Douk Audio H7 amzn.to/3F6nspN Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH amzn.to/3GkNaop CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
How can you be sure _it's an actual TI chip?_ The Chinese are really good at stealing intellectual property, or just downright making fake copies of practically anything made in the West, which they're getting very good at.
Douk has an H6 and an H8. The H6 is a DAC/pre-amp I think. The H8 is a pre-amp with tubes, EQ, and a remote control. Edit: And headphone jack. And balanced inputs AND outputs. All in the same chassis style (though they have screens rather than VU meter and knobs). There's also an Aoshida version that is black.
@@Dreforian They also have a T8 which is a tube 7 band eq. I wish there was a way to connect it to my Sony receiver! I have an eq on my mobile device called GlycoV (there's also a GlycoX) that has a pre and post eq with 15 bands if used through a tab or Lap-T, and 7 if used on a phone. Unfortunately it tends to turn itself off sometimes and you have to go back and turn it on again. But it has so many ways to tweak the sound including a compressor and limiter, pre and post gain etc., in between the pre and post eq - which I have yet to understand how to use. Eventually I will. However the pre and post eq's are awesome, but I strongly prefer an actual, physical device.
The separate volume knobs would be so annoying and frustrating as to be a dealbreaker. Why couldn’t they have done as countless other amplifier manufacturers have done over the decades and used a balance knob instead?
I own the H7, seems like a well made product. I like it for exactly what he said, it allows me to dial in the center image on my desktop setup and it punches hard when I want to turn it up after people leave. The VU meter sensitivity needs to be maxed out to work at desktop listening levels if you want any movement. I run it with a topping e50 dac, Schiit Asgard 2 as the preamp/volume control and currently Wharfedale Diamond 225’s. There is also the H6 dac and H8 tube buffer preamp which match the look.
I have a pair of Edifier R1900T II that I bought some 14 years ago, and recently the right channel of its amplifier died. I bought one of these cheap Chinese amps (VHM-339) which is a 2.1 channel (100w sub + 2x50w main, TPA3116D2 x2) amp to power these speakers AND a Sony Subwoofer from a dead home theater I had laying around. Just had to pair it with a 24 volt power supply from a printer I had laying around, and voilá! I never thought I could have such great audio from such a cheap amp. Pumping clear and deep bass, and mids and highs are as clear as they were before using the Edifier's own amp (TDA2050 amps). I really has an 'analogue' feel to it, like a valve amp or something which I really enjoy. The little thing has knobs to adjust the volume for the main speakers and the sub, and even has frequency cutoff adjustment for the subwoofer! Plus now I have the convenience of the power and volume knobs at my hand instead of the back of the right speaker. My desktop music listening has never been better!
14 years out of a pair of speakers is good , to be fair. And now you given them a new lease of life. Impressive. I got two pair of Edifier myself, so it's good to know.
@@davidbeard90 I could repair their internal amp, probably it's a bad cap, but it would be more expensive than the solution I got, and as a bonus I got a subwoofer output so I can use them as a proper 2.1 channel system.
Nice job, Sir. You've carved out an admirable niche in this space. Had to chuckle when you mentioned how far 'Class D' has come in just the last 18 months.. Wow how time flies. Be well and keep up the good work. Sidenote: please reinforce that shaky table from previous vids- it gives me anxiety :)
Hi Randy, Great video! The TI data sheet for the TPA3255 suggests the usable power output of the H7 is about 55W/channel (8 ohm @1% THD) and double into 4 ohm. Here's why I say that. Just for giggles, I dug into the data sheet for the Texas Instruments TPA3255 and found the following info regarding its power output. This is from Figure 8. Output Power vs Supply Voltage on page 11 of the data sheet. Power output per channel (stereo) into 8 ohms @ 1% THD+N at various power supply voltage inputs are: @24Vin, power out = 32W; @32V in, power out = 56W; @48V in, power out = 130W; @53.3V in, power out = 155W. 53.3V in is the maximum allowed by the way. Power out is doubled into 4 ohms. Those power outputs are from reading a graph, so are approximate. While the data sheet does list outputs at 10% THD, I suspect Class D listenability suffers greatly at that distortion level, and so in my opinion the maximum listenable power output if this chip is the 1% THD figure.
Hi Randy ! Yes I’m sitting down and I have grabbed a cup of coffee! 😂love that !! I’m wondering!! I have a vintage nad 3150 amp that I love it’s been fully serviced and works a treat I’m using a pair of pmc tb2 speakers and use a streamer and turntable could I use this to power the bass units on the pmc s and have the nad powering the tweeters ? Bi amp just would like a bit more punch on the bottom end ! Or am I nuts ? The pmc speakers are 90 db sensitivity rated ! Love your videos brings a smile during the horrible weather in the uk
I bought the Douk Audio X1 for my daughter to use with an old pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 s. It has a tube preamp and a phono stage. I had my old Dual 1216 turntable restored and we added a Monoprice sub. It’s a heck of a system for a teenager. And you can’t beat the price.
I always make sure that I watch your reviews on topics/gear like this. These videos are very helpful, you provide great insight and I appreciate how you compare features between the new gear and previous Cheapaudioman reviewed gear. You are certainly one of RUclips's Gem Channels. Thank you sir! BTW- yes been to Seattle... Awesome City!
I dunno what they were thinking with twin volume controls. Did they want to make the front panel look busy and fill it out? The centered meter is a nice touch.
