Little Dot MK2 MKII 6J1 X2 6N6 X2 Headphone Amp Amplifier Pre-Amp Tube UK Plug

The amp came packaged well, inside two halves of a poly-foam support that filled the entire box. What was alarming was the fact that all four valves were loose in the gap between the amp chassis and packing, at the bottom of the box. There are holes in the poly-foam for each valve, but nothing to stop them falling out with the handling a package will get with a delivery service.Valves are known to not travel well at the best of times, and the fact that some of the valve pins were bent (presumably because they were allowed to rattle around during transit) wasn't a good sign. However, with gentle persuasion I was able to seat all four bottles and the amplifier powered-up as it should.It will take a good few hours for everything to burn in, so no review on the audio as such, other than it has a pleasing sound right out of the box through my Grado SR325e headphones. Once things settle down I will give a more informed appraisal.Update: After putting between 40 and 50 hours on the amplifier I can now say with confidence that this is a nice addition to a system for headphone listening. It has a clear edge over the headphone-out on my CD player or main amplifier, but I would strongly suggest a valve upgrade (Watford Valves currently sell 3 sets specifically selected for the Little Dot MkII). Although the stock valves are good, the difference in sound with the replacements was immediately apparent. The amplifier needs a good 20 - 30 minutes to warm up to get the best results for serious listening.All in all, a good buy.

I own the more expensive Little Dot MK3 which is excellent, but its smaller brother, the Little Dot MK2, is a brilliant piece of kit, for not much money. It is very well built - in China - and surprisingly heavy, and the internal components are high grade items. I use this in my office system, as the amplifier - Rega Brio-R - doesn't have a headphone socket. This headphone amp is diminutive - my reason for purchasing - and looks good with my amplifier, which is small, and Marantz HD-CD1 CD player and Tannoy DC6 revolution loudspeakers. I use Sennheiser HD598 and Beyer DT990 'phones with this valve headphone amp, and with excellent results - the sound quality is incredible, warm and detailed, and for the price you won't find anything better than this. A steal, at the price - a superb, little amp.

I always suffered headaches when listening to headphones but have to say they were not a priority for listening and not very good quality. Even with a good pair of Sennheisers I rarely listened that way. Difficult to say objectively whether it's down to this amp. but I can now listen without the downside. Always promised myself a main valve amp, unlikely to happen now, but this is an affordable way back into valve sound.Plenty of power, I've set it for high impedance even though I have low impedance 'phones. I found the volume very high when it was set to low impedance and didn't have enough 'play' in the volume control. Even now I rarely have to use it beyond 'a quarter to twelve'. I use a pair of open backed Sennheiser 'phones which also contribute to the 'easy' listen.The amp. and the phones definitely get better after a good few hours of use - you should use the amp. even if not listening, to speed up the 'burn in'. I see there are upgrades for the valves and they offer even better sound, depending what characteristics your looking for.I won't pretend that it's not great to see those glowing tubes again and the quizzical looks from some visitors.

If you are reading this review like i was the other night thinking it can’t be that good for that money can it? The answer is yes.... buy it... it sounds amazing and is making my Beyerdynamic T1s sing straight out the box... I’ve been listening for 3 hours solid now and keep thinking of other things to throw at it.. I’ve read about replacing the stock valves but they really aren’t that bad (I probably will though). I’ve used my tape out on the amp so have been enjoying both vinyl and digital and I can’t fault it...

Following from helpful advice, from Amazon buyers.I invested in the Little Dot 2.Just set it up fairly easily, But nervous about pushing in the valves.Eventually they slotted in with a satisfying grip.Connected the Little Dot to my one plus phone and goggle music and Fostex headphones and the sound is just brilliant..Listening to Snow Patrol and yes there is vocals, guitars, and enough bass.Great sound.Following tips with Amazon buyers and on line, I have invested in more valves with Watford Valves.I wait and see, but the sound so far is 10/10.

I was sceptical, but I have so often been curious about the 'valve sound' that I thought I'd give this a try.It feels very well made, has some real weight to it, and with my Sennheiser HD650s sounds wonderful.It may be a coloured sound, but oh my it's a lovely one.Runs hot though - don't touch the valves for a fair while after use!

I realised the other day I don't really use it as volume amplification seems little improved. I have built my own media centre with a sound hifi grade card installed and sound is great from that so think this will be going out for sale, looks the thingys thingys though when those valves glow.tj

Amplifies audio from my DAC and provides instant ear gasm.Warm sounding amp which looks and sounds great. I tend to turn it on, to just look at the tubes.