Review on 🎧 Dared MP-5BT Stereo Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier, Hybrid Amplifier with Bluetooth Connection, USB/DAC Input, Headphone Output, Pre Output, 25Wx2, including Tubes 6N1x1, 6N2x1, 6E2x1 by Blake Giordano

After various power tube and noise issues with my A10 and A20 I thought I could move my solid state amplifier Onkyo 9150 Sound paired with Klipsch RP600M. This prompted me to look for another tube option, but perhaps a hybrid offering. This cool little block seemed to fit the bill well. The Bluetooth, USB input and headphone jack were nice bonuses, but I only wanted to use it as an amplifier and my topping E30 was a DAC and volume control. A50. Weighing only about 8 pounds, both the cabinet and amp were very easy to transport. The golden trim and the black painted sides look very classy. The cage comes pre-installed with two screws that need to be removed with a long Phillips screwdriver. Upon removal I was dismayed to see cosmetic damage to the beautiful finish where the screws pressed against the cage. I posted pictures of two damaged spots where the cage was resting. Too bad. I feel that more attention should be paid to finding an alternative method of attaching the cage instead of screws. The A10, A20 and A50 used push pins which fitted snugly but could be removed without tools and did not touch the amp's surface. Once everything was connected, I flipped the switch. My first annoyance came in the form of blue, e.g. B. A bright blue LED to indicate that the power is on. I've seen this on a few other tube amps and can't understand why the piercing blue was chosen to overpower the warm orange glow of the tubes. This amp is definitely not suitable for use in a darkened room without some form of tape covering it. In addition, the two front tubes have a beautiful orange color while the rear tube has a soft green tint with a magic eye indicator. I didn't know what it was until I ordered and I was delighted to say the least. I have attached an image that best reflects the actual color and brightness during use/power on. listen to music and I admit I was disappointed. To me it sounds more solid than tube. For example, it sounds closer to my 9150 than the A10 or A20. While the A10 and A20 fully brought my RP600M to life with a wide holographic sound accompanied by incredible bass and tactile texture, the MP-5BT seemed to give me only a minimum of that. Going back to my 9150 I got a slightly more sterile and flat sound, but it was pretty close. An interesting similarity between the 9150 and the MP-5BT is that the soundstage sounds almost fragmented, with an appearance of detuned speakers. When I turned or adjusted my head, I heard variations in sound, while on the A10 and A20 I was completely enveloped in the textured presentation. Unfortunately for the time being I would say that this amp is not suitable for more field speaker setups such as: B. a music room or a TV-based setup. Now I suspect that this amp really should be on the table. Easy access to volume controls, headphone jack and input switch? Check. Front row seat for the magic eye? Yes. Are you probably using a USB input paired to a PC? Absolutely. Since the device is quite small, I didn't notice any problems setting it up even on the smallest table. Although I quickly tested it with 3 pairs of headphones (PX100-II, A1000Z, FH3), I noticed quite a bit of hiss/noise. Of course, IEM users do not have to apply. As for the speakers, I can't think of much movement from the magic eye, especially as you'll likely be driving near-field speakers at lower volumes due to the listener's proximity. It still looks cool, but the way it dances makes it even better. So what are we left with? I would say if you want a tube tone, get an all tube amp. Of course, the fear is higher and the maintenance is more expensive, but it's definitely worth it. If you plan on using this exclusively with speakers, I would carefully consider your options before committing. But if you like its little charm, plan to put it on a table or in the near field, and are likely to use its various inputs, then I'd say it's worth a try. Just be aware, if you end up liking or enjoying its sound, prepare for the inevitable curiosity to venture into the tube world to burn a hole in you faster than that blue LED.