For me, the dual volume is an absolute turn ON! My first and very new amateur stereo system I've noticed is volume heavy on the left speaker, but when I use the balance control on my Yamaha rcvr it tends to sort of neuter the over all sound quality and volume on both speakers. If I have the option to just pump up the right speaker a little bit to match the left...BINGO!
These little amps are very nice for a bedroom or someone that doesn't need a full receiver. I run one a Suca audio which meets my needs for my bedroom. It easily runs my Klipsch bookshelves, the cheaper ones and some Bose cube's for rears that were given me. It's plenty for my application. It even has a subwoofer out. And for 70 bucks totally worth it.
I'm still using my 2 year old DOUK Audio P1 headphone amp (USB/Bluetooth/phone line-in plus speaker out) 2 valve unit and it is still awesome. It is only for casual listening in my case but it sounds perfectly good. I paid £89 English Pounds for it in late 2021 - a bargain!
I won't lie. I picked one up to run a set of klipsch r41s at my pc. Since I've used it on a set of Sony sc5 and elac debut b6. Also ran an emotiva a100. And the crazy part was. This little thing destroyed that emotiva in output. The emotiva never got loud enough to distort at full volume. U could max it and be comfortable listening. The douk. Was so loud I felt if I pushed any further I was gonna blow my speakers and still didn't distort. Needless to say I sold the emotiva and kept the douk as it was a way smaller footprint and just packed more punch plus mine had a sub output. Coming from a guy who runs a Yamaha rxa2080 with emotiva amps in his theater.
Hey Randy,.have you ever tested any of the Dauk audio, tube preamplifiers? Alot of people say the tubes used in a preamp setting give a really great sound. Paul from PSB says that tubes are great on the amplifier, but many companies don't implement them in the input stage, and it sacrifices alot of the benefit of the tubes?
I think the individual channel volume controls tell you that this is meant to be used as a power amp, I imagine that’s how most will use it, using the volume control on the dac.
Sorry, but separate volume controls are an idiotic thing. They are only valid in mic preamps and things like that, to control the input level. But if you want to adjust speaker levels there's a thing called balance control. You said it: to increase or lower levels you have to mess with two controls, and you will take long to adjust them equal.
hi, i just got the h7. does it use op amps? do u know the type? have u had experience with sparkos op amps? how in the world do u take the lid off the case. i've gotten it partly out but it seems i'm not doing it right. before i break something i wanted to check with someone who has already done it.
I'd be willing to do quite a bit if Randy would review the Aiyima T9 Pro (improved version of the T9 with quite a few changes) and the Kanto YU speakers, either passive or powered, in the 5-1/4" driver size.
Shipment was real fast. I am trying to find anything I like about this Douk versus the Aiyima A08 pro. The VU needle movement is real slow when compared to the A08 Pro
Martin Logan has a sale right now on their little Forte amp/streamer w/ARC for over 50% off. Only $250 for real 100x2@4ohms, and no separate power supply. Might be worth a look!
I have a Douk ST-01 which you turned me onto and despite a few small quirks has a sound that smooth as Billy D. Williams. Running them through a pair of speakers that powered my 1960 El Camino system that was my high school wheels. The amp and my old speakers create an amazing experience. They now pair together to fill my 800 Sq. ft. cinder block man cave under my house. This is where I rock. The amp does great unless I hit it at it's highest or close to it's highest volumes for long sessions. It sometimes completely cuts out. I am assuming that with a larger power supply, this may be corrected. I also do plan on grabbing an EQ to dial in just a little more versatility. Thanks for the recommendation on that amp. I am very pleased. And thanks for your passion for what you do man. You are living the dream.
Would love to get your opinion on the Aiyima A07 Pro (upgraded) from what I can tell it’s the same as the A08 pro minus the weird looks ,VU meter and the annoying auto Bluetooth selector. The question is, does it sound as good as your beloved A08 pro?
H7 or Aiyima 08 Pro? I need to buy one or the other today. The H7 is currently 143 vs 112 for the 08 Pro. I like the options the 08 has (BT aptXHD, tone controls, bigger power supply), but I like that the H7 has nothing except an amp. the H7 comes with a 32V PSU vs 36v for the 08 Pro.
Hi Can you recommend cheapest headphone amplifier for hard drive headphones like Hifiman HE400SE that can drive it easily ? i need maximum volume Everyone suggest Fiio k5 pro ( its very expensive ) Is there anything else cheap that can give the HE400se headphones maximum volume ?
Do I really always have to get coffee with these though? I don't even like coffee :( lol I've been eyeing the VU meter switch though but that amp looks sweet too. pitty the mono VU
Great review. NEWS--- I just saw the Geshelli site has a NEW J2 DAC option: A socketed PC board to roll OP amps. The Sparkos SS2602 x2 is $158 extra for the XLR output stage. Curious as to your opinion.
be careful recommending 48v for all TPA3255 some board designs dont have 50v or higher bulk caps. if douk used anything lower than 50v caps then you'll have a really bad time
Can anyone recommend a 48V power supply. I have the Aiyima 08 Pro. I do wonder how that little power in cable and barrel plug handle 48V DC, or 32V for that matter.
You don't want a 48v. Get a 36V because a 48V is just too much , I think. You could run into letting the smoke out. And, if you do the math, 'there isn't any reason to get more power from a 48v powers supply because you won't hear the difference. Every doubling of power is another +3dB of loudness and =10dB is "twice" as loud. That's why Douk uses a 32V PSU. After that its just wasted power. I mean, as long as you aren't driving the amp past it's certified 1% THD, you're good. Don't buy more power than you need.
