Douk Audio HiFi Vacuum Tube 7-Band EQ Preamp Equalizer XLR Pre-Amplifier Home (T8 PRO)

I've had the T8 Pro for a number of weeks now and through a series of fortunate events have ended up with a second, so now I'm lucky enough to have both a silver and black model which I've been using to experiment with tube rolling (makes A/B testing incredibly convenient).I'd like to first address what I consider to be the sole con of this device which is the ever so slight reduction in clarity. I think this is just about a given in cheap preamps/equalizers, especially tube based models. I have a relatively high end DAC (Geshelli Labs J2 Socketed with the AK4499 DAC chip) and frankly I was expecting a bit more in terms of the hit in clarity. Overall, it's a very minor veiling and it doesn't really affect my enjoyment of my music.Now on to the pros which I believe are myriad. First is the fact that not only does this EQ have balanced inputs and outputs, but it does both XLR to RCA conversion and vice versa. I find these features to be pretty much non existent in gear this inexpensive. I currently mostly use the XLR input, but I've experimented with this feature and it works very well.Build quality is very nice with a solid metal chassis and suitable heft for a device this size. The 7 bands of the EQ are very nicely spaced out and I have no problem modeling the sound precisely as I like quickly and easily. If you're contemplating between the T8 and T8 Pro, it's a no brainer, get the T8 Pro. The two extra bands of EQ are far more valuable than the headphone amp included in the standard T8 unless one is on a tight budget and really wants an integrated headphone amp. I've heard the headphone amp isn't very good and I'm likely to believe that considering how much hardware for the money is already included. The difference in price between the two is negligible and now with coupon, the T8 Pro is actually cheaper.The EQ does provide gain and it does so very cleanly. I rarely push the volume beyond the 12 o'clock position, but when I do, it can feed plenty of gain to my amplifier and it does so with zero distortion that I can notice.Now for my favorite feature of this EQ: the tubes! The included 6H1N-BN tubes impart a very pleasant tube warmth to my Archel 2.5XL amp. I loved the sound of this amp before, but this EQ was the missing link that I was searching for.Lastly is the ability for not only tube rolling, but OP amp rolling as well. I've tried a set of 12au7 tubes so far and I found that they provide an even more euphonic character to an already very sweet sounding system. You can pick up a gain matched pair for around $60, and while that is about 50% of the cost of this EQ, I can say it's a fairly solid upgrade to an already very solid EQ.I haven't experimented with op amp rolling as of yet, but there are 5 dip-8 sockets by my count, so I'm looking forward to playing around with that as well. There are plenty of op amps ranging from a few bucks a piece to around $100 a piece, so this unit seems to be very upgradable. I haven't experimented with linear power supplies either, but I imagine that's another possible sonic upgrade to look forward to in the future.Overall, I am extremely impressed with this EQ. It's cheap, yet very solidly constructed, does exactly what it says it does and offers much in terms of user customization. Frankly, I'm fairly puzzled by the somewhat average reviews for this as I consider it to be an absolutely incredible value. I'm a big fan of Schiit products, but the Loki and the Lokius don't offer the functionality or that sweet tube character of the T8 Pro. The Loki isn't balanced and offers only a paltry 4 bands of equalization. The Lokius is balanced, but around 3x the price of the T8 Pro and still only has 6 bands of EQ. These are both nice units, but I can say assuredly that I prefer the T8 Pro. I really think you need to step up to one of the Freyas at several times the price before you get superior sound and customization to the T8 Pro.If you're looking for an equalizer, especially one that is tube based or which offers balanced inputs and outputs, don't sleep on this deal. I really couldn't be much happier with it.

Way better sound than the previous, non-pro, model T8 EQ. I swapped this out with the previous model and could tell an instant sound improvement and I hadn’t even dialed the bands in yet. Not only more frequency bands on the new model, but more meaningful frequencies. Much better bass response, better control of “muddiness” bands, and better mids.

This thing is awesome. Tubes are probably a sham, despite them running off a hot-ass tube heater, as the unit itself runs off only 12V. But the EQ is fantastic and has been a great, cheap way to fix my setup. Doesn't seem to degrade the signal, but can't say for certain. Users should be aware that the input sensitivity is pretty low (listed at 0.78VRMS on the product page) -- I'll sometimes have to attenuate my preamp's signal ahead of the chain to avoid clipping.Using HouseCurve (off the iOS store, excellent free and paid options) with the T8 Pro, I've been able to flatten the FR of my living room set up (DAC/preamp > T8 Pro > Sony 2-ch/TubeCube 7 > Technics SB-LX70). FWIW, I'd imagine headphones might be harder to fix unless you have a measurement rig or just want to add in a bass or treble boost, as its hard to tell the Q factor of the filters and their interactions with each other, and having to switch filters manually each time would be a pain.Would be great to see a solid-state, no frills, version of this product, as well as a full-functioning tube or tube-hybrid version.

I'm liking it! Paired with 2 fosi za3 I plan on upgrading the op amps on all 3 units. Wasn't any information on this thing about the op amps so wanted to make this review to let you know i opened it up and it has 5 op amps installed that can be upgraded

I was very excited for this unit. I bought two Mullard tubes to replace the stock 12AU7's that are in the package.The problem is the right channel is very muted and appears to be a wiring issue. Before blaming the Douk Audio EQ I did every possible reconfiguration including removing the unit altogether from my signal chain before determining it was the unit that was bad. I also changed every audio cable to rule out any issues.Amazon accepted a return/replacement. They sent me a second unit with the same problem! I wanted to see if I could fix it myself and despite the back panel using easily removable hex screws, the front panel uses a type of screw I cannot identify or open.I am now taking a full refund from Amazon and bought the Schitt Lokius instead, which is working as expected and fantastic.Lastly, I should note that I was enjoying the tubey goodness of the Douk and would have enjoyed the unit for the value it presents if it worked properly.

Very weak signal and if the volume is set high, distortion can be heard. I needed equalization for some of my lower quality vinyl pressings. ( Old punk and independent labels). I forgot I owned this item https://a.co/d/2FSt92y which does the job nicely and cheaply.

Not a good item. Not balanced at all. No gain control per channel.

The media could not be loaded. I produce music and djed most of my life. I learned over the years, good sound come together by subtle trims or boosts. Id recommend attentuating instead of boosting as I did in my video. I was demonstrating it's capacities. I like this module. Great inclusion for great price.