Table of Contents
Introduction
The xDuoo MT-602 is a hybrid tube amplifier that has quickly become popular among audiophiles for its warm, tube-driven sound and solid-state power. While primarily marketed as a headphone amplifier, the MT-602 also has a strong potential to function as a preamp in an audio system. This dual capability has led many audio enthusiasts to explore its use as a preamplifier for powering external amplifiers or speakers, and its versatility has garnered attention in this role.
This review will explore the MT-602’s performance as a preamp, covering its design, features, sound quality, compatibility with different systems, tube rolling, and how it compares to other preamplifiers in its price range. We’ll dive deep into the benefits and potential downsides of using this hybrid amp as a preamp, making it a comprehensive guide for those looking to integrate the MT-602 into their setup.
1. Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the xDuoo MT-602 boasts a compact and modern design, featuring two small signal tubes exposed at the top, which gives it the classic tube amplifier aesthetic. The unit is lightweight and portable, making it an easy addition to any audio setup without taking up too much space. Its minimalist design is practical, but it retains an element of style with its glass-encased tubes.
Chassis and Controls
The body of the MT-602 is constructed from a durable metal casing, providing solid protection for its components. On the front panel, it features a volume knob, a power switch, and an input/output selector. The volume knob feels smooth and precise, offering fine control, which is essential for preamp duties.
The back panel houses the RCA inputs and outputs, as well as a 6.35mm headphone jack, allowing the MT-602 to double as a headphone amp. This dual function can be handy for users who want to switch between headphones and speakers without needing separate equipment.
2. Features and Functionality as a Preamp
The xDuoo MT-602 is a hybrid amplifier, which means it combines the warmth and natural sound of tubes with the power and low noise floor of solid-state amplification. This hybrid design is part of what makes it appealing as a preamp, offering the following features that are important for preamp use:
Dual RCA Inputs/Outputs
The MT-602 has RCA inputs and outputs, making it easy to integrate into a traditional hi-fi system. As a preamp, it acts as the intermediary between your source (such as a DAC or turntable) and your power amplifier or powered speakers, allowing you to control the volume and add the unique sound characteristics of tubes to your overall system.
Tube Warmth and Solid-State Precision
The tube section of the MT-602 allows for that coveted analog warmth, while the solid-state component ensures the preamp maintains enough drive and low distortion to push audio signals cleanly to the power amplifier. This combination offers a versatile sound signature that can work well with various kinds of music, from jazz and classical to rock and electronic.
Volume Control
One of the MT-602’s standout features when used as a preamp is its smooth volume control. The volume knob allows precise adjustment, which is particularly important in preamp applications, as you want to ensure the gain is set correctly before passing the signal to the power amplifier. The control is linear, which helps prevent jumps in volume and ensures smooth transitions.
Gain and Impedance Considerations
The MT-602 offers ample gain, which is often necessary for use as a preamp, especially when paired with lower sensitivity amplifiers or passive speakers. Its relatively low output impedance makes it compatible with a wide range of power amplifiers, ensuring good signal transfer without distortion or loss of quality.
3. Sound Quality as a Preamp
When using the xDuoo MT-602 as a preamp, the hybrid tube and solid-state design shine through, offering a unique combination of warmth, detail, and clarity. Below is a breakdown of how it performs across different frequency ranges and music genres.
Low-End (Bass) Performance
The bass performance of the MT-602 when used as a preamp is solid, offering tight and controlled lows. The tube section adds a slight warmth and roundness to the bass, which can be particularly pleasing for genres like rock, hip-hop, or electronic music. However, it doesn’t overemphasize the bass, making it ideal for those who prefer accuracy with a touch of warmth. When paired with a quality power amplifier, the MT-602 can drive large speakers or subwoofers without losing definition or becoming muddy.
Midrange Performance
The midrange is where the MT-602’s tube section truly shines. As a preamp, it excels in delivering rich, lifelike vocals and instruments, with a sense of depth and realism that is often missing in purely solid-state preamps. The tube warmth brings forward a smooth, natural character to the midrange, making instruments like guitars, pianos, and saxophones sound more organic and textured. The added harmonic richness from the tubes creates a lush soundscape, particularly suited for jazz, classical, and acoustic music.
