CLASS D DONE RIGHT! Heaven 11 Billie Mk2 Amplifier Review
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Do you think Class D amplifiers sound thin and artificial? Check out the Billie Mk2 amplifier from Heaven 11. It marries a Class A tube preamplifier to a Class D power amplifier. But how good is it?...
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Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:42 Design & features
3:22 Technical insights
5:42 Sound quality
10:26 Setup & partnering equipment
12:52 Conclusion
Congratulations on 75.5K and wish you 100k by end of 2024 , well done Tarun .. this shows without flashy cameras and poetic words an honest work can bring respect and support.
I wouldn't say without poetic words, I would change that to without sensational click-baitey words
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
And his camera work etc is great. Professional and slick.
But I don't like him advertising for FILA... 😂
His words are true audiophile poetry 😅. Seriously: he was the first reviewer to explain that big amounts of negative feedback do also strip away harmonics and therefore make class D sound thin in the Midrange (6:06).
Thank you for this review and your breakdown of class D, harmonics, levels and negative feedback. I’ve been considering trying this out for several months and this is by far one of the most comprehensive reviews of the amp that I’ve seen. Looking forward to the experience.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
I always appreciate your comparisons of review equipment with a stable of established, long-term benchmarks. In this case, giving the Billie's sound context next to the Willsenton, Musical Fidelity, Hegel, and Exposure amps is particularly informative. One home audio surprise from years ago now, is how much a properly set up subwoofer improves one's perception of mids and highs in addition to supplementing the low end. Thanks for another great review.
100% agree. Hearing the music as it's meant to be heard, i.e. full range, can completely balance out the rest of the audio information. I really don't understand any system that's put together with anything short of full range capability
Thank you my friend 👍
Imagine what 2 subs in stereo config can do !
Really do think over what the best purchase on this moment in your system is. A second sub will give far more music refinement than an amp or dac can do.
@@jakobgooijer For sure. I've been running two subs in stereo configuration for about five years or so. Big improvement, especially evening out response throughout the listening room.
@@superfitzy Same here.
😊
Again, informative and straight to the point . Loved it. Great to see your channel continuing to grow.
Thanks Ajay 😊👍
Great review! To the point, precise and very informative.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Outstanding review!
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Wow, great to hear. Thank you for this thorough & considered review Tarun
Most welcome 👍
My first hifi surprise was the mk1 version of this very amp. It started as a punt on kickstarter and I had to wait a very long time for it but it was well worth it, especially for the price I paid. It seems this mk2 version is even better so hats off to Heaven 11. They are also very pleasant to speak to as well.
Thx for sharing your experiences 👍
Another great review!
Thanks!
Thank you 👍
love your take on Heaven 11 Billie Mk2. for those who know, the comparison to the Hegel is very impressive and shows that bargains can be had even in high end audio. another point to add is the fact that all of the speakers you auditioned are newer and audiophile grade. yet the point should be made that this amp will certainly give new life to older speakers and may even "tame" some.
Thank you 😊
I love my Rogue Sphinx V3 integrated amp with a tube preamp, phono for MM & MC cartridges and headphone section all built in. It's a class D amp but there is nothing thin about it. Its very revealing and detailed and is made in the USA. They don't send them out for youtube reviewers but they have a great reputation. It's about $1,800 US. Don't overlook it.
Thx for sharing 😊
Jim is feeling good about this one Tarun. Another great review. Thanks!
Thx Bryan. I hope he enjoys it 👍
I’ve been using a Sansui AU-555A as a preamp into a class D power amplifier for a few years and it works very well. Best of both worlds and quite inexpensive.
Cool 😎
Thanks for another review of equipment that’s news to me. To answer your question. I’ve been surprised at how much the technology has evolved over the last few years. Streaming is the biggest change since CDs back in the mid 80s. It got me back into music when I had moved to home theater. My screen of choice is now my tablet reading while listening to CDs or streaming depending on where I am listening at home. CDs were more portable than vinyl but digital first with the iPod and now streaming is another level. It’s now my music wherever I am, be it in my home, backyard, car, boat or plane. A great time for listening to music. Peace, love and music.
Thank you. It is indeed a great time to be listening music 👍
Tarun, I so look forward to your reviews. A highlight of my weekend. Thank you.
My big surprises were some time ago, auditioning some highly rated speakers and electronics. My gosh, detailed yes, but bright and forward sounding. OK I guess if the idea was to find fault in associated equipment or recordings.
Thank you kindly Gerald. I equality look forward to your comments and you sharing your experiences 😊😎
Surprises in my hifi journey? That the random, small, cheap Sony passive speakers that I have had knocking around for years sound so natural and capable. Particularly when pit against new speakers I've paid real money for!
That reminds me, I must dig them out when my new amp arrives!
Cool 😎
Hi Tarun, I too agree with you on these class D ICE power AS200AS2 modules (the fundamental part of this amplifier) when done right, they are indeed a great budget and DIY friendly class D module and are underestimated in their sound quality, I've been using these installed in bookshelf speakers making them powered speakers for a while now and if you add in some flavor like a tube preamp then you have an outstanding sound system to compare and beat many systems costing considerably more. These ICE power modules namely the AS200AS2 can be found very cheaply and of the shelf and are very easy to work with as everything including the power supply is on one board, add in a fancy box and some DIY patience then you're onto a winner for around £200-250. If done correctly, these modules can sound outstanding like you've noted with so many strengths comparing to amplifiers up to circa £2000. As a DIY project they will out perform in sound quality with the likes of SMSL AO200 or A300 or other cheap class D based amplifiers you've reviewed in the past. Well done Heaven 11.
