FX-Audio- TUBE-05 HiFi Vacuum 12AU7/ECC82 Tube Headphone amp Bass Treble EQ Preamp, for 30-600Ω Headphone, with Remote Control

I am using kali audio lp-6 v2 powered studio monitors as desktop computer speakers. Computer speaker sound is mixed with audio from my music streamer a Sonos Connect via an external DAC. I noticed that controlling the volume through Sonos Connect results in severe degradation of the audio quality (probably because it is done digitally). Inserting this FX-Audio Tube-05 and running it as a remote-controlled pre-amplifier allows me to leave the Sonos Connect audio output as "fixed". I can control the volume with the FX-Audio remote. Another bonus is that this preamplifier will operate correctly in solid-state mode without the vacuum tube plugged in. I tested the sound for a number of hours to compare "tube" mode and "solid state" mode and did not find any difference. Since keeping the tube plugged in generates a lot of heat even in solid state mode, I unplugged the tube and have been running the preamp without it.

Set was so easy, like stupid easy, hardest part was getting the tube out of the molded foam. Remember never rock the tubes, always push pull straight up/ down or you will enlarge the tube contact and have connection issues, possible cracking popping noises if the pins aren't making direct contact This little headphone amp packs a wallop in such a small package. Currently using Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones that are fantastic, and I have a set of Audix A152's on order. Having 2 headphone outs on this amp (3.5mm and 1/4") are perfect for any application, no adapters needed. Also having a remote is a major plus. I love this little dynamic package and will most likely buy another one to hookup to my computer. 6 stars all the way for me.

This little Amp/Pre-Amp is quite a sound (yes, pun intended) investment. I've hooked it into my Apple Studio computer to listen over headphones when I dont want the whole house to hear what I am listening to and the dynamic range of the music coming into the headphones was impressive. I previopusly had tried it directly connected to my iPhone with similar impressive results. The setup was easy and the controls allow you to increase/decrease treble and/or base +10/-10 db. Besides being marketed as a headphone amp the manual indicates that it can be ued as a pre-amp when driving passive speakers.I should also note that the product came very safely packed in styrofoam with all components in their own compartments and the entirety topped with a styrofoam sheet.The only 2 negatives I've found are:(1) The bottom 3 buttons on the really have no function and, after pushing either of the bottom two (DAC and/or PLAYER) the remote control stops working. To reverse this you need to push the AMP button (which has no other function - although the instruction manual says to push the AMP button when you "use the TUBE-05 for the first time press this key to control the TUBE-05").(2) Changing the input from "TUBE" and "DEFAULT" seems to have no effect at all on the output. Perhaps the much longer Chinese part of the instructions on this menu setting explains what it is used for but since I don't speak or read Chinese I am at a loss.Having complained about these issues let me say that they have not decreased my enjoyment of this headphone amp and, overall, I think it is a strong 4 star product. If you are in the market to upscale your headphone listening with a headphone amp (or as a pre-amp for passive speakers) you should definitely consider this product. (Please see below for my rating criteria):=============================================================Disclosure:As noted by Amazon, I am part of the Vine Program which means that I acquire products at no cost in return for a truthful rating. However, although Vine Members pay nothing up front to get these free products they are considered by the Internal Revenue Service as taxable income at the full retail price at the time we get them and we, therefore, must pay taxes on these items.On a more personal note I often read reviews for products I am considering buying and rely on those reviews that are detailed and come off as honest and full reviews on the product. I therefore try my best to give a true and honest review based on my own experiences with the product.My Rating Scale:1 star. This is the absolute lowest I can go and is a definite recommendation against being purchased.2 stars. Less than average - having issues that I try to delineate in my review. I personally would not pay for this item.3 stars. Average - neither great nor terrible. It will do the job it is supposed to do but without any obvious good or bad issues.I might or might not buy this item depending on the severity of my need or want.4 stars. While the product is better than average it is not an excellent product. I would probably buy this product.5 stars. Enough above average that it exceeds my expectations of how the product would and should perform. A product getting this rating is highly recommended.Further middle ratings: The above explanation is the base of the recommendations I give in a review. Some ratings are further rated as soft (1/2 star below), solid (the star rating given) or strong (1/2 star above)

Sounded ok with easy to drive headphones. Not usable with IEM's. Audible hiss between sounds at higher volumes

This is actually a reasonably "high end" preamp. The tube it uses is a 12AU7/ECC83 Pasvane tube which separately costs around $20. 12**7 - series tubes are used in many, many true high-end preamps, including my McIntosh C2700. This preamp's user interface (for volume, bass and treble, etc.) is simple to navigate.

For years (20+) I've been into audio products and have owned a few pre-amps and a bunch of different amps. So, when I saw this FX-Audio TUBE-05 HiFi Vacuum 12AU7 Tube Amp I just had to see what it was all about.In the box, you receive the amp, tube packed separately, power adapter, remote, and user manual.Once I had received it I noticed I was missing a few things; I needed cables to plug into my computer - a 3.5mm Y adapter to RCAs. Now, you might say the quality of audio will automatically be degraded due to the connection - and you'd be right, but to what extent I couldn't tell you. I also needed a new set of high-fidelity earbuds (okay, maybe I didn't NEED them but you get it).For being my first dive into using a Tube Amp, I must say I'm super impressed with this little thing. I plugged it into my computer, and grabbed a really nice set of corded earbuds (specially bought for this situation),and wowzers - the imaging, clarity, and warmth that poured out of the amp through the earbuds was impressive. Once you get some time listening in you'll want to tune the amp a bit to fit your style of listening, to do that you can tune the Treble and Bass independently of each other +10/-10 db to your liking.Overall, my experience with the FX-Audio TUBE-05 HiFi Vacuum Tube Amp is one I continue to enjoy and plan to for the next while. If you've ever thought of getting an external pre-amp and have stumbled into these little Tube amps, I'd definitely recommend picking up this one.