Honestly, I have yet to come across a budget tube amplifier that has impressed me in all my years of listening. However, perhaps FX-Audio's Tube-05 will be the one to change my opinion.
Prior to commencing the review, I would like to express my gratitude to HifiCollege Audio for their patience. The Tube-05 was sent for review several months ago, and I have been quite delayed in assessing them. HifiCollege Audio has shown great patience and understanding throughout this time. I extend a heartfelt thank you to them for supplying the FX-Audio Tube-05 for review, which is greatly appreciated.
The FX-Audio Tube-05 will set you back $120 from your bank account and is a tube headphone amplifier and preamp.
Purchase (non-affiliate link):
FX-Audio Tube-05:
Build/Design:
The FX-Audio Tube-05 is a compact matte black metal rectangle. On the top, you'll find a lone 12AU7 tube emitting additional glow from orange LEDs positioned just below it. Ventilation holes on the top aid in heat dissipation. Moving to the front, there is a small OLED display, headphone outputs in both 3.5mm and 6.35mm sizes, and a combined volume knob and multi-function button. The rear side includes RCA inputs and outputs, as well as the power supply input. Overall, the Tube-05 has a compact and sturdy build and design, occupying minimal space while also becoming hot when touched.
To access the system menu, you have the option of pressing the volume knob or utilizing the remote control. Within this menu, you can adjust the Bass and Treble tone controls, select between direct mode and tube mode and select either the RCA output, headphone and RCA auto output that will automatically turn off the inactive output. The RCA output is variable, with no fixed output available.
FX-Audio has opted for the 12AU7 tube, a widely used tube that facilitates easy tube swapping. Unfortunately, I do not have any spare 12AU7 tubes at hand to replace the stock one.
Box:
There is nothing remarkable about the white box from FX-Audio.
Outputs:
Both the RCA and headphone outputs of the FX-Audio Tube-05 exhibit the same impressive sound quality. When using the preamp, the tube's characteristic colorization is equally noticeable in both the RCA and headphone outputs. However, the high output impedance makes it unsuitable for IEMs. While not particularly powerful, the Tube-05 may struggle to drive dynamic headphones with high impedance levels exceeding 300 ohms along with planar headphones. I discovered that the RCA output produced significant noise when turned up to the maximum, so when using the Tube-05 as a preamp, I preferred to set the RCA volume output to around 75-80.
Built-In EQ:
The FX-Audio Tube-05 features built-in EQ adjustments for treble and bass. After experimenting with it, I found that it functions well, although it behaves more like a tone control than a traditional EQ. Despite this, I consistently returned to the default setting of 0 for both bass and treble. This feature may be beneficial to some listeners.
Sonic Impressions:
The FX-Audio Tube-05 features two output modes: Direct (Default) and Tube. In Direct (Default) mode, the Tube-05 delivers a slightly clearer sound with more defined notes but also a hint of harshness. When switched to Tube mode, a distinctive tube sound is introduced, adding a subtle coloration that helps soften the harshness found in Direct (Default) mode and brings a musical richness to the audio. While the Tube-05 doesn't have the most pronounced tube sound, it is noticeable in comparison to Direct (Default) mode. Instruments and vocals acquire a smoother, more melodious quality, enhancing the depth and layering and infusing a warm tone. Its subtle distortion and smoothing effects contribute to a satisfying saturation that enhances the overall listening experience. The soundstage is faithfully recreated, providing sufficient width, depth, and layering. The imaging is precise, enabling you to track the action seamlessly from left to right and from front to back. The Tube 05 provides an immersive sound experience, and it is clear that my preference leans towards the Tube mode over the Direct (Default) mode, which was not as pleasant to listen to.
Conclusion:
Priced at $120, the FX-Audio Tube-05 proves to be a decent tube amplifier. While it does have its drawbacks such as lower power output, preamp noise, an unimpressive Direct mode, and incompatibility with IEMs, there are also some positive aspects like its compact size, enjoyable tube mode, and ability to power most easy-to-drive headphones. Overall, the FX-Audio Tube-05 stands as a reliable budget-friendly tube amplifier. However, if you prefer a more traditional tube amplifier, you may need to explore other options. I appreciate the value that the Tube-05 offers within its affordable price range and recommend it for those seeking a compact tube amplifier for their easy-to-drive dynamic headphones.
I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!
I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
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Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl
Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD660s2: https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-660s2/clcrij55r0b570bw9bubufphu/
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: https://austrian.audio/headphones/hi-x60/
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
CTM Da Vinci X: https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/da-vinci-x-universal
Westone Mach 60: https://westoneaudio.com/product/mach-60/
Tin Hifi T2: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t2?_pos=1&_sid=7cddd72dc&_ss=r&variant=34447375302811
Sony NW-A105: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwa105-b
Sony NW-WM-1a: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwwm1a
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-287#attr=Mytek Liberty THX HPA: https://mytek.audio/shop/liberty-thx-285#attr=
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: https://www.headamp.com/products/gs-x-mini
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: https://schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S
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