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75% would recommend to a friend 
xDuoo TA-01B DAC/Amp
01 / 05
xDuoo TA-01B DAC/Amp
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Product Description
A new and improved version of the popular TA-01, the xDuoo TA-01B DAC/amp can easily drive high-end headphones, packing a lot of power into a compact piece of gear. The 12AU7 tube brings some warmth to the sound signature, hitting the sweet spot between analytical reference and homemade hi-fi Read More
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Customer Reviews
4.4
(17 reviews)
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keyboard_arrow_downInfinityTech82
18
Jan 10, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Ordered in December 2018 and just got it last night, Jan 9, 2019. Using it with an older laptop running Windows 7 Pro. Tried to use driver software on the tiny CD they included, nothing worked. When trying to load the USB patch, my laptop ran the installer for about 10 seconds, then said that particular Windows Update was already installed, okay, fine. Second step was to install USB 3.0 Driver Installer and that never worked, tried several times both before and after patch install noted above and also after several restarts.
Finally went to xDuoo website and downloaded their latest USB Driver, labelled XDUOO USB DRIVER（For XD-05,POKE,TA-10), and even though it was dated November 2017, it worked great. Version 4.x, as I recall. Once I got the driver installed, I went into the laptop's Control Panel/Audio/Manage Audio Devices and was able to select the xDuoo device and made it my default playback device. It would be great if the latest driver software came with this unit, it shipped in 2019 and came with software that evidently is older than the November 2017 version on xDuoo's website.
Wonderful! I have an ancient pair of 600 ohm AKG K-240 monitor headphones. My laptop wouldn't drive them to a decent level, very banal sound, too. I stayed up late playing almost all of my old audio reference/test files. A couple of my favorites are an old direct-to-disc Charlie Byrd that I converted to a lossless WAV file many years ago, a WAV version of an old Red Nichols MFSL vinyl album, Live at Marineland (originally recorded in 1959!), and an old WAV version of another direct-to-disc, For Duke, recorded with some of Duke Ellington's old sidemen and some newer kids, plus many old MFSL albums and some newer stuff, too, like Adele Live at RAH.
The ambience of the Red Nichols and the extreme fidelity and clarity of the D2D albums blew me away. Back in the day, when I spun these up on my turntable, I almost always listened through my Infinity RS 2.5 speakers and it amazed me to hear things when using the headphone that I didn't recall hearing when using the ultrawideband Infinity's.
The sound just comes out of nothingness, a very black background. No hiss (unless it's on the master tape!) and no buzz, just an extremely quiet noise floor. I tried out Wish You Were Here from a stock CD and the beginning was very quiet, the music just starts up with no issues. The remastered DCC gold version of The Door's classic LA Woman album just knocked my socks off! So clear and detailed and not brittle or fatiguing, just fantastic.
Great low end, fantastic, clear highs and while I've only listened to it for several hours last night, I am extremely happy with this unit. I never had to max out the volume except for one, very low-level file I have and mostly, the volume stayed around mid-range and drove the AKG's very loud indeed, a HUGE improvement over the laptop's built-in sound-card. Even the MP3s I listened to sounded great, smooth and detailed. Evidently, that tube is working it's magic on some of my harsh digital files.
Mine had the USB-C connector on the back and while it came with a 12V DC power supply, their was no IEC power cord for the supply to plug into the wall. I have many of them laying around, so not a problem for me, but be aware you'll need one to power this unit if you do not have one on hand.
I plan on having many happy evenings breaking in the 12AUX7 and listening to many old favorite tracks with new ears!! I recently replaced my AKG's headband tensioners (they were worn out, these headphones are at least 30 years old!) and although I'm very happy with their sound, I might even break down and buy some new Sennheiser or HIFIMAN headphones for even more serious listening. This was a no brainer as the original MSRP was $200 and I got it for $120. Highly recommended.
EDIT - 12MAR2020: Unit stopped working in December 2019. The red LINK LED on the rear no longer lights when I plug the USB cable into the laptop, indicating no USB connection. I can hear a relay click, but the LED never comes on. I contacted the manufacturer and they told me it would be repaired free under warranty. I boxed it up and the Post Office quoted my $49 to ship it back! As I only paid $100 for it, I declined. I'll try to take a look at it and see if there is anything I can do myself. I went to the xDuoo website and found new firmware and a new USB driver, so I will also try updating that. I'll try to report back when I know something more.
(Edited)
moheganer9
14
Feb 7, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
I have used this product for about a month with the HD6xx and Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro.This amp has plenty of power-should drive any headphone-I never go above the 9 0'clock position.I override the built in dac with a Schitt Modi and swapped the included tube with a GE5814A.The sound is absolutely great.
Recommends this product? Yes
B00mer57
10
Feb 2, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Nice Little Amp Once You Replace the Tube
Replace the stock tube.
Based on postings here and elsewhere, I saw this as a cheap entry to tube rolling and picked up an electro-harmonix 12AU7 EH on sale for about $15. After unboxing and listening for about an hour, there was nothing too impressive about this amp except the power. It drove the HD6xx well but was not going to de-throne the Schiit stack. I’ll call it more bass-forward but disappointing on the higher end. Get the 2.5mm hex key, remove the top cover and swap the tube.
Wow. Big difference for that $15. The bass is still there but with much improved mids and highs. Your ears and music will drive your preference, but for me this amp is now competitive with the Schiit Magni 3 + Modi 2 Uber. The Drop HD6xx seems to be the best match, but Philips SHP9500, Sony 7506 and thinksound On2 are all improved. My HD6xx’s are still pretty new, so there’s probably break-in time to come for the amp, the cans and probably the tube as well. Hopefully for the better for all. Will probably let everything settle for a while, but looking forward to trying another tube.
Connected to mid-2014 MacBook Pro via USB, iPad 2018 and iPhone X via Apple lightning to USB3 dongle. The xDuoo shouldn’t be drawing any juice, but connecting power to the USB dongle seems to work best for me. Sometimes the dongle needs to be disconnected/reconnected to be recognized.
gtdaqua
30
Jan 11, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
This is a very good tube amp.
This version comes with USB-C connector. Connecting to my Win 10 laptop did not require any driver installation and immediately noticed better sound stage and imaging on my DT 990/600 open-back headphones. The high trebles that are known of these headphones are now tamed improving listening pleasure. The included Chinese tube produced these results.
After emailing Xduoo support, I found that USB-C port requires separate power and therefore connecting iPhone with a USB-C to lightning cable will not work and actually did not work for me. Connecting iPhone with a USB3 CCK cable and with separate power might work but someone needs to confirm this.
Before this tube amp arrived, I was using my iPhone with my DT 1770/250 closed-back and the sound was ok. After I received the product, I changed the tube to a Hammond/Mullard and listening through my iPhone (3.5mm to RCA cable) and the sound is really laid back and warm. I will continue on this setup and I have some GE including triple-mica tubes on the way and will try those as well.
This is a very good tube amp in terms of quality of the sound.
(Edited)
angstroms
139
Feb 1, 2020
Locked
checkVerified Buyer
Decent starter DAC/ Tube Based Amp combo
Tube based Pre-Amp, DAC/Amp for the money is pretty good combo.
Like
- Very smooth volume pot
- USB-C to USB-C cable situation should be better documented.
- If you looking for a cable the one that works is DD Electronics Technology Co Ltd model number TC05 - Note this directional cable you need to point the arrow at the DAC/AMP
- TC05 cable link https://www.ddhifi.com/productinfo/469679.html .
- On Amazon search for "DD TC05 Type C to Type C OTG Audio Data Decoding Cable for FiiO K3/BTR1K/M9/M6 10 cm" you find one that is around ~$8
- Rosson Audio Design Rad-0 -
- Hifiman Ananda <- This was best working pair due to the efficient design
- Dan Clark Audio Aeon X <- I would look at another amp for this headphone
(Edited)
Recommends this product? No
PoHeimo
3
Apr 24, 2021
checkVerified Buyer
Its ok
its an ok tube amp/dac, nothing too amazing, you get a bit of that tube action while sounding reasonably well, but not really enough to make it a recommend
Recommends this product? No
HorchataLee
24
Mar 15, 2023
PoHeimoW o W!!
so I lucked in, I guess? Was sent an email about it not being "participated" enough to complete my order.
damn
kurukato
42
Apr 29, 2020
checkVerified Buyer
Amazing for the price
Really good entry level combo. Gives a lot of beginner audiophiles the chance to mess with tube rolling and see how everything works. I would suggest rolling out of the box, but it's also pretty good with no mods too.
Recommends this product? Yes
kurukato
42
Jan 2, 2021
What? Mine is still working great with no issues. I don't get your comment. I probably voided the warranty the second I swapped tubes anyways.
absoluteslime
2
Jun 19, 2021
checkVerified Buyer
Good Amp, Bad Tube
I got the DAC/AMP shortly after my HD6XX's arrived and at first, there wasn't much difference from my motherboard's built-in DAC/AMP and it sounded a bit muffled and muddy. I read that the tube shipped in the unit is pretty bad, so I ordered a Gold Lion because why not. Worth every cent.
Recommends this product? Yes
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