We found this amplifier to be quite versatile because it can support three different types of vacuum tubes. Plus, it’s a powerful amplifier that can be used for not just your favorite setup, but also for headphones as well.
We’ll dive into this review with a deeper look at each of the important features. You will learn that this amp will be able to produce excellent sound quality regardless of what tube they install.
If you want to find out more details about the Willsenton R8 and what to expect from it, keep reading.
Product Overview
- The model currently on sale is the New Model upgraded in December 2023.
- One amplifier can used wiht tube EL34, KT88 or 6550, so, you can get 3 kinds of sound from different models tubes. The default matching tubes of this machine is KT88. If you need another 2 new sets of tube, please purchase in addition. There is a Red selection button on the Back of the amp to switch.
- Can be used as an Integrated amplifier, power amplifier or Headphone amplifier. Pure hand-made, the whole machine is welded with scaffolding.
- Triode and ultra-linear selection are available, which can be switched by the button on the amplifier. With a remote control,Vacuum tube protective cover,Fuse and an English manual.
- We recommend that you spend 100-300 hours to RUN-IN this amplifier to get a better sound. Generally, you could get a better and stable sound after 100 hours, and you could get the best sound after accumulating more than 300 hours.
What Does The Product Do?
The Willsenton R8 is an amplifier that can use three different types of tubes. These include but are not limited to the EL34, 6550, and the KT88.
It provides excellent sound quality for speakers and also headphones.
Is it good? Why?
It is a good product because it can accommodate different tubes without issue. Furthermore, it can also support other devices proving its versatility.
Top Features
Now that we’ve knocked out the overview, let’s take a look at each of the top features in detail:
Provides Three Different Kinds of Sound.
By default, the Willsenton R8 has the KT88 tubes. However, you’ll need to purchase the EL34 and the 6550 tubes separately if you need to install them at any time.
Once you have these installed in the amplifier, you can use the selection button located on the back of the amp. That way, you can experience three different types of sound quality.
If you want the best sound quality, your best bet is to include these additional tubes. That way, you’ll have more options. So if you might not feel like listening to it on its KT88 setting, you can switch to EL34.
Integrated Amplification.
Why settle for something that is only going to be a power amp? With the Willsenton R8, it’s more than just that.
This bad boy can also be an amplifier for your headphones as well. That’s right. You can listen to louder, richer sounds while wearing your favorite headphones.
This feature can also be helpful for guitar players, primarily if they practice in silence using headphones.
They can listen to the sound without having to make too many adjustments. If that isn’t a guitar player’s dream, we don’t know what is.
Sometimes, when you put headphones into an amplifier, it may not sound all that loud. The good news is, the Willsenton R8 eliminates this problem.
This integrated amplification feature may be the deciding factor for audiophiles like yourself.
Remote Control.
If you need to make adjustments, you can do it with just a touch of the button. This includes a remote control feature that will allow you to adjust the volume or anything else to ensure the perfect sound.
You can also switch different modes as well. For example, If you want to listen to music in ultra-linear mode, you can just press the button. Or if you feel like listening to it in triode mode, then of course that’s another press of the button as well.
Vacuum Tube Protective Cover.
The protective cover for the vacuum tubes is awesome. The protective cover is designed to prevent dust from building up on the tubes.
Furthermore, it also provides good ventilation so the tubes don’t overheat too quickly. This also will provide excellent protection from pets and young children.
When the amp is being used, the tubes can get hot and can cause burns if touched. Also, since the tubes are made from glass, it can also prevent breakages from happening. Busted amp tubes (if any) should be disposed of immediately.
In fact, I think good amps like this should have a vacuum tube protective cover. That way, you don’t have to purchase it separately.
Ultra-linear and Triode Modes.
This has two different modes: ultra-linear and triode. You get 45 watts per channel in ultralinear mode while the triode mode provides 25 watts. You can make a quick switch to either mode using the front panel switch or the remote control.
There are some great things that each mode provides. In Ultralinear mode, you’ll notice that the vocals are more forward and give a more modern, crisper sound. The bass is snappier as well.
Once you switch it to triode mode, this is where the sound becomes a lot sweeter. You’ll also notice that the sound of the instruments is a lot rich and ‘meatier’. If you want the closest thing to a bold, rich sound, then there is no denying that triode mode will deliver that.
When looking for amps, one thing to remember is knowing what these modes are and how they function. You can easily switch from one mode to the other and stick with it if you love the overall sound.
Well Organized on the Inside.
If you open this up, you’ll notice that everything looks nice and well organized. The wires are soldered on nicely. Plus, there is point-to-point manual welding done on most of these parts to ensure they are durable and last a long time.
The last thing you need is an amp that will fall apart on you from the inside and out. With the amount of audio you’ll be playing, it should be durable enough to handle the vibrations and thumping of the music you are playing.
The amp is hand-made and hand-wired; this is something that you don’t see every single day. But the way we see it, this is where you can find the most organized and better-built amplifiers on the market.
If you ever hear the words ‘hand made’ or something similar, you know that such an amplifier will be better in terms of overall build quality.