Great review Randy! I actually ordered this item yesterday (under a different manufacturer name). The twin volume controls were the primary selling point for me since few, if any, desktop size integrated amps (or preamps) offer balance adjustment. Unfortunately, my 62 year old ears suffer from unbalanced hearing, so this is a real issue for me. My intention is to use a preamp upstream (Schiit Saga) as a master volume control. Additionally, I plan to insert an EQ and a Rolls SX45 crossover in front of the preamp in order to send the high pass frequencies to front standmount speakers and the lows to a powered subwoofer. I'm guessing (hoping) that such a configuration should reduce the amount of power required from the amp needed to obtain my desired spl levels in my smallish living room.
It's an exciting time to watch these Chinese audio companies "Douk" it out with each other and compete over something other than price alone as their industry matures.
LMAO. Here in France vintage audio is so cheap that I have to resist the urge to buy more junk I don’t need. I just bought a 5 band Akai equalizer for 50€ to go with my 40€ Continental Edison amp. I could probably spend another 100€ for some vintage JBL, Elipson or Cabasse speakers. But I just don’t have enough space. This Douk Audio amp will probably cost me 150€ with shipping.
These affordable Chinese products are the reason so many vintage audio equipment are available on the cheap. They require little space and are so much more efficient, saves money on power consumption.
@@Shortstop-n4t I hear that argument a lot. I guess it’s just a matter of getting an amp that works well with your speakers. I happen to live near a vintage HiFi shop with affordable servicing. If you don’t have that luxury then vintage is a no-go. Expect to replace a bunch of dead transistors and capacitors.
I'm an old hi-fi guy. I still haven't warmed up to class D amps. You are making some compelling arguments though. My Sabaj A10h headphone amp sounds great and it's probably class D.
The problem with Class D is in people’s minds. For cheaper equipment, if you do it right, it’s not a problem. In fact, that applies to any equipment, analog or digital. The mind used to be a terrible thing to waste, now it’s just a terrible thing!
@@shipsahoy1793 I'm a tube guy now. Was solid state user until introduced to tubes. Good luck fixing the digital crap! Do yourself and favor and build both. Do a side-by-side. Anybody can buy some equipment and brag about it!
@@familei3349 I like old analog equipment and tubes myself…but you have to understand that the stuff that they have today, well, there’s a market for it, just because you or I don’t like it, that doesn’t mean other people have to bitch about it, because for some of those people, it’s what they need or want. There are all kinds of audio enthusiast users. That’s why so many different things at all price levels exist. I have my preferences, but I don’t think we should be snobs about it, because then we’re no better than “the other guy” that annoys us!😉 Think about it..
After having recently upgraded my main lounge hifi, Rega, marantz, bowers & wilkins I thought I finished, BUT NO! I watched your channel & went on amazon, hmm I thought I have a spare pair of q acoustic 3020i's & purchased a 50 watt bluetooth nobsound for the bedroom, I LOVE IT!, I cant believe the quality. I have a vast collection of flac albums on a portable harddrive plugged into the usb on my samsung s22 ultra & I am in my own little world, I dont have to get off the bed to change music or adjust volumes, it's small cheap and versatile so takes up little room. I may upgrade it soon now I know how great they are.
Hey Randy, Check out the Douk Audio T4 Pro ... Tube phono preamp. Also, a GREAT piece of gear that has the added benefit of an aux. input which is great for connecting an iPod, and the tubes make it sound so very sweet! Has a headphone out that makes magnetic Planar headphones sound Fantastic!
Why instead of occupying all that space on the back with XLRs and waste money on a switch that serves a minor purpose, didn't Douk add several RCA inputs and a proper input selector? Can anyone at Douk answer that? Why not use these great class-D chips to make small and affordable integrated amps? Yes, an integrated amp. With these class D amps, if you want to play different sources you have to buy a separate box with the input selector. So you need 3 boxes: amp, input selector and power supply? Some D amps come with integrated power supply, but they carry the useless treble-bass pots, instead of an input selector.
I'm liking the look and I'm liking what I'm hearing, Randy. After your comments on the bass I'd like to hear what the H7 sounds like through my Klipsch RP-160M and Mirage OMD-5 stand mount pairs, especially with the Klipsch's published specs of 96dB and 45Hz. This little Douk sort of reminds me of my personal favorite amplifier of all time, my beloved Carver TFM-15. But the only way this new Douk H7 is taking the place of my current hobby amp (Aiyima A07) would be if it would be a little LESS integrated in nature. Maybe drop the XLRs and individual channel gain knobs in favor of a plain Power Switch, single Gain knob, and dual VU meters in place of the larger knobs? Yes, avowed meter whore right here, everybody. Not ashamed of it.
I actually see the benefit of 2 volume knobs for critical listening. I would assume you could tweak your imaging to get much better stereo imaging in a not so perfect environment than just having a "balance" knob.
Oddly enough, I'm often not always dead center when music is playing in my 2 channel room, so the left and right volume controls (poor man's balance knob?) are not a deal breaker, though they could become tedious once the novelty wears off (you have to put down your cup of coffee to simultaneous alter the volume level for both channels). It has a modern steam punk visual vibe going for it. Thanks for sharing CAM!
It's really meant for using with a DAC/preamp that has volume control. Once you set/dial in your volume on the amp you leave it alone and give that job to another device.
