This isn't a worthy hybrid amp imo. To be honest, the only pro I can think of is that it's really powerful. Nothing else really. Huge distortion over 11-12 o'clock of the volume knob and at low volume as well and very noticeable noise for low impedance/high sen cans and iems. Tube doesn't do much magic as well. I've tried 7xx, 990 600ohm and 880 600 ohm on this amp, the results were really bad compared to my SMSL VA2 which offers a lot more control over the treble and bass. TA-01 is just a mess.
BerserkZzWhat tubes did you try?
I can suggest getting a Mullard rebrand under IEC or Hammond. Makes it so clear and can be had for $25-30.
Mazda(cifte): Best imaging, almost holographic with a warm low end.
Sylvania: Best low end, dark sounding but good with EDM.
Mullard: Best mid range, if you want crisp and lush this is it.
RCA: Good all rounder, a satisfying tube indeed.
Westinghouse: lot's of clarity but not harsh a pleasant tube.
BerserkZzHave you updated the firmware?
At one point this thing had Wolfson DAC's not the Cirrus Logics and is actually a 32-bit not 24-bit DAC.
it was a lemon until I had it sorted. I think xDuoo never updated it after the second revision. I pestered them until they got me the firmware after 3-4 weeks of emails. I am an IT technician so I am used to this sort of thing.
I have the folders numbered so go from 1-3, I think 4 is an option for a Foobar plugin.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1dAPrE9w1vGjcApPwF0p6S_p5l863WJmc
Once this is done you'll have XMOS and 32-bit.
I believe I have a mullard in now and it sounds great @ 32/192khz.
rslataraI don't think human can hear any differences higher than 24bit 192000hz even tho people claim to be. Tbh 24bit and 96000 is good enough for me to evaluate an amp. It's just that compare to other solid state I have and vali 2, this thing really doesn't stand any chance. Yes it's super powerful, but I am looking for quality rather than just driving my headphone loud. Sound from this is loose and poorly controlled. Noise can be easily picked up from low impedance headphones such as m40x. I've also tried DT880 and K7xx and I am not pleased at all, but that was months ago, I sold it without any hesitation.
BerserkZzIt's not about what the human ear can hear it's about having the correct configuration so it's running optimally. I found it much better after it had the correct firmware and software. If it was running firmware for a different chipset then it was never going to be right and that is bad on xDuoo's part for sure. They can't even update the webpage as this is the TA-01B.
It's by no means the best amp but it's alright for the money. I actually have the TA-10 and it is a definite step up, it has a AK4490 DAC and it's much more refined and tight. I have considered selling this with a few tubes to try something else. What I do like about it is how it responds to different tubes. Sorry to hear it sucked for you.