably not loud enough for a medium size listening room, but it’s surprisingly loud. The sound is deep and rich. I hear no hum. It’s extremely quiet. I did replace the Chinese oem tubes, but if you’re on a budget the stock tubes are perfectly fine. Get one on sale like I did. Ken brockwell has a thorough instrumented analysis of the tubecube7.
I run the APPJ 2013 variant of this amp as a power amp with a chinese tube preamp into 86db speakers, use a powered sub, that will take u far. It's like bi-amping on the super cheap.
I own an original Miniwatt when it was first available. Probably sometime in 2010. It lasted about a year then it stopped working and paid about 125 buck to have my 200 dollar investment fixed. Lasted about another year and broke again. My local hifi shop that fixed it finally said, Hey this thing is gong to keep on breaking so I gave up. It did sound amazing, when it worked. I had it running a Mission MS-50 bookshelf speakers I got from a Denon System. I hope these new ones don't have issues like mine had. I loved it and still contemplate going for this newer version.
My 2 cents... I've had one of these for about 3 years and I think its great. However, anyone considering getting one needs to have their expectations in check... there's a lot of hype about this thing on the web... some deserved, some not. First, one is not going to rock the house with this amp... not even a small room... even with very efficient speakers. When I first got mine, I used it to drive an old set of Klipsch Cornwalls, and at low background levels it was a hoot. But even with these massively efficient speakers the little amp struggled to fill a room at even moderate levels. I find this amp is best in a desktop nearfield experience. One other thing that is fun to do with this thing is tube "rolling"... I've run a number of different mfgs and vintage EL84s in it and the tonal differences are amazing...
Would probably be great as a horn tweater driver for bi ampimg a system
@@tims244 yes
What is tube rolling?
@@Justwantahover you take a tube and start rolling it on the floor as the music's playing... Lmaoooo no but really it's when you swap tubes in and out of the unit to see which ones you like
what do you recommend for the preamp section?
I built my own high-efficiency speakers specially for my 4 W amp. 98 dB efficient speakers Fostex FE206En and paired those drivers with the Fostex cabinets I built downloaded the plans for the BK-20 back loaded horn. When measuring at 1 m distance and turning it up to only one watt output I was getting 96 dB. Way louder than you would ever listen to in a small listening room. Like Nelson Pass would say “it’s that first Watt that counts”
It's identical to the "tube cube" they have been selling online for $179
Thanks! Was trying to find that
People forget 3.5w can split your ears if you have the right speakers! I have some floor speakers that are 90dbs, they have 12 inch subs 6 inch mids and 3 inch tweeters, and my single ended el84 amp drives them so well I can't even turn it up past 5-6 or else I'm scared I'll blow my speakers! That amp is right around 4.5-5w
5w can't blow speakers unless it from a pocket radio
Soon as you gave the specs, I thought of my old Klipsch Heresy's. 98db at 1 watt.
Or The Klipschorn...
if I find one cheap Im gonna hook up my Cerwin Vega SL-15's to it and post a vid.
My FORTE ONE'S!
@@elsey1976 106db!
@@TheOriginalSycHolic 200 bucks for a finished tube amp is already cheap....
I bought this little guy back in 2011 it was 378.00 US at the time. It is a nice piece to get started with tubes it gives a nice warm sound .It didn't rattle my windows but when listening to other types of music like soft rock ,jazz vocals ,chamber its nice sounding . If you want to hear a huge orchestra or heavy metal I would suggest the next step up .
Absolutely. You just need very efficient speakers
If you buy the used Dynaco,Scott,Fisher,CJ,whatever amp-you may have to replace caps as well as the tubes.
I built a stereo tube amp with a 6FQ7 and a couple 50C5s as outputs, maybe outputting 1.5 watts per channel. After I resolved some oscillation issues. I drove two full sized infinity triaxle speakers with it, and it sounded great and it was fairly loud.
great video. I've read about these amps before and always wondered what they would do with my vintage Heresy's. I think I'll finally pull the trigger and give one a try. thanks!
Should be marvelous with those.
Glad to see Steve review this amp. I'm using it with a pair of Klipsch Forte one's that I got on CL for $500. Works very well indeed. The old Creek integrated amp I was using sounds dull and lifeless compared to this little amp. I got mine from Tubedepot.com. Its the same amp. 3.5 watts is plenty of power for me with horns.