And there have been top of the line preamps with separate L+R volume controls, usually to KISS, fewer parts, simpler circuits. Still one of my faves, Audible Illusions, later mods.
2 volume knobs? How about a balance control with a center detent? Anyway, this is a compelling offer. However, will this still be working in 5 years? Do you have any "CCAs" {cheap Chinese amps) that have been around long enough to give us some insight into longevity?
Why dual volume controls? Did they put in a TPA3255 per channel? They just should have used a single Volume control and the other one a balance control. At this level xlr is just overkill. If you use two volume pots, you also need two VU meters.... And the OFF switch in the selector should be in the middle so you do not need two clicks to switch to RCA.
One has to be careful with electronic assemblies. You cannot assume that the integrated circuit voltage is the limiting factors. The voltage rating of the capacitors used is the limiting factor, and you would not know what it is if you do not inspect them.
The biggest problem with most of these cheap Chinese amps is that they have no balance control. I guess this is a step in the right direction, but I can't understand why more don't provide some method of balancing the channels.
Too bad these are sold by Amazon. I will never buy from Amazon again after their driver lied about a handed to customer delivery and they refuse to refund me or send me another Wiim. I did send wiim an email Relaying my bad Amazon experience and encouraging them to have an alternative option to purchase.
I agree. The Sony or the similar Yamaha class AB integrated amps blow these things away and offer far more functionality (phono preamp on the Sony, FM radio, Bluetooth, headphone output, more RCA inputs, etc.) all for like you say about $20 to $50 more. The only reason I could see buying a "cheap Chinese amp" would be for use in a desktop system where small is important, say one for your computer speakers or at the office where space is at a premium. I'm thinking of getting the Fosi Audio TB10D for use at work.
The good thing about linear power supplies is that if they have beefy filter caps you have a nice reserve supply of oomph for big bass transients. You still need to worry about ripple and noise though, maybe not as much as with cheap switching supply power bricks, but clean power delivery is vital.
Douk Audio H7 amzn.to/3F6nspN
Support the Channel by Shopping on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
Cheap Audio Man Store Front shop.howl.me/cam
Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman
TRY ROON roonlabs.com/r/RTmYWdCP9kitqouBa5pcIw
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
How can you be sure _it's an actual TI chip?_ The Chinese are really good at stealing intellectual property, or just downright making fake copies of practically anything made in the West, which they're getting very good at.
Douk has an H6 and an H8. The H6 is a DAC/pre-amp I think. The H8 is a pre-amp with tubes, EQ, and a remote control. Edit: And headphone jack. And balanced inputs AND outputs. All in the same chassis style (though they have screens rather than VU meter and knobs). There's also an Aoshida version that is black.
@@Dreforian They also have a T8 which is a tube 7 band eq. I wish there was a way to connect it to my Sony receiver! I have an eq on my mobile device called GlycoV (there's also a GlycoX) that has a pre and post eq with 15 bands if used through a tab or Lap-T, and 7 if used on a phone. Unfortunately it tends to turn itself off sometimes and you have to go back and turn it on again. But it has so many ways to tweak the sound including a compressor and limiter, pre and post gain etc., in between the pre and post eq - which I have yet to understand how to use. Eventually I will. However the pre and post eq's are awesome, but I strongly prefer an actual, physical device.
Love the copper around the VU meter Themes well with Klipsch. It looks like an upside down A08 pro
The separate volume knobs would be so annoying and frustrating as to be a dealbreaker. Why couldn’t they have done as countless other amplifier manufacturers have done over the decades and used a balance knob instead?
Well it use it with Douk Audio H8 Pre Amp ..that will be the balance knob haha
I own the H7, seems like a well made product. I like it for exactly what he said, it allows me to dial in the center image on my desktop setup and it punches hard when I want to turn it up after people leave. The VU meter sensitivity needs to be maxed out to work at desktop listening levels if you want any movement. I run it with a topping e50 dac, Schiit Asgard 2 as the preamp/volume control and currently Wharfedale Diamond 225’s.
There is also the H6 dac and H8 tube buffer preamp which match the look.
I have a pair of Edifier R1900T II that I bought some 14 years ago, and recently the right channel of its amplifier died.
I bought one of these cheap Chinese amps (VHM-339) which is a 2.1 channel (100w sub + 2x50w main, TPA3116D2 x2) amp to power these speakers AND a Sony Subwoofer from a dead home theater I had laying around. Just had to pair it with a 24 volt power supply from a printer I had laying around, and voilá!
I never thought I could have such great audio from such a cheap amp. Pumping clear and deep bass, and mids and highs are as clear as they were before using the Edifier's own amp (TDA2050 amps). I really has an 'analogue' feel to it, like a valve amp or something which I really enjoy. The little thing has knobs to adjust the volume for the main speakers and the sub, and even has frequency cutoff adjustment for the subwoofer!
Plus now I have the convenience of the power and volume knobs at my hand instead of the back of the right speaker. My desktop music listening has never been better!
14 years out of a pair of speakers is good , to be fair. And now you given them a new lease of life. Impressive. I got two pair of Edifier myself, so it's good to know.
@@davidbeard90 I could repair their internal amp, probably it's a bad cap, but it would be more expensive than the solution I got, and as a bonus I got a subwoofer output so I can use them as a proper 2.1 channel system.
Nice job, Sir. You've carved out an admirable niche in this space. Had to chuckle when you mentioned how far 'Class D' has come in just the last 18 months.. Wow how time flies. Be well and keep up the good work.