Well done my friend. It must have been a fun project 😊
Great review ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Very interesting..
Tham you kindly 😊👍
Hi Tarun, I've been waiting for this review! Thanks so much. There is a small group of hifi reviewers I truly respect and like; as excellent as they all are, each in their own way, it remains hard to find the precision of your language when describing sound, sound preferences, partnering equipment, and more. I got in a queue to order the Billie a few years ago, but hesitated in part due to personal finances but also to comments about the relatively thin-sounding midrange. Your description is encouraging in that you never described the midrange as really thin; instead you talk about the rather natural harmonics throughout, if I've understood you correctly. I also love hearing that the Billie is "agnostic" with regard to the kind of speakers one would like to use. If I decide to upgrade from my IOTAVX SA3, the Billie, the Exposure 2510, and a combination of separate pre-amp/power amp from Schiit Audio remain on my list as the best possibilities. The power available on the Billie (as well as the other two) is also a strong feature that could make my system work to its best in a very large classroom. Thanks again for an enjoyable and informative review, and for the integrity you bring to your work!
Thank you l that is much appreciated 😊👍
Another enjoyable review Tarun. You have a real knack at getting these videos spot on in “content & delivery” as The Streets said😉As for HiFi surprises… I was knocked out by an old NAD 3020 I bought for £50 in lockdown. Absolute giant killer 🎶🎵
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Another great review Tarun!
I owned the Billie MK2 for about 6 months. The only reason I replaced it was I was offered an Electrocompaniet ECI6 MK2 through a friend.
I used my Billie with a Wiim Pro and Kef R11 speakers, REL T7X sub. There was plenty of clean power. The sound was smooth, musical and warm....thanks to the tube pre amp section. I really couldn't find fault in this integrated for the price.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 👍
Tarun, thank you so much for this review. I own a Billie Mk1 and use it drive Zu Omen speakers. The music is wonderful. Heaven 11 is a small manufacturer and the fact that you like their Billie amp will be good for their business. I’m so glad that took the time.
Thank you. Much appreciated 🙂 👍
Great review
Thank you 😊👍
Outstanding as always Tarun. The Billie Mk2 has been on my short list since I saw Steve Huff give it a similar review barely a year ago. It looks like it's time to sell some equipment and pick one up finally. As far as audio surprises go I was very pleasantly surprised just recently by the Nobsound B100. For a $200 hybrid tube integrated, it punches well above its weight. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Steve Huff is a nightmare, you can´t trust one word he´s saying 😬
Thank you kindly 😊👍
The Bits & Pieces...........................
Thanks for opening the bonnet and explaining. It really adds to our knowledge base.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔉🔉🔊
Most welcome 😊
Tarun, this review was awesome! It’s going to give Billie amps a well-deserved boost. A loveable class D, who’da thunk?? If you say it’s outstanding then this is the one I’ll go for if I get the class D itch. But I already own one of your Outstanding amps which is so bloody hard to beat!
Thanks Jeremy. The amp,you own is pretty special too. I guess variety is the spice of life 😊👍
Cool Amp, excellent presentation
Thank you kindly 😊👍
What really surprises me is this review. You got my attention when you mentioned
the ability of the amp to produce (a full sound?) at late night listening levels.
I've known about this amp for a long time but this was the first peek inside.
I guess I've just got to get over the Class D "thing". In any case, I am fairly certain
I am going to purchase the new Schiit Aegir2. (Class A-like power amp).
This doesn't preclude me from considering the Heaven 11 Billy seeing as it fits my
budget for a preamp. I am anxiously awaiting more reviews for the new Aegir before
I dive in. The idea of having 2 options (power amp wise)
is perhaps oddly exciting but well, I am sure someone "gets" that. Best review yet
on the Billy.
Thank you Charles. Much appreciated 😊👍
Thought I would follow up as your review was a tipping point to trying it out and my experience aligns with your discerning and outstanding rating. What a sweet sounding system. In hooking up different speakers, alternating the tubes, trying out the DAC, phono & headphone amps versus external components, I was impressed with just how well it performed with all inputs. The aluminum remote is simple but with good layered functionality too. Prefer the gold JJ sound as well and the brutalist art type design and A+ build is an aesthetic pleasure. Combined with an R2R is my groove but, I keep going back to my vinyl collection with their built in phono. Thanks again!
Great to learn about your experiences 🙂👍
Superb review.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Hey Tarun, great review of an interesting amp. Over the decades there have been some barnstormers in the class A/B ranks. They didn’t just turn up out of the blue, they were developed and honed over the years. So, no surprise then that the class D amp is coming of age.