I too have FORTE ONES. HAVE YOU HAD ANY CRITES UPGRADES DONE TO THEM? THANKS!
@@sixstringsdown1 No I have not. I replaced the old caps in the crossovers with new ones and that's it.
@@NoMoreRadioMyths I have not even done that yet. BUT, I DID fix a woofer my cat decided to scratch his nails into...
I was so sick about it, I put them in a closet for 4 years. Then I got the idea to check RUclips for SPEAKER REPAIR! IT WORKED! I CAN SIT IN A DARK ROOM, RUN LOSSLES DIGITAL THRU MY DAC AND CAN NOT TELL WHICH WOOFER WAS TORN! NAKAMICHI 35 WATT RECEIVER, 1988...
got two of them . best buy ever
I produce the same amplifiers from local parts, but they have more than five watts of power, because I do not use negative feedback in them. The most beautiful sound of single-ended tube amps.
Would it be easy to mod this amp for no feedback? I've built a bunch of tube amps but can't find a schematic for this one.
Just pulled this out of the closet. Sounds better than some pretty expensive tube integrated when paired with Altec Carmel. Tube rolling is a must. Using 12at7 1960s RCA makes a big diff.
When I worked in a 2000 seat cinema in London i was surprised that they used amplifiers that wee only 5 watts per channel. The speakers were ultra efficient horn loaded and filled the auditorium adequately. So watts does not mean volume. My first Hi Fi amp was only 10 watts per cannel and I still have it.
The best amp I ever heard was a tube amp of 7 w per ch. lol
Highly doubtful.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt The little tube amp had best treble sound I ever heard in any of the amps I had. I have a NAD and had another NAD but that little valve amp sounded better in the treble to me and the NAD is about (technically) the best, but sounds "wiry" compared to the little Star brand valve amp. I had other valve amps but the Star outshone them all. I got it for $30 and sold it for $100 10 years after and I still regret it. It would have been made in the mid '60's I reckon.
@@carlosoliveira-rc2xt You obviously haven't heard a stereo tube amp, have you.
@@Justwantahover Yeah, I haven't heard shit in my 40 years in this 'hobby'.
I just picked up a $50 Craigslist 1956 tube reel2reel hi-fi, stereo phono input mono power amp. I use a Bluetooth boombox to fill out the lows and provide tweeters. The difference is phenomenal. What people don't know is that there are 2 measures of audio reproduction/amplification. Everyone knows frequency response. A tube amp has amplitude response. The sound of a ride cymbal relies on amplitude response and headroom to not sound muddy and compressed. The problem with digital is that you only have 16 steps of amplitude aka 16bit CD quality. When that same process is fed through transistors particularly class D amp ones the amplitude response is sacrificed but power is gained... Which is why modern stereos are so much louder. For me, combining both technologies has worked perfectly to make a stereo that allows me to hear the room acoustics in a live concert as though I'm at the show.. all while making minimal noise for the other people in the house and also having the volume at a very decent level in my room.
I bought an open box APPJ version of this amp on eBay a few years ago for the princely sum of £28.99 (that’ll be something like 45 Yankee bucks in 2017 money) and use it all the time as my work desk amp, driving either Rega R1 speakers or STAX Lambda headphones (from ca 1979) and it’s up there with the best value-for-money kit I own. It’s unbelievable for the money.
Great social service for audiophiles Steve !
Any time small or for that matter larger power tube amps are mentioned, Klipsch is the first speaker name that comes to mind for me. There is something magical about this combination. My main system consists of a pair of 10 watt tube monoblocks and I will substitute in my La Scalas and Fortes depending on the type of music I am playing.
i wanna try this with some Tannoy dual concentrics...i have an old pair of 8" monitors
Pair that with Audio Nirvana Super 8 Ferrites for $295/pair, build a couple of plywood cabinets, and you can play Zeppelin loud enough that your wife will throw you out of the house. I run those single-point drivers with a K-12M 3W tube amp in a large home, and cannot turn the gain past noon. 9:00 (3/10) is my normal listening setting. Shine on you Crazy Diamond is magnificent.
OK, a heavily modified K-12M, but modified for clarity, not volume.
did that a few yrs back and you are right. ended up with 12's in a larger box and a bigger amp
Wait! Is getting tossed out by the wife a guarantee?