Sidenote: please reinforce that shaky table from previous vids- it gives me anxiety :)
For those wondering, apparently the Suca Audio U7, Aoshida A7, Nobsound H7 and Douk Audio H7 are all the same product.
Hi Randy, Great video! The TI data sheet for the TPA3255 suggests the usable power output of the H7 is about 55W/channel (8 ohm @1% THD) and double into 4 ohm. Here's why I say that. Just for giggles, I dug into the data sheet for the Texas Instruments TPA3255 and found the following info regarding its power output. This is from Figure 8. Output Power vs Supply Voltage on page 11 of the data sheet. Power output per channel (stereo) into 8 ohms @ 1% THD+N at various power supply voltage inputs are: @24Vin, power out = 32W; @32V in, power out = 56W; @48V in, power out = 130W; @53.3V in, power out = 155W. 53.3V in is the maximum allowed by the way. Power out is doubled into 4 ohms. Those power outputs are from reading a graph, so are approximate. While the data sheet does list outputs at 10% THD, I suspect Class D listenability suffers greatly at that distortion level, and so in my opinion the maximum listenable power output if this chip is the 1% THD figure.
Hi Randy ! Yes I’m sitting down and I have grabbed a cup of coffee! 😂love that !! I’m wondering!! I have a vintage nad 3150 amp that I love it’s been fully serviced and works a treat I’m using a pair of pmc tb2 speakers and use a streamer and turntable could I use this to power the bass units on the pmc s and have the nad powering the tweeters ? Bi amp just would like a bit more punch on the bottom end ! Or am I nuts ? The pmc speakers are 90 db sensitivity rated ! Love your videos brings a smile during the horrible weather in the uk
I bought the Douk Audio X1 for my daughter to use with an old pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 s. It has a tube preamp and a phono stage. I had my old Dual 1216 turntable restored and we added a Monoprice sub. It’s a heck of a system for a teenager. And you can’t beat the price.
I always make sure that I watch your reviews on topics/gear like this. These videos are very helpful, you provide great insight and I appreciate how you compare features between the new gear and previous Cheapaudioman reviewed gear. You are certainly one of RUclips's Gem Channels. Thank you sir! BTW- yes been to Seattle... Awesome City!
I dunno what they were thinking with twin volume controls. Did they want to make the front panel look busy and fill it out? The centered meter is a nice touch.
For me, the dual volume is an absolute turn ON! My first and very new amateur stereo system I've noticed is volume heavy on the left speaker, but when I use the balance control on my Yamaha rcvr it tends to sort of neuter the over all sound quality and volume on both speakers. If I have the option to just pump up the right speaker a little bit to match the left...BINGO!
I love that new Douk amp. I too wish they would develop it, same shape, same color. Very nice design.
Be sure to update us when it breaks in 6 months
These little amps are very nice for a bedroom or someone that doesn't need a full receiver. I run one a Suca audio which meets my needs for my bedroom. It easily runs my Klipsch bookshelves, the cheaper ones and some Bose cube's for rears that were given me. It's plenty for my application. It even has a subwoofer out. And for 70 bucks totally worth it.
I'm still using my 2 year old DOUK Audio P1 headphone amp (USB/Bluetooth/phone line-in plus speaker out) 2 valve unit and it is still awesome. It is only for casual listening in my case but it sounds perfectly good. I paid £89 English Pounds for it in late 2021 - a bargain!
I do have several A07's (with 48v 10a ps) and 2 T9's with 30v power supply's
I won't lie. I picked one up to run a set of klipsch r41s at my pc. Since I've used it on a set of Sony sc5 and elac debut b6. Also ran an emotiva a100. And the crazy part was. This little thing destroyed that emotiva in output. The emotiva never got loud enough to distort at full volume. U could max it and be comfortable listening. The douk. Was so loud I felt if I pushed any further I was gonna blow my speakers and still didn't distort. Needless to say I sold the emotiva and kept the douk as it was a way smaller footprint and just packed more punch plus mine had a sub output. Coming from a guy who runs a Yamaha rxa2080 with emotiva amps in his theater.
Randy - just checking to see if you plan on any more Cheap Watch Man content in the future. Thanks,
-Tym
The dual volume controls is a big turn off, why not just do a balance circuit into it?
Scrolling through Amazon came across a Douk audio headphone preamp looked similar. Same balanced connections.
What's the value of a sensitivity dial control on a static measurement scale??
Seems like a good mate for the SMSL DO100 I just ordered. :)
Would this need a preamp if using a vinyl player?
Hey Randy,.have you ever tested any of the Dauk audio, tube preamplifiers?
Alot of people say the tubes used in a preamp setting give a really great sound. Paul from PSB says that tubes are great on the amplifier, but many companies don't implement them in the input stage, and it sacrifices alot of the benefit of the tubes?
I definitely like tube preamps, still love and use Audible Illusion later mods.❤
Great sounds are achievable for a lot less $$ than PSA.
great review - very interesting amp🙏🏻👍🏻😊
Douk Audio H7 vs aiyama a08 pro ?
I think the individual channel volume controls tell you that this is meant to be used as a power amp, I imagine that’s how most will use it, using the volume control on the dac.
Sorry, but separate volume controls are an idiotic thing. They are only valid in mic preamps and things like that, to control the input level. But if you want to adjust speaker levels there's a thing called balance control. You said it: to increase or lower levels you have to mess with two controls, and you will take long to adjust them equal.