High-End (Treble) Performance
The treble performance of the MT-602 is detailed and airy without being overly bright or harsh. The solid-state precision ensures that high frequencies remain clean and well-articulated, while the tube section adds a touch of smoothness, taming any potential sharpness in the treble. This makes it ideal for listeners who want a refined, pleasant high-end without the risk of listener fatigue. Cymbals, violins, and female vocals sound delicate and natural, with an impressive level of detail.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the most impressive qualities of the MT-602 as a preamp is its ability to create a wide soundstage with excellent imaging. Instruments and vocals are well-separated, allowing for precise placement within the stereo field. This effect is particularly noticeable with high-quality speakers or power amplifiers that can fully utilize the preamp’s capabilities. The tubes contribute to a sense of spaciousness and air, making it an excellent choice for music that benefits from a larger soundstage, such as orchestral or live recordings.
Tube Rolling and Sound Customization
One of the key advantages of the MT-602 is the ability to tube roll, or change the tubes to alter the sound signature. This allows users to further refine the preamp’s sound to their liking. For instance, rolling in warmer tubes like Mullard EF95 can enhance the midrange and create a more intimate, lush sound, while tubes like the GE JAN 5654W might provide more sparkle and detail in the treble.
Tube rolling adds a level of versatility to the MT-602 that is not typically available in traditional solid-state preamps, allowing audiophiles to experiment with different sonic profiles depending on their taste and the music they listen to.
4. Compatibility with Power Amplifiers and Speakers
One of the concerns when using a headphone amp as a preamp is whether it will properly interface with different types of power amplifiers and speakers. The xDuoo MT-602 has proven to be surprisingly versatile in this regard, working well with a wide range of setups.
Matching with Power Amplifiers
The MT-602’s output impedance is low enough to match with most power amplifiers, including solid-state and tube power amps. Its tube-driven output provides enough voltage to drive even more demanding amplifiers without causing clipping or distortion. Pairing the MT-602 with a clean, powerful solid-state amplifier can yield fantastic results, combining the warmth of the tubes with the accuracy and power of solid-state amplification.
Powered Speakers
For those using powered speakers, the MT-602 also performs admirably as a preamp. The volume control is precise, and the signal remains clean and detailed even at higher volumes. Whether you’re using high-end studio monitors or bookshelf speakers, the MT-602 adds a layer of tube warmth and richness that elevates the overall listening experience.
High-Impedance Headphones
Although the focus of this review is on the MT-602 as a preamp, it’s worth mentioning that it also excels in driving high-impedance headphones. Its hybrid design ensures enough power to properly drive demanding headphones, while the tube section adds that signature warmth and depth that audiophiles seek in tube amps. This makes it a versatile piece of equipment that can be used both in speaker setups and personal listening environments.
5. Comparisons to Other Preamp Options
In its price range, the xDuoo MT-602 stands out as a strong contender for those looking for a hybrid tube preamp. While there are many dedicated preamps on the market, the MT-602 offers a combination of features and sound quality that is hard to beat, especially considering its affordability. Below are some comparisons with other preamp options:
xDuoo MT-602 vs. Schiit Saga+
The Schiit Saga+ is another popular choice for those looking for a tube preamp. It also uses a hybrid design, but the Saga+ is a passive preamp with an optional tube buffer. While the Saga+ offers more in terms of tube options and functionality, the MT-602 delivers more power due to its active amplification stage, making it better suited for those who need more drive for their power amplifiers or speakers.
xDuoo MT-602 vs. Little Dot MKII
The Little Dot MKII is a dedicated tube amplifier that can also function as a preamp. Both units offer tube rolling capabilities, but the xDuoo MT-602 has the advantage of being a hybrid, which provides a cleaner, more precise and powerful output compared to the Little Dot MKII, which is fully tube-based. The hybrid nature of the MT-602 ensures that it delivers enough power and maintains lower noise levels, while the Little Dot MKII may introduce more coloration and tube characteristics due to its pure tube design. For audiophiles looking for more versatility and a cleaner signal, the MT-602 is often preferred in preamp roles, especially for systems that require higher gain and lower noise floors.
xDuoo MT-602 vs. Topping L30
The Topping L30 is a solid-state amplifier with a focus on neutral, precise sound. While it is highly regarded for its transparency, it lacks the warmth and harmonic richness that the MT-602 offers through its tube section. The L30 is an excellent choice for those who want absolute accuracy and minimal coloration, but for listeners who want to add a bit of character and warmth to their system, the MT-602 excels. As a preamp, the MT-602 brings that extra tube flavor, making it a more appealing option for users who prefer a more engaging and dynamic sound signature.
