I purchased this little glowing gem to replace an old 90s Pioneer AV Receiver as part of my computer desk audio system. It had plenty of power and features, but due to sheer size, I had to keep it under my desk on a slightly recessed shelf, where it was difficult to reach unless I pushed back my chair and used a flashlight to change inputs, surround settings, tone, etc. It barely fit on the shelf and was a pain to pull-out to add or alter cable connections on the back. I saw the low price and positive reviews for this unit, and really liked the blue glow and whole retro gestalt. I am feeding it from a DAC/HP Amp on the CD/DVD jacks, and a ATS-25 radio receiver through the (line level) phono RCA inputs. This requires reaching in behind my monitor to flip the little switch on the back panel. When I saw this unit had a digital coax connection, I thought I could connect it to my DAC using the coax input and keep the CD/DVD RCA input for the tuner, and thus not have to deal with that little switch in the back that controls which RCA jacks are active. Problem is the digital coax on my DAC is an INPUT not an output - I didn't pay close enough attention. I have ordered a simple 2-into-1 RCA switchbox with passive volume knob. Even adding that $40 to the sale price of this amp, it's still a bargain. Now the illuminated controls are within easy reach and that cool aura is a blue cherry on top. It has plenty of power with any decent line-level source, a DAC or soundcard, FM tuner, and even a MP3 player connected to the USB input (allowing full control and visual feedback from the DAP). I haven't tried connecting a Flash-drive with loose files, but it would be a simple option for MP3 tunes, if used away from a desktop PC or laptop. I also tried the Bluetooth input from the same DAP and it worked just fine, so the USB cable isn't a necessity if you have a smartphone or BT DAP, laptop, etc. As for the sound, it is cleaner and warmer than the old Pioneer receiver ever was. I am feeding Klipsch RB-10 bookshelf speakers with the speaker outputs and a Klipsch R-100SW powered subwoofer from the sub-out jack. It can drive those little 4" Klipsch cerametallic woofers to deafening levels, and the active sub fills out the lowest octave with authority. The Klipsch horn tweeters can be a bit aggressive sounding with many low to mid-fi solid state amps, but with the tube preamp stage on this amp, they produce sweet sounds throughout the mid and audible high range (source allowing, of course). I was most impressed by the realistic and expansive soundstage - completely outclassing the synthesized room EQs on the Pioneer (it's 30 years old). Feeding it Dolby ATMOS tracks from my DAC added some extra space and sonic bloom, but not required for a good impression of the sound field on a good recording. The delivery was quick and reliable, at a price that embarrasses Ali Express's alternately branded versions of the same amp. Can't ask for much more than that! My only quibble is that little input switch on the back panel - it should be on the front. Let's make it so on the next iteration. Once my RCA switchbox arrives it won't matter anymore, but it just makes sense - even if the switch or selector knob replaced the MP3 control knob on the front panel. Or put it on top with the other 3-way selector switch. Don't let that minor shortcoming keep you from enjoying this little marvel of retro-chiq style and Chi-Fi engineering.

I can't address the lifespan of the amp and don't care to examine the actual effect of the tubes - the sound it has is the sound it has. And what it has is clarity and likely enough power for most near field listening applications. I can't say it's an audiophile product but with speakers that are efficient and played flat provide enough bass and high end for your liking, it could be a pleasing pairing. I don't care for the tone controls, they are not the most effective or musical. A bump to the 2:00 position isn't bad, but push them and they reveal what they lack. I like the Bluetooth function which makes it great for playing content from tablets or phones. I used this amp for movies in the bedroom and paired with a small pair of Tannoys is quite nice. It seems to deal with transients quite nicely making the cutting edges of music and sound effects in movies quite vivid and lively. It sounds "quick". Compared to other (meaning better) amps, it is SLIGHTLY anemic, without the bass grip or body of the remaining frequencies. But I come back to the functionality, clarity and we can't forget cool styling of the glowing blue beneath the tubes. A remote with even a volume control would've been nice.

This amplifier is much better than expected. It delivers an excellent sound stage with great detail. Bass response is impressive and the highs are clean and detailed. It holds its own with much more expensive amplifiers. All in all a very satisfying purchase.

Very nice and sweet sound. Enough power to drive most of my bookshelf speakers : ELAC Debut 6.2, Klipsch 600M, KEF Q350. The tube's blue lights looks great. Blue Tooth input provide some convenience. Have bass and treble knobs for you to adjust sound profile to your liking.

I bought this for the cottage, a relatively small space but with cathedral ceilings. It sounds great, and the price was amazing. Couldn't be happier.

I have not hooked this up yet, but I was prompted for a review so here it is on my first impressions. I am relying on the other reviews with respect to performance when I do hook it up. First, this is an extraordinary price for a tuba amp. Second, the build quality is solid. It does not feel cheap. I look forward to connecting my new Pro-Ject Perspective turntable to the amp. The only disappointment is that the amp does not have an aux input so I can use my Pro-Ject Tube Box DS preamp. I gather there must be a pre-amp built into the amp (the book or words doesn't tell us), which is surprising, but it could never be as good as a dedicated pre-amp set up for the cartridge. Hence only the four stars on first impressions. If it doesn't cut it with the table, I'll still use it for my DAP.