As to your question, so many surprises over the years, it’s hard to pick one. At a push I would say it’s the difference the new sub-chassis made to my venerable Linn LP12. It took the whole presentation to a new level, cleaning up the bass and revealing huge amounts of detail. It’s done exactly what the Linn did the first time I owned one back in 1990, allowed me to enjoy a huge range of music instead of narrowing down to well recorded jazz and acoustic genres.
Thanks Mark 👍
Do you remember that I spoke to you about it over a year ago? I am glad you and the owner finally got together. It is a remarkable integrated. Your review is very professional and persuasive. I am a Moon i-3 integrated, Moon CD1 owner. I chose a Gustard Audalytics AH90 as a streamer, headphone amp and DAC which is incredible for the price. Do believe it would be interesting to test the Phono stage and inputs to see how to get the most out of a Billie II.
Yes! 🇨🇦🇨🇦
I still have to say though, when it comes to the best compromise between sweet 2nd order harmonics and the satisfying, realistic attack of real instruments, a well designed class A transistor amp is where it’s at.
A wise man (Phil Eastman, PHD) once told me: “You buy the distortion you prefer”.
Thanks Phil (RIP).
Thanks British Audiophile; well done as usual!
Thank you. I hope owners will share their experiences of the phono stage 😊
I am new to audiophile equipment. Is there somewhere to understand what class A,B,C,D means? And advantages to each?
I am now shifting more away from heavy rock, to more acoustic, jazz and blues. Thanks
@@kenjackson5938You should be able to find info through some searches. The vast majority of amplifiers today are class AB. Class D are slowly gaining a lot of ground and chipping away at the market share of amplifiers which a few years ago were considered quite inferior compared with class AB sounding more mechanical, thin and cold. But, designers are finding ways to make them sound better or using ingenuity by pairing them with tubes like the Billie amp to make them sound better. Class A is more boutique, more rare and often expensive but to many they sound the best. I have a class A amplifier and it’s almost magical in creating such realistic tone and an immersive reproduction of music. But, they run HOT and are very inefficient which can make them less practical. There really aren’t any class B or C amps out there. I’m aware of one class H. So, do searches for class A, class AB and class D.
Another great review! My latest positive double take has been upgrading my decade old DAC to the TEAC UD-701N. Propriety discret Delta Sigma chip with dual mono fully balanced implementation is eyebrow raising.
Cheers from Montreal.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Nice review again, like always!
Showing a Grimm MU1 while talking about class D is a little bit strange in my opninion.
Thx. It was the Grimm system with the LS1 active class D speakers I was showcasing 😊
Thanks for the review. I also have a Hegel H190 and was wondering this comparison with the Billie Heaven 11 Mk2
Thank you 😊
I was very surprised after a friend convinced me to buy a Yaqin MC 13S class A tube amp. The sound is wonderful, what I had been looking for from my Bozak B302A's for a long time. And the only other amp I've had that came close, the Hegel H190. I limit my preowned purchases of any unit to $2000 US. The Yaqin and the Hegel produce different sound but I enjoy both. Never should have sold that Hegel but then I would have never discovered tubes! Thank you sir. Have a great day!
Thx for sharing 😊
I was keeping an eye on this one for some time now. So many amplifiers around, it makes its hard to decide .... As for me, after a whole year of searching, listening evaluating, ended the headaches by pulling the trigger (finally) on the H190 last week :)
Thank you Tarun for your effort. The 2510 finally found ... a competitor :)
Thank you 😊
Thank you for another well considered review! I've enjoyed a couple of Hypex Class D variants. The NCore, though not perfect, impressed- with the right setup. Not in use since I swapped out power hungry Eminent Technology speakers for ultra sensitive vintage Altec Lansings which only need a few watts. I would like to try the Hypex Nilai 500 someday. Biggest surprise was the difference that DIY acoustic panels- using well specced stuff (not rockwool) made. My biggest and cheapest upgrade.
Thanks for sharing 😊
I moved from NAD 3020 to a Michaelson Odysseus valve amp. WOW! WOW!
Cool 😎
Thank you Tarun. Would love it if you ever had the chance to review a First Watt amplifier, F7 to he exact. ❤
Thank you my friend 😊👍
It’s a beautiful product. Very cool
I agree 😊
Oh wow, I was hoping you would do this one some day!
I hope you enjoyed it 👍
Very much! I knew you would appreciate this amp!
I still haven't bought anything new; a long time ago I mentioned I would go for Buchardts but a lot of financial stuff happened in the mean time so I have to start saving money again, haha!
@@abritishaudiophile7314
Great to have your take on the mk2! I had the mk1 which lacked a bit of drive but this sounds miles ahead. I’m also curious where vintage tube rolling with this unit will leave the sound, such as mullard. That could pull it a bit away from analytics and towards more relaxed I suppose. Very tempted to reacquire the mk2. There is something so well thought out about the entire unit that makes it a joy to use.
I would have enjoyed tube rolling with the Billie myself 😊
After hearing your take on the unit, it sounds like a great unit. I thought it so a year ago but the manufacturer is amazing. The Preamp in the Billie is the superstar in this amp. This is definite a s short lister at 2k or so. It is on my radar.
Yes, I use it as a preamp only going into my McCormick DNA .5. I found the dac in this unit not to be competitive with current products.
