Douk Audio X1 Bluetooth 5.0 Vacuum Tube Amplifier 160W x 2 Review

The Douk Audio X1 is a desktop vacuum tube amplifier priced at $139.99. It combines an MM phono stage, a line-level preamp and a class-D speaker amplifier in one chassis, and the maker describes it as a full upgrade over earlier models in every respect.

Power comes from a TDA7498E amplifier IC, quoted at a maximum of 160W + 160W into 4Ω, paired with a 32V/5A power supply. Douk Audio says that is enough to drive most home passive speakers. Inputs are Bluetooth 5.0 on the QCC3034 chip with aptX and aptX-HD support, a stereo RCA line input, and an MM phono input that converts a turntable signal to line level and amplifies it, so a record player can connect directly. Outputs include speaker terminals and a low-frequency output for adding an active subwoofer to build a 2.1 system.

The tube section runs JAN5725 tubes, which the listing says improve detail, transparency, richness and tone compared with the 6J1 series, especially on vocals. The sockets are pluggable, so tubes can be rolled to alter the sound. An NE5532 op amp handles pre-amplification and tone control, with treble and bass knobs plus a bypass function for the original sound and a bass boost switch for heavier low end. Inside, the maker points to a double PCB design with the phono circuit fully integrated, Siemens capacitors, an NEC relay and pure copper gold-plated terminals, all in a custom aluminium case with blue and orange tube lighting.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options and country-dependent shipping costs. Orders under 2kg travel by airmail in 10-25 days, and anything over 2kg by DHL, UPS or FedEx in 5-8 days. Import duties and customs charges are the customer's responsibility. Every item is backed by a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty; the exclusions are orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, a subjective change of mind, and anything outside the warranty terms.