Xduoo MT-604 - Magic Music Maker

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  • čas přidán 4. 09. 2024
  • Xduoo MT-604 amzn.to/3fu2xjS
    Pentagon 4.4mm to (2) XLR amzn.to/3yK3ood
    Monoloith M570 Headphones $200 amzn.to/3i39vhI
    Emotiva GR1 Headphones bit.ly/3ftZ6JZ
    www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
    High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
    Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial (For HD, Scroll to the bottom of the linked page and select “Try HD” amzn.to/3fiiMPC
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    If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
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    DIY Assembly for $350 email me with “DIY Assembly” in subject line cheapaudioman@gmail.com
    Recommended Speaker List
    Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
    Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
    Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
    Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
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    Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
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    Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
    Recommended Amp List
    Around $130
    SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
    SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
    Around $400
    Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
    Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...

Komentáře • 214

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Před 3 lety +146

    Wowsa! Awesome shirt!

    • @bigblueocean
      @bigblueocean Před 3 lety +10

      True praise from the renegade shirt master!

    • @TheHammerofDissidence
      @TheHammerofDissidence Před 3 lety +7

      High praise coming from a shirt master.

    • @docdeens4030
      @docdeens4030 Před 3 lety +3

      He's bitin' your schtick

    • @alexanderboehm80
      @alexanderboehm80 Před 3 lety +5

      Couldn’t take my eyes off the shirt! So I had to watch the video a second time…..

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +10

      Steve! I'll be on the lookout for more like this.

  • @vannk73
    @vannk73 Před 3 lety +24

    I immediately thought of Steve when I saw that shirt, lol! 😂

  • @CJNooberson
    @CJNooberson Před 3 lety +10

    This is the kind of video we come for. Cheap awesome amp that can do more than you think if you buy a weird cable.
    Love and want!

  • @SteveWille
    @SteveWille Před 3 lety +15

    “… they call it ‘Royale with Cheese’”- Vincent, “Pulp Fiction”

  • @stephenstevens6573
    @stephenstevens6573 Před 3 lety +2

    You've got me rethinking my whole crown class D into magnaplanar systrm...could ameliorate all of the objections I get for running class D. Thank you. Man!

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw Před rokem +1

    After watching this and other reviews and discussions with Neil, this unit has been ordered and is on its way to me. Thank you for this. You continue to improve my listening pleasure and my wallet lightness. 😂😂

  • @odwatchguy
    @odwatchguy Před 3 lety +6

    Great review Randy, here is a napkin to wipe up the drool. Hard to describe an amazing experience, you did express pure enjoyment. Congrats.

  • @alexeystepashkin3195
    @alexeystepashkin3195 Před rokem +2

    Nice advice for the setup. Just plugged MT-604 into DA-9 with 4-pin XLR to 2x 3pin XLR. I dunno how to describe it, but it was like I listened to Metallica for the first time. Drive, musicality, punch, the in-scene effect? Definitely was worth the effort with cabling and stuff. And good thing that it has both neutrik and pentaconn options for signal out, so you can plug in your headphones and amp at the same time.

    • @daiyouga
      @daiyouga Před 11 měsíci

      I did the same exact thing. My volume level on the 604 is set to 50% both sides...really colored the sound. Its great.

    • @alexeystepashkin3195
      @alexeystepashkin3195 Před 10 měsíci

      What I've noticed is that if you have plugged both pentaconn and 4 pin out and listen through 4 pin - sound looses alot of "depth". Need to clear the pentaconn out. On the other hand, pentaconn out seems to be unaffected whether you have 4 pin connected or not.

  • @crankthetunes7989
    @crankthetunes7989 Před 3 lety +3

    I just got the ares dac this week and it definitely levels up from the dac in my Cambridge cxn v2. Noticed an improvement in the voices, bass and instrument separation.

  • @ginom407
    @ginom407 Před 3 lety +7

    Your enthusiasm is contagious, Great review. Xduoo is knocking it out of the park!!! Another amazing find! 👍👍👍

  • @davedunn7759
    @davedunn7759 Před 3 lety +1

    I clicked and immediately got heartburn.

    • @welderfixer
      @welderfixer Před 3 lety +1

      All of those chili peppers do have an affect. Where's the TUMS? LOL

  • @SimpleMailWork
    @SimpleMailWork Před 6 měsíci

    SO THANK YOU!

  • @shahidyt
    @shahidyt Před rokem +1

    You should ask for for the Xduoo TA-22, it feature packed

  • @MacJames
    @MacJames Před 7 měsíci

    Hi Randy,! Thanks for an awesome video, just got this little gem and you just solved the question I had with running it into my receiver! :D

  • @georgekontogiorgos1801
    @georgekontogiorgos1801 Před 3 lety +1

    Bought the MT-604 before there was a single review on it and it is great. Rolled the tubes on it with 2 pairs of matched GE platinum grade tubes by Riverstone audio and oh man this is the best I've hear my music ever. Its connected to an SMSL SU-9. Highly recommend this tube amp and upgraded tubes. Love the review Randy, great to hear your impression on it matched mine. Music is just very enjoyable and nothing else matters when when I'm listening through it. Keep up the great work.

