UI & Usage
Connection
Like the TA-10, TA-20, and TA-30, the xDuoo TA-26 can be connected to any analog source, thanks to its RCA input. But, unlike its siblings, it only accepts analog sources, as the brand completely removed the digital floor inside.
Thankfully, the RCA-in is also doubled by an RCA-out, and not just pass-through this time, but a proper pre-out which means that you use the TA-26 as a pre-amp, and not just a headphone amp.
xDuoo TA-26
About that, the TA-26 has plenty of power, enough to drive the Sennheiser HD-800S for example, but more on that later.
Everyday use
As a dedicated desktop solution, the xDuoo TA-26 is mostly good.
Sure, the height might be an issue for some users, but the narrow design was really easy to fit on my desk. Even compared to the previous ones, this is a slim amp.
The volume knob is excellent and that makes a big difference compared to the previous models. The course is smooth, and I found the right volume every time I used it, all thanks to the analog feeling, contrary to the infinite scroll found on the TA-20 for example.
xDuoo TA-26
Special note: it’s a tube amp, so it gets hot. Not just the tubes, but the whole case, so you better protect it from children or, like me, cats as you could easily burn yourself by touching the tubes while the amp is running.
Bundle
The xDuoo TA-26 bundle is pretty dire.
Inside the box you have :
- 1x 6.35mm to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter
- 1x 6N8P tube for amplification
- 1x 6N5P tube for buffering
- 1x power plug
xDuoo TA-26
If the brand could just add an RCA cable, that would be cool. Unless you prefer to use your own, but that’s up to you then.
On that good word, let’s check the specs.
Specifications
Tube Amplification
This is the biggest difference compared to the TA-10 and TA-20, the xDuoo TA-26 solely relies on tube amplification. It’s not a hybrid system, where the tube is paired with transistors, the xDuoo TA-26 goes all the way. One 6N8P for pre-amplification for ‘exquisite and sweet voice” plus one 6N5P tube for the buffer to provide a “soft and charming” render.
To feed the amp, xDuoo uses a metal polyester film capacitor, ELNA SILMIC(II) ones, all tested to match the capacitance of duct output. The brand advertises “transparent and sweet sound”, coupled with “smooth and warm sound” thanks to the main filter capacitance, provided by NICHICON this time.
As usual, you will be able to upgrade the tubes. There is a lot of options on eBay, for NOS and new tubes, so check it out.
xDuoo TA-26
Full specs
- Type: Headphone amplifier / Pre-Amp
- Tube Buffer: 1x 6N5P
- Tube Amp: 1x 6N8P
- Outputs: 6.35mm headphone out / RCA (pre-out)
- Input: RCA in
- Volume Knob: ALPS Analog
- Drive Ability: 60-600 ohms
- Output Power : 500mW 32ohm
- Crosstalk : > 65dB
- SNR : > 110dB
- THD : < 0.1%
- Line level : 2.1Vrms
- Size : 250mm x 110mm x 160mm
- Weight : 3900g
- Price : $319
The review continues on Page four, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 1: About the brand
Page 2: Design & Build Quality
Page 4: Sound performances and conclusion
Gareth
Are you certain it takes 3 tubes? Because I’m sitting looking at one and it takes a 6sn7 and a 6as7… or are there two versions?
StivVid
The other comment is correct. There are only 2 tubes in this amp– not 3. Also… In one part of the review you seem to suggest that there is a display screen in this unit. Maybe I read it wrong, or maybe some of this review is copied and pasted from the TA-30 review?
And that square cover behind the tubes doesn’t conceal a capacitor. (It would be a REALLY BIG capacitor if it needed a cover like that.) There’s actually a transformer that lives under there.