AIYIMA T10 JAN5654 Tube Vacuum Preamplifier Audio Decoder Bluetooth 5.0 HiFi Headphone Amp with PC-USB APTX Coaxial Optical Input & OLED Display for Home Audio Amplifier (T10)

In need of a DAC for a large (2000w) home audio system, I stumbled upon the various offerings by this company and like you, was intrigued by the specs, features, and price point. Being a longtime fan of vacuum tube audio, I was curious about the inclusion of tubes in the circuit, but remained skeptical. I opted for this model primarily for its features, but what sold me are the DAC and Op Amp chipsets, both of which are regarded in the industry as solid choices in pursuit of excellent quality audio. This gave cause for cautious optimism.The unit is easy to get up and running, the controls intuitive, the Bluetooth easy to pair if you go that route. For PC/Windows-USB users, a free downloadable Savi Audio ASIO driver for PC/Windows-USB connections (see manual) had things up and running in 24bit/48khz resolution in no time. The OLED display indicates the selected input mode and the resolution of the signal when S/PDIF inputs are used, which is very helpful. Included are a pair of matched NOS GE JAN5654 pentodes. I checked the voltage at the tube plates out of curiosity and was surprised when the meter indicated 100+VDC. Clearly, they are functional as advertised, as an audio buffer.Plugged into a power conditioner and integrated via USB or BT, the unit is dead quiet and performs flawlessly. The USB input delivers very good quality audio from the ESS Sabre DAC that is clear and detailed across the audio spectrum, providing a good soundstage and resolution at this price point. The BT input also produces very good results when linked to devices using the latest aptx codecs. The tube circuit can be toggled in and out via the remote control. When engaged, the tubes contribute just a touch of audible warmth to the signal. The effect is mild, being noticeable mostly with vocals and acoustic instruments.The headphone amp delivers plenty of volume and excellent audio quality, the treble and bass tonal adjustments providing ample range of adjustment, and I was able to listen comfortably for extended periods without fatigue. I did note however, that with my low impedance (32Ω) AKG K712 Pro studio headphones, some background noise was audible as was noted in another reviewer’s comment. This noise was completely absent when I switched to 300Ω Sennheiser HD6XX headphones. This phenomenon is not unique to the Aiyima T10, but is sometimes evident with similar devices (particularly portable ones) when using low impedance, high sensitivity headphones, so be mindful. Several remedies have been created in response. I was able to eliminate the noise fairly effectively with an inexpensive 3.5mm 80Ω earphone resistor designed specifically for this purpose (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMG8144?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1), albeit with a nominal decrease in volume and presence. More expensive options include devices such as Ear Buddy and iFi IEMatch+. I experimented with the IEMatch ($40+), but I came away with a result not much improved upon the much cheaper resistor plug. In conclusion, if the Aiyima T10 will be used as a headphone amp, consider using quality high-impedance (e.g. 200-600Ω) headphones that are widely available, as they are a better impedance match and will provide a superior experience.In conclusion, this versatile device delivers solid audio quality without glaring flaws, and does so at an attractive price point. The Aiyima T10 performs as well or better than some DACs out there with larger price tags, and has the benefit of the switchable, pleasant tube-buffered audio feature. Given the quality and generous connectivity features at this price point, I feel it is a solid buy. I find it difficult to give this device anything less than five stars for my particular application as a preamp using USB and Bluetooth inputs. Headphones and IEM users should be mindful of my previous ceaveat on that subject.

I wanted a DAC that could handle CDs, USB input from my laptop, and bluetooth for when others visit and want to play music from their phones. After looking around and reading reviews, I purchased the Topping DX3 pro plus. However, in my system I found it rather harsh on the upper midrange, even using a subwoofer to round out the bass.Tried it with all the inputs, but just couldn't get used to the harshness. I have custom bookshelf speakers (Acoustic suspension with air motion tweeters, designed myself with a crossover from Dayton Audio) and a subwoofer from Micca. Everything, but especially the CD coax input sounded jarring, harsh, and too forward.I sent it back and started looking at alternatives. Enter the Aiyima T10. As you might know, their A9 amp got rave reviews lately on several youtube channels. I don't need an amp (have a good one alreay) so I decided to try this. Its essentially a DAC and a headphone amp, with tubes.After using this with USB and Optical inputs from my CD player, I can say that the tubes it comes with don't color the sound much - but they do make it enjoyable to listen to. I might do some tube rolling, but they do the job fine so far. Bass is full, midrange is natural, and treble is not over-emphasized. This isn't the same level of smoothness I get from my turntable, and it won't rescue a poorly recorded CD from 1987, but for the money its a great entry level DAC that will bring your existing amp (and PC) into the world of streaming.

I have this plugged into a laptop playing lossless files, then into an older tube amplifier, and out to a pair of Klipsch RP-600M II speakers. I had the original Schiit Modi, iFi Zen and Topping E30 II DAC’s acting as a preamp, but this little unit bests them all. Clarity, detail, soundstage, separation of instruments…all there, where the others were dull, flat and lifeless. While not a true tube preamp, engaging the tube buffer is a real treat. Even with really good equipment further downstream I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.

Aiyima T10 provides inputs for optical, coax, USB, & BT (AptX HD). It also has an input labeled RCA which allows any analog input. I find the RCA input extremely useful for connecting either a music player or a better DAC without a remote. The remote that comes with the pre-amp is not fancy or very large, but it works fine and goes from 0 to 99 Vol. The tube output can be turned on/off via remote, and the entire display can be turned off (no dimmer). The DAC chip is very pedestrian but seem to be well-implemented, most people don't purchase this for the DAC and the RCA input makes it easy to add a better DAC for USB. Same with BT, I added LDAC via the coax. I find this pre-amp works nicely with class D amps which typically do not have remotes, I typically don't use the Tone (Bass/Treble +- 10) control unless I'm using the optical for TV input. In my opinion, it tidies things up considerably and has great functionality plus remote access. Ultra-silent, no background hiss on any input.

I had to return this device. I let the device burn in for several hours. The amount of white noise proved to be way to high resulting in distortion. I tired several pairs of tubes in an attempt to eliminate the noise. I tried another USB cable without any result. I am running a FOSI, S.M.S.L. DAC/Amp as well as a Schitt tube amp. I suggest you try another brand at this point.