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Review NaN of
Price Paid:
$200.00
from online Summary:
This review if for the X-CANS v2. I've used this on and off since I bought it used, and I am always amazed how good it sounds. I was disappointed at first with the forward and brighter treble, but after some simple bypass caps on the input / output electrolytic(!!) coupling caps, power supply caps bypassed with film caps, extra uF on the supply stage, and replacing the OEM tubes, this unit equaled the sound of a good tube preamp. It sounded good enough that I haven't even used "quality" upgrade parts or FRED diodes. Mods were done with mylar bypass caps and used electrolytic caps.
I used it as a line stage or buffer stage sometimes, and it gives a dynamic, crisp, clear, and with proper tubes, a warm presentation with great imaging, space and dimension. It's not quite as warm and rhythmic as the Audible Illusions 2 preamp in direct comparison, but I can easily live with the sound for a long time. The volume pot is tiny and gain is pretty high, so fine control is mediocre.
Sonically, I cannot fault this after the mod. I've seen the schematics, it's almost exactly like the X3 version. I found a generic AC supply with higher amperage output, and it makes a moderate improvement in sound with a quieter background, more dynamics, and a little more groove. Looking at the parts inside, they've gone with cheap parts, and if you some simple work, you'll be rewarded with great sound. Kills any headphone jack I've ever used on a "preamp" or receiver. My tube preamp (SS headphone amp into a tube stage) beat out the budget Headroom preamp I had, and this X-CANS V2 was superior in all aspects to my preamp. Overall, I'd give it a solid 9/10 with sonics at 9.5, use and flexibility at 8, functionality and operation at 9, and upgradability at 8.
If only it had multiple inputs and a remote volume control.... Strengths:
Rolling 6DJ8 tubes in sockets.
Power supply can be upgraded via bigger AC transformer.
Simple circuit mods and a pair of good Euro tubes will transform the sound.
Circuit design nearly same as X3 version.
Very low B+ voltage will be easy on tubes - I expect a LONG life on my old stock tubes. Weaknesses:
Volume knob is tiny and cheap, only a single source input. Smallish chassis making with somewhat tight spaces inside for upgrading. Must disassemble chassis to replace/ roll tubes.
Similar Products Used:
Headroom Little Preamp
AMC 1030as tube preamp with headphone jack.
Sennheisser HD540, HD600, PX100, CX300
Etymotic ER-6i
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