6. Tube Rolling for Preamp Enhancement
One of the most exciting aspects of the xDuoo MT-602 is its ability to tube roll, allowing users to swap out the stock tubes for different ones to alter the sound signature. This can have a significant impact when using the MT-602 as a preamp, as different tubes can emphasize various frequencies and change the overall tonal balance.
Popular Tube Choices
- Mullard EF95: Known for their rich midrange and smooth highs, the Mullard EF95 tubes are a popular choice for those who want to enhance the warmth and musicality of the MT-602. These tubes are often chosen by users who listen to genres like jazz, blues, or acoustic music, where the midrange performance is key.
- Voshkod 6ZH1P-EV: These tubes are known for their detail retrieval and wide soundstage, making them ideal for listeners who enjoy classical music or soundtracks. They offer a more analytical and precise sound, but still retain the warmth of the tube sound.
- GE JAN 5654W: These tubes offer a balanced sound with a touch more treble energy, making them ideal for users who want a bit more sparkle in the highs without sacrificing the smoothness of the overall sound. They are a great all-around option for various genres of music, especially if you want a versatile preamp.
Impact of Tube Rolling on Preamp Performance
Changing the tubes can significantly alter the sound signature of the MT-602 as a preamp. For instance, warmer tubes like the Mullard EF95 can make the preamp sound richer and more lush, which can be particularly appealing when paired with solid-state amplifiers that are known for their precision and accuracy. On the other hand, more analytical tubes like the GE JAN 5654W can add detail and clarity, making the preamp sound more transparent.
This flexibility makes the MT-602 an excellent choice for audiophiles who like to experiment with their sound. Tube rolling can also be an economical way to upgrade the sound of your system without having to purchase entirely new equipment, as changing the tubes can have a profound effect on the audio quality.
7. Value for Money
At its price point, the xDuoo MT-602 offers incredible value for those looking for a versatile preamp that also doubles as a headphone amplifier. Its hybrid design gives users the best of both worlds: the warmth and musicality of tubes combined with the power and precision of solid-state amplification. While there are dedicated preamps available at a similar price, few offer the same level of flexibility and performance as the MT-602.
The ability to tube roll further enhances its value, allowing users to customize the sound to their liking without needing to spend more on separate amplifiers or preamps. Additionally, its compact size and dual functionality make it an ideal choice for those who have limited space or want to keep their audio setup simple.
8. Potential Downsides
While the xDuoo MT-602 performs admirably as a preamp, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Limited Output Power for Larger Systems
While the MT-602 has enough gain for most systems, it may struggle to fully drive more demanding or high-end power amplifiers, especially in larger setups with more power-hungry speakers. In such cases, users may find that a dedicated preamp with more output power is necessary.
Tube Warmth May Not Be for Everyone
The tube warmth that the MT-602 introduces can be a double-edged sword. While it adds a pleasant richness and depth to the sound, some audiophiles may prefer a more neutral or clinical sound signature, especially for more analytical listening. For these users, the added coloration from the tubes may not be desirable.
No Remote Control
One minor inconvenience is the lack of a remote control, which can be an issue for users who want to adjust the volume or switch inputs without getting up. While this is not uncommon in budget amplifiers and preamps, it is something to consider for users who prioritize convenience.
9. Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The xDuoo MT-602 is an exceptional piece of equipment that offers incredible versatility and performance as both a headphone amplifier and a preamp. Its hybrid design brings together the best elements of tube and solid-state amplification, creating a warm, detailed, and engaging sound signature that works well across various genres of music.
As a preamp, the MT-602 shines by adding that coveted tube warmth and harmonic richness to your system, without sacrificing the precision and power needed to drive amplifiers and speakers. The ability to tube roll is a major bonus, allowing users to experiment and refine their sound even further.
While there are a few potential downsides, such as limited output power for larger systems and the lack of a remote, the MT-602 remains an excellent value for those looking to add a tube preamp to their audio setup. Its compact size, dual functionality, and customization options make it a standout option for audiophiles on a budget who don’t want to compromise on sound quality.
For those who appreciate the warmth of tubes and the flexibility to customize their sound, the xDuoo MT-602 is a fantastic choice as a preamp, and it offers a level of performance and versatility that is hard to find in its price range. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current system or add a touch of analog magic to your digital setup, the MT-602 delivers a well-rounded and enjoyable audio experience.