
xDuoo Latest Tube Hybrid Amp Series Unboxing: MT-601, 602, & 604
Who doesn't like Tube Hybrid headphone amplifiers? They are capable of delivering clean, low-distortion output with a warm, tube touch to the sound. xDuoo recently launched their latest Tube Hybrid headphone amplifiers in the market with the latest "MT" series of products. xDuoo doesn't need any introduction, They are the leading manufacturers of Hi-Fi audio gears based in China, mostly known for their high-quality desktop and portable headphone amplifiers with many successful products such as xDuoo XD05 Bal, xDuoo TA-10, and more. The latest "MT" series of tube hybrid headphone amplifiers have three products, MT-601(Single Tube), MT-602(Dual Tube), and MT-604(Quad Tube). While the MT-601 and MT-602 have a single-ended interface, the MT-604 offers a fully balanced interface with 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR ports. Today, we are sharing the unboxing of all three of these hybrid headphone amplifiers. We will also share a short technical comparison between the three that will make it easier for you to choose the perfect one for yourself. So before wasting any more time, Let's begin. We will begin with Unboxing, if you would like to see their technical comparison please scroll down near the end of the blog.
Unboxing the xDuoo MT-601 & MT-602:-
First off, we will start with the single-ended MT-601 and MT-602 models. These both actually were the introductory models from the series launched earlier this year. MT-601 has a single-tube design with a 6N11 tube and offers single-ended 6.35mm headphone output. MT-602 has a dual tube design with two 6J1 tubes. Along with the regular 6.35mm headphone output, the MT-602 also features a 3.5mm headphone output port. For input, both the devices have RCA and 3.5mm aux-in ports.
Both the MT-601 and MT-602 come in a similar-looking rectangular box. The packaging has xDuoo branding logo printed all over it in different sizes. Both the packages have an outlined image of their underlying product right on the front. As we open up the box from the top, we get foam layers keeping the AMP safe and sound during transit. The power adapter is at the bottom of the package in a secure cardboard box. There is also a 3.5-6.35mm adapter in the package along with a user guide. xDuoo has packed both the devices securely, it is also necessary with the fact that Tube AMPs are quite delicate and are prone to break during transit. Excellent job by xDuoo!!
You can also check out the unboxing video for both MT-601 and MT-602 on our YouTube from the link below.
Package Contents:-
>xDuoo MT-601/MT-602 Hybrid Tube Amplifier.
>Power Adapter with Cord.
>3.5mm Female-6.35mm Male Adapter.
>User Guide.
>Warranty Card.
Unboxing the MT-604:-
MT-604 is the flagship model from the series featuring four 6J1 tubes in the pre-amp section. Unlike the other two brothers offering single-ended configuration, the MT-604 has a fully balanced circuitry offering 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm input/output options.
xDuoo packs the MT-604 in an almost identical package to that of the MT-601/602, a rectangular cardboard box with xDuoo branding logo printed all over it and an outlined image of the amplifier on the front. The only difference being the package here is bigger and longer in comparison to the other two models, it's expected as the MT-604 is longer in length compared to the other two. Inside the package is exactly the same as the other two, user guide on the top followed by a foam layer that keeps our amplifier inside safe and sound during transit. The power adapter is at the bottom with a power cord inside a white cardboard box. Though there is no 3.5mm-6.35mm adapter included here as expected(since it offers only balanced connections).
We also recorded a video of MT-604 while unboxing, check it out from the link below.
Package Contents:-
>xDuoo MT-604.
>Power Adapter with Cord.
>User guide.
>Warranty Card.
Build Quality:-
While all three of the "MT" series of headphone amplifiers have identical build, they are different and easy to identify among each other. The biggest difference is the tubes on top of them, MT-601 houses a single tube, MT-602 houses two, and MT-604 houses four. Obviously, with four tubes the MT-604 is longer in length while the MT-601 and MT-602 are almost identical in size. Ventilation is done using holes around the tube and sides of the chassis.
MT-601/602 features a power on/off switch, 6.35mm headphone output, 3.5mm aux in on the front along a red volume knob. The MT-602 also has a 3.5mm headphone output on the front. On the back, we have RCA aux-in and RCA aux-out ports that will help us connect it to DAC for audio input and other power amplifiers for Pre-AMP functionality. They look well-finished with sand-blasted textured chassis.
On the MT-604 we have balanced XLR and 4.4mm ports for input and output options. The XLR signal input port is present on the back and 4-pin XLR along with 4.4mm input/output ports are present on the front of the device. It also features two volume knobs on the front as it allows for independent volume adjustment for each channel(Left & Right). The look and feel of the MT-604 is the same as that with the other two with a premium sandblasted finish on the chassis.
Technical Comparison:-
For technical comparison among the three, we have made a comparison table check it out below.
Specification |
MT-601 |
MT-602 |
MT-604 |
Pre-Amp Tube Configuration |
Single 6N11/E88CC |
Dual 6J1 |
Four 6J1 |
Transistor Buffer |
Class A |
Class A |
Class A |
PreAMP Out |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Independent Volume Control |
No |
No |
Yes |
Output Interface |
6.35mm Single-Ended |
6.35mm+3.5mm Single-Ended |
4-Pin XLR+4.4mm Balanced |
Input Interface |
RCA+3.5mm Aux |
RCA+3.5mm Aux |
XLR+4.4mm Balanced |
Output Gain |
+18dB |
+15dB |
+15dB |
Output Power |
200mW(32Ω) |
1300mW(32Ω) |
2000mW(32Ω) |
Dynamic Range |
85dB |
85dB |
85dB |
Frequency Response |
10Hz-60kHz(±0.5dB) |
10Hz-60kHz(±0.5dB) |
10Hz-60kHz(±0.5dB) |
SNR |
>100dB |
>115dB |
>115dB |
THD+N |
≤0.01% |
≤0.01% |
≤0.01% |
Suitable Headphone Impedance |
16Ω-600Ω |
16Ω-600Ω |
16Ω-600Ω |
Size |
12*7.8*4cm |
12*7.8*4cm |
17*10*6cm |
Weight |
0.36Kg |
0.38Kg |
0.55Kg |
Price | 89$ | 99.99$ | 169$ |
Final Words:-
The choice is quite clear among the three for balanced connection users, MT-604 is the one to get offering. But where the confusion arises mainly among the three is between MT-601 and MT-602. Both offer single-ended output, but the MT-602 is an advanced model among the two. It features an additional 3.5mm output port, much higher output power that will make it suitable for demanding headphones. So if your use scenario has demanding headphones with high power requirements, the MT-602 will serve you well. MT-601 will be suitable for use with IEMs and low-demanding headphones.
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