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xDuoo MT-602 Tube Hybrid Headphone Amplifier
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xDuoo MT-602 Tube Hybrid Headphone Amplifier
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Product Description
Tube versus transistor: it’s an age-old amplifier matchup, with the winner often coming down to preference. When you can’t decide, xDuoo’s MT-602 headphone amp settles the score by bringing you both Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downAmiltonc
0
Jun 27, 2021
Rowdy2026This a hybrid amplifier, and yes, the tube on the hybrid amp makes a difference, I've already compared 3 different hybrid amps with solid state amps, and on hybrids there's always a fuller sound, with more body and presence, and stronger bass , and that difference is due to the tube. On hybrids that use 12AU7 tubes it is possible to make them all solid state because there is a solid state component that fits in the tube socket, but without the tube they don't work; the hybrid amps I tested were the Hifiman EF-5, Bravo Ocean and this Xduoo MT-602.
Rowdy2026
803
Jun 27, 2021
Amiltonc“On hybrids that use 12AU7 tubes it is possible to make them all solid state because there is a solid state component that fits in the tube socket,…”
What are you on about?
There is a solid state component?
Say it with me…THE AMP IS A SOLID STATE.
mattris
1270
Keyboard Club Member
Jan 28, 2021
Since Drop's description is incomplete, to say the least:
huy0819
73
Feb 1, 2021
(Edited)
Sujay Rao
109
Mar 8, 2021
huy0819Try the Loxjie P20. Bit more expensive but really sweet even with the stock tubes.
Rowdy2026
803
Mar 11, 2021
“If you want tubey holographic reverb goodness; you may want to look elsewhere...”
You mean like a...tube amp?
hypnoticdcime
161
Jan 29, 2021
Check out their NEW XA-10 portal balanced DAC. How much $? Is the xDuoo tuby amp even Drop endorsed??
alphamachina
21
Mar 8, 2021
Same price (and sometimes cheaper) on Amazon. What's with Drop lately? These "drops" are pointless.
static.overdub
555
Aug 27, 2021
Take this moment to reflect on how few people on this planet care about you.
Your posts have been hidden, but I'm sure you're used to it by now.
Rowdy2026
803
Aug 28, 2021
static.overdubLol..what? Care to provide some context to my hidden posts or even an example? Are you ok?
hypnoticdcime
161
Jan 29, 2021
Looks like they really copied Schiit here! These tube and solid state amps are pretty much all the same. I own the Loxjie P20 and it is a balanced tube/SS with XLR outs, for $99. Also the Aune T1, same thing with 1 tube. It is almost time to invest in a Dark Voice or Little Dot MKII, both of which are REAL tube amps. Expect to spend anywhere from $180 - $380. The foul mouthed Zeos, who is very animated and getting rich, literally very rich from us on YouTube, has reviews for both above. If you can put up with all the anime and F bombs (Parents) check him out.
(Edited)
MrMook
53
Jan 29, 2021
I mean, sure, I wouldn't really want my kid watching his show, but also I don't think I could make my 8 year old sit through a 20 minute GoPro video of a messy desk where a guy is talking about ohms and dynamic range if I tried. The Venn diagram of kids who care about headphone impedance and kids who have never heard the F word before looks like this: O O
(Edited)
PolloLoco
12
Mar 27, 2021
MakauuThough I noted comments on the Loxjie, I haven't seen any direct comparisons. So here's mine. I've had the Loxjie P20 for about a year. I've tube rolled between the stock, GE JAN's and settled on a pair of Voshkods as my favorite.
I have an FX Audio pre-amp, that really didn't add any tube character with 6J1 tubes. I bought this XDUOO MT-602 hoping to add the flexibility of a more powerful headphone amp. That was a big success for me.
I first bought the Loxjie because I was enamored by balanced connections. The Loxjie is a nice amp, but never blew me away. If I had it to do over, I'd just buy the XDUOO MT-602. Clearer sound for me, more power, and a preamp option that actually makes a subtle tube difference.
I spent the last couple of weeks running comparisons by connecting both to my Sabaj D5 - and running them at the same time. The Loxjie connected by XLR and the XDUOO by RCA. The only other potential unfairness is I'm powering the XDUOO with a linear power supply, and the Loxjie with a battery. I'm just going to compare the headphone out of the XDUOO and the XLR out of the Loxjie - since the single ended port of the P20 is just weak.