    • @redleather420
      @redleather420 Před 3 lety

      can you check if it can be used as a pre amp? cheap audioman says he can but i dont see it anywhere labeled.

    • @theodorezurla496
      @theodorezurla496 Před 3 lety

      Okay so I bought the 604 and now my fingers on the trigger for those tubes you just mentioned is it really worth it or should I stick with the stock can you really tell a bigger better difference with those tubes

    • @georgekontogiorgos1801
      @georgekontogiorgos1801 Před 3 lety

      I was able to tell a difference for sure and it was a cheap upgrade

    • @theodorezurla496
      @theodorezurla496 Před 3 lety

      @@georgekontogiorgos1801 can you be descriptive on the change of sound

    • @georgekontogiorgos1801
      @georgekontogiorgos1801 Před 3 lety

      @@theodorezurla496 more detailed and warmer more tube like sound.

  • @carminedesanto6746
    @carminedesanto6746 Před 3 lety

    I’ve got mine on the way !
    Thanks for the review 👍

  • @akersquarteracre8002
    @akersquarteracre8002 Před 3 lety +5

    AIYIMA 6J1 tube pre-amp, if you get a chance check it out on Amazon. Costs $50 and another $15 for a pair of GE tubes. The best bang-for-the-buck audio purchase I've made to date. Have 3 now. Great vid Randy, keep 'em comin'.

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety +1

      I find hybrid tube preamps to work well in speaker setups. Full tube preamps have a bit too much soft knee compression for my liking. I personally use the Douk Audio P1 Tube Preamp with a pair of matched Voskhod 6N1P for my nearfield coaxial monitors, and the Xduoo MT-602 hybrid tube preamp with a pair of matched GE Jan 5654W with my midfield coaxial living room setup. The former has a neutral and detailed sound while adding holographic imaging, while the latter has a slightly warm detailed sound with holographic imaging. For my headphone setup, I am using the Little Dot Mk2 with Voskhod 6zh1p-ev Driver Tubes, and NEVZ 6N6P power tubes with my Sennheiser HD300 Pros (one of the very the best headphones on the market).

  • @JuanGarcia-kv7yv
    @JuanGarcia-kv7yv Před 3 lety +2

    Well someone is on vacation mood!!

  • @sambalsamurai9672
    @sambalsamurai9672 Před 2 lety +2

    Never in my life I have laughed and been entertained while at the same time been so well informed by a review, as this one! +1
    Just one question: How would this amp compare side by side to the popular Jotunheim 2 headphone amp?
    The Jotunheim 2 also has great realism and richness, being very musical beyond analytical.

  • @rocketman093
    @rocketman093 Před rokem

    Just did some binge research and this combined with a schiit modius is about to be my setup for my Sennheiser HD 600s. Great review!

  • @aworminmybook8234
    @aworminmybook8234 Před 3 lety +1

    I detect the beginning of a shirt rivalry!

  • @theovonskeletor3709
    @theovonskeletor3709 Před 3 lety +2

    Those xlrs on the back are inputs not outputs

  • @navrasicsi
    @navrasicsi Před 3 lety +1

    Cheapaudioman daily show. ;-)

  • @dickieknutz2933
    @dickieknutz2933 Před 3 lety +4

    Cheap Audio Shirt

  • @nc3419
    @nc3419 Před 3 lety +3

    If only you could spit out NOS tubes...you'd make a fortune.

  • @N3ukenInD3K3uken
    @N3ukenInD3K3uken Před 3 lety +2

    2:03
    that's balanced *in*

  • @charliebravo8036
    @charliebravo8036 Před 3 lety

    No, Randy, aka. Cheap Audio Man! It's just about the DAC; it's about the shirt you wear when the music takes you... ask Steve, you ask Steve! (Ever noticed how dramatic things sound when one repeats the last thing one says in a measured cadence... have you ever noticed it?). Awesome videos, awesome videos!

  • @Thiago_TS_BR
    @Thiago_TS_BR Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the review.

  • @SHENZHENAUDIO
    @SHENZHENAUDIO Před 3 lety

    Thanks for review!

  • @NeilBlanchard
    @NeilBlanchard Před 3 lety +3

    Was this MT604 in the same "family sound" with the MT602? I would assume that it is - but it probably is lower distortion, due to the balanced circuit (largely) canceling out the 2nd order distortion.
    Based on your recommendation of the MT602, I had a similar experience - both as a headphone amp, and as a preamp. Significantly, I used the MT602 in place of an Audible Illusions Modulus 2C - which is a wonderful tube preamp. And the MT602 was good enough that I would not badly miss the Modulus. It has serious punchy bass, with excellent control, and an open clear sound stage.
    The Modulus has two volume knobs, one for each channel - the reason for this is you get control of the balance *without* the additional potentiometer wiper contacts in the circuit. Simpler is often better.

