X7 KT88 x4 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier Push-Pull Power Amp MM Phono Tube Amplifier Balanced XLR 2022 Remote

I’ve had the X7 for over a month now, and it has been an extremely enjoyable purchase. I’ve had tube components before, but never an integrated tube amp or tube amplifier. But I’ve very much enjoyed the tube preamps I’ve tried and the tube phono preamps that have been in my system. Buying the X7 was a leap of faith on my part. I’ve always wanted a McIntosh tube integrated, or maybe a Rogue Audio tube integrated, but the high costs of either have always held me up. In addition, I was concerned about the drop in power ratings when moving to a tube amp. I have a pair of MartinLogan Motion XT 100 towers that like a little power to sound their best, and have been using a 150 watt per channel Rotel integrated to push them. But I haven’t been pleased with the sound quality I’m getting through the Rotel so wanted to make a change.Enter the X7. Four KT88 tubes = 25 watts per channel in triode mode and 45 watts per channel in ultra linear mode. Point to point wiring inside the case. Two 12au7 tubes and one 12ax7 tube, and the X7 uses a rectifier tube, which not all tube amps have.I ran the X7 with the included Muzishare tubes for a couple of weeks, and then started rolling tubes. I purchased a Mullard rectifier tube, a Gold Lion gold pin 12ax7, and then tried a series of 12au7 tubes before ending up with a couple of new release mullards. I swapped out the KT88s with PS Vane Horizon series tubes, but didn’t like them. I bit the bullet and bought a set of Gold Lion KT88s and that is where I stopped. I couldn’t imagine the X7 sounding much better than it does now. Much better than the solid state electronics that were running the MartinLogans prior.I use the 4 ohm taps for the MartinLogans and run it in triode mode the majority of the time. This gives a smooth, slightly rolled off treble and plenty of low bass definition. When I really want to turn the volume up, I switch the X7 to ultralinear mode and enjoy a sparkling treble and increased volume.With the right set of tubes, the X7 performs amazingly. The stock tubes were good, but the combination of Mullards and Gold Lions is a revelation. The KT88 upgrades were 300 dollars. The Mullard rectifier tube was 60 bucks. The Gold Lion 12ax7 was 55 dollars, and the pair of Mullard 12au7s was 55 dollars. Adding all that up, from X7 to upgrade end game cost me less than 2000 dollars. Less than 2000, and it sounds better than the 3500 dollar solid state integrated it replaced. 2,000 dollars is a lot less than the cost of a nice Rogue Audio, Luxman, or McIntosh tube integrated. One heck of a value here!Couple additional items. The X7 has a balanced input. That’s what I run my Cyrus Signature phono amp into. The built in phono pre of the X7 is pretty average to be honest. I wouldn’t plan on using it for critical listening. The VU meters look amazing. It is beautifully built. Sounds great.

I Always dreamed of a Tube amp with Two VU Meters, ever since I was a kid. I saw the reviews (and an especially helpful video review on YouTube), and I was convinced to buy the Muzishare X-7. I paired with Polk Audio i200 bookshelf speakers and a Polk Audio 10" powered subwoofer. (These bookshelf speakers are not tiny--they don't fit upright on any bookshelf). The amp powers the i200s just fine. Sound is excellent in both Ultralinear mode (45 watts per channel) and Triode mode. I personally prefer the Triode Mode at a higher volume (which I'm told is 25 watts per channel and has rolls off the treble a tiny bit). The bass response without the subwoofer is excellent. (I add just a tad of subwoofer as a personal preference). I have never exceeded the 12 o'clock position on the volume. At 12, the amp is overpowering in a good way. There's still a lot of power left. My personal tastes aren't loud volumes, just note that there's plenty of power for efficient speakers. Highly likely, you'll have plenty of power for larger drivers that are in tower speakers, especially in Ultralinear mode. I haven't opened up the case (like the reviewer did on YouTube), but the exterior is solid quality everything! The reviewer showed quality point to point wiring with quality soldering on the inside.I have nothing negative to say about this amp. I've had it use for about 3 hours per day. Theoretically, the sound will get better as my speakers get broken in. Apparently, tubes also get a little better performance with use. (Note, they'll degrade after time, but that's probably 5-7 years away, and will need to be replaced. But, that's a known fact about vacuum tubes).My amp is the focal point of my living room. I love the look in the light. In the dark, the glowing tubes and twin VU meters are just art! Again, since the early-80s, I've dreamed of a tube amp. $1300 is a lot of money, but an incredible value for what you get, considering what boutique tube amps cost. Don't let the "Made in China" scare you on the quality. It is excellent.The biggest negative that the YouTube reviewer had was servicing (because it comes from China). I disagree. Since it's basically 1950's era technology (that is, it runs on vacuum tubes), I would argue that service should be easy to find no matter where you live. By no means am I criticizing the 1950s era technology, I just mean to say that it's relative simple compared to the most modern solid state amps.