Nobsound MS-10D MKII Review 2023

UPDATE: The Nobsound MS-10D has been upgraded to the Nobsound MS-10D Mkiii model.

I’ll be posting a full review soon, but here are the stats:

• 5 audio inputs:  Bluetooth, USB, Coaxial, Optical, RCA
• 3 audio outputs: speaker jack, subwoofer, 3.5mm headphone jac
• WMA/WNV/MP3/FLAC supported formats
• Tubes:  6P1X2 + 6N1x2
• signal to noise ratio: 80db
• frequency response: 20HZ-20KHZ
• output impedance: 4-16Ω
• input impedance:  47

Buy Now At Amazon.com

We are often drawn into preferring the original state of things, especially in music. No matter how many times a song is covered by different artists or how many remixes it has over the years, we still find the original to be the best among them. The reason is simple; the original remains an accomplishment of bringing something new into existence for the first time.

The same principle is held true by high fidelity aficionados who want high-quality reproduction of sounds. Who wouldn’t want that? If music is the expression of the soul, shouldn’t it be expressed in the best quality it can be when it is created and re-created?

If your answer is yes, then chances are you have a tube amplifier in your home!

Unlike modern day digital players, preamp tubes produce a more natural and warm sound compared to the uneven quality of the former. It also removes that “loose” characteristic of some songs especially when they are played on high volume.

Nobsound MS-10D MKII Hybird Tube Amplifier 

One of the popular tube amps today is the Nobsound MS-10D MKII Hybird Tube Amplifier with Bluetooth/USB/Headphone for Hifi. This tube amp is in very high demand—currently rated among the top tube amplifiers on the market! This amplifier is regarded as Nobsound’s flagship product due to its attractive appearance and its durability. In addition, its ability to produce incredible sound quality makes its ratings soar—especially in the world of hi-fidelity sound fanatics and stereo sound enthusiasts.

The MS-10D Hybrid Tube Amplifier Power Amplifier doesn’t just produce great sound, it’s affordable too! Hi-fi customers with even the most limited budgets can add this product to their collection.  It is one of the best tube amplifiers under $400.

This 25-watt tube amp can be connected to any 110V to 240V outlet. The device has an upscale metallic exterior which flaunts a straightforward practical design that makes it easy to use and operate.

For the unacquainted, tube amps were used in players before the modern transistor amplifiers. They are more “mechanical” when boosting the power and signal of the speakers compared to the ones that uses electrical signals. They produce a more natural and warmer sound, with little to know dissonance.  For more, check out our guide on vacuum tube amplifier basics.

Specs

Preceding the Nobsound Ms-10D, the Mark II is an upgraded version that was made to be more cost-effective. It is very portable and weighs only 10.8 pounds with the following dimensions: 12.3 inches x 5.9 inches x 10.6 inches. The device also has four exposed valves or tubes that is essential in amplifying the sounds that is being played in this machine.

Combining the best of the old and new technology, the machine also comes with an auxiliary USB input, Bluetooth connectivity and headphone output.

The resulting sound quality is superb thanks to an almost negligible harmonic distortion. Sound quality is sustained even in a song’s low and highs.

Do note that the USB supports only five file formats: MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV and APE. Recording or file should not be higher 16 bit per 48 kHz. Anything higher may result to poor sound quality.

Here is a summary of the notable features of the Nobsound MS-10D MK II Hybrid Tube Amplifier:

• USB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Old school design casing with wood grain finish on the sides
• 25-watt output with impedance of 4-16 ohms
• Produces Hifi sounds
• Weight: (roughly) 10 pounds
• Features a beautifully elegant and upscale exterior
• Utilizes a straightforward and functional design that allows easy use
• Equipped with 2-piece 6N1 and 2-piece 6P1 Beijing tubes
• Output power of 25W+25W and input power of 100W
• Input sensitivity of 300mV
• Output impedance of 4-16ohm and input impedance of 47kohm
• Voltage requirement of 100V-240V
• Comes with two channels and a headphone slot
• Fitted with knobs for easy adjustments of bass and treble
• Equipped with RCA audio input jacks
• Comes with high and low regulation knobs
• Fitted with gold-plated type terminal

CHECK OUT THE MS-10D MKIII NOW AT AMAZON.COM

Despite having numerous positive features, the Nobsound MS-10D MK II Hybrid Tube Amplifier also has its downfalls. Among others, the whole device heats up fast.