@@carlose.martinez545 there's a thing called balace control 😆
Seems like the design complements a tube preamp they make. I don't remember the model, but I was considering it to pair with my A07.
hi, i just got the h7. does it use op amps? do u know the type? have u had experience with sparkos op amps? how in the world do u take the lid off the case. i've gotten it partly out but it seems i'm not doing it right. before i break something i wanted to check with someone who has already done it.
Move the sensitivity control to the back, add Bass Treble and single volume control and I'm sold. Like the appearance with Meter centered.
Guarantee you Randy saw that VU meter and immediately clicked "buy now" lol
When you tested it... just curious, the Elac BS-41 - are they 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers?
I'd be willing to do quite a bit if Randy would review the Aiyima T9 Pro (improved version of the T9 with quite a few changes) and the Kanto YU speakers, either passive or powered, in the 5-1/4" driver size.
Shipment was real fast. I am trying to find anything I like about this Douk versus the Aiyima A08 pro.
The VU needle movement is real slow when compared to the A08 Pro
Martin Logan has a sale right now on their little Forte amp/streamer w/ARC for over 50% off. Only $250 for real 100x2@4ohms, and no separate power supply. Might be worth a look!
I have a Douk ST-01 which you turned me onto and despite a few small quirks has a sound that smooth as Billy D. Williams. Running them through a pair of speakers that powered my 1960 El Camino system that was my high school wheels. The amp and my old speakers create an amazing experience. They now pair together to fill my 800 Sq. ft. cinder block man cave under my house. This is where I rock. The amp does great unless I hit it at it's highest or close to it's highest volumes for long sessions. It sometimes completely cuts out. I am assuming that with a larger power supply, this may be corrected. I also do plan on grabbing an EQ to dial in just a little more versatility. Thanks for the recommendation on that amp. I am very pleased. And thanks for your passion for what you do man. You are living the dream.
Would love to get your opinion on the Aiyima A07 Pro (upgraded) from what I can tell it’s the same as the A08 pro minus the weird looks ,VU meter and the annoying auto Bluetooth selector. The question is, does it sound as good as your beloved A08 pro?
I am interested in the answer to this question too.
H7 or Aiyima 08 Pro? I need to buy one or the other today. The H7 is currently 143 vs 112 for the 08 Pro. I like the options the 08 has (BT aptXHD, tone controls, bigger power supply), but I like that the H7 has nothing except an amp. the H7 comes with a 32V PSU vs 36v for the 08 Pro.
Randy; What do you like better? The Aiyima T9, or the Douk H7? I still prefer vintage audio gear. I probably have a ton of it.
Hi
Can you recommend cheapest headphone amplifier for hard drive headphones like Hifiman HE400SE that can drive it easily ?
i need maximum volume
Everyone suggest Fiio k5 pro ( its very expensive )
Is there anything else cheap that can give the HE400se headphones maximum volume ?
Do I really always have to get coffee with these though?
I don't even like coffee :(
lol
I've been eyeing the VU meter switch though but that amp looks sweet too. pitty the mono VU
the Douk Audi Little Bear works great
@@HappyHighwayman that's the one!
you done any ABing yet? :D
@@masterxyr i only have one set of spakers, but two amps. I use one for music and one for Home Theater.
@@HappyHighwayman 2 amps..? And you haven’t ab’ed them yet? :D
@@masterxyr It's not easy to get one source into both amps . For fun I just A/B'd my Axiom M22 vs my Paradigm atoms though
Great review. NEWS--- I just saw the Geshelli site has a NEW J2 DAC option: A socketed PC board to roll OP amps. The Sparkos SS2602 x2 is $158 extra for the XLR output stage. Curious as to your opinion.
Amp TI3116D2 x2 is good. They all use that combo too.
be careful recommending 48v for all TPA3255 some board designs dont have 50v or higher bulk caps. if douk used anything lower than 50v caps then you'll have a really bad time
My monoblock tpa3255 's killed a hiel China ribbon only had 15 w rating. Silk domes next with higher power rating.
This is a similar design to the xDuo MT-604 tube headphone amp; twin volume controls and balanced in/out...............👍
Thanks
Looks cool.
Q acoustic 3030i would be a nice speaker with this.
Can anyone recommend a 48V power supply. I have the Aiyima 08 Pro. I do wonder how that little power in cable and barrel plug handle 48V DC, or 32V for that matter.
You don't want a 48v. Get a 36V because a 48V is just too much , I think. You could run into letting the smoke out. And, if you do the math, 'there isn't any reason to get more power from a 48v powers supply because you won't hear the difference. Every doubling of power is another +3dB of loudness and =10dB is "twice" as loud. That's why Douk uses a 32V PSU. After that its just wasted power. I mean, as long as you aren't driving the amp past it's certified 1% THD, you're good. Don't buy more power than you need.
you going to need a passive, dac, or active volume control with this.
It'd be nice if you went under the cover to see if the insides were as good as the outsides. Just another data point.
Most likely to be identical to similar chip amp photos, certainly nothing surprisingly impressive ($$).
Great review Randy!
I actually ordered this item yesterday (under a different manufacturer name). The twin volume controls were the primary selling point for me since few, if any, desktop size integrated amps (or preamps) offer balance adjustment. Unfortunately, my 62 year old ears suffer from unbalanced hearing, so this is a real issue for me. My intention is to use a preamp upstream (Schiit Saga) as a master volume control.