Horn enclosure?
LOL @@sixstringsdown1
They’re available here in Australia will have to have a look might be a good bedroom option
Cute amplifier. The power supply inside works in switching mode (PSU) and have a little ferrite transformer. For this amplifier one iron core conventional transformer. are so big and more expensive. This power for two EL84/6BQ5 in SE mode is enough if you have high performance speakers or vintage quality baffles.I would change those valves that are very "hard" for a NOS brand like Mullard or Miniwatt and the same would do with that double triode ECC83/12AX7 that change, even if it does not seem like it, can make the sound change like night to day. Anyway it is a little cute amplifier for beginning in a awesome world of the sound with tubes. Like. Thanks.
Hi Steve, thank you for all the great reviews. You have won me over to tubes! I bought a Chinese 8.5 watt tube amp, very basic, only one input and paid just over $300. Money well spent! I have the Hersey IVs which just sing with this little amp. Sound stage is great, base is really good. I was a little concerned about 8 watts per channel, but this little guy can shake the walls with the Klipsch. The drawback is only one input, so I’ll be replacing it, down the road, with something that will give me more input options. Thanks again for getting me curious enough to try a tube amplifier! I’m sold.
IIRC Schiit makes an outboard input selector
The APPJ 1501A is yet another inexpensive, great sounding Class A tube integrated amp!
AudiophileTubes Yes yes yes... I love mine. “Gateway drug” for me into the world of tubes for sure! How sweet it is!
i have an unbranded version of this very same amp (in black) and have for about 6 years. its my main amp and i use to drive a pair of now defunct klipsch r-15m speakers. its an excellent match. i get a little extra volume with some upgraded tubes i bought a couple years back and i recently added a preamp to the chain. i get a little extra volume without any extra distortion. would love to someday upgrade to a bigger tube affair and some nicer speakers, but this is all thats in the cards for now and its really held up.
Love the firebottles.
I have one which I swap between a pair of Klipsch RB-61 and a pair of Large Advents (metal basket version). Better imaging on the Klipsch but a lot more bass extension on the Advents. The Klipsch have a 6db advantage when compared to the Advents which should equate to the 3.5w into the Klipsch will provide the same volume as 14w into the Advents. The volume difference is less dramatic than it looks on paper. To me I prefer this amp on the Advents. It seems to have a smoothness of frequency response; highs, lows, and the in between that I prefer.
owned 2 of those over the yrs. good product that i tused with audio nirvana 12 in full rangers.... traded up to musical paradise set amp. an amazing amp for the cost. at moderate volumes the little amp does a great job. and tubes are cheap
The Question is: Can you hook up Headphones through the speaker connection?
Just a thought from 'poor folks.'
Generally no. Headphones have higher impedance than 8 ohms and will not match the amp.
Right, it's just a glorified headphone amp anyway
@@jamesrobinson9176 for uber low impedance headphones if so, I don't have any below 32ohm and then up to 300ohm.
I bought the Gemtune X-1 from Amazon and use my Marantz 2230 as a pre-amp. It only has 8 watts per channel, but the sound through my Elac b6’s is amazing. Not the most efficient speaker, but good enough.
Hook up that amp with a pair of Klipsch La Scala II, and you won't need anything more except a soundsource.
SET tube amps sound like the voice of God but finding speakers efficient enough for them ain’t easy!
Horns.
Ever heard of Klipsch? Easily available.
@@NoMoreRadioMyths I think Steve might have mentioned them once or a 100 times.
I have the TubeDepot TubeCube 7 hooked up to my Klipsch La Scala's and it sounds awesome! Plenty of volume. The lower frequencies are diverted to a vintage powered Velodyne sub, so 3.5 wpc to the La Scala's is more than enough. I have a large listening area too. In my opinion there is no substitute for a low powered amp and the Klipsch. It is a match made in heaven! I've even been trying different el84's in the amp. Vintage Amperex and Telefunken. The amp is super quiet too. Certainly is a very affordable audiophile quality amp.
@@davebailey284 I'M SOLD!
