FX-Audio Tube-02 Pro Tube Headphone Amplifier, Vacuum 5725 Tube Preamp, Mini Hi-Fi Integrated Stereo Class A amp Supports 32-600 ohms of Headphones, for Stereo Amplifier/Active Speaker

I've edited my original comments with the adjustments below - edited on 16 February 2022 Before I begin, it is always essential to bear in mind that many of these Asian-made (predominantly Chinese made) Head-amp/preamp designs have virtually the exact same interior layouts and components, yet are often packaged differently with slight (or in some cases, major) modified exterior appearances. And with competition being what it is now-a-days, you can find many US companies periodically doing the same thing. Now enter the FX-Audio Tube 02 Pro - a nicely designed tube/class A head-amp/preamp design. After reading over the design parameters and noticing that it's a fairly new release (with only 2 reviews as of this writing), I elected to pull the trigger on one. When it arrived, I noticed a nicely designed unit with an all-metal design. What caught my eye immediately was that it included both 3.5 MM and 6.5 MM headphone inputs (this as opposed to the many similar competing designs that include only a 3.5 MM input). And what was also a positive is the inclusion of two GE designed 6J1 style tubes. You also have an on/off button (which also serves to select your inputs), along with a volume control knob to the right of the front panel. It also has a 2-gain setting button, and what's even nicer (or convenient) is that the gain settings affect headphones only - not the Preamp section. For example, in most headamps/preamps (that have switchable gain settings), adjustments to the gain also impact the line level outputs to speakers. So this is an added feature to have - that is, gain settings impacting headphones only. What is also unique about this particular model head-amp/preamp design is that it includes two Aux RCA inputs - allowing the connection of two different DAC's, if need be, with the option of selecting either one via the front button. After connecting it, I evaluated this unit using 3 different DAC's (not at the same time) - those being the JDS Labs Atom DAC X, the Topping D10S, and the Schiit Audio Modi 3+. As I usually do, I never begin evaluating any listening sessions until I've let the components warm up a bit. I had the FX-Audio Tube 02 Pro on for 24 hours before I began these evaluations. Interconnect cables used were from World's Best Cables and Blue Jeans Cables, with the USB cables being Audioquest Pearl models running from the DAC's to the USB inputs on a professional level desktop PC. Sound Personality: As can be expected, this is a true tube unit, and it imparts a warm, yet very dynamic and detailed sound quality - however, it is just a tad than comparable tube amps in the upper registers. With some DAC's that may have a dry personality, the Tube 02 Pro warms things up and adds a musicality that the DAC (when listening to alone) often lacks. Do keep in mind that other similar tube head-amps/preamps - such as the Douk Audio P1, or the X-Duoo MT-602 - have the same effect. One nice thing about the Tube 02 Pro is that it accurately portrays the sonic signature of different DAC units. If you have a bright sounding DAC, you will experience this added brightness through the Tube 02 Pro. The tubes in the Tube 02 Pro do not run hot at all, especially when you consider other tubed units that use different types of tubes. They never felt warmer than warm - no matter how long I've had the unit on. As an aside, the one tube in the Schiit Vali 2+ runs quite hot (like a heater) as an example. The tubes do light up more brightly in the Tube 02 Pro (at least in this enclosure) because they stick out more towards the top, whereas with competing units, the tubes are more recessed into the enclosure. And because of this design aspect in the Tube 02 Pro, the tubes are easier to remove and switch out (tube rolling). I must add that the stock GE tubes that came with this unit sound superb, and unless you are fixated on wanting to tube roll, you should be quite happy with the result. Now normally, when using these particular GE tubes, the audio typically balances out nicely, with a nice, lush sound. The very slight brightness that I alluded to indicates that the solid end of things has been calibrated to providethe best of both worlds (solid state and tubes). My initial listening sessions were conducted using a variety of speakers connected to a Cambridge AX25 Class AB integrated amp, followed by the Aiyima A07 and A08 class D models. I finished things out with the exemplary Fosi HD-A1 class AB amplifier. The speakers, I then eventually settled upon, were the Wharfedale D320's with a Mackie 8" Powered subwoofer under the desk. I listened to everything on a desktop, near-field environment. Speakers used in this evaluation included the aforementioned Warfedale D320, the KEF Q150, and the self-powered Presonus Eris E5 XT (studio monitors) With speakers, sound-staging was exemplary, and as I briefly mentioned above, well recorded music had a great sense of "immediacy" and "musicality," yet with a very slight elevation of certain frequencies (beginning at around 6000 kHz). But again - keep in mind to allow this amp to warm up/break-in and things will get better as time goes on. Let's face it, there are many "fine" or "good" sounding units out there, but that doesn't mean they have the immediacy and musicality of making you feel like you're at a live performance. Well, this Tube 02 Pro does!!! Of course, an added "no-brainer" qualifier statement is that you should also be using quality components and accessories in your audio chain (DAC, upgraded cables, good amplification, etc.). Just remember that old adage that says, "You can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh_t," if everything else in your audio chain is just so-so. Bass is dynamic and nothing is held back. The midrange and higher frequencies have an almost silky-like quality to them (provided you feed it good audio sources). Imaging, air and depth are all there, to be sure. Now let's talk about the headphone inputs. When you plug in headphones, it automatically shuts off the audio flow to the speakers (I like and prefer that a lot). The headphones that I used included a variety of different HiFiMan planar models on one end, to dynamic units from Phillips, Sennheiser and Koss on the other. The end result was that I found the headphone inputs (audio qualities) to be just a tad elevated in the upper extremes (again from about 6000 kHz upwards). The extra details that you hear through the headphone inputs allow you to hear smaller instruments such as bells, castanets, tambourines, cymbals, and so much more, as they stand out from the rest of the orchestra - when previously, they were hidden among the mix. But this was accomplished by elevating these frequencies, thus making that upper extreme quite noticeable. So the nature of the sound coming from the headphones could be best described as having a distinct V shape, with the upper extremes being elevated at about 6000 kHz and above (again, based on the headphones I used). Overall, after a week of so of use, this FX-Audio Tube 02 Pro Head-amp/Preamp unit really impressed me. It would do perfectly fine as a head-amp or as a preamplifier (especially since it allows you to use two different Aux RCA inputs). The sound qualities compete with the best in this class - and most of this class winds up being a bit more expensive ($100 to around $150 or so, and in some cases higher). Based on it's relatively inexpensive price of $79.95 (at the time of this writing), the design and appearance of the unit, along with its overall sound qualities, I am now giving it 5 stars Now, do keep in mind that like any reviews, all are subjective - and your mileage may vary. My results were based on what I heard, with the gear I heard. Good luck!

