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

One thing that was a pleasant surprise was that, while I ordered the black version as depicted in the listing, I got a silver one, which I liked better. I got this mainly because it has a balance control (oddly, just a tiny slotted wheel - I guess they ran out of space to add a proper knob) , as I only have 60% hearing in my right ear. I use this in a chain that goes from my CD player to the Douk EQ to my Ifi ZenCan headphone amp.The knobs feel premium, with a fixed stop at 0. You can add or subtract 6db across a wide spectrum of frequencies. The case is all metal and has a good weight to it. Also, unlike my Schiit Loki, it doesn't get too hot. Good value for an entry-level EQ,

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.

The media could not be loaded. Received a black pro model bonus. I was plesantly suprised at the clarity and how it opened up the sound stage without being harsh or shrill. Knobs instead of sliders takes a little getting use to. Seems well made, knobs dont feel real cheep but for a buck twenty its great.Adjustments are smooth and audibly easy to adjust, my tube phono box loves it. Seems to give it a slight increase in gain thats welcome and tunaable with the volume control.......update , I swapped out the tubes to a pair of nos Voskhod 6n1p rockets and it brought a new level of clarity to this little eq. They really let it sing. These and a spectrum analizer to keep it under control and its a fine piece of gear.

High quality sound and ease of adjustment. Provides an inexpensive way to experiment with equalization in your music system. Hard to imagine how to beat it for the money.Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.

Typical Chinese tech.Low price.Low quality.Works at some level.Uses op amps so not really a tube device.

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.

I'm feeding the Lavaudio DC600 Hi Res DAC into the Douk Audio T8 PRO EQ and Preamp which is feeding into my HiFiMan HF600 balanced headphone amp that I'm using to drive my Audeze LCD-5. Thanks to the balanced inputs and outputs, I'm running a fully balanced chain, making more power available to drive the power hungry LCD-5's. The equalizer is great, it corrects the LCD-5 issues and really opens them up, without negatively increasing distortion or noise. The tube preamp stage is really good and the tubes add a little warmth to the colder HF600, it also boosts the inline volume significantly and allows the amp a greater range of usable volumes. Overall this is a very affordable way to increase your audio quality and satisfaction and is a great addition to more expensive components without negatively affecting the signal quality.