Additionally, I plan to insert an EQ and a Rolls SX45 crossover in front of the preamp in order to send the high pass frequencies to front standmount speakers and the lows to a powered subwoofer. I'm guessing (hoping) that such a configuration should reduce the amount of power required from the amp needed to obtain my desired spl levels in my smallish living room.
No disrespect, just curious, but did your forehead get cut?
The Fosi TB10D doesn't allow bridging, either. I've meant to ask them why.
Wow the burden of choice is getting heavier every day, what an awesome time to be in this hobby, great vid as always, thanks Randy!
It's an exciting time to watch these Chinese audio companies "Douk" it out with each other and compete over something other than price alone as their industry matures.
LMAO. Here in France vintage audio is so cheap that I have to resist the urge to buy more junk I don’t need. I just bought a 5 band Akai equalizer for 50€ to go with my 40€ Continental Edison amp. I could probably spend another 100€ for some vintage JBL, Elipson or Cabasse speakers. But I just don’t have enough space. This Douk Audio amp will probably cost me 150€ with shipping.
These affordable Chinese products are the reason so many vintage audio equipment are available on the cheap. They require little space and are so much more efficient, saves money on power consumption.
@@Shortstop-n4t I hear that argument a lot. I guess it’s just a matter of getting an amp that works well with your speakers. I happen to live near a vintage HiFi shop with affordable servicing. If you don’t have that luxury then vintage is a no-go. Expect to replace a bunch of dead transistors and capacitors.
Wow this sounds like a nice breakthrough cool. Good one...I had forgot you did a Douk Tube Amp Video too, lol. Keep up the good work.
Is this good for the bro 2,would like to send it to my niece 🤔
Yes…it’d be a good match.
The dual volume circuits and knobs does irritate me immensely, but the VU meter is cool. Thank you for your time and effort sharing this with us all.
Looks cool but when I want to wake the neighbors I’ll stick with my pioneer SX1250 😂. I love more power.
I'm an old hi-fi guy. I still haven't warmed up to class D amps. You are making some compelling arguments though. My Sabaj A10h headphone amp sounds great and it's probably class D.
The problem with Class D is in people’s minds. For cheaper equipment, if you do it right, it’s not a problem. In fact, that applies to any equipment, analog or digital. The mind used to be a terrible thing to waste, now it’s just a terrible thing!
@@shipsahoy1793 I'm a tube guy now. Was solid state user until introduced to tubes. Good luck fixing the digital crap! Do yourself and favor and build both. Do a side-by-side. Anybody can buy some equipment and brag about it!
@@familei3349 I like old analog equipment and tubes myself…but you have to understand that the stuff that they have today, well, there’s a market for it, just because you or I don’t like it, that doesn’t mean other people have to bitch about it, because for some of those people, it’s what they need or want.
There are all kinds of audio enthusiast users. That’s why so many different things at all price levels exist. I have my preferences, but I don’t think we should be snobs about it, because then we’re no better than “the other guy” that annoys us!😉 Think about it..
I heard enough to determine this is not a good linear amplifier. On to the next one....
After having recently upgraded my main lounge hifi, Rega, marantz, bowers & wilkins I thought I finished, BUT NO! I watched your channel & went on amazon, hmm I thought I have a spare pair of q acoustic 3020i's & purchased a 50 watt bluetooth nobsound for the bedroom, I LOVE IT!, I cant believe the quality. I have a vast collection of flac albums on a portable harddrive plugged into the usb on my samsung s22 ultra & I am in my own little world, I dont have to get off the bed to change music or adjust volumes, it's small cheap and versatile so takes up little room. I may upgrade it soon now I know how great they are.
👍👍
Three hundred in Canada.
Hey Randy, Check out the Douk Audio T4 Pro ... Tube phono preamp. Also, a GREAT piece of gear that has the added benefit of an aux. input which is great for connecting an iPod, and the tubes make it sound so very sweet! Has a headphone out that makes magnetic Planar headphones sound Fantastic!
I almost bought this
Why instead of occupying all that space on the back with XLRs and waste money on a switch that serves a minor purpose, didn't Douk add several RCA inputs and a proper input selector? Can anyone at Douk answer that? Why not use these great class-D chips to make small and affordable integrated amps? Yes, an integrated amp. With these class D amps, if you want to play different sources you have to buy a separate box with the input selector. So you need 3 boxes: amp, input selector and power supply? Some D amps come with integrated power supply, but they carry the useless treble-bass pots, instead of an input selector.
Oh, don't forget a DAC because the H7 doesn't have one. The amps that use Bluetooth have a BT DAC, but it doesn't work for any other input.
Not for me I need my amplifiers to have some base and treble controls. Also MUCH prefer a separate balance control, I am out not for me.
I'm liking the look and I'm liking what I'm hearing, Randy. After your comments on the bass I'd like to hear what the H7 sounds like through my Klipsch RP-160M and Mirage OMD-5 stand mount pairs, especially with the Klipsch's published specs of 96dB and 45Hz.
This little Douk sort of reminds me of my personal favorite amplifier of all time, my beloved Carver TFM-15. But the only way this new Douk H7 is taking the place of my current hobby amp (Aiyima A07) would be if it would be a little LESS integrated in nature. Maybe drop the XLRs and individual channel gain knobs in favor of a plain Power Switch, single Gain knob, and dual VU meters in place of the larger knobs? Yes, avowed meter whore right here, everybody. Not ashamed of it.