Thx for sharing 😊
@@jackfalco5351 is there a bypass
Hi Tarun. You were right to point out that many demonstrators will only play music that agrees to their class D amps or other products for that Matter. Like you I also play many different genres of music including Rock, Jazz, Electronic and Acoustic. My system components need to perform well with all those types of music. This Billie amp has had very high appraisal from many reviewers. My surprise in my hifi journey was my now 19 year old Qinpu A-1 OX amp. For £300 it would match anything for up to 1200 for performance. It's got nice clean punchy bass and good mids. Further more it's used every day since I bought it and not a thing has gone wrong. Great amp for the money. 😁
Thank you Steve 👍
Well done review. Seems like a great amp for the money. Value for one’s dollar.
Thx 👍
Great review, as always. Thank you! As a cheaper alternative Cyrus' Cast One is a full (relatively warm) and dynamic sounding Class D amp of Cyrus's own design with a good sized linear power supply and speaker impedance sensing. No off the shelf modules here. Now available at half it's RRP. - A real bargain with good power. Build quality is not up to their Classic range but its ok and looks super cool on a shelf. It does not have that often touted (and occasionally generalised) 'Class D sound'. A bonus is a decent (but not superlative) DAC, streaming and a surprisingly good phono stage. I only mention it as it sounds like it could have a tube pre stage so likely could appeal to listeners with similar preferences. Detail retrieval is not up to their latest XT range but is as good as any amplifier I heard up to it's original RRP. Anyhow, looking forward to more of your reviews. My partner still talks about when we met you in the lift at the Bristol show a year ago 😊
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences. Please say Hi to your partner for me 😊👍
Always a joy Tarun. The Billie was on my short list along with Exposure 2510 and Schitt Freya+ together with Galion TS A75. I already have the Exposure 2010, so the lucky winner was the 2510. The enveloping natural tonality is as you've said and I think it is quite unique. I haven't heard any amplifier with in reasonable sanity that just does everything right, no matter the genre.
But the Billie came sooo close... errr. I might splurge and buy one down the road. Gotta hear what tubes and class D can do. Cheers.
I'm an Exposure fan myself. My main setup right now uses my Exposure 3010S2D, and I'm even using the built in DAC module.
But variety is the spice of life my friend. I could never see myself buying the 3510 if I wanted a change. For this reason alone.
Especially since my Freya+ (with nice NOS tubes), and any decent amp can best my Exposure in many ways. My favorite combo is with my Akitika GT-102 amp.
Cheap as chips, and what a sound when hooked to my Elac Carina bookshelf speakers in my small listening room.
All that being said. The more I watch this channel. The more I want to try the 2510 amp. And maybe I will someday? So I kind of get it. Enjoy the music. 🙂 ✌️
Great to learn about your experiences 👍
Love seeing inside the components.
Wish I'd never seen Silence of the Lambs.
"It rubs the lotion on it's skin " 🤣🤣🤣 ✌️
Thx 😊
Good on you for starting with calling out audiophile bias, including your own. You need to listen to the NAD M23, it is often demoed with classical music at shows. It easily accounts for any class A/B amplifier in the sub £5000 range from my experience.
Thank you for sharing 😊
A lovely piece of kit and wonderful review of it. Thank you for your time and efforts to share this with us all. Will probably remain a bucket list item for me at this price, but very enjoyable to share in your enthusiasm for this amp and a bottle of chianti with your cerebral appetizer, although the original meal was liver. 😂😂 Have a wonderful weekend, Sir.
Thank you kindly Simon 😊👍
Your review was incredibly precise on why class D gets a bad rap in most cases. However over the last year, I got to try the NAD M33 at my place to try out and it impressed me a lot. The amp was clean but not clinical and had plenty good harmonic structures in spite of it being solid state with class D modules from Purify. I would definitely suggest you review it sometime.
Thx 😊
I was just listening to this amp at
the Montreal Audio Fest yesterday!
I'll be there tomorrow... was the Billie amp paired with bookshelfs, or floorstanders?
@@gaetancharbonneau3902
The Billie Amp was paired with
modular floorstanding speakers
made in Israel. Room 1314.
Did they say when the MK3 will be ready?
Room 1314.
Paired with modular open
baffle floorstanding speakers.
Cool 😎
Hi Tarun, thank you very much for another excelent review. The component that surprised me the most so far was the Zen Stream connected to a 15V SBooster. I was afraid to buy it due to many negative comments about operating problems, but I bought it at the right time. It worked without any problem with the JPlay App on an iPad and the sound level is excellent. The best compliment I can give it is that it has an analog and natural sound. I'm sorry that Tarun didn't do a review on the Zen Stream, because for the price it costs, as long as it's powered by a good LPS, it's a great find.
This has been my experience as well with the 15V sbooster with a SR purple fuse as the cherry on top.
@@buckethead84 I knew that Farad could be exchanged for Fuse purple, but I didn't know about Sbooster. I didn't find anything on the Sbooster website about the subject.
@@PauloFerreira-hh6zv it's there, you just have to remove the lid, 1A SB I believe.
@@buckethead84 Thank you. Where did you buy your purple fuse?