This may be common to most tube amps because the tubes’ temperature rises up fast. But, the heat spreading to the control panel and knobs is a bothering issue.

Another key issue with this product is that some customers found that the unit they bought has some problems with a grinding volume knob. This may be caused by tight installation. One solution offered by Nobsound was to remove the plastic knob from its potentiometer before resetting the whole thing.

Here are the main pros and cons as we see them.

Pros

• Affordable price. It’s one of the cheapest amps that can appease the senses of High Fidelity fans.
• Can be connected with PC thru its USB outlet and other mobile devices via Bluetooth
• Attractive retro look with a metallic façade. The exposed bulb of the amp also adds an old-school look.
• Easy to use and very portable

Cons

• Hard to maintain or repair because of limited part supplies in the market
• Limited sound rate of 16 bit / 48KHz for digital format tracks

Note from the manufacturer: Because of its popularity, The Nobsound MS-10D has been reproduced by people who make counterfeits. Fake copies of this product have been circulating in other markets.

Comparison

Although the Nobsound MS-10D Hybrid Tube AmplifierPower Amplifier is regarded as one of the best-selling tube amplifiers on the market, there are many other options to consider including:

• APPJ PA0901A 6N4+6P14 Mini Tube Amplifier Silver

This amplifier is a 9×38.3×8.2 inch, 4.6-pound minimalist integrated amplifier which comes equipped with a pair of RCA inputs and passive voice control. It also comes fitted with a 6N4 twin triode that is responsible for feeding a single 6P14 per channel. With an advanced power supply—which delivers an output of 3.5 watts per channel—this amplifier is a great option.

• Gemtune APPJ PA1502A 6N4+6P6P tube headphone amplifier

This amplifier, on the other hand, is offered as a class A tube amplifier with a single-ended triode, along with 100% tube amplification. Its dimensions are 9.1x8x7.9 inches with a weight of about 5.5 pounds. It also comes equipped with 6P6P power amplification and 6N4 voltage amplification. This amplifier is intentionally designed for expansive soundstage presentations, rich tonal quality, and is perfect for highlighting finer musical details.

Many users could argue for both of these amplifiers since they are both proven to be reliable, durable, and high-quality.

However, by taking a look at the features of the three separate amplifiers listed, it becomes apparent that the Nobsound MS-10D Hybrid Tube Amplifier Power Amplifier is the best option. This product comes equipped with an extensive list of features that the other two just cannot match.

The APPJ PA0901A 6N4+6P14 Mini Tube Amplifier Silver comes in second place, as it comes with a similar, but not as in depth, set of features—and at a much higher price. And lastly, the Gemtune APPJ PA1502A 6N4+6P6P tube headphone amplifier. Although this one looks to be the same as the other two, its price makes it a far less-desirable option.

Who Should Buy the Nobsound MS-10D MKII Hybrid Tube Amplifier?

Whether you are a proud audiophile, a high-fidelity fan, a nostalgic listener or just someone who appreciate good music that is soft and warm to the ears, this is the product that will surely fit your lifestyle.

The Nobsound MS-10D is a great addition to your living room, study room or office room. It speaks a lot about the owner’s sensibility and musical taste that can easily be picked up by your guest. The product not only offers value in terms of audio, but also in its aesthetics.

Moreover, this device is also perfect for people who have just started discovering the beauty of old players as compared to the technologically advanced ones in the market. It’s certainly one of the best ways to appreciate the classical music that has once ruled the airwaves of the past decades.

Verdict

The Nobsound MS-10D MKII Hybrid Tube Amplifier is an affordable means to get a legitimate High Fidelity experience. There are very few inexpensive products in the market that offers such a unique passport to original music.

However, there are just a few key things that one needs to be reminded when buying this product. Again, the product has had many intimidations which give you a risk that you may run into a fake unit. The product also has some parts that are not available in the U.S. Thus, maintaining or repairing it can be quite challenging.

Overall, this equipment is still one of the few products that have captured out interest simply because of its good mixture of the old mechanical tube amplifier and the recent advancements of Bluetooth and PC connectivity.

We recommend this to anyone who yearns for nostalgia without having to rely on turn tables and cassette players.

BUY THE MS-10D MKIII NOW AT AMAZON.COM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF THE BEST TUBE AMPS UNDER $400