You've kept the Carver just to light the meters? Freak! 👍😆😆
AM I DREAMING?
A CHEAP AMPLIFIER WITH XLR INPUTS
THIS IS AWESOME
What do you do while you listen to music? Do you read or some other sort of multi-task? Or do you just listen and nothing else?
Try the vtv hypex NC 252mp.
I actually see the benefit of 2 volume knobs for critical listening.
I would assume you could tweak your imaging to get much better stereo imaging in a not so perfect environment than just having a "balance" knob.
Ohhh, this one cries for a button to bridge both volume knobs. 2 Vols, not for me.
Oddly enough, I'm often not always dead center when music is playing in my 2 channel room, so the left and right volume controls (poor man's balance knob?) are not a deal breaker, though they could become tedious once the novelty wears off (you have to put down your cup of coffee to simultaneous alter the volume level for both channels). It has a modern steam punk visual vibe going for it. Thanks for sharing CAM!
It's really meant for using with a DAC/preamp that has volume control. Once you set/dial in your volume on the amp you leave it alone and give that job to another device.
And there have been top of the line preamps with separate L+R volume controls, usually to KISS, fewer parts, simpler circuits. Still one of my faves,
Audible Illusions, later mods.
I just ordered a nubesound ns-04g
You mean a nobsound & I totally agree.
I think "nube" was deliberate.
@Ian Loveless lol 😆 deliberate nube 😆 🤣
2 volume knobs? How about a balance control with a center detent? Anyway, this is a compelling offer.
However, will this still be working in 5 years? Do you have any "CCAs" {cheap Chinese amps) that have been around long enough to give us some insight into longevity?
It's $130 ... if it breaks in 5 years, take the financial hit.
I have topping/smsl amps from the 2010's that all still work flawlessly. Unless you do bad things class d with good cooling will last forever.
@@vettemaniac2237 Yeah, because you know... landfills and junk.
This device in its current 2 volume controls configuration is either gonna die a horrible death or get a redesign very soon!
Why dual volume controls? Did they put in a TPA3255 per channel? They just should have used a single Volume control and the other one a balance control. At this level xlr is just overkill.
If you use two volume pots, you also need two VU meters.... And the OFF switch in the selector should be in the middle so you do not need two clicks to switch to RCA.
this amp is not good for my ocd, not having both volumes exactly at same level would drive me crazy....
Same
“On the back” ! 🤪
One has to be careful with electronic assemblies. You cannot assume that the integrated circuit voltage is the limiting factors. The voltage rating of the capacitors used is the limiting factor, and you would not know what it is if you do not inspect them.
Would like to know how good it is compared to SMSL DA-9
Looks like another winner from Douk Audio, and I think this design is sharp looking. Thanks for the review.
The dual volume control is a deal breaker for me.
This amp is a stupid offering.
They are certainly not progressing upward.
Douk surprise!🤔
It has a built in battery backup for that VU meter.
I'm crazy.. and not in a good way :)
The biggest problem with most of these cheap Chinese amps is that they have no balance control. I guess this is a step in the right direction, but I can't understand why more don't provide some method of balancing the channels.
On second thought, a speaker l-pad would probably produce the same result, so never mind.
So don't buy this one, wait another 18 months
Too bad these are sold by Amazon. I will never buy from Amazon again after their driver lied about a handed to customer delivery and they refuse to refund me or send me another Wiim.
I did send wiim an email Relaying my bad Amazon experience and encouraging them to have an alternative option to purchase.
Analog meter. WIN!
Usually he has a link below that will give us a better look at the product
I don't understand why anyone would choose amps like this over the Sony STR-DH190. More inputs, Bluetooth, 100watts x 2, FM, for $20 more.
I agree. The Sony or the similar Yamaha class AB integrated amps blow these things away and offer far more functionality (phono preamp on the Sony, FM radio, Bluetooth, headphone output, more RCA inputs, etc.) all for like you say about $20 to $50 more. The only reason I could see buying a "cheap Chinese amp" would be for use in a desktop system where small is important, say one for your computer speakers or at the office where space is at a premium. I'm thinking of getting the Fosi Audio TB10D for use at work.
Two volume knobs? Really? Isn't that the purpose of a balance knob which is far more dynamic?
First!!
I'm gonna buy a commercial grade $40 power supply and make my own 10 amp 48v power supply.
I did this for the A07. Improved sound quality as well as power output.
@@donfinnie3303 Thanks that's what I have now. What power supply did you use? Did you buy the cable or cut it off the A07?
@@HappyHighwayman For the power supply, I cut the end off of a heavy duty computer power cord.
@@HappyHighwayman About $50. I run it at 44 volts. The power caps in the A07 are rated 50V and I don't want to push them too hard.
The good thing about linear power supplies is that if they have beefy filter caps you have a nice reserve supply of oomph for big bass transients. You still need to worry about ripple and noise though, maybe not as much as with cheap switching supply power bricks, but clean power delivery is vital.
This amp is a piece of junk.
STOP moving the products around so much!!!! Give us a chance to actually get a good look!!! Maybe cut back on your coffee intake?
You realize that you can pause the video and look at the product laying still as much as you want, right?
@@tech4life884 that’s not a nice post!
Then there’s the manufacturer’s website - if they have one
I agree you didn’t hold it still long enough for me to even hit the pause (70 year old reflexes).
@@fonkenful or the Amazon link he posted,,,,