Globally, this amp is surprising, since it offers many features at a ridiculously low price. The other two amps sound better, in my opinion, but cost much more and in one case (the Io), offer far less. The best sounding amp of this trio is the Rega Io, while the SA1 and the T9 are almost on a par. The SA1 is more precise, controlled and transparent, but the T9 is more forgiving on lesser recordings. Hence, it could be a better partner for low cost set-ups that play even lo-fi recordings or compressed music. The design of the unit itself is sleek and modern. On the front you get the multi-colour IPS display, the headphone output and one single knob that controls not only the volume but all the menu options, too. Less bass, but more extension, more controlled - this is likely from the inherent bass-light tonality of the Motu M4 The very same amp can be found under a different brand (Douk Audio/Nobsound) with model name ST-01 or ST-01 Pro. This is not unusual with Chinese HiFi components and, frankly, it is something I don't really understand. Most of the time, when you try to ask for “who does what?”, you don't get precise answers. Perhaps the real manufacturer and designer isn't Aiyima nor Douk/Nobsound, but a third company, and then the unit is re-branded under different names. I've seen a Douk ST-01 inside and, apart from minor differences on the chipsets used, it is the same as the T9. A closer look at one of the motherboards (see pic) unveals the writing “SMART 01”, which reminds me of the model name ST-01. Hence, is Douk the real maker? We'll never know.

Quite honestly the Aiyima sounds just as good as the Marnatz in some areas but it really comes down to what speakers you are hooking up with it. I would personally avoid pairing the Aiyima with bright sounding speakers. Overall, I liked the features, lots of connections, sounds really good to me. I ran it mostly with 55 - 60% volume and it sounded clear, lots of details, base, etc. etc. How was the Company Founded Founder Mr Liu loves music but is not at all an audiophile. He was in other businesses before as Yima, so when he decided to enter this business he just added Ai, love in Chinese, to the name. You can see that in the photos. But he obviously had found the right people to assist him.The Gain Structure Most devices don't give out spec's on the sound output, or at least I have no idea what they are on my 2 laptops. Add to this that the Apps have their own Volumes (and EQ), and it's kind of complicated. You should always experiment with the Device Volume, App Volume and the Volume Control(s) of your equipment. This is why in Round 2 I'd not entirely attribute what I heard to the difference between the Revox and Aiyima. There are too many Gain Controls that one should be cautious. This is akin to some older preamps or integrated amps that have separate Gain and Volume Controls (ARC and MFA come to mind), and many experienced audiophile swear by using both. I assure you, for any final volume, the sonic difference between 1) maxing out the source and attenuating the amp; and 2) maxing out the amp and attenuating the source; is HUGE and beyond pale! Sonic advantages can be had by paying attention to these parameters. In Part I, I am not doing that. Strong output power and low frequency output: each channel can output 160W(4Ω), match perfectly and easily to drive all 3-8Ω passive speakers, adds a low frequency output easy to connect active speakers and build 2.1 channel system, the bass effects is greatly enhanced. THIS is a BIG JUMP. I used the exact same 3.5mm to RCA adaptor and MIT cable I use for my Meridian Explorer, through T9's AUX OUT. Of course, I removed the loudspeaker cables from T9's binding posts. Practical funtions to simplify use: with input selection and indicators, clearly to show the working status in real time; aluminum alloy case is specially designed, cool and unique to decorate your desktop space.

Then i hooked the Aiyima T9 up to my Mission LX-2's which are warmer sounding than the Q acoustics, and found that they were a much better match with the Aiyima . Finally, I used all of the original features provided by the T9, meaning I used the internal Bluetooth connection and did not bother running the T9 through any external DACs, etc. The only external connection was using my Vincent PHO-8 phono preamp which was required given the T9 does not have an internal phono stage available. Wiim Mini Streamer -> Optical output into a Optical to USB adapter -> into an RPI3 running CamillaDSP then via USB into D03 and finally out to some bookshelf speakers

HiFi CD/LP 天碟一只

Well, my Aiyima T9 arrived today and i've been playing music with it for the past 5 hours. I have to say that i'mquite impressed by how it sounds. Editor: Regarding Length This article is very long ( Covid Revenge Review?), as per my usual style when testing things I am interested in, especially things that can be used in multiple ways. Regular readers and experienced audiophiles will more likely find the many details along the way interesting. However, the vast majority of readers, usually referred here by a Google search, may want to skip here and there, or even just go to the end for Impressions, Comments and Thoughts. Regarding Organization In contrast to my usual ways, Music Used and my descriptions of the rights and wrongs will have a shaded box near the end, and there shall also be a little Technical Info near the end. I am now completely satisfied with the Aiyima in my modified System 1 and am streaming with a smile. Everything is good and that little bit of tube sheen is highly desirable. I shall conclude Part I. In Part II I shall likely be using the T9 as Preamp in my Living Room System 2 (which is why I bought the T9 in the first place). For that I shall restore my original System 1, which would be a real test. The last A in ABA is always more important than the AB. Now for some tidying up: Source As I'm a classical fan I mainly use my low-end Chromebook to stream Naxos Music Library (courtesy of NYPL; described here). Here in China, especially with Jazz and Pop, I augment with Kuwo ( here) and sometimes Spotify (which requires VPN), streamed using my HP laptop running Windows (now 11). I never use my smartphones to stream. Let me remind you that I mostly stream now, but I do have some good CDs and a very good CDP (Sony), but that will not feature in Part I. The Decision Yes, call me superficial. I immediately fell in love with the SEXY (VU) meter! But, unlike some of you, I'd not easily give in! :-) Certainly I have no need for another amp (or so I thought). While the almost universal digital connectivity appeals, what seals the deal for me was the AUX OUT. I wasn't sure whether it is Fixed or Variable, but as some users used it for subwoofer it should be a Variable out. It is, and more on this later.