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety +2

      I am happy with my MT-602 as a hybrid tube preamp for my midfield coaxial living room setup. I am using a matched pair of GE Jan 5654W tubes with it. It adds a bit of tube "warmth" and holographic imaging to my already highly resolving and tonality neutral setup.

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety +1

      BTW I HIGHLY recommend adding a couple of iFi AC Purifiers to an audio setup to get the most resolution and detail from your setup.

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety

      The combination of a clean DAC (low jitter distortion), perfectly time aligned coaxial monitors w/ subwoofer in a good sounding room, warmth and holographic imaging from tube preamp, and all fed with clean AC and DC power is simply AMAZING.

  • @saw3v1
    @saw3v1 Před 3 lety

    This is a great episode. I don't really do much headphone listening. But I enjoyed every minute of it. The shirt is amazing!

    • @saw3v1
      @saw3v1 Před 3 lety

      I want to see you do a Winnebago man style video.

  • @markj4066
    @markj4066 Před 3 lety +2

    Did you use the stock tubes or replace them? I have their MT 402 with matched GE tubes and it made a small but noticeable difference. Great review.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      These are stock tubes but rolling them is very affordable

    • @bigblueocean
      @bigblueocean Před 3 lety

      I always use knorr........

  • @shahidyt
    @shahidyt Před rokem

    Interesting, I do have an Ares2 with xlr cables, but no balanced headphones.
    I’m thinking to get a 4 pin xlr to 2 rca so I can use with my Stax or the 4 pin xlr to a 1/4 inch for my Grado SR325i, before I convert the Grado to balanced

  • @charlemagno
    @charlemagno Před 2 lety

    Great video Randy! When you connected this to the DA9, where did you set the volume for this Xduoo?

  • @brianliu522
    @brianliu522 Před rokem

    I just ordered the 6J1P-EV from Ukraine and the Sylvania 6AK5. Looking forward to testing them out with my MT-604

    • @warlock5965
      @warlock5965 Před 9 měsíci

      and what do you think, about this experiment with this tubes?

    • @brianliu522
      @brianliu522 Před 9 měsíci

      @@warlock5965 I eventually settled down with the 6J1P-EV Voskhod Rocket tubes. Significant but not dramatic improvements from the stock tubes.

    • @warlock5965
      @warlock5965 Před 9 měsíci

      @@brianliu522 I ordered 6j38p ev. I heard that they have more aftersound, but less control.

  • @jaykabel
    @jaykabel Před 2 lety

    Also - I replaced the tubes with the Riverstone (?) 61J tubes on Amazon

  • @willmac5642
    @willmac5642 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi Randy, is the balanced out fixed / variable?

  • @CesarFerrer
    @CesarFerrer Před 2 lety

    I was wondering if the denafrips ares 2 was good with the mt-604 head-amp as I clicked your review of the mt-604 just to hear your opinion, perfect timing, now I have to research the Monolith M570.

  • @ruger6049
    @ruger6049 Před rokem

    I think you should auction off that shirt!!!! Cheers!

  • @DC-mm9zo
    @DC-mm9zo Před 3 lety +1

    Sounds like a very fun product. Is there a less expensive DAC you might rec to go with it, balanced? Thanks.

    • @mattrismatt
      @mattrismatt Před 3 lety

      Have a look at the *ifi ZEN DAC* (the original or Ver. 2). While it only has a USB input, the unit features a buttery-smooth volume (pre-amp) knob that makes it well worth its reasonable asking price.

    • @DC-mm9zo
      @DC-mm9zo Před 3 lety

      @@mattrismatt Thanks for the suggestion... I've been considering the ZEN...

    • @FlamencoOz
      @FlamencoOz Před 3 lety +1

      @@DC-mm9zo I've got a Zen Dac, I love it. The gain switch, TruBass, and Balanced outputs its value is amazing. BUT, with my HiFiMan Sundara's (with balanced cables) it's missing something though with my Focal Eligia it sounds amazing. I think what it's missing is power, Sundara's need more power than the Eligia's. I read in a post somewhere that an amp made a big difference to the Sundara's when using the Zen Dac. So I've just pulled the trigger and bought one of these Xduoo's. Will report back once I have them and get to try it. What headphones are you using?

    • @DC-mm9zo
      @DC-mm9zo Před 3 lety

      @@FlamencoOz Thanks, Sundara of course:). And 560S... Good info about the power. I picked up the 604 and it sounds great. I also have the Xduoo TA-10 and it's very good, but snaps and crackles more than I'd like.

