Willsenton R8 integrated amp with upgraded tube option
dragon1952
Posts: 4,931
Mint condition, absolutely flawless Willsenton R8 tube amplifier with remote control, tube cage, power cord and original box and packaging. I’m the original owner and the unit is 3 1/2 yrs old but has been sitting covered and unused for the past 2 yrs. My 73 yr old hearing can’t appreciate audiophile music anymore unfortunately so I finally decided to part with my entire system.
This is the EL34 version and I opted to do the factory upgrade of ALL of the tubes to the Psvane EL34-PH power tubes and the Psvane CV-181 TII and Tung Sol 6SL7 preamp tubes which was an extra $520. These are all premium tubes with very low usage.
Easy to use external biasing access points.
This unit in this configuration would currently cost you $1743 shipped from China Hi-Fi.
These are killer amps that if made in the USA would probably cost in the $4-$5K range.
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Shipped price for $1350 obo**
Here’s the specs copied from China Hi-Fi website.
• Willsenton R8 is an integrated Amplifier, it is a Power Amplifier too (there is a group Power amp input), it is a Headphones amp too.
• One amplifier can used wiht tube EL34, KT88 or 6550, so, you can get 3 kinds of sound from different models tubes if you buy more 2 new sets of tube.
• Triode and ultra-linear Switchable
Features:
• Pure hand-made, Point to point manual welding.
• Use a square power transformer specially developed for this machine.
• The output transformer uses two high quality wideband EI output transformers.
• The preamp stage uses one 6SN7 for power supply filtering.
• The voltage amplification stage and the driver stage use two pairs of 6SL7 and 6SN7 tubes, respectively.
• The power amp stage uses four KT88/6550/EL34 tubes for class AB Push-pull power amplification.
• Triode and ultra-linear selection are available. The triode works in a soft, pure-and sleek sound, suitable for listening to vocals, strings and other types of music. Ultra-linear working mode, sound-tone open, unrestrained, good momentum, suitable for enjoying big scenes, big dynamics and other types of music.
• External independent BIAS-ADJ current display header. Adjustment and BIAS meter monitoring function keeps the best state of the power tube at all times.
• External EL34/KT88 tube selection function, easy to replace different types of tubes, adding endless fun.
• Infrared full-featured remote control.
• Use thick silver plated signal leads.
• With pure post-level function, it can be connected to independent preamplifier signal input.
• Power on mute delay function, soft-start feature to prolong tube life (about 30 seconds).
• Select Japanese ALPS high-end motor potentiometer.
• Easy-to-install plug-in tube cage cover.
Product parameters:
FTC rated output power : 16W+16W triode (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (KT88)
: 30W+30W ultra-linear (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (KT88)
: 12W+12W triode (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (EL34)
This is the EL34 version and I opted to do the factory upgrade of ALL of the tubes to the Psvane EL34-PH power tubes and the Psvane CV-181 TII and Tung Sol 6SL7 preamp tubes which was an extra $520. These are all premium tubes with very low usage.
Easy to use external biasing access points.
This unit in this configuration would currently cost you $1743 shipped from China Hi-Fi.
These are killer amps that if made in the USA would probably cost in the $4-$5K range.
**
Shipped price for $1350 obo**
Here’s the specs copied from China Hi-Fi website.
• Willsenton R8 is an integrated Amplifier, it is a Power Amplifier too (there is a group Power amp input), it is a Headphones amp too.
• One amplifier can used wiht tube EL34, KT88 or 6550, so, you can get 3 kinds of sound from different models tubes if you buy more 2 new sets of tube.
• Triode and ultra-linear Switchable
Features:
• Pure hand-made, Point to point manual welding.
• Use a square power transformer specially developed for this machine.
• The output transformer uses two high quality wideband EI output transformers.
• The preamp stage uses one 6SN7 for power supply filtering.
• The voltage amplification stage and the driver stage use two pairs of 6SL7 and 6SN7 tubes, respectively.
• The power amp stage uses four KT88/6550/EL34 tubes for class AB Push-pull power amplification.
• Triode and ultra-linear selection are available. The triode works in a soft, pure-and sleek sound, suitable for listening to vocals, strings and other types of music. Ultra-linear working mode, sound-tone open, unrestrained, good momentum, suitable for enjoying big scenes, big dynamics and other types of music.
• External independent BIAS-ADJ current display header. Adjustment and BIAS meter monitoring function keeps the best state of the power tube at all times.
• External EL34/KT88 tube selection function, easy to replace different types of tubes, adding endless fun.
• Infrared full-featured remote control.
• Use thick silver plated signal leads.
• With pure post-level function, it can be connected to independent preamplifier signal input.