Thx 😊
I’m not kicking tubes. I’ve had a Roger Majeski RM 9 which I dearly loved. It was the best tube amp I ever heard. Tubes and Class D together could be magical. I’m sure this would be worth a listen. There was a pair of Quad monoblocks that were pretty heavenly. There is gear worth finding, but everyone can’t always hang with the money end. It has stopped many from purchase. Thanks Tarun. It’s hard to yield an Outstanding. Few have!
Thank you Mark 😊👍
Wow, I'm impressed with how well this amp performed. I almost went with it over the Marantz 40N but ultimately decided on that to pair with a set of Cornwall IVs. Maybe not as weighty in the bass department but I'm happy with my choice.
Thank you 😊
I had one for a couple of weeks and while it gets a lot right, it didn't mate well with my high impedance speakers. Very dry, sterile, and artificially thin sounding for my tastes.
I replaced it with a Sugden A21 (ClassA) and could not be happier. Rich harmonics and natural presentation.
Cheers!
Thx for sharing 😊
This is a very interesting amp. I would love to hear it. There is one issue though, that I wish you had touched on.
It's known to have a high noise floor. So those with high sensitivity speakers need to be careful when buying.
Have you ever considered keeping a pair of high sensitivity speakers on hand just for this reason?
Thank you for the great video. ✌️
Thank you. I would love to have a pair of high sensitivity speakers as a reference but I have limited space and they tend to be very large 😊
Not necessarily. They make smaller high efficiency drivers. And you can just put them on a baffle. I've even just used a cardboard box with the back open.
But to go really high efficiency. You're usually looking at a 12" driver, or larger. I have a bunch kicking around here myself. They're fun to play around with. And can sound amazing! ✌️
Why would you have to be careful with high sensitivity speakers? Not sure what "high noise floor" means. Please expand. thanks
This amp has been on my short list for a while. Some online have commented about an audible noise floor. Since you didn't mention it, I am guessing you found it to be quiet. One thing that could be mentioned is that it comes with a 30-day trial period. Which is always nice.
I didn’t hear any noise but I use low to mid sensitivity speakers 😊
Another issue I see is regarding the rear
panel, those screws yes the screws. Its
probably all down to cash flow. If it had
bevel screws and bevelled fittings on the
rear plate it would bring a sense of quality
to the item. It would lift the rear panel onto
the next step rather than stumbling down a
step or two.
my surprises: speaker cable raisers do make a difference... and the wonders of digital audio (e.g. adding a DDC in front of the DAC). Cheers!
Thx for sharing 😊
Here's a review suggestion for you to change your mind about class d: the Hypex Nilai 500 poweramp combined with a nice class a preamp of your choice. I'd be very interested to view your impressions on that.
Alpha audio was very impressed with the Nilai 👍
Thanks for the suggestion 😊
Hi Tarun,
This is a great video! Class D... well, just like you, I am not at all convinced about Class D. 😊
Thank you Tasha 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 ☺☺☺
I think I will like this design.. Interesting!!!
Cool 😎
Thanks Tarun. As one of the Heaven 11Billie whiners, I am gratified that it turned out to be worthwhile.
Thx Jim 👍
The ELAC Alchemy DPA-2 amplifier, designed by Peter Madnick, has a Class A input with 220 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Thx for sharing 😊
I was at the edge of my seat watching this video. Great review Tarun. I was considering this amp last year but went with the Exposure 2510. I had a feeling that they were in a similar realm. I am quite happy with the 2510. However, the Billy provides a much better value with that cracking DAC everybody raves about! The phono Input in the 2510 is nothing to write home about, it is just slightly better than the Schitt Mani. That's where the value lies imho. I am looking for a DAC now to replace my Schiit Modi Multibit, any chance to get a review on the Musician Pegasus II? to answer your question, a revelatory moment for me was when I replaced my Sony UBP-X800M2 BluRay with the Audiolab 6000CD Transport. cheers,
Great 👍 thanks for 😊
This is a very interesting review. It is clear that class D is the future for main stream HiFi and that the gab is narrowing between class AB and class D. The irony is that it seems that class D requires a tube section for that, for now. I am not a fan of class D, not for the sound per say (because I don't have so much experience with that) but because I prefer simple architecture, something you can take a solder iron to if you need to for what ever reason.
My biggest surprise came when I bought some very cheap vintage Philips base reflex boxes on eBay one day, out of the blue. They have AD3800 drivers inside (that have a bit of a cult following and I soon found our why) which is a 5" full range AlNiCo driver developed for TV sets of the 50's. I was expecting agreeable sound but they blew me out of the water. OK, almost only mids, but I never heard such nice mids and getting a bad sound stage was more difficult than getting a good sound stage. It has radically changed the way I think of audio. That's why I would not buy a class D amp, even if it gets an outstanding. Having said that, I very much enjoy learning what different products and designs can achieve.
Thank you Hugo 👍
Love your channel Tarun, if you like the Billie...try a Rogue Audio Sphinx...a pleasant surprise and very engaging...thank you for all you do!
Seconded for Rogue! Recently swapping in a Stereo 100 has been nothing short of a revaIation.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Will they send to the U.K. ?
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I can send you mine, but there are newer versions. Let me contact Mark OBrien the founder of Rogue Audio and see if he will send you the Rogue Audio Sphinx III Magnum which is the latest version. Long name, great sound. And as Sunshine Superman (great name) said, the Stereo 100 and Cronus Magnum III 'Dark' are also special.