    • @FlamencoOz
      @FlamencoOz Před 3 lety +1

      @@DC-mm9zo OMFG... I just received the MT-604 this morning and what a difference it makes to the Sundara's on the ZenDac which I felt sounded a little hollow... everything just seems more full and rounded and present.. like I am there is the best way I can describe it, it's a night and day difference. I have it running with the Zen Dac variable switch on so I can control the volume using the ZenDac and still have access to TrueBass (unfortunately switching to fixed stops the TrueBass being used). This amp is the bargain of the year! I've also tried the Focal Eligia's on these which I felt sounded much better than the Sundara's on the Zen Dac. I think I like the Focal Eligia's better just running off the Zen Dac, I feel the Xduoo may actually make an already present forward sounding headphone even more so (to the point of it being overdone). Which headphones sound better now... the Sundara's because they are more refined in sound with more detail when using the Xduoo but if I only had the Zen Dac I'd go with the Eligia's.

  • @bactanite
    @bactanite Před 3 lety

    I really like this channel for the information, but I also find it amusing. The analysis of the music of Twisted Sister is an example. Dee Snider would be amused as well.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +2

      I would enjoy having a nice conversation with Dee.

  • @darkpatches
    @darkpatches Před 3 lety +1

    Sponsor fail: You didn't tell us *where* to get the quarter pounder with cheese. I believe, from the box, the restaurant name starts with a "W."
    FTR, I'm not a fan of McW's, but I do love the quarter pounder, extra onions and pickles, please.

  • @FlamencoOz
    @FlamencoOz Před 3 lety +1

    Mate, thank you for this recommendation... I just received it this morning and OMFG what a difference it makes to the Sundara's on the ZenDac which I felt sounded a little hollow... everything just seems more full and rounded and present.. like I am there is the best way I can describe it, it's a night and day difference. I have it running with the Zen Dac variable switch on so I can control the volume using the ZenDac and still have access to TrueBass (unfortunately switching to fixed stops the TrueBass being used). This amp is the bargain of the year! I've also tried the Focal Eligia's on these which I felt sounded much better than the Sundara's on the Zen Dac. I think I like the Focal Eligia's better just running off the Zen Dac, I feel the Xduoo may actually make an already present forward sounding headphone even more so (to the point of it being overdone). Which headphones sound better now... the Sundara's because they are more refined in sound with more detail when using the Xduoo but if I only had the Zen Dac I'd go with the Eligia's.

  • @dave2288
    @dave2288 Před 3 lety

    Hey Randy! Love the shirt!

  • @JuanGarcia-kv7yv
    @JuanGarcia-kv7yv Před 3 lety

    Another Wondermental Review!!!! I’m buying one ....

  • @eueueueu21
    @eueueueu21 Před 3 lety +2

    this man is just 1 click away from trying nobsound hardware :D

  • @HeavyBeats24
    @HeavyBeats24 Před 3 lety

    I love this idea with speakers! I have a balanced rotel Dac/preamp and a iotavx pa3. (AB). Would It benefit more with a class d or will it still be magical with a AB amp? Love all the dac and streamer stuff lately. Don’t be too cheap ;).

  • @KevinTernes
    @KevinTernes Před 3 lety

    I don't really get into headphones. But I watched because I like seeing Randy in a cool shirt.

  • @alexgregory1887
    @alexgregory1887 Před 2 lety

    You mention using the Mt-604 with the Denafrips Ares II -- how do you control the volume? With the D90 running in DAC mode, I could only turn the volume knobs a hair. In Pre mode, I can set the volume knobs to noon and control the volume with the D90's remote. What's the secret to using this amp with an R2R ladder DAC?

  • @BigBoss-kk8hq
    @BigBoss-kk8hq Před 3 lety +1

    Only here for the Shirt ... that's he real calling

  • @jaykabel
    @jaykabel Před 2 lety

    Very similar to the experience I had with the balanced Loxjie P20 for $100. I prefer it to multi-thousand $ amps. Similar effect. I bought the mt-604 based on your recommendation, thinking maybe it's a bit better. Too soon to say, but I like the 4.4 out on the 604. I wish I could control volume with 1 knob though, the two are kind of annoying

    • @user-umnetbds379
      @user-umnetbds379 Před 11 měsíci

      Two knobs are much better, because for many people, both ears hear differently, especially with age, and not every player or DAC allows you to control this. So this is actually a smart decision.

  • @Ken-vv3os
    @Ken-vv3os Před 4 měsíci

    Can someone please elaborate on how to connect it as a buffer? I understand the out part (the pentagon to 2x XLR) but where/how do I connect the balanced DAC

  • @DV-fg4pq
    @DV-fg4pq Před 3 lety +1

    Interesting (and not just for the red hot chili pepper shirt). Too bad I only have unbalanced headphones (like the philips SHP9500) so the use of this would be limited for me to add some spacey tube distortion between the ADI-2 DAC FS (balanced to the xduoo to the balanced in of my integrated amp. now if I could use it for unbalanced headphones .. this double use would make it a steal :-)

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety

      Hybrid tube headphone amps tend to sound less impressive than full tube headphone amps. I recommend the Little Dot Mk2 with matched Voskhod 6zh1p-ev Driver Tubes and matched NEVZ 6N6P power tubes for headphones with neutral tonality and unbalanced connections. Just keep in mind of the potential for ground loops and RF interference due to the unbalanced connection.

  • @Geneu97
    @Geneu97 Před 3 lety

    Love your videos, if u want to edit them a little more where u show the parts as a B-roll on a well lit table, it'll make the video smooth and easier to watch! Idk if u just want this aesthetic though!

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      I’d love to do that someday. But I’m not really a fancy guy like that. I’ve tried to do it before and it felt weird

  • @brianliu522
    @brianliu522 Před rokem

    I wonder how the sound would be for this little app to drive the HD800s. Anyone has experience? Thanks

  • @OMGitsMarkkus
    @OMGitsMarkkus Před 3 lety

    @cheapaudioman great informative review with well-injected humour! Can I ask how the IFI ZEN DAC pairs with either the Xduoo MT602 or the MT604 that you have reviewed and highly praised?

    • @RUMBLEGO1
      @RUMBLEGO1 Před 2 lety

      Guess not...lol. I'm curious too.

    • @brianliu522
      @brianliu522 Před rokem

      I am using zen DAC with the xduoo 604. I love the sound very much.

  • @RUMBLEGO1
    @RUMBLEGO1 Před 2 lety

    Nice review Randy! When you run out to your other amp, from the 4.4 in the front, does it disable the headphones?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 2 lety +1

      I'm not sure. I never tried both. if I had to guess I'd say they both play. harder to disable than just to leave both running

    • @RUMBLEGO1
      @RUMBLEGO1 Před 2 lety

      @@cheapaudioman Thanks! Going to order one

  • @rsj1693
    @rsj1693 Před 3 lety

    Randy Messman's Magical Musical Mystery Tour!!!

  • @kimohacio8189
    @kimohacio8189 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome video, i'm new to the hobby so i have no equipment apart from hd800s on the way. I've ordered the xduoo mt-604 and i will order an aune x8 magic DAC to go with it. Do i need anything else for this setup? Zreviews was talking about a rca cable of sorts to deal with the gain issue on it but i didnt understand fully what he was trying to say, do i need another cable for this to work? Any help would be appreciated greatly, thanks 🙂

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      Heck of a setup for your first one.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      You should get the mt602 version instead. This is a “balanced” headphone amp and the 602 woll work work the x8. Just a set of rca cables and you can connect the two

    • @kimohacio8189
      @kimohacio8189 Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman awesome, is there any danger to that since the aune x8 is an unbalanced dac running the 604 which is balanced?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      @@kimohacio8189 the mt602 is also unbalanced and is a much option that the mt604 for your x8

  • @thatchinaboi1
    @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety

    Cheap Audio Man.. You should review the iFi AC Purifier. In fact, you should get 2 of them for review. Many people have raved about it, so I decided to give it a shot. I ended up being so impressed, I bought a second one, and plan on getting 2 more for my other system. The resolution it gives the music is simply AMAZING. Things will sound more lifelike (natural timbre) due to the increase in resolution. It is definitely NOT snake oil. It can even make lossy codecs sound more lifelike and better.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      I just looked it up. How does the component connect to it? I just saw a round plug receptors on it

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman No components are necessary to connect to it. Your audio equipment just needs to be using the same AC outlet as the AC Purifier. I placed the first one right into the first socket on the wall, and the other socket is where I connect my power strips. I added a second AC Purifier and connected it to an empty socket in my power strip.

    • @thatchinaboi1
      @thatchinaboi1 Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman Have you gotten around to checking out the iFi AC Purifier? If you did, what are your thoughts and experience with it? Where is your review?

    • @shawnpwatsons1
      @shawnpwatsons1 Před 2 lety

      Get the iFi Power-X power supply for the 604!

  • @Seth-hc2bj
    @Seth-hc2bj Před 3 lety

    Damn I just bought the 602...I guess I could always get another

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +2

      They’re both awesome. Unless you have balanced stuff I’d just stick with the 602

  • @NeilBlanchard
    @NeilBlanchard Před 3 lety

    Question about the MT604 power supply: I am assuming it is 12V - but what is the output amperage? On the MT602 power supply, they list input as 100-240V at 1A, and the output is 12V 2A.

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 Před 3 lety

    Great shirt

  • @chutgowdingo-loon3212
    @chutgowdingo-loon3212 Před 3 lety

    Yeah, nice shirt Randy.

