Just for Fun - Aiyima T8 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp - svisner

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Just for Fun - Aiyima T8 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp

Just for fun, I purchased one of these units. It's connected (gasp!) to my McIntosh 240 power amp, which drives Martin-Logan ESL 9 electrostats (and a Hsu Research powered sub). I did not have a particularly good reason to try this unit, other than to play.
I am surprised by just how good the USB input sounds. Resolution, detail, and imaging are all better than one might expect for such a modestly priced unit. I wondered, however, how well the analog input would work, and I was again surprised by how much I enjoyed vinyl when played through this little unit. (Ortofon 2M Bronze and Bellari VP-130 MK 2 phono preamp.) BTW, the unit is quiet. No hiss, tube rush, etc.
The Aiyima is a bit unusual looking, oriented vertically with a very small footprint. (It's actually designed fit on top of an Aiyima power amp.) I think the unit is a testament to just how far our technology has progressed, considering its range of features and performance. With USB, optical, coax, and RCA/analog inputs, the unit is quite flexible and yes, I do rather like the remote control convenience it offers. I have another tube on order and may even try rolling the opamps.
If you're thinking of having a bit of fun and wondering just how much good sound one can get for very little coin, you might enjoy trying one of these units. It's surprisingly listenable.

https://www.aiyima.com/products/tube-amplifier-preamp-aiyima (Open in New Window)

Edits: 02/17/24

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Topic - Just for Fun - Aiyima T8 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp - svisner 20:31:24 02/17/24 (8)

RE: Just for Fun - Aiyima T8 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp - svisner 14:00:03 03/01/24 (0)

RE: Just for Fun - Aiyima T8 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp - svisner 13:19:32 02/24/24 (0)

It certainly is cheap, that's for sure... - John Elison 06:14:39 02/18/24 (5)

RE: It certainly is cheap, that's for sure... - svisner 06:57:22 02/18/24 (4)

RE: It certainly is cheap, that's for sure... - svisner 17:20:25 02/21/24 (0)

Got Sparkos opamps on the way... - ghost of olddude55 04:45:57 02/21/24 (2)

RE: Got Sparkos opamps on the way... - svisner 08:25:02 02/21/24 (1)

Should be here Monday. - ghost of olddude55 10:21:58 02/21/24 (0)

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