xDuoo TA-20 Plus - Balanced Headphone Amplifier (tube hybrid)

*********** AVAILABLE FOR DEMO ********* The xDuoo TA-20 Plus is a fully balanced amplifier from input to output, which makes the TA-20 Plus very good in terms of crosstalk, resolution and SNR. The amplifier is a hybrid with double 12AU7 tubes in the pre-stage section, 5Z4P tubes as rectifiers, and transistors in the final amplifier section. The transistor part is used to increase the current while keeping the voltage at a high level, so the amplifier is powerful enough to drive many types of headphones. The xDuoo TA-20 Plus can also function as a limited preamplifier with a subsequent power amplifier or active speakers in a stereo system. The volume dial can be used to choose between inputs. xDuoo TA-20 Plus in brief * Hybrid amplifier - tubes in the input and rectification stages and transistors in the output stage * Delivers plenty of output - 2600mW (32 0hm) balanced and 2000mW (32 0hm) SE * Can be used as a preamplifier (SE output). Can choose between the three inputs. * Tubes can be replaced with other tubes of the type 12AU7 and 5Z4P * Analog inputs - 2x RCA stereo (SE), 1x XLR (Balanced) * Outputs - Headphone: 6.3mm SE, 4.4mm and 4-PIN XLR Balanced, Preamplifier: 1x Stereo RCA The package includes: * 1x Duooo TA-20 Plus * Pipe protection * Power cord * User manual "In essence, the xDuoo TA-20 Plus is a fantastic way for people to get started in the world of tube amps or to enhance an existing setup. Its ability to balance smoothness with dynamism, harmonics with clarity, and compatibility with a variety of headphones positions it as a versatile companion for those seeking a more analogue experience. Furthermore, the TA-20 Plus, despite not being cheap, is still more affordable than many of its similarly specced contemporaries. Beyond its affordability and great sound, the amplifier's design, build quality, and aesthetics make it a pleasure to have on the desktop." Prime Audio Reviews (Jan 2024) "Pair the xDuoo TA20 Plus with the right headphone and it is an incredibly enjoyable amp, combining both the technicalities and power of solid-state with the natural colouration of valves. It’s a combo that works well with a plethora of headphones and the midrange performance is simply stunning with the right setup. If you have a good solid-state amp and want something that sounds a little different to complement it, valves are worth considering and this is a great place to start. It gives you the flexibility to roll some valves of your liking without limiting you to using it with high-impedance dynamic headphones only, even if it does pair very well with those kinds of headphones. I am giving this five hearts as it sounds excellent with the right cans, but you do need to ensure a good partnership or it can be found wanting. However, at the asking price is would be churlish to mark this product down." HiFi Pig Magazine (Jul 2024)