Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 43 reviews about:
DrEas
135
Apr 12, 2021
checkVerified Buyer
xDuoo TA-20 - What I'd hoped for. Warm. Clear. Better than expected.
My main headphone system is the Topping A90 & D90 MQA (connected with balanced XLR) I have custom length aftermarket Hart cables (https://hartaudiocables.com/ love these folks and they have great service and I've read of many happy customers who buy https://periaptcables.com/ ) balanced cables.
My open back headphones are
1) Sennheiser HD 6XX with optional fenestrated lamb skin headphone pads and
2) Focal Exel (both purchased from Drop). I also have a couple of pairs of balanced IEMs but rarely use on this setup. As you've likely read, many listeners enjoy pairing a tube amp with the Sennheisers.
I am no audio expert. I am a learner, curious and read a lot about the differences / benefits(?) / pros & cons of a tube amp.
One main criteria for me was to have XLR balanced cables and balanced headphone cables (I prefer 4 pin XLR or 4.4mm pentacon connections). You may be happy with RCA unbalanced connections - and that's great - but balanced connections are non-negotiable for me, a decision I made long ago. My main stereo system, amp, streamer, CD transport... are all balanced. I point this out because this narrows the field of choices if you want balanced.
After reading several articles, watching a few YouTube reviews learning about balanced tube amps in general, I decided to add a tube amp to my system. Of course Zeos' review of the xDuoo TA-20 is - as always - entertaining and worth your time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbi5XVjhyLw&t=347s He also has some incidental reviews of the xDuoo line of tube amps you may want to watch.
So, I decided at this price point to put my toe in the water and buy a tube amp.
So, how does it sound? The soundstage feels big, yet focused. Immediately I noticed the ambiguously described "warmer" tones. And yes, it also seems a bit "slower" in a good way. Along the endless discussion of bass response in headphones, tubes are supposed to provide a smoother bass. This is evident in the TA-20 and a delightful experience.
I highly recommend you read audiofool's article on tubes and xDuoo amps. It may be more than you want or you may be far more knowledgeable than me. Since this is new territory and I've read this article (and many others) several times. He discusses the xDuoo TA-20 https://audiofool.reviews/tube-rolling-the-xduoo-ta-01b-ta-10-and-ta-20-12au7-amps/ Audiofool offers incredible help understanding tubes in general, "tube rolling", and in particular makes recommendations for several different xDuoo amps, including the TA-20.
The TA-20 is quieter than I anticipated. From reading about tube amps, some report they may / can produce a bit of noise. Perhaps my hearing isn't as good as others, but the xDuoo TA-20 is as quiet as my Topping set. I've found you have to run it at high 50's to 60 to get good volume output (granted, these numbers 100% subjective) but when paired with the Senn HD 6XX, that range is good. 
Recommends this product? Yes
banerjeesaby
6
Jun 24, 2021
bookmark_border
DrEasVery objective and helpful review.
I have an order placed for "xDuoo TA-10R Tube Headphone DAC/Amp". I wish I had waited for this one!
Yager
14
Jul 24, 2021
bookmark_border
DrEasI have the 10, and love it!! So I just bought the 20 to pair with my soncoz balanced dac.
I honestly like the sound of the built in dac better than when hooked up to the soncoz. The former is warmer and more musical while the later still has the dynamics, it pulled the warmth out completely. Still very engaging but I will be disconnecting the soncoz and just using the 10 as it was made to be used. Hope you enjoy your purchase guys!
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop