Chinese 6J1 Fever
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century tek
Addicted Member
Isn't that a preamp? What are you using it with? Just guessing here but if everything has been checked and double checked (capacitor orientation etc.) then maybe try a different set of tubes. 
faber12
Addicted Member
Mine like that was not worth the bother compared to the FX-Audio version. The FX is so very much better.
If you are using 12vDC with that unit it probably won't work without serious distortion. That version has to have 12vAC to work in any usable fashion.
Seriously though, get the FX-Audio version and you won't regret it.
Welcome to AK.
If you are using 12vDC with that unit it probably won't work without serious distortion. That version has to have 12vAC to work in any usable fashion.
Seriously though, get the FX-Audio version and you won't regret it.
Welcome to AK.
LaoTsu
New Member
Agreed. I had the FX Audio version and it was awesome. I accidentally fried it by plugging in a 24 volt power supply (I neglected to look at the fine print on the power supply). I have the AIYIMA clone now. To the OP - get the FX.
You will actually notice substantial differences when you roll tubes. And the tubes for that thing are cheap!
You will actually notice substantial differences when you roll tubes. And the tubes for that thing are cheap!
LaoTsu
New Member
DC. I think I was using one meant for a class D amp. As you know, a lot of those will work at 24 volts DC. AFAIK these little Chinese tube buffers only work with 12 volt DC. Some even say things like "be careful when using in a car." (Because car DC voltage is something like 13.x).
I'm pretty good at frying stuff by using the wrong power supply, LOL!
Now I am more careful. . .
I'm pretty good at frying stuff by using the wrong power supply, LOL!
Now I am more careful. . .
faber12
Addicted Member
Yes, I have one of these, or at least it looks just like it, and it only works with 12vAC.
Please read step 1 of the instructions of this product listing:
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32956...d=5050amp-AOIJ1zl4Ar94Yy_Q6HLAKg1555455801447
LaoTsu
New Member
Ah - I was thinking about the ones that are already built - like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/FX-Audio-TUBE-01-Buffer-Preamplifier/dp/B01HGIUF1C
& this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/NFJ...mp-Bile-Buffer-6J1-Mini-HIFI/32964346134.html
I saw the ones that you build yourself, but I am not sure how to find a good 12 volt AC power supply.
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faber12
Addicted Member
LOL
That is the much better buffer that I recommended in my first post in this thread. That is one of the few that use 12vDC.
LaoTsu
New Member
Ya - I am actually surprised how good they are!
ETA: in my experience, they need to go into a preamp that can really crank up the line voltage to something that makes the main amp sing. I use a "stage" preamp that can put out 11 volts. I never crank it up past about 1/2 way - but knowing it can "go to 11" (LOL) means I have some headroom on the signal going into the amp.
I am also running a stage EQ that I run at line level - so I can see both whether I am clipping "going in," or "going out" (it's selectable) on the EQ. I think with that preamp, I could probably way overdrive the final amp - so having those VU meters helps me sleep at night.
ETA: in my experience, they need to go into a preamp that can really crank up the line voltage to something that makes the main amp sing. I use a "stage" preamp that can put out 11 volts. I never crank it up past about 1/2 way - but knowing it can "go to 11" (LOL) means I have some headroom on the signal going into the amp.
I am also running a stage EQ that I run at line level - so I can see both whether I am clipping "going in," or "going out" (it's selectable) on the EQ. I think with that preamp, I could probably way overdrive the final amp - so having those VU meters helps me sleep at night.
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FlaCharlie
Super Member
Maybe it's the blue LEDs that are used to "enhance" the "tube effect". Just kidding, but when I see that it makes me wonder how much the tube is really doing. It tells me that the manufacturer's priority is marketing that appeals to tube newbies.
What do mean by a "stage" preamp and EQ? Are you referring to gear designed for sound reinforcement (PA system) use? What brands / models are you using?
LaoTsu
New Member
Yes - exactly. I'm kind of a "budget audio" kind of guy, so the buffer goes into a Rockville PPA20, then to a Rockville REQ231. I use the low cut filters on the EQ to roll off anything below around 80hz. That "rolled-off" signal goes to a 6.8WPC Chi-Fi single-ended Class A amp. The PPA20 has three pre-outs (1 XLR & 2 RCA). I use the XLR for the EQ, and the 2 RCA's (which are not "rolled off") go to (1) a sub, and (2) a cheap 100WPC Class D I am using for my rear speakers.
It's actually not as bad-sounding as it might seem. Both the Rockvilles have better distortion & SNR specs than the main tube amp and the Class D. Not counting my new "tube habit," I think I'm into maybe around $1000 - counting the 4 Klipsch speakers. Counting my tube addiction, it's um - more. . .
