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Review on ๐ŸŽต AIYIMA Audio 6J1 Tube Preamplifier Bluetooth 5.0 with Treble & Bass Adjustment DC12V HiFi Audio Preamp NE5532P Chips for Home Audio Amplifier System in Silver+BT 5.0 by James Trapkin

Revainrating 4 out of 5

My doubts dissipated

For $45 I had some doubts about this device. It arrived very quickly. And as others have said, the build is surprisingly solid. The smoothness of the controls really boded well. The instructions were of course useless. But if you're experienced with audio, it was easy to figure out, connect, and pair my phone, Galaxy 5 player (yes, it still works), and my Samsung tablet on all three devices. I hooked it up to my built-in stereo amp and ran test sound by playing songs on Youtube; everything from Green Day to Beethoven's 6. I was surprised at how impressed I was with this little powerhouse. (I also played Powerhouse.) I left the device controls at Neutral for most of my testing, and this seemed like the best place; but the three controls worked correctly and adjusted the respective three parameters (treble, bass, volume). I played FLAC and MP3 files along with YouTube songs. And at the output of that preamp was a great presence. I only bought this unit so I can make really lazy music from my couch when I don't feel like getting up every 23 minutes to clean and flip the vinyl. I honestly can't figure out if the fact that this unit uses tubes really matters without trying a similar solid state preamp. But to my mental ear it definitely seemed like there was more separation and a more even tone with the lamps. I have ordered GE lamps for this unit but they have not yet arrived. If new tubes make a significant difference, then I know all these tube amp fanatics are on to something. I've already enjoyed listening to this amp for my $45. joy, not disappointment. GE lamps have arrived. And they were dated "1987" but they still worked. I put them on and let them warm up for a few days. And then. Haven't heard any difference. Maybe my ears are hoarse than other reviewers. I put in the bulbs that came with the kit and let them warm up and didn't really notice much of a difference. I put the GE bulbs back in just like that, and the original bulbs are in a little box "just in case".

Pros
  • Solid build
Cons
  • Something different

Comments (3)

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April 08, 2023
Way better than I expected!
March 28, 2023
A good and versatile component, I must say...and a good value.
February 11, 2023
AIYIMA Audio 6J1 Tube Preamplifier is breathing new life into a good old stereo system