Make: Immediately out of the box, you can feel the quality of this little amp with a black matt-finished metal enclosure. An LED on each tube socket shines warm orange glow when the amp is on, which I subjectively love. (The tubes have much dimmer orange glow comparing with the LEDs.) The amp's big volume knob turns smoothly. Feature: It accepts two sources, which can be easily switched by the power button. Sound: This amp sounds beautiful! I mostly listen to classical, jazz or soundtracks. I hear great amount of details with satisfying high and low ends. Violin or soprano sounds brilliant and live while cello sounds sweet and magnetic! There is also sufficient bass so the music feel balanced. I have to say this amp performs quite close to Schiit's Vali 2+, which I have been used for more than 1 year. Given the cost difference ($60 sale vs. $149), this amp's value is incredible! When driving Sony MDR7506 (63 Ohms), 7/8 o'clock is enough for me. (Lowest volume is at around 6:30) When driving Sennheiser HD600 (300 Ohms), 10 o'clock is already quite loud for me. Note max volume is at around 5:30. It will probably smoke the headphones and your ears with max volume. At high gain mode, it sounds a little louder, but it appears unnecessary given the ample output at low gain mode. When the volume is greater than 11 o'clock, I can hear hint of white noises (noticeable, but very little). Remember to keep your phone away from the amp, otherwise you will hear frequent interference. You may certainly roll tubes, but the stock 5725 (GE) tubes are great. The headphone amp is a solid product and I am absolutely happy about the purchase. Recommended!!!

I won't repeat what has been written in the previous thoughtful reviews of this unit, other than to say that it is a great value, provides great warmth and dynamics, punching way above its price point. The provided GE tubes are excellent and provide a clean sound. If one wants even more "tube-y" goodness, I would suggest rolling some inexpensive Chinese 6k4 tubes. (I know, I know, but they just sound really nice!) They are super inexpensive (I bought 4 on AliExpress for about $10) and will provide an engaging sonic experience, for less than the price of a cheeseburger... The unit overall is very good, but not perfect. My sample had the high-gain button slightly mute the left channel. However, the unit drove my Hifiman HE400 planar headphones just fine on the low-gain setting, so I still gave it a five-star rating.