Alternatives
Now that you know the main features that the Willsenton R8 has, we’ll provide you with a list of alternatives. We’ll be taking a look at x of the following amps you can also consider as well:
Pyle 5.2-Channel Hi-Fi Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier
- 5.2 Channel: The Pyle 5.2 Channel hi fi Home theater receiver is Perfect for Your Home Entertainment system; Gives you 1000 watts peak Power to be used for speakers and subwoofers with 4-16 ohms impedance, lets you enjoy high Quality amplified audio
- Bluetooth compatible: The Professional Integrated high Powered stereo receiver is equipped with Bluetooth wireless music streaming; Works with today’s latest devices including Smart phones, iPhone, iPad and computers with hassle Free receiver pairing
- 4K UHD TV Support: The AV digital amp box is equipped with 4K Ultra HD TV, 3D and Blu ray video pass through support with dedicated RCA subwoofer output; Connect and stream audio/video from external devices via USB, RCA, 3 HDMI, optical/digital audio
- Eq Controls: The Home amplifier with Bluetooth has 2 ¼” mic inputs with independent input source selection. Equipped with next Gen Audio DSP sound processing technology and controls for echo, bass, treble, microphone and volume adjustments
- Digital LCD Display: The Home theater surround sound receiver System has a built in LCD Display and AM/FM radio; Features front panel Control center and Integrated over current, short circuit and over voltage Protection; Includes remote Control
This is a good alternative if you want something for the home theater system you’ve got installed. With Bluetooth compatibility and 4K UHD TV support, you’d be hard-pressed to find something like this anywhere else.
BOYUURANGE Reison A12 Hi-Fi Stereo Single-end Class-A Amplifier Amp
- Please pay attention before buying, We received feedback from many buyers, reflecting that Reisong A12 Amp have not enough power.Please confirm that your speaker is a bookshelf speakers with a sensitivity 89db or more. We don't think Reisong A12 work well with a floorstanding Speaker or the low sensitivity speakers.
- Point to Point hand welding, preferred audiophiles, output transformer switch to the 76x40 higher end output transformer.
- Reisong A12 Amp is an upgraded version of A10, could use more replacement models of tubes without convertor. Come with Tube Cage.
- Vacuum Tube: EL34 x 2,12AX7 (ECC83) x 2,5Z4PJ x 1
- If there is no sound from the machine after waiting for a few minutes, Please make sure the power is connected properly. And try pressing the Black Circle Button on the back of the machine (for switching between AUX and CD modes)
If you are looking for a good amplifier that uses EL34 vacuum tubes, the Reison A12 is awesome. It’s got excellent sound quality and durable welded construction that will make this amp last a long time. Plus, it has all the inputs and outputs you need for the equipment that you want to set up.
Dayton Audio HTA100BT Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier
- Built-in phono preamplifier to easily connect record players
- Authentic vacuum tube warmth and character with class AB amplifier efficiency produces an articulate and natural sonic experience
- Brushed aluminum housing with vintage front panel VU meters lends a clean, modern look with a nod to classic aesthetics
If you are looking for a great amplifier that is also Bluetooth compatible, the Dayton Audio Hybrid Stereo Tube Amplifier does not disappoint. This also has plenty of inputs so you can put them to good use depending on the kind of equipment you may have. You can go wireless or use fewer wires, it’s all up to you.
Muzishare x7
- MUZISHARE X7 Upgraded version. Upgraded the internal coupling capacitor, is the designer to debug the custom-made silver film capacitor, relative to the classic version of the extension, control, density is better.
- MUZISHARE X7 is an integrated Amplifier. This is also a Power Amplifier (there is a group pre-amp input), a Headphone amplifier and this is a amplifier for Phono player too, direct link your phono player to this amplifier to output to speakers.
- Pure Handmade,point to point hand welding using two high-quality wide-frequency high-quality Japanese EI output transformer using a high-power Z11 core toroidal power transformer dedicated designed for the machine ， voltage amplification and promote are used tube 5AR4 for rectifier power supply.
- Use 12AX7 and 12AU7 vacuum tube for voltage amplification and phase inversion,use KT88 vacuum tube to do AB1 push-pull power amplification; Mute delay function when turn on the amp(about 30 seconds) ；the choice of Japanese ALPS motor potentiometer
- Provide Triode and Ultralinear selection function: Triode work mode. soft. pure and sleek. suitable for enjoying vocals. strings Music and other types of music; Ultralinear work. the sound of open. unrestrained. the momentum is good. for large scenes. large dynamic type of music. Peripheral power tube current adjustment knob and current display meter. With pure power amplifier features. can be linked the pre-amp signal input. with the phono function. can be connected to the Phono player
The Muzishare x7 is a push-pull amplifier that is quite like the Willsenton R8. In fact, we have seen head to head comparisons between the two. What makes this stand out is that it’s the perfect amplifier for phono or record players.
Conclusion
- The model currently on sale is the New Model upgraded in December 2023.
- One amplifier can used wiht tube EL34, KT88 or 6550, so, you can get 3 kinds of sound from different models tubes. The default matching tubes of this machine is KT88. If you need another 2 new sets of tube, please purchase in addition. There is a Red selection button on the Back of the amp to switch.
- Can be used as an Integrated amplifier, power amplifier or Headphone amplifier. Pure hand-made, the whole machine is welded with scaffolding.
- Triode and ultra-linear selection are available, which can be switched by the button on the amplifier. With a remote control,Vacuum tube protective cover,Fuse and an English manual.
- We recommend that you spend 100-300 hours to RUN-IN this amplifier to get a better sound. Generally, you could get a better and stable sound after 100 hours, and you could get the best sound after accumulating more than 300 hours.
If you want an amp that is attractive in design and provides you more than enough sound quality, the Willsenton R8 does not disappoint. You can certainly take advantage of its durability with the inclusion of different tubes like the EL34.
You can hook this up to your favorite speakers. So long as they are efficient enough, you won’t hear a single instance of buzzing, transformer noises, or any of that. Just pure silence until the music comes on and the bass is pulsing and filling the room with your favorite music playing.
Want to purchase this amp for yourself. What are you waiting for? You can order it here via Amazon now and enjoy the sound quality that you deserve in an amp.