  • @MAK8299
    @MAK8299 Před rokem

    can we use this amp's bal out for unbal headphones with 4.4 to 3.5 jumper cable

  • @alexgregory1887
    @alexgregory1887 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for this review -- I bought the 604 and hooked it up to my Topping D90/Focal Utopia headphones. It is indeed a magic box. The 'phones have never sounded so good. I have not used my A90 amp since. The 604 is one of the best audio purchases I've made. For the price and size, it just shouldn't be this good. I auditioned a $2500 Feliks Euforia tube amp, and this little guy sounds better. Can a $170 amp be endgame material? Maybe?

    • @ramezaziz2336
      @ramezaziz2336 Před 2 lety

      What's your source? Would this work with my LG v60 phone as a streaming source for Qobuz?

    • @alexgregory1887
      @alexgregory1887 Před 2 lety

      @@ramezaziz2336 I use a Topping D90 DAC. I don’t know if your phone would work. The only inputs are balanced XLR cables or balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn.

    • @ramezaziz2336
      @ramezaziz2336 Před 2 lety

      @@alexgregory1887 thank you. What feeds your DAC? Laptop/computer?

    • @alexgregory1887
      @alexgregory1887 Před 2 lety +1

      @@ramezaziz2336 iMac

  • @marksobotkin6141
    @marksobotkin6141 Před 3 lety

    If you're using this between DAC and amp, does the 604 need to be on to pass the signal through? I can see leaving it off when my son and wife are using my system and turning it on when I use it.

  • @atticusrussell1225
    @atticusrussell1225 Před 2 lety +1

    Lmao eats tube

  • @WillieBloom
    @WillieBloom Před 2 lety

    I appreciate your review so thank you. But at 10:34, it's called a pentaconn, not a pentagon.

  • @JohnScheppler
    @JohnScheppler Před 3 lety

    I hope you're listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers 🌶 with that shirt. Great review sounds amazing

  • @bwithrow011
    @bwithrow011 Před 3 lety

    Hey Randy. Your shirt is nutritious! McDonald's has a cool deal on breakfast sandwiches 2/$5!

  • @catyamman
    @catyamman Před 3 lety

    I meant the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 thanks

  • @SamuelBarrPhotography
    @SamuelBarrPhotography Před 3 lety

    Hi Randy! OK, would you recommend this over the Schiit Audio Vali 2+ tube headphone amplifier for a computer desktop setup? I'm torn between this and the setup you used vs. the Schiit stack for listening to music from my iMac using the Emotiva Headphones you recommended.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      It’s tough to argue against Schiit everything they make is incredible but this little gem
      Is pretty awesome. The individual volume controls take a little getting used to though

    • @SamuelBarrPhotography
      @SamuelBarrPhotography Před 2 lety +1

      @@cheapaudioman - Thank you Randy!

  • @reflection1119
    @reflection1119 Před 2 lety

    I'm very new to the world of speakers but I have the MT604 and will soon have the Schiit Vidar. Can the MT604 go in the chain between a DAC (Denafrips Ares II) and the Vidar?... Or even better, in between an active preamp (Gustard P26) and the Vidar?
    I'm happy yo experiment but just don't want but always afraid of blowing something up..

    • @reflection1119
      @reflection1119 Před 2 lety

      Ok just realised that unless I'm monoblocking the Vidar, this wouldn't work. But would running this into two Vidar monoblocks work?
      I'm using Polk R100 speakers on your recommendation (the R200 was just a little too big for my needs).
      Thanks in advance

  • @NiSHAN256
    @NiSHAN256 Před 3 lety +1

    How much pain in the ass to use to volume controls? I have OCD I don't think I can live with it.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      I didn't really have any issue with it and some would say I have problems completing normal tasks like breathing and stuff.

  • @catyamman
    @catyamman Před 3 lety

    Can I connect the XDUOO MT-604 to the Dacmagic 2 dac?
    If so..what cables needed?
    thank you

  • @ramezaziz2336
    @ramezaziz2336 Před 2 lety

    So I do have a balanced great DAC in my main setup (aqua la Scala) but I do most of my headphone listening in a different room using my LG v60 phone as my streamer and Qobuz as my streaming app. The DAC inside the LG is decent but I highly suspect it is balanced (anyone knows?). Can someone please help me think of a way to take advantage of this amp? An affordable small (portable?) balanced DAC perhaps? Or do I have to ditch the phone completely as a source?
    My headphones are ZMFs.

  • @johnsweda2999
    @johnsweda2999 Před 3 lety +2

    Biggest improvement is to upgrade the power supply any valve equipment that is the most important thing something that can produce high current smooth power delivery the Ifi ipower x-series is quite good cheap go with a ready-made Chinese ultra low noise linear power supply 60$ that has multiple voltages 3 amps minimum or something like the Spower supply bit more expensive

  • @MasterMark5
    @MasterMark5 Před 3 lety

    That shirt looks hot 🔥

  • @TonyBologna999
    @TonyBologna999 Před 3 lety

    Hmmm, is this actually safe to drive a balanced amp (SMSL DA-9) from the 4.4mm or 4-pin XLR outputs on the front? Is there too much power flowing through there? It’s working for me, but I’m wondering if it’s potentially dangerous.