Got at a good price. Some reviews over the web read pretty good. Didn't really need but I love to try different amps out constantly. As for sound quality, I myself like it. It functions like it is suppose to. Tried with several different brands. Sennhieser HD 570 and one planer from Drop. It matched well with almost everything I plugged in. For the money I spent I'm okay with it.

It's a great little device. I use it as a preamp to add vintage warmth to a CD player and music streamer. I upgraded the tubes a bit with some 5725w. I usually leave it at about 75% volume to get the most tube effect. One of the great features is it has two inputs and one output so my output is to an old 1980s Marantz amplifier that I love and then with two inputs - one is the CD player and one is my Wiim Pro music streamer. The Wiim remote controls the volume and the music that comes out of this system is really beautiful. Paired to pair of 2005 Polk Monitor 70 tower speakers. These are good speakers, probably not great, but they happen to be front ported which really fits the situation I'm in where I have them in a glass walled room. Overall I'd have to say this is a lovely little system with a lot of warmth and depth and great Bass.

Vraiment excellent avec une profusion de détails et de réverbérations qui donnent un rendu spatial exceptionnel, et tout ça sans aucune agressivité. c'est la magie du tube mais attention à la qualité de vos câbles surtout sur la sortie préampli qui y est très sensible et peut vous faire passer à coté de ce petit ampli axtraordinaire! 10/10

If a used unit pops up around the time this review is posed, it’s mine ((been tested for 3-4 days & works great, no issues!)). I had to return mine as I ended up getting a new amp which has balanced XLR connectors, which my DAC also has. So I ended up wanting to find a balanced tube preamp, which I did finally found. HOWEVER: This is a VERY good Tube preamp. I didn’t really use the headphone feature much so I can’t give a very accurate review on that. This one has an actual nice tubey sound to it compared to a lot of others. Everything is still nice and clear but it definitely sounds more TUBEY than the Schitt Vali 2/3. I was pretty impressed with it to be honest. I’ve owned lots of Tube preamps and this is definitely one of the better ones. It does provide gain, but I don’t think there’s enough gain to use it with a LOW level signal like a phone turntable…. you’d need a phono pre-amp for that ((could always connect it to this!)). Some reviewers mentioned it didn’t have enough gain…. definitely not true. When using as a preamp, I never moved it higher than 11 or 12 o’clock. Some people are clearly trying to use this amp for purposes it’s not really made for - not an issue with the amp! But this little guy is real steal of a deal! The circuit is a PURE tube one ((no opamps)). I liked it a lot! Kind of a shame I have to return it.

Ottimo prodotto per quel che costa. Se volete caratteristiche da urlo spendete 20 volte questo prezzo. Per quanto mi riguarda do 5 stelle perché funziona alla grande. Inutile recensire questi prodotti di basso costo lamentando carenze di prestazioni da costi ben più importanti. Nessun fruscio. L’assistenza è pronta a rispondere, ricordate che comunque il gain è solo sull’uscita cuffie.

Will meine klotzige HiFi Anlage verkleinern. Die Geräte um 440mm haben in Zukunft bei mir nicht mehr Platz da ich mich räumlich verkleinerte. Das Röhrengerät ist ein Kopfhörerverstärker aber auch ein eigenständiger Verstärker. Nutze ihn in Kombi mit einem Plattenspieler und Phono Verstärker und John Linsley Hood 1969 Class A Verstärker. (....und Boxen natürlich 😀) Alles auf wenigen cm Platz jetzt. Super Klang !

J'adore les petits amplis et pré amplis chinois a tubes! Ils offrent un rapport qualité / prix imbattable. De plus, lorsque que l'on achète un ampli traditionnel a transistors, il est impossible de modifier la façon dont il gère la musique. Il sonne et sonnera toujours de la même manière. Ici, avec ses petites ampli a tubes vous avez la possibilité, en fonction des tubes installer, de modifier sensiblement la qualité sonore, et ça c'est géniale! Ce FX-Audio 02PRO est excellent, rien a dire c'est une valeur sûr! Je retire une étoile, pour le sélecteur de gain qui n'est pas assez significatif, 2.5DB ça ne sert a rien...et pas de Bluetooth.