I use Tube Depot's version of this amp.. the Tube Cube 7. Maximized output and performance by changing out Shanguang EL84'S to 25 year old New Sensor Sovtek EL84M's and changed 12ax7 to 60 year old Telefunken. Playing my Cambridge Audio CXC transport with the Schiit Modi 3 directly into the amp then into my Zu Omen Mk ii's at 97 db efficiency brings a huge, 3D, true to life sound often too loud for my wife in our living room with cathedral ceiling. Full orchestras to small ensembles all are wonderful. See the Glow In The Dark Audio's amp review.
I have a miniwatt matched with a pair of small diy single driver speakers and a turntable. It doesn't have great bass, flat frequency response or get very loud, but boy is it fun to listen to.
Some Coral or Fostex FR speakers in bass horn enclosures with no crossover filter would go nice and loud for 3 w and sound good at low volumes.
diy - starting with reel to reel guts or old phono amps was my gateway into tube hifi . ha ha ha on me . right ?
I always love tube amplifier
Inquiring minds want to know: What is the potential with the Klipsch TO 600M's you recommend?
that was my 1st thought also
Speakers - AR38s but change them to Vifa tweeters and just rebuild the crossovers with reasonably good audio caps, its what I did, they sound jaw dropping and the total cost was about £100!
Good sounding and affordable is the little Synthesis Nimis (integrated class A) amp. Very simple design and controls (source and volume for each channel). I payed €375 for it used and it sounds really good on my Wilson Watt Puppy (DIY) speakers.
The amp does 2x15W and the speakers have 92db/W/m sensitivity. I have never gone beyond the 4 mark of the volume controls.
With a Clearaudio Concept MC and Lehmannaudio Decade phono amp I dare say that my systems often times outperforms demo gear at high end shows that cost three times more.
Contrast that little amp that can to the 125Kw tubed modulator stages in our 250Kw transmitters.The small amp just may be worth getting to experiment with-even though I have 3 McIntosh MC60's in the closet and one 225,and two other MI 60 amps.These all need caps for the power supplies and I cannot find electrolytic caps over 450V lately-need 525-550V.Want to get those "firebottle" machines going again--HOT GLASS!Thats why I like super power transmitters--the tubes give a better feeling of power and simplicity.
Nice review, thank you for posting it
I'm surprised there is no suggestion to hook up to a graphic equalizer. The tonal range is fantastic from this little guy.
That looks identical to TubeDepot's TubeCube 7.
Tube amp specs ought include speaker sensitivity recommendations. Speaker spec sensitivities are not apparently standardized. That is to say , for instance - your car speedo is calibrated to mph . Speakers do not have similar .
I' ve had this amp for 8 years now I have not used it for awhile now . I tried it for bi amping along with my Parasound amp SS .It didn't do much for the tweeters of my speakers I know tweeters don't need much power like the woofers but have to have the same gain. with the mini watt I tried to match the gain .
Could be used in a bi-amp set up with bi-wireable two-way speakers to drive the tweeters.
I think we need you to pair this with the Klipsch bookshelves you were raving about a couple weeks ago.
Sam yes please
Gents, they pair great although it may lack a little on the low end. I have a newer version of the same style SET amp called the APPJ PA1501a tube amp which uses a pair of 6AD10s and they sound fantastic with my Klipsch R-14 (exact same speaker as the current gen Klipsch R-51/R-41 Steve just reviewed but just in a diff finish scheme)
This amp will certainly Excell with the rp-600m it was crazy good with my lil Hsu and the Klipsch are way more efficient....this will be a helluva match on the R-51m's to...
Lee Lucas, speakers are passive, so your " this amp needs a low watt speaker" statement is laughable. The old adage if the 1st watt is crap adding more isn't going to make things better
I cannot see that anyone has mentioned it though I may have not gone back far enough but it would be fascinating to see a comparison between this one or if there is one similar but newer, to the deckwear Zen Triode
Oh believe me. It can rock your house apart.
