mini2013 6J1+6P1 ( Original miniwatt) Mini tube Amplifier red

I bought this as a college graduation gift for our daughter for use as an ipod amp system.The challenge was to find all of the other accessories to go with it. Since it only ouputs 3W per channel, you need high sensitivity speakers, which are usually larger than bookshelf size. After much research, I found a great pair of Technical Pro SPH5 bookshelf speakers. They are a good size (not too big), very good sensitivity (96 dB), inexpensive ($39.99), and sound absolutely terrific paired with this little tube amp. There is plenty of clean, undistorted volume and very good bass.To power-up the amp, you will need to buy a power cord similar to what is normally used on printers and desktop computers. I purchased a Belkin 6-Foot AC Replacement Power Cord for $7.57 since I didn't have any old cords around to re-purpose.To connect the speakers, you will need two pairs of banana plugs to plug into the back of the amp. I purchased KnuKonceptz eKs BFA Style Banana Plugs - Set of 4 for $9.49 - which are very easy to use. The Technical Pro SPH5 speakers have spring-clips on the back where you push-in the bare wires, so there is no need for another set of banana plugs for the speaker end of the wire. (I used some leftover Monster cable for the speaker wire.)I also purchased a Pyle Home PIDOCK1 Universal iPod/iPhone Docking Station to make the setup clean, instead of just laying the ipod on the shelf with a cable plugged into it. The Pyle Home PIDOCK1 comes with a power cord, an audio output cord which plugs right into the back of the mini tube amp, and a little remote control to select songs on your ipod from your seating position.Overall, this system proved to be an excellent gift for my daughter. She absolutely loves it, and it both looks great with its 4 tubes glowing and sounds great paired with the Techncial Pro SPH5 speakers!

Bought this without ever hearing one based on previous two reviews.I have always preferred the tube sound and this unit does not disappoint.It is only 3 watts max but it will drive speakers easily.Mellow is how I would describe the listening experience,no ear fatigue.The build quality is solid and the unit has a small footprint.If you are an audio enthusiast,this is a fun little amp and it it is very portable.I like the no frills approach of the design, which is a very simplistic power amp with only one audio input.I used it with a Cambridge Audio CD 4SE player, a Magnavox, Blu-Ray DVD player and connected the Amazon Basics Bluetooth Receiver to listen to cloud based streams and music on a iPhone.I hooked it up to a Bose Acoustimas 3 which has two small satellite speakers and a sub.These are not high efficiency speakers and this amp was able to power these with no problem.I also tried them on a pair of old Advent Baby II bookshelf speakers and they sound just fine.I am certain you can achieve higher sound pressure levels with a speaker with higher efficiency rating. My plan is to use this exclusively with a single full range driver speaker kit.You will need to use the banana style plug-ins.I bought these: KnuKonceptz eKs BFA Style Banana Plugs - Set of 4 based on one of the users reviewers and they are a quality product.You will also need a power cord.To sum it up, this unit is a steal at $149 and free shipping!

Fantastic value for the price! Very powerful for a 3W amplifier. I use very big speaker with this amplifier (GKF SPV-505, 97 dB) and the sound is very good! Deep bass and soft hight. The sound is better without preamp for CD player (more warm and better hight frequency). My package came with a power cable. Good finish for the silver color version, well made and solid.