Just purchased the TH-X100. I would like to run a reasonably sized tube amp - looking for suggestions/reviews as far as make and model.
Also, if you recommend a particular tube amp, will it need a DAC prior to input from a common iPod?
AKMay4669It's not technically a tube amp but I love running mine out of my Aune T1 tube dac/amp. Lovely combo if you love warm lush sound sigs. Aune also sounds just as great with my only pair of open cans- Fidelio X1.
mayorblurpsHave you had the opportunity to A/B test that Aune T1 against a regular solid state amp? I am curious if it produces a "tubey" sound at all, or basically any sound different from a regular solid state amp. I realize these "hybrid" solid state + tube amps are not the same thing as something like a DarkVoice, but I like the look of them and would consider buying one if they sound at all different.
TheAnalystI wish I could give you better info... Before I got the Aune T1 I was just using the Matrix M-Stage amp/dac (1st version I believe) and I really liked it but it wasn't anything mind blowing. The Aune T1 definitely, to my ears, colors the sound a bit more as it's warmer and more full sounding (also a lot smaller) the tube DAC part does most of the work soundwise anyway. Unfortunately since I have yet to own a true tube amp or something close to it, I can't tell you if the Aune T1 sounds 'tubey' but it definitely has quite a following and I love mine. There's a dedicated Head Fi thread that you might find a better answer? My M stage is sitting in its box since I got the Aune.