When is a tube power amp not a tube power amp? - Aiyima T9 review

Summary

In this review, the Aima T9 tube power amplifier is discussed with a focus on its design, features, and performance. While the T9 is marketed as a tube amp, it actually uses a Class D amplifier with tubes for added warmth. The review covers the amp’s various inputs, including USB, coaxial, RCA, and Bluetooth, and addresses some quirks like auto-sleep mode. The sound quality is praised for its punchy bass and good tone, though it lacks some high-end control. Despite minor flaws, the T9 offers good value for its price, making it a solid choice for those seeking a compact, versatile amp.

Takeaways

• 😀 The reviewer humorously discusses the difference between 'tube' and 'valve,' preferring 'tube' based on personal experience from the transistor age.
• 😀 The Aima T9 is marketed as a 'tube power amp,' but it's actually a Class D amplifier with tubes added for warmth, not a traditional tube amplifier.
• 😀 The T9 offers multiple input options, including USB, coaxial, optical, RCA, and Bluetooth, though the reviewer finds the USB A-to-B connection outdated.
• 😀 The power rating of the T9 is quoted as 100 watts per channel, but the reviewer points out that the power supply only delivers 96 watts, leading to lower actual output.
• 😀 The reviewer prefers average continuous power (RMS) measurements over peak or momentary power, as it’s simpler to compare across different amps.
• 😀 The T9 features a multifunctional volume knob that also serves as an input selector, but the reviewer finds it difficult to gauge its position due to the rotary encoder.
• 😀 The Vu meter is primarily a style feature, but the reviewer appreciates the correct scale and color background, even though it’s not practically useful.
• 😀 The T9 has an automatic sleep function that triggers after 10 seconds of silence, which the reviewer finds frustrating as they prefer amps to stay on when switched on.
• 😀 In terms of sound, the T9 provides punchy, dynamic audio, with clear piano tones, but lacks deep control and articulation in the bass range.
• 😀 The reviewer cannot hear any distortion or warmth from the tubes, though they acknowledge that some users may appreciate the 'imagined warmth' of tubes in the sound.
• 😀 Despite its flaws, including the auto sleep issue and outdated USB input, the T9 offers good value for money, especially for those seeking a compact amp with modern features.

Q & A

What makes the Aima T9 a tube power amplifier?

The Aima T9 is considered a tube power amplifier because it features tubes in its design, but it also incorporates a Class D chip (Texas Instruments TPA 3250) for power amplification. The tubes are not directly driving the speakers, but instead, they contribute to adding warmth to the sound.

Why does the reviewer refer to the amplifier as a 'tube' amplifier instead of a 'valve' amplifier?

The reviewer refers to the amplifier as a 'tube' amplifier because they grew up during the transistor age, where transistors were new and exciting. Although 'valve' is technically the more accurate term, the reviewer opts for 'tube' due to personal preference and familiarity.

What are the main inputs available on the Aima T9 amplifier?

The Aima T9 offers several input options, including USB, coaxial, optical, analog RCA, and Bluetooth, providing flexibility for different audio sources.

What is the issue with the USB input on the Aima T9?

The reviewer points out that the USB input uses an outdated USB A to B cable, which is considered an antiquated standard. While it works, the reviewer feels that USB-C would be a more modern and convenient option.

What is the Aima T9's power output according to its specifications?

The Aima T9 is specified to have a power output of 100 watts per channel into a 4-ohm load. However, the reviewer mentions that the power supply provides only 96 watts, which raises questions about the accuracy of the power claims.

How does the reviewer calculate the power of the Aima T9 amplifier?

The reviewer calculates power by looking at the power supply, which provides 24 volts and 4 amps, resulting in 96 watts (24V * 4A = 96W). This suggests that the amp cannot deliver 100 watts per channel as claimed by the specifications.

What is the Aima T9's auto-sleep feature, and what does the reviewer think about it?

The Aima T9 has an auto-sleep feature that causes it to turn off after about 10 seconds of silence when using the USB input. The reviewer dislikes this feature, as they prefer the amp to stay on until manually turned off.

Does the reviewer think the tubes in the Aima T9 contribute to sound warmth?

While the reviewer admits that they may not hear the warmth due to their age and hearing limitations, they acknowledge that the tubes likely add warmth to the sound. The warmth is more about the perceived effect of the tubes, as they can introduce slight distortion.

What are some design features of the Aima T9 that the reviewer finds interesting?

The reviewer appreciates the Aima T9’s multifunctional volume knob, which also turns the amp on and allows input selection. They also note the retro-style Vu meter, which adds aesthetic appeal, though it's not particularly useful for measuring audio performance.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Aima T9's sound performance?

The Aima T9 has a powerful bass range and a reasonably clear mid-range. However, it lacks some control and articulation in the bass, and while the tone is decent for piano, the timing isn't as precise as it could be. Overall, the reviewer finds its sound performance acceptable but not exceptional.