Power - The XDUOO provides much more power. At work - I'd max out the P20 using sensitive IEM's and my IFI IEMATCH set to ultra. I repeated that test with my modded Monoprice M1060C's and using the IEMATCH on Ultra. Maxing out the P20 - I could hear comfortably, but that's it. On the XDUOO by comparison, I was at 3 o'clock, where I could listen at borderline painful volume. There was still substantial headroom.
Sound - The XDUOO was much clearer than the P20 through the mids and highs, though the bass was very similar. I'm using Mullards in the XDUOO - which are supposed to be a warm tube, but the treble is more extended on the XDUOO. That may be a negative for some. Soundstage is very similar. But the resolution and speed on my M1060C's sounds like a big improvement. I'm picking up microdetail I didn't expect out of these headphones. I suspect that though they're easy to drive, they enjoy the extra power.
Preamp - Don't buy this amp JUST as a preamp. The difference is very subtle, but it's there. I installed a switch in my system so I could go straight from the DAC, or through the XDUOO immediately - in the middle of the song. Don't expect a lot of tubey goodness, but there is a general warmth and fullness improvement. With my old FX Audio preamp (just a tube buffer really) I sensed practically zero difference. I don't think I need to pursue tube character further. I've been using this as a preamp for my Electrostatic headphones, fed by a Stax SRM 717.
Overall - I'm happy with this purchase.
andrewpable
4
Jan 28, 2021
How does this compare to other options, like little dot, dark voice, xduoo ta-05?
Fayne
2586
Feb 2, 2021
The Sundara isn't too difficult to drive, especially if you're looking at hybrid amplifiers. This MT-602 should be able to do such even. Plus the MT-602 works as a tube-preamp, so you can get the taste of the tube with your regular solid state amp. Pretty much any of the xDuoo hybrid amps should be able to drive Sundara. The CTH also shouldn't have any problems pushing the Sundara hard enough to melt your eardrums.
If you're looking for pure tube amps for use with planar, you're generally going to need something with a transformer at the output, and that will push the price closer to $300USD new (audio transformers are expensive). The Gemtune PA1502A APPJ for example has no problems driving planar above 32Ω, and has a gain switch for pushing those cans that need the extra nut. The Monoprice Monolith 29511 is another amp that can drive pretty much any impedance headphone. Turn the dial to select the Ω range and off you go. Just don't use the built-in DAC with sensitive cans, it can cause interference.
rutwikkiller
2
Feb 2, 2021
FayneThanks a lot, for now I will go with an hybrid tube amp before heading out for more expensive OTL and transformer tube amps , just wanted to check if my 6xx will become any better or now 😅 , I have my eyes on this xduoo mt602 or little dot mk2!! Thank you 👍
Photodesignch
9
Jun 2, 2021
I have both Schiit Vali2 and XDuoo MT-602. Not a scientific review but I am sure people would wondering how these two compares.
Vali2
pros :
* 2 gain stages. Easier to match IEMs
* larger, easiest to find, cheaper tube. No need to match it.
* warmer, more realistic, wider sound stage
* better performance as a preamp
* glowing orange light is brighter, prettier
* no pop sound when turns on or off
* much better circuit design
* much better linear power supply
* more clarity
cons :
* more expensive
* not as good volume knob
MT-602
pros :
* two tubes? (Some people probably care more?)
* its V curve. Boost more on treble and bass
* a bit sharper
* 2 sizes of headphone output
* great, huge volume knob
* only $99 save nearly $50
cons :
* crappy power supply. Clearly not as good, less power output too!
* Lacks of clarity than Vali2. Sounds more digital, let mid-low frequencies somewhat muddy.
* anything from your finger nail tapping or wire goes through the metal box, it creates echo from the tubes you can hear the “ring” sound. Especially you are not turning it on. Vali2 has no such issue
* Crappy as a preamp. Nearly doesn’t add much to sound quality
* only 1 gain stage! Use IEMs would be too loud. Need to tam down the volume from the source
for the compact size and price I would highly recommend people to get it. However if you have Vali2 then you don’t need to stop wondering. It’s not better.
tested with class d power amp and nice speakers. Headphones from Shure, dre iem to Sony, audio technica
(Edited)
RayF
22220
Jan 29, 2021
Just realized I met the engineer who designed the MT-602 at a party last year.
Nice guy too.
(Edited)
hypnoticdcime
161
Jan 29, 2021
You, you your funny Ray! You know, just, ah, funny. Your a fun guy.
(Edited)
Rowdy2026
803
Mar 11, 2021
RayFI always wondered what the guys buying $100 solid state amps and convincing themselves they get ‘tubey goodness’ from them looked like...now I know. 😎
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