Just a note in that I do love your channel and as the result of this review I purchased a Billie MK II. The Yanks still listen to Mother England 😇
@mbankes11 Thank you. That is much appreciated. I am always reluctant to borrow equipment that people personally own. I do my very best to look after equipment in my care as my own. However, transportation and constantly moving gear come with risks. It really appreciate you contacting Rogue Audio on my behalf though 🙂👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Happy to help and they are a cool bunch at Rogue so a good chance they will accommodate. Also, I just received my Billie and LOVE IT! Popped in some JAN Sylvanias and Day #1 it's now one of my favorites for sure. It's different from the Sphinx, but having both is a privilege. Thank you Tarun, you never disappoint! 🍺
Thanks for making such a review. It's really glad to see class D done such a good job. But, should I pick the Billie if I can get the H190 at a similar price.(Old model is on sale), is it still worth a try? Thanks.
I haven’t heard the old model. I would email the Itai (owner, designer) and give him your requirements. He will make a sensible recommendation 😊
Interesting aesthetic, reminds me of Pearl Acoustics.
Cool 😎
Nice and interesting review, maybe one day I will give class D a chance 😊 The design is not for me or at least there should be the option to chose silver or black knobs to make it more ´classic' (I´m getting old 😅). The DAC, bluetooth,headphone amp and phono input should be optional (I would prefer this for all amplifiers) so they could keep the price a little lower.
I don´t like to pay for features that I never would use..
Thx for sharing 😊
Any chance of getting that list of the R8 bul upgrades? How many of which and color of the labels? Red banded… brown banded tubes?
Very interesting combination. Do you have any reviews on amps fitted with the ICEpower 1200AS2 ? cheers.
Thx. Not as yet 😉
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ok thanks, keep em rollin.
Great content as always ! Would this great looking amp make a good match with Proac Tablets 10 or Harbeth P3Esr ? Thanks !
Thx. It should be fine 😊
I’m typically anti class D but over the past 2 years Ive heard a few nice ones. Cherry Amps maraschino monoblocks are fantastic as I used them to power my Maggie 1.7i’s for awhile. I had a rogue sphinx v3 with a tube pre and class D output stage for awhile. It’s long in the tooth so I imagine they are ready to update it at some point.
Thx for sharing 😊
For a bit more you can get a used Galion TS120, monster!
It is a very different amp 😊
Mr. British Audiophile, I would suggest and implore you to check out a Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum (the Magnum is their newest update/upgrade). I'm pretty sure you'll "wow". Give them a ring on the telly. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent you one for review. Btw, their customer service is the BEST bar none. And, their Class D hybrid has a great built in phono stage!
Thank you 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 My pleasure! I've always enjoyed your channel and you classy yet down to earth style.
Yet another magnificent honest review from our man TARUN. I am really happy that Billie The Kid 🤩, oh sorry; Billie Amp II got such well deserved recognition. This is one ☝️ of my desert 🌵 island 🏝️ integrated amplifier. Now wishing and hopefully waiting for our man TARUN to review Aaron No.1.A from Germany 🇩🇪. And maybe for a near future AUDIONET WATT 🤫😁 again from Germany 🇩🇪 Thank you 🙏🏼 TARUN and Happy NOWRUZ from your ancient audiophile and high end audio businessman from Tehran Iran ❤️🤍💚
Thank you my friend. Always a pleasure to hear from you. It should be called "Billie the Kid!" 🤣👍😀
excellent review Tarun, as always... unfortunately, I heard about the Billie a few months after buying my Belles Aria integrated, otherwise, I would have bought the Billie... you said you we are not a big fan of the class-D, but have you heard some of the GaN-Fet models like the AGD, Starkrimson or Atma-Sphere? I know they are more expensive than the ones you usually review, but I'd be curious to know what you think...
Thank you. I hope to get to them in time 👍
I have owned many class D amps.. all of them are on my top list.. But the most expensive one i had was actually the worst.. Jeff Rowland Continuum s2.. sounded really bad. Primare is a brand that get's it.. amazing sounding.
I now have the Gato Audio DIA400s-NPM and it is by far the best sounding yet.. Incredible sound, built like a tank and with a design to die for :) Another great sounding class D is the Marantz PM Ruby from the late great Ken Ishawata.. sounded warm and class A like :)
Thx for sharing 😊
Yes, thanks for sharing!
Just from the top of my head.. the best sounding I have owned.
1. Gato Audio DIA400s NPM
2. Marantz PM KI Ruby
3. primare i32.(have not heard the new i35 yet).
4. NuPrime st10.
There are so good class d amplifiers already out there, but many audiophiles keep on their prejudices, with listening just few of them they have opinions about all segment. Many of them powering on their class a amps instead of heaters, against electricity bills. I use to have Bryston 2b-lp and Bryston 0.5 preamp for 10 years, then I learned many mastering studios selling their Brystons, preferred Hypex modules, which gave me the idea to try Rogue Audio Sphinx. And then with many search, I found Cherry Maraschino Stereo… and this Cherry Maraschino is by far the best, ahead in clarity, the darkest background, musicality, imaging and speed. and it’s so pity the founder Tommy O’Brien (RIP) passed away because of Covid. Now, I mostly care about measurements, objective listening tests, reviews, trying to educate, keep myself of any kind of prejudice, searching objective opinions for the newest Hypex Nilai. Thanks for your recommendations, clear and objective thoughts.