I have owned the exact model that Steve reviewed for at least 5 or 6 years now. I use it with a 94db efficient pair of Omega bookshelf speakers and they pair wonderfully. Nevertheless, my main speakers were Magnepan MMGs and there is no way that a 3.5 watt per channel tube amp would work with these, unfortunately. So I more recently bought a pair of 98 dB efficient Tekton Lores, in part out of curiosity for how the Miniwatt N3 would fare in a larger situation. Once again, they pair beautifully. I am streaming to the N3 by using an inexpensive FX Audio DAC connected to a vintage Counterpoint (tube) preamp, connected to the Miniwatt. I am not sure the preamp is truly needed but It may be providing some boost and certainly does not adversely affect what I am hearing. My listening has been primarily with classic jazz and jam band rock. I’m not sure how some define “rock out” but I am getting very satisfying loudness levels at perhaps 80% of their volume level capacity that I have. Yes, this amp has whet my appetite for a next level tube amp, which I researching, but I feel that the Miniwatt will definitely remain in rotation for some time to come. It’s an elegantly simple, well made, and wonderful sounding amp that just happens to be readily affordable.
Bingo!
Thank you Steve!
Ever thought of getting one of those cheap tube pre amplifiers that are sold on eBay? They are available with a clear acrylic case that you have to assemble yourself and the come with a pair of tubes... (not good tubes but you do get some with it), The reason why I ask is because out of curiosity, I purchased one since they only cost less than $20 although you will need to supply your own 12V AC power supply to run it.... But what I noticed is that I was able to plug my phone into it and get a decent output on the other side of it.... Generally speaking, whenever I use the headphone jack on my phone to connect it to any amplifiers, I loose a lot of output... But this little tube pre amplifier must have it's gain set really high that just by using this, you can get a little more output from your power amplifier... I can't remember what tubes it used exactly but they were marked with a 6j something or j6 something possibly... The tubes themselves sell on eBay for $2AU... Like I said, there are better tube substitutes for those things but for an experiment, you can't really go wrong with the price... Who knows... You could potentially get 5W out of your power amplifier... Even though you might be over driving it... But I believe that amplification sounds amazing when it's at it's limits working hard... I guess that's why I always say that it's better to have a smaller amplifier that has to work hard giving you everything that it's got than a big amplifier not even trying... There's just something about the sound which I can't explain why I like the way that it sounds, maybe it's the thought that the amplifier is working so hard just to make me happy... Anyway.. Thanks for the great video...
it draws like 50w from the wall... outputs 3w O_o...some inefficiencies someplace..i think...
A Harley may be loud, obnoxious and use 20x the fuel of a quiet, refined economical Vespa ...... really just depends on your perspective and what you are seeking from the experience...
It doesn't the power supply is a switching power supply on the MiniWatt...
EL84 tubes should be good for twice that wattage. without breaking a sweat.
I like valve amps! I’ve used one for the last couple of years, and It’s a keeper.. I do however think about getting a solid state as well. Like you suggested before: different equipment and different sound keeps you interested and happy.. A 4 series Accuphase integrated would be nice, but a bit expensive 🙁
In Steves ears we trust.
Thanks!
Nein.
Yep!
Steve can you give me your take or spin on the JBL L 7 towers speakers?
Bill Crane Wass denn?
So.. Miniwatt N3 better with Zu Omen DW'S or Klipsch RP600M's?'
Hi Steve , John my Casta would drive easily . My speaker are 18 years old and sell now for 4 times what I paid $23,000.it could bring a cheap tube start thank you
Saludos, como siempre excelentes sus vídeos, sus comentarios, con los.cuáles.me identifico, excelentes máquinas las que analiza, abrazos desde Bogotá, Colombia....
The loudest Tube stereo is the Sansui 1000A i had but the best sounding was an H.H Scott 299b at 40 watts - I use a Bell el34 75 Watt PA and looking for another to make 2 mono block stereo amps with, tUbe PA amps are cheaper and LOUD ..but you need 2 for stereo, even thought of using 2 Fender tube amps Lol..but yeah, I need it LOUD ..er louder than this, id use this for a Preamp for phono stage tho
In a previous video, Steve said that playing sound clips is pointless. But... if Steve played a clip of the amp the listener could get an idea of how loud the amp goes!
You should definitely do a joint episode with Paul Mcgowan from PS Audio. That would be awesome.
Lol i also follow Paul PS Audio.. they not on same time zone i think but indeed it would be fun.
Paul and I did a quickie ep, ruclips.net/video/zep6fL2fZac/видео.html
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Paul and I disagree on digital vs analog, so we agree to disagree.
Yup Steve and Paul would be interesting! Steve in my estimation is very much in the music camp, Paul very much in the sound camp. Could lead to a good discussion.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Wowww that was pretty cool hahaha!! I knew you'd get along haha!!