• Power on mute delay function, soft-start feature to prolong tube life (about 30 seconds).
• Select Japanese ALPS high-end motor potentiometer.
• Easy-to-install plug-in tube cage cover.
Product parameters:
FTC rated output power : 16W+16W triode (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (KT88)
: 30W+30W ultra-linear (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (KT88)
: 12W+12W triode (8Ω, 20HZ-20KHZ, THD 1%) (EL34)
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
Comments
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Beautiful! ❤️
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I'm a fan of the design.Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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Thanks guys. BTW, it can take KT88's also, just need to adjust the bias.2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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Can this integrated be used with REL speakon connections for 2 subs?
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I've never used REF speakon cables but I found these links which discuss it.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/connecting-subwoofer-s-to-willsenton-r8
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RELFans/posts/1371739090169334/
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/591692-willsenton-r8-owners-discussion-thread/page/113/2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
I might not be understanding the question, but the speakon connection is only at the sub, as far as I know. The amp end should be bare wire, or spades.
Brian -
^Yep^Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Yup. To clarify, I was wondering if there were any issues using the bare wire connections on this amps speaker outputs. I wouldn't this so but figured I would check since I have never owned an all tube integrated.I might not be understanding the question, but the speakon connection is only at the sub, as far as I know. The amp end should be bare wire, or spades.
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The photo of the terminals isn’t very clear. Are there different ohm options?!
The tube aspect wouldn’t be a problem. I have a Rogue Audio tube integrated and dual RELs.
Brian -
No issues what so ever using bare wire at the amp. In fact you can also use spades or bananas. REL's are very easy to hookup. Plenty of excellent videos on REL's website & YouTube highlighting proper hookup. You can also bypass the amp & go directly to the positive speaker terminal. A lot of different options.
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The photo of the terminals isn’t very clear. Are there different ohm options?!
Yes there are 4 and 8 ohm speaker posts, there seems to be a bit of an argument whether or not you can use both at the same time with one set being used with a powered sub.
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Pm coming to seller
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Interesting.
There shouldn't be any argument! No, it's not a good idea. The whole secondary winding is 8 ohm, the 4 ohm is a tap (50%) on the secondary. Using both parallels both loads (loudspeakers) across part and all of the secondary. Ohm's law will give some idea of the nominal load, and the nominal mismatch. It may not have audible consequences (the old rule of thumb is up to 100% mismatch is OK) and it very likely won't do damage (transformer coupled vacuum tube power amplifiers are very, very robust compared to direct coupled solid state amplifiers), but it ain't even close to a best practice.
It would get even weirder on an ultralinear output, with yet another tap for feedback!
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No, No, No on using both taps.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
mhardy6647 wrote: »
Interesting.
There shouldn't be any argument! No, it's not a good idea. The whole secondary winding is 8 ohm, the 4 ohm is a tap (50%) on the secondary. Using both parallels both loads (loudspeakers) across part and all of the secondary. Ohm's law will give some idea of the nominal load, and the nominal mismatch. It may not have audible consequences (the old rule of thumb is up to 100% mismatch is OK) and it very likely won't do damage (transformer coupled vacuum tube power amplifiers are very, very robust compared to direct coupled solid state amplifiers), but it ain't even close to a best practice.
It would get even weirder on an ultralinear output, with yet another tap for feedback!
The argument is for passive speakers it is a huge NO as you said, BUT a powered sub is NOT passive as it has its own power supply.....
Like you said Doc the 4 ohm is a 50% and if you are using the 4 ohm for your 4 ohm speakers, IF you also used it for the powered sub then the powered sub would only get half the signal it needed and would not fuction to its full potential, SOOOO hooking it to the 8 ohm should be fine......
Does anyone else smell smoke?
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I realized after I posted that if the subwoofer's powered, with line level inputs, it won't load the output much at all. Derp.
Probably still a better idea to connect it to the same tap as the main loudspeaker, though. There's certainly no upside to doing otherwise.
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I understand you can also use your loudspeaker’s binding posts for the connection to the RELs. Would that mean the subs don’t care about impedance?
Brian -
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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I'll take better pictures later today if that helps2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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PM just sent
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There is a tube cage.
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
Sale pending!2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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SOLD!!!2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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I cannot wait to listen to this...cross another one off the bucket list!
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I cannot wait to listen to this...cross another one off the bucket list!
I need to know if you want to sign for the package?2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
dragon1952 wrote: »
Speaking only for myself: I sure hope so... else we could be witnessing the start of a modern day "polkfarmboy" adventure.
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Yesdragon1952 wrote: »
Check your PM for your tracking number! Thanks again ;^ )2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