Thank you 😊
Class D seems to be emerging as an acceptable viable alternative in amplifiers . I have been looking for a replacement to Hi-Fi World magazine which ceased publishing . This channel fulfills that search . Like the magazine publisher Noel Keywood the channel is based around a fairly stable home based system with a love of music .
Thank you 😊
Maybe review the Marantz Model 30? Would be interested on what you think of it vs the Hegel H190 and the Billie. Thanks.
I appreciate the suggestion 🙂
Biggest recent surprise came when I caved into temptation and bought an open-box Gustard R26 DAC from a dealer for a £400 saving. It replaced my Aune X8 VIII + Sparkos op-amp upgrade and dedicated LPS.
At around three times the price -- even discounted -- I was expecting so much. And yes, the Gustard is indeed obviously better across the board -- but seems to be missing something. I dunno, maybe an indefinable sparkle? It probably isn't a question of burn-in, because it was pre-owned.
I'm still experimenting and maybe I'll discover some secret sauce, but for the moment am wondering (since you mentioned it), whether it's a system synergy thing. I have confidence in my class A preamp, but am wondering whether it could be my class D power amp that's the culprit. 😕
Thx for sharing John. You will need to swop one component at a time until you find the culprit(s) 😊
I was on the edge of sending my R26 back. On a whim I tried the LAN input. If you haven't tried it I highly recommend it, it's a significant uptick in all aspects of the DAC. It also opens the door to HQPlayer, which is great if you're one of lifes tinkerers.
@@richcarless7740Oh -- never thought of that. No idea what HQPlayer was, so looked it up. Seems to be some kind of streaming software, but as I don't stream from the Web, don't think I'd use it.
Please tell me -- can one use a LAN input direct from the laptop in lieu of USB? Would it work bearing in mind the USB drivers I've installed? It'd mean taking my Singxer SU-2 DDC out of the input chain (it doesn't have a LAN output). I suppose I ought also to try going direct via USB to the R26 from the laptop. Might be that the DDC, which worked so well with my previous DAC, is the culprit.
I'm currently trying different inputs to the DAC from the DDC than coaxial -- such as I2S, AES and so on. Or maybe I could try my second system's Audiolab 6000A amp in pre, power or integrated mode to see if either element of the main system's amplification is the issue. I could even try switching speaker and other cables around. Thanks to Tarun's suggestion, I have so much to try. Hence, many thanks to both of you. 🙂
@@richcarless7740Blast! I posted a response but it seems to have disappeared, so trying again.
I hadn't thought about using a LAN connector. Are you saying you can just use an RJ45 cable from Laptop to the R26 DAC? Instead of USB? Or is there more involved? Please bear in mind I have no interest in streaming from the Web, just from my laptop's hard drive.
I'm currently using a Singxer DDC between PC and the R26 and experimenting with its various outputs such as coaxial and I2S. The DDC doesn't have a LAN input or output, so I'd have to remove it from the input chain -- pity because it worked so well with my previous DAC, but if that were to solve the problem, it'd be some consolation.
I have many more things to try thanks to Tarun's suggestion, but the idea of a LAN solution intrigues me and I'd like to know more if possible. Many thanks to both of you for the advice. 🙂
Best hifi surprise i heard,,,, without a doubt the Boenicke w5. Sweetest mids, and looks and sounds don't match up at all. In the best way possible.
Thx 😊
A good friend of mine is enjoy this little Billie a lot.
I'll be curious to compare it with YAMAHA R-N2000A
I hope it will be much better because the R-N1000A got a dramatic review a while ago here on CZcams. To be honest, I would never (again) buy an all-in-one design 🤔
Me too 😊
Also curious about this :) does it mean you would not recommend the R-N2000A @@abritishaudiophile7314 ? Looking specifically for something to drive a CSS 1TDX ! Also wanted to say thanks for the reviews they are the most comprehensive and objectives I've seen on CZcams!
hi Tarum do you think this amp is going to be an upgrade over the Hegel h95 I bought 2 years ago because of your review 😅?
It is more resolving but I don’t believe in upgrading in bitesizes 😊
I had some interest in this amp. I don't listen to vinyl and I have a nice DAC. So, I emailed them and asked if they have ever considered a model that does not have a phono amp and DAC. No response. I would imagine I pissed the guy off with the question. Oh well. Really neat amp though.
Why jump to such a negative conclusion? I think it's a rather odd question. After all it's not a modular unit.
@@lsaideOK ha ha. Well, I’ve heard some things about the designer of the amp. There are a lot of integrated amps out there without a DAC or phono amp. Why not make a couple models or offer “options?” Wait a minute, do you work there? 😂
Check out "Thomas and Stereo" review of VTV purifi classD amp with tube op amp buffers of 6 different choices...I bought it and marry it with a DAC of my choosing and Schitt Freya+ pre amp...I only listen to Qobuz and pretty much all acoustic and vocal Jazz...love the tone from top to bottom
@@sean_heisler You “heard some things”? Care to elaborate a little? Just curious.