I am using one of these with Audio Nirvana 10 inch full range speakers in their 2.8 cubic feet bass reflex cabinets. Around 99dB efficiency.
The combination has dynamics, space, tone, impact, LIFE like nothing remotely in their price range has any right to.
I first tried them with some average efficiency vintage speakers. Up to sensible volume levels it still gave a taste of that liquid, transparent, detailed but listenable valve sound. Recommended? A no-brainer.
see my post above. i have the 12's in the 5.6 cabs. switched to musical paradise amp for larger space
Fun video Steve! Great way to get people into tube amps for a reasonable price with efficient speakers. Next review do a USED tube amp, same price range, paired with an economical used efficient speaker pair.....off topic but i gotta go bk to some of your old videos about buying good audiogear, since, local retailers are very few these days to demo gear u like...
Can you try it with super efficient big horn med and treble drivers (field coil ones that cost a fortune) and class D subs? Should sound OK. But be aware of your neighbours though.
Give more low power tube in ntergrated options up to 20 watts for 90+db speakers Lots of speakers are available
Thank
C
Switch mode power supply, they are getting better I'm looking to seeing some truly cutting edge switch modes like silver rock uses.
I have a suggestion. Douk Nobsound 6j pre, between cd and pre. Gain and very mild tone adjustment. It adds a very pleasant aspect to an overly crisp Marantz CD 5001. $50 and if and when she dies, it's been great fun.
I got 6 ohm Spekers and i got two miniwatts n3 . And thats all i ever wantet to have . Und ich habe die zwei besten Gehäuse für Breitbänder der Welt erfunden und entwickelt . Bei mir spielt der n3 so laut auf daß ich ihn aus Rücksicht für die Nachbarn noch nie voll aufdrehen konnte . Er benötigt aber einen zusätzlichen Vorverstärker weil die Eingangsempfindlichkeit doch recht niedrig ist . Ich nehme am Rechner ein Steinberg UR22 das ist bretthart und kostet auch nur ca 200€ und hat als Audiointerface eine Latenz von ca. 2 millisekunden . Ich spiele ja auch Gitarre .
Just purchased Tube Depot's version of Miniwatt N3 called Tube Cube 7 at a 20% Discount so $143.00 with free shipping! I'm taking delivery on Zu's Omen DW'S in a few weeks as well. Will the little guy work with Zu's or will it perform a little better with the Klipsch RP600 M's and maybe put together a separate, second system?
Ok, It may be a lot more then. I stand corrected. BTW-FWIW, We are talking single ended here. An entry point would be a console unit. (If someone is willing to do the leg work) It's my opinion buying Chinese output transformers is not a good idea. As with everything, opinions vary. Hopefully this is helpful to someone who is unaware and willing to spend some more.
Great review as always
Steve, have You had any experience, with the 'Little Dot' lll Tube "headphone amplifier" ? I put it in quotes, because, there is a Variable Line Output. I ask because the 'Little Dot' cautions against the use with a Direct Coupled Amplifier. Hell, most Solid State Amps (to the best of my knowledge), excluding McIntosh and some Very esoteric stuff, is Direct Coupled. I'm hell bent, to try it on a pair of KALI LP-6 powered Monitors. Any thoughts before my instincts; create a Pyrotechnic Disaster ??? ;)
We had a tube TV. Every few months my father would take some to Walgreens and test them or replace them. Since Steve first reviewed this in 2010,how many times has he replaced a tube? What does it cost?
Tubes are fun to look at!
from 12 dollars each :) on this amp .
Are you sure there is power transformer inside that tiny box? 2xEL84 + ECC83/85 that is at least 1A/6,3V + 150mA/200V which in transformer dimensions is at least 1/2 of the chasis of that amp. I have seen lots od ebay stuff running w/o any power transformer with just a fuse on main AC leads.
It uses a solid-state rectifier and a switching power supply to obtain the plate voltage. While certainly not equal to a tube rectifier and CLC filter, it costs far less and makes this amp possible.
Yes it uses a switching power supply and run's in ultra linear....kinda rare combo but their out there....a friend of mine owned a el34 single ended amp when I had the MiniWatt, we had a blast Rollin them and putting them thru their paces....
Looks very interesting.