    • @marcpq1973
      @marcpq1973 Před rokem

      I was thinking on doing the same thing outputting to a balanced power amp, and was thinking the same thing. Anybody have any input on this?

  • @yogiwp_
    @yogiwp_ Před 2 lety

    9:07 the spec does not mention pre-amp output. So were you running the headphone out into speaker amp? Is it safe to do this?

    • @dreadlock17
      @dreadlock17 Před 2 lety

      It's a headphone amp. Just like running the headphone out to powered speakers. Nothing to worry

  • @danielc5191
    @danielc5191 Před 3 lety

    Is this worth upgrading over the MT 602? Only using it for headphones.
    Have switch my stock tubes from 602 to the JHS Sylvania tubes. Still trying to break in. Not bad, it rivals if not is better than the SMSL SH-9 in some aspects for a third of the price.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      If you don’t have a balanced source into it I’d just stick with the 602. They’re both really solid. I feel like I got a bit more space and separation with the balanced but I wouldn’t run out and get a balanced DAC or anything. Is it better? Yes. But unless you already have balanced stuff I wouldn’t give it a second thought

    • @danielc5191
      @danielc5191 Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman I see. I have a SU-9 so that might work out. Your idea about adding flavour to speakers is amazing. I'm getting a SMSL DA-9 amp and a set of Dali 1 speakers soon. Might try out your idea.
      BTW there's a tube amp that's called the Watson II amp. It's distributed like a pseudo OEM and no one talks about it on CZcams at all. It's like 2X better than the Xduoo except for an irritating hiss that I can't get rid of regardless of which DAC I use. Hoping the 604 can replicate the Watson II.
      headfonics.com/elemental-watson-ii-review/#:~:text=The%20Elemental%20Watson%20II%20is%20a%20pure%20class-A%20hybrid,and%20headphone%20in%20the%20market.

  • @matusjurcik6974
    @matusjurcik6974 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi:), is there any sonic differnce between the 602 vs 604?

    • @derekd4349
      @derekd4349 Před 3 lety

      I would be curious as well

    • @matusjurcik6974
      @matusjurcik6974 Před 3 lety +2

      @@derekd4349 actually Zeos responded to me. More tube sound...more tubish

  • @Gary_M
    @Gary_M Před 3 lety

    Why go with two volume knobs instead of one volume and one balance?

  • @Belemrys
    @Belemrys Před 3 lety

    How could I use this with a 99 Noir on the cheap? I would need an adapter for the headphones 3.5 and a DAC and cables to connect it to my PC? Just trying to do some easy listening on Spotify.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      I'd get the single ended version of this. MT602 amzn.to/3iCgFb9

    • @Belemrys
      @Belemrys Před 3 lety +1

      @@cheapaudioman yeah, I might get a little bear B4-X for now and save up for a TA-10R and then have the little bear for the office and use the TA at home.

  • @nicolaslepper8353
    @nicolaslepper8353 Před 3 lety

    How big is the difference compared to the 602 when used only as a headphone amp?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      Very very similar. Slight increase it detail and dynamic range with the 604 over. 602

  • @RJ_Chicago
    @RJ_Chicago Před 3 lety

    Randy, can you use the balance XLR output on the front with a Y cable (XLR to XLR x2 or XLR to RCA x2) to go to another amplifier for speakers? Thanks.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      you could. if you want to run this as a buffer for something with RCA's I'd just get the 602 version. It already has rca outs.

    • @redleather420
      @redleather420 Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman are you sure about that? I believe the XLR is powered and if you used it as a preamp you would be introducing very high voltage into the input of whatever amp you are using it with. I am wondering if the 4.4 outputs are also powered which would introduce high voltage if you use it as a pre amp. I will have to ask them for clarification on if this can be used as a preamp or not

    • @redleather420
      @redleather420 Před 3 lety

      That's the problem I'm having with this unit. I do not see any marketing for a preamp I think the two outputs are actually amplified outputs and if you use them as a preamp you would be introducing a very high voltage into the input of whatever you are using it with possibly damaging it so I need to get clarification on that

    • @TonyBologna999
      @TonyBologna999 Před 3 lety

      I’m using the 4-pin XLR out from the front split into L+R 3-pin XLR into an SMSL DA-9. I have the volume on the MT-604 set to about 11 o’clock. Working so far.

    • @redleather420
      @redleather420 Před 3 lety +1

      @@TonyBologna999 I would assume that if you took it to around 3:00 or 4:00 on the xduo that the smsl would start to clip or distort. Maybe not though. Would be interesting . One would think it is not a clean signal since it is already being amplified but you never know

  • @fclp67
    @fclp67 Před 3 lety

    we only have mcroyals here across the pond

  • @nc3419
    @nc3419 Před 3 lety +2

    Borrowed a shirt from Steve, eh?

