Thoughts on the Willsenton R8?
- Thread starter Will2225
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I've seen it on websites, but have no firsthand experience. It's a really nice looking amp, especially in black and silver. Good Chi-fi is as good as any, and these guys appear to be in a higher quality bracket than the the typical $300-400 Chinese integrated amps. I'm curious myself about this one....
I placed an order for one earlier today and am already having doubts. There's not a ton of information about it but everything find is positive. It definitely seems like a bit of a gamble but I think I'll go for it.
I looked at the guts of this thing on a website, and I like it. I'm a QC specialist in electronics by trade, this one ticks all my boxes. Quite a bit of open space means they thought about how to make it efficient, small simple circuit boards where needed, open scaffold soldering, neat presentation. I'm not easily impressed, but this looks like a quality piece. I think you can feel safe about what you are getting. Whether it fits you as an individual? Only you can answer that, but only if you give it a chance.
I'm glad to hear that, definitely a positive coming from an expert like yourself. I ordered it with the kt88s, but depending on funds I'll probably order other tubes soon after.
Thanks very much for this link. This is exactly what I was looking for.
ProPerDoper
Active Member
This thread is a few months old, but thought I'd chime in anyway in case there are still interested parties. I picked up an R8 on Amazon recently and I'm thrilled! My experience with tube amps includes several Separo models, (Pacific Creek) as well as a Cayin AT88. Prior to receiving the R8 I've been running a Vincent SV-237 driving a set of Apogee Centaur hybrids.
Once the R8 burned in sufficiently, (about 8 hrs play time) it opened up very nicely. The image and sound stage are fantastic, and the R8 seems to play above it's power specs having significant punch and dynamics for a 45wpc tube amp. I tried it with a set of Aperion Verus Grand II towers and although they also sound really good, I'm hooked on the imaging provided by the Apogee speakers.
I'm totally satisfied. At $1400 shipped, I feel like I got a stellar value. So much so, that I'm contemplating flipping my Vincent!
Once the R8 burned in sufficiently, (about 8 hrs play time) it opened up very nicely. The image and sound stage are fantastic, and the R8 seems to play above it's power specs having significant punch and dynamics for a 45wpc tube amp. I tried it with a set of Aperion Verus Grand II towers and although they also sound really good, I'm hooked on the imaging provided by the Apogee speakers.
I'm totally satisfied. At $1400 shipped, I feel like I got a stellar value. So much so, that I'm contemplating flipping my Vincent!
Wow very cool to hear! Thanks for the info on the amp. I'm definitely still interested in the amp, but have been waiting for more reviews, plus it's still a bit of a large investment for me.
Do you know if the amp can be used as just a power amp? Also have you tried any tube rolling with it?
It has a preamp in, how it is wired I don't know.
There may be some speculation in the other thread.
ProPerDoper
Active Member
As stated above, there is a preamp in, so separate pre should work fine. Also, I've been so pleased with the sound quality I've not given tube rolling a thought....yet.
One other distinct attribute that needs to be elaborated on just a bit: Punch. I eluded to the fact that this amp seems to punch above its rated specs in my initial post, and I'll add to this by saying the amp is a bit more forward in it's presentation than other tube amps that I've owned. I like concussive dynamics in my tunes, and the lack of this feature in previous tube amps is exactly what got me into hybrid amps, the Vincent SV-237 being the best I've heard. (Within my budget anyway) The R8 is totally satisfying in terms of forward presentation and punch...well above my expectations.
Have I mentioned that I like my R8?
One other distinct attribute that needs to be elaborated on just a bit: Punch. I eluded to the fact that this amp seems to punch above its rated specs in my initial post, and I'll add to this by saying the amp is a bit more forward in it's presentation than other tube amps that I've owned. I like concussive dynamics in my tunes, and the lack of this feature in previous tube amps is exactly what got me into hybrid amps, the Vincent SV-237 being the best I've heard. (Within my budget anyway) The R8 is totally satisfying in terms of forward presentation and punch...well above my expectations.
Have I mentioned that I like my R8?
As stated above, there is a preamp in, so separate pre should work fine. Also, I've been so pleased with the sound quality I've not given tube rolling a thought....yet.
One other distinct attribute that needs to be elaborated on just a bit: Punch. I eluded to the fact that this amp seems to punch above its rated specs in my initial post, and I'll add to this by saying the amp is a bit more forward in it's presentation than other tube amps that I've owned. I like concussive dynamics in my tunes, and the lack of this feature in previous tube amps is exactly what got me into hybrid amps, the Vincent SV-237 being the best I've heard. (Within my budget anyway) The R8 is totally satisfying in terms of forward presentation and punch...well above my expectations.
Have I mentioned that I like my R8?
That's awesome! Congrats on a great purchase! Got any photos of the amp you feel like sharing? Or your set up in general? Always cool to see another person's set up.
I recently bought a used Jim Nichols tube amp that I'm very happy with. 6l6 or el34s for somewhere between 30-40 wpc. Has really great punch and feels powerful for it's rated wattage. Might have to save up though for the r8!
GoBlues
Principled Uncertainty
Absolutely love mine, and have had it for about a month now. Running it with the stick KT88s, and favoring triode mode. It is pushing my Chorus IIs beautifully, with low, tight bass, and volume to spare.
Does anyone know if 5881 tubes would work in the R8? I found a quad in an old Carvin guitar amp that I had sitting around not being used.
Does anyone know if 5881 tubes would work in the R8? I found a quad in an old Carvin guitar amp that I had sitting around not being used.
Chi-fi is HiFi ..
Personally I think that we're living through a classic electronics renaissance ... compliments of the Chinese manufacturers..
Keep it coming .. and at prices that people can afford.
The Yaqin MC-13s el-34 amp that I have is well built and is a tasty sounding device ..
SMD/DACT passive preamp .. likewise ... Teflon silver wire and Neutrik connectors
Xiang Sheng 728a active preamp .. (Wada Shigeho modification of the Marantz) .. tasty sounding .. not quite as well built as the other two but more than adequate.
I did my research before I purchased but given that, I have nothing but good to say ..
Especially the Yaqin ...it's a pure quality build .. right down to the anodized round head torx screws in the metalwork ..
Personally I think that we're living through a classic electronics renaissance ... compliments of the Chinese manufacturers..
Keep it coming .. and at prices that people can afford.
The Yaqin MC-13s el-34 amp that I have is well built and is a tasty sounding device ..
SMD/DACT passive preamp .. likewise ... Teflon silver wire and Neutrik connectors
Xiang Sheng 728a active preamp .. (Wada Shigeho modification of the Marantz) .. tasty sounding .. not quite as well built as the other two but more than adequate.
I did my research before I purchased but given that, I have nothing but good to say ..
Especially the Yaqin ...it's a pure quality build .. right down to the anodized round head torx screws in the metalwork ..
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