Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube is a sophisticated tube buffer, expertly positioned between your source device and amplifier. Its purpose? To enhance impedance relationships and enrich audio with a hint of E88CC triode tube warmth. Recently, the ultra-popular WiiM streaming DAC piqued my interest—could the X-Tube add some richness to its typically thin dynamic range?
Upon the X-Tube’s announcement in Lisbon, I quickly requested a review sample. Musical Fidelity efficiently dispatched two units—one for my Portuguese setup and another for Berlin—demonstrating commendable responsiveness. Unfortunately, the Portuguese package faced relentless delivery delays, much to my chagrin.
Back in Berlin, I eagerly anticipated my first listening experience. With cameraman Olaf documenting the setup, we connected the WiiM Ultra to the X-Tube and then to the Technics SU-R1000 using quality interconnects. As I pressed play, I expected a striking sound enhancement. Instead, I was met with an unwelcome hum emerging from both speakers, particularly pronounced when using the WiiM as a pre-amplifier.
Troubleshooting began as I experimented with various interconnects and configurations. Switching to bypass mode alleviated the hum momentarily, but the issue persisted with different power amplifiers. By Saturday night, I felt the X-Tube had become ineffective.
On Sunday, I created an exclusive video detailing my experience—not to criticise Musical Fidelity but to highlight the importance of discussing anomalies with manufacturers before publicising them. The feedback I received from Musical Fidelity was measured; they suggested a possible fault with my unit, potentially damaged in transit.
Continuing my assessment on Monday, I switched the WiiM Ultra for the Grimm MU2, yet the hum remained stubbornly constant. I tried substituting the Technics amplifier for a Luxman model with no results. My last effort involved connecting the X-Tube directly to the wall instead of a power conditioner—yet the hum persisted.
Thus concludes the first part of my X-Tube saga, with a replacement unit expected to shed light on my ongoing struggles. Stay tuned for the next instalment of this intriguing audio journey!
Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube is a tube buffer improving sound and impedance between source devices and amplifiers. A review of its performance with the WiiM Ultra revealed persistent hum complications, leading to troubleshooting efforts. Despite initial enthusiasm, the X-Tube’s effectiveness remains uncertain pending a replacement unit for further testing.
The experience with Musical Fidelity’s X-Tube thus far has been a blend of anticipation and frustration. Although I expected an enhancement in audio quality, persistent hum issues overshadowed my initial impressions. With a replacement unit on the horizon, further investigation will reveal if my sample was faulty, promising an exciting continuation to this audio narrative.
Original Source: darko.audio