  • @ricardoveromariguez7318

    This is what tubes will do to ya'...I run a tube dac into a tube pre-amp into a tube buffer into a tube amp...if I take any 1 of those out of the chain and/or replace with SS...I feel cheated.

  • @RyougiVector
    @RyougiVector Před 3 lety

    I just got the MT-602 and I like using the RCA pre-amp feature. So I'll pass on this.

  • @JoeKis
    @JoeKis Před 3 lety

    how good would it pare with Sennheiser HD 660S?

    • @brianliu522
      @brianliu522 Před rokem

      It is fantastic! Deeper and more textured bass, wider stage!!!

  • @lordhades9455
    @lordhades9455 Před 3 lety

    Does this have more of a tube sound than the MT-602?

  • @moonytheloony6516
    @moonytheloony6516 Před 3 lety

    Blue blistering barnacles on a thundering typhoon; that shirt has more color than a psychedelic trip...just sayin’

  • @williamnaman3570
    @williamnaman3570 Před 3 lety +1

    Replace those with a grand of NOS tubes and I bet it sings. I can't believe Biden has the Pentagon making cables! I knew that would happen.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety +1

      Good info about the Pentagon.

    • @williamnaman3570
      @williamnaman3570 Před 3 lety +2

      @@cheapaudioman Snatch the treble from my hand, Grassslopper.

    • @tosvus
      @tosvus Před 3 lety +1

      @@cheapaudioman Just in case you didn't realize, they are called Pentaconn, not Pentagon ;)

  • @NS-hl5xj
    @NS-hl5xj Před 3 lety

    How does this compare to xduoo mt-602?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      Very similar. Little more detail and separation but I think that has more to do with the balanced inputs than anything.

    • @NS-hl5xj
      @NS-hl5xj Před 3 lety

      @@cheapaudioman Ok thanks.

  • @prabinpaudel5572
    @prabinpaudel5572 Před 3 lety

    Hd6xx would do even better I believe. 😁

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      I loaned mine out and am waiting for their return.

  • @SB-ht6kf
    @SB-ht6kf Před 3 lety

    Have you try it with the ifi zen DAC?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  Před 3 lety

      I didn't. I had to send the Zen back. I'm sure it would be awesome though.

    • @SB-ht6kf
      @SB-ht6kf Před 3 lety +1

      @@cheapaudioman bummer, I'm gonna pull the trigger on this amp and give it a shot! Will use your link! Thanks for the great vids!

    • @FlamencoOz
      @FlamencoOz Před 3 lety +1

      @@SB-ht6kf Did you end up buying it? How did it pair? I've got a Zen Dac, I love it. The gain switch, TruBass, and Balanced outputs its value is amazing. BUT, with my HiFiMan Sundara's (with balanced cables) it's missing something though with my Focal Eligia it sounds amazing. I think what it's missing is power, Sundara's need more power than the Eligia's. I read in a post somewhere that an amp made a big difference to the Sundara's when using the Zen Dac. So I've just pulled the trigger and bought one of these Xduoo's. Will report back once I have them and get to try it. What headphones are you using?

    • @SB-ht6kf
      @SB-ht6kf Před 3 lety

      @@FlamencoOz yes, still waiting for it though, seems to have shipped from China. So I'm actually using Sundaras too. I have the opposite take on the zen dac as I was impressed with how it drives them. I don't use XBass and run them balanced...I did switch to the Dekoni lamb skin pads and that did improve the Soundstage and bass extensions slightly...maybe try that. Other sets I drive with it are the tin hifi t4s, meze rai solos, and KZ ZS10 pros...funny out of all i`ve found myself listening to the KZ's more using an upgraded balanced cable. The detail retrieval is even better than the sundaras, and I've had a few people listen and agree. They are extraordinary for what they are. Will update when this tuber arrives.

    • @FlamencoOz
      @FlamencoOz Před 3 lety

      @@SB-ht6kf you using a power adaptor with the Zen Dac, I am using USB power. I should have my Xduoo in the next few days.

  • @jonharvey6295
    @jonharvey6295 Před 3 lety

    anyone compare this with the loxjie p20?

    • @carminedesanto6746
      @carminedesanto6746 Před 3 lety +1

      I’ve got the 789 and the Loxji 20 ...my 604 is in transit 😎

    • @jonharvey6295
      @jonharvey6295 Před 3 lety +1

      @@carminedesanto6746 nice, tell me which you prefer when it arrives

    • @jaykabel
      @jaykabel Před 2 lety

      I have been using the P20 and just got the MT. So far I don't think it's better, but gotta give it time. Using the same NOS tubes

  • @jaquesjauch7300
    @jaquesjauch7300 Před 3 lety

    Could you please check out some canton gle's like the gle 40/90