@@DKR-1881 Well, I've seen some comments here and there in forums or on videos. That's all. Issues with units and them unable to fix it but yet charging for repair and shipping costs. I hate to make comments that could hurt a company but, hey, the comments are out there that I found as I researched buying this amp. Just kind of turned me off along with them not responding to my inquiry.
Hi Tarun. Is there some indication on the select control to tell you what you’re on , it’s probably me but couldn’t see anything . Kind regards as always 👍
Yes. Subtle led slits on the top. Understated but effective 😊
Purchase validation ❤️
Cool 😎
A nice amp, but I would love to see an amp with a tube preamp stage and purifi eigentakt modules. That would be fascinating.
I am sure it is out there 😊
VTVAmplifier has just that!
@adrewtube1 Thanks, Andrew. Worth a Google. By all accounts, VTV implement Class D well.
Me: Tell me you're British without telling me you're British.
Tarun: Turrets on a medieval castle.
Did you like that reference? 😉
Hi Tarun. Do you prefer the Billie amp over the Thallo/Hades combo? I realize the Denafrips stack is more money, but I’m curious on your preference.
I prefer the Billie 😉
@@abritishaudiophile7314 😮. Wow..
I own the Thallo. Now you’ve got me curious. lol. This is not good.
I''ve seen a comparison between class d power amps with Purifi, ICE and Hypex Nilai modules. Hypex clearly came out on top there before Purifi then ICE. It gave a Pass Labs X150.8 a run for it's money for less than a fifth of the price (DIY kit though).
Is it that 2 hour long video with 3 dudes? :D
Thats part of the reason Im biased towards hypex now.Just got a dual mono hypex modul amp with 2 huge toroids
@@kristofvadnai7468yes AlphaAudio
Thanks for sharing. Bruno Putzeys who designed the Purifi Eigentakt, Hypex NCore and Hypex UcD amplifiers would rate them in the order I have stated. Each was a development of the previous design 😊
...and if you check out VTV they marry the Purifi up with about half a dozen different op amp tube buffers of your choosing all under the same roof...Thomas and Stereo did a review a while back...positive enough that I acquired it and have been smiling ever since...and all I listen to is acoustic jazz and vocals streamed on Qobuz
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks. I think Hypex Nilai wasn't developed by Bruno. It is an improved version of Ncore/Ncorex developed by Dutch company Hypex Electronics. They claim to have improved the existing control-loop topology by a factor of 10.
Overall performance, do you like the Billie amp than the Willsenton R8? I know R8 is good but I'm curious about this Billie amp. I think Billie is better. Thanks for all that you do in this hobby of ours. Have a nice day!
Thank you. I did compare the 2 amps during this review 😊
Amazing acoustic track The peppery man by Natalie Merchant enjoy keep well
Cool 😎
We've been telling each other that Class-D amplification has a thin and hard sound in the midrange and upper midrange for so long that I've begun to wonder if a lot of it isn't confirmation bias, at this point. Class-D has come a very, *very* long way since the late 2000's, and I'm not at all convinced that it still sounds thin and hard in the upper midrange, with or without the tube buffer.
As a practical consideration this would be difficult to test, but as a pure thought exercise it suggests the potential for gob-smacking savings at the cash register. I own an SMSL AO300 which I bought new for $260 with free shipping, and to say that it sounds every bit as good as the $2000 amplification choices that I've previously owned by McCormack and Bryston and Arcam and Naim would be obvious hyperbole .... if it wasn't also mighty close to being true.
I'm not saying that nobody should ever buy an expensive amplifier ever again. But I might be saying it's high time for a double-blind comparison.
Thx for sharing 😊
QotD: my surprise is Steve Huff actually knows what he's talking about, it seems. SH raved about this amp about a year ago. I very nearly bought it back then, but just didn't trust the multi-genre you-tuber SH is - and I now have the Cambridge Audio CXA81 instead - oh well !
To be fair Steve Huff, when he is not talking to dead celebrities about the Apocalypse, likes everything. He has to be right every now and again. I bought a Kinki Studio Ex - M1 after his review before I rumbled him as a charlatan and, to be fair, I love it.
Good choice I purchased the CXA81 3 years ago and it is a worthy product.
Thx for sharing 😊
@@jimfarrell4635cutting but very funny
@@jimfarrell4635that’s so true - finding his speaking to the dead channel turned me off of his hifi reviews, and he also has a photography equipment review channel… Perhaps I’ll wait for the Billie mk3 with an up to date DAC.
The Orchard Audio-Starkrimson Ultra amplifier, GaN-FETs in class-D is being hyped as end game audio. Hybrid class A-D is gaining a reputation of being the best of both worlds but idk. What is the long term reliability class-D? Those class-D power supplies look weak! A faulty class-D amp module is not worth the cost to troubleshoot and repair. So what surprises me is how good chip amplifiers sound. I got my eye on the Akitika chip amp GT-102, the sonic description is a tube amp with better bass! Texas Instruments LM3886 chip class-AB, all even ordered harmonic distortion spikes 2,4,6,8
Thx for sharing 😊