Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
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All
Tube 53
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Output power: 20W+20W(8Ω)
- Tubes: 4 × ECC82(12AU7) / 4 × 6L6GC
- Frequency response: 20Hz~20kHz ±0dB
- S/N Ratio: 90dB~
- THD: Less than 0.5% (8ohm / 1kHz)
- Input terminals: 3x RCA
- Output terminals: 1(8ohmor6ohm)
- Power supply: AC120V/230V, 60Hz/50Hz
- Power consumption: 160W
- Dimensions: 227.5(W)×410(D)×183(H)mm
- Weight: 16 kg
- Color: Silver
Description
The TUBE 53 is the CEC's first vacuum tube amplifier which achieves a 20W + 20W (8Ω) output. It offers high-power, high response and the ability to drive analogue signals with ease, even from digital media players.
The TUBE 53 is the CEC's first vacuum tube amplifier which achieves a 20W + 20W (8Ω) output. It offers high-power, high response and the ability to drive analogue signals with ease, even from digital media players.
The TUBE 53 uses the 6L6GC vacuum tubes for the output. The 6L6GC is known as a compact, high-power and high-speed tube based on the 6L6, designed in the 1930's by the RCA Company in the USA. Several modifications enabled spectacular improvement in the stability and reliability of the tube, giving the 6L6GC the ability to satisfy modern musical demands such as high-power, high-speed etc. The 6L6GC is also well-known as a guitar amplifier tube, helping create countless legendary moments with big brands thanks to its remarkable musical characteristics.
The TUBE 53 uses two 6L6GC tubes per channel in a push-pull configuration, and the power amplifier circuitry is designed in the Mullard type with low-distortion for the phase inverting. The auto-bias setting results in a long service life for the tubes. The TUBE 53's minimum reliance on negative feedback circuitry enables hifidelity music reproduction.
The TUBE 53's output transformer, made from orient core materials, enables a straight sound quality with minimum phase misalignment. The use of an additional troidal transformer for the power supply offers superior rise characteristics. Noise is thoroughly eliminated by...
The TUBE 53 uses the 6L6GC vacuum tubes for the output. The 6L6GC is known as a compact, high-power and high-speed tube based on the 6L6, designed in the 1930's by the RCA Company in the USA. Several modifications enabled spectacular improvement in the stability and reliability of the tube, giving the 6L6GC the ability to satisfy modern musical demands such as high-power, high-speed etc. The 6L6GC is also well-known as a guitar amplifier tube, helping create countless legendary moments with big brands thanks to its remarkable musical characteristics.
The TUBE 53 uses two 6L6GC tubes per channel in a push-pull configuration, and the power amplifier circuitry is designed in the Mullard type with low-distortion for the phase inverting. The auto-bias setting results in a long service life for the tubes. The TUBE 53's minimum reliance on negative feedback circuitry enables hifidelity music reproduction.
The TUBE 53's output transformer, made from orient core materials, enables a straight sound quality with minimum phase misalignment. The use of an additional troidal transformer for the power supply offers superior rise characteristics. Noise is thoroughly eliminated by...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- CEC CD transports uniquely incorporate a belt-drive mechanism, separating the motor from the spindle to reduce vibration and electromagnetic noise, a design principle borrowed from high-end turntables.
- CEC transports often employ a heavy stabilizer puck, reminiscent of a record clamp, which further enhances rotational stability and minimizes internal reflections, improving sonic clarity.
- The sound signature leans towards a dense, saturated midrange, often described as "analog-like", providing a rich and engaging listening experience that minimizes harshness and digital artifacts.
- They offer a proprietary "Superlink" connection, using multiple BNC cables to separately transmit clock and data signals, aimed at minimizing jitter and improving overall data integrity when paired with compatible DACs.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
32
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
175
of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
17
Founding Year
1954
Our take on the brand
CEC pioneered the world's first belt-driven CD transport in 1991, using this unique design across their product line to reduce vibration and create an analog-like sound quality that's rare among CD players. Their Superlink system uses four separate cables to improve digital signal quality, while their belt-driven approach and high-mass disc clamps are specifically designed to mimic the stability of analog turntables.
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What if you spend more?
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
943
/
7
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths
- Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
- Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
- Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
- Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
- Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups
Product Considerations
- Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
- May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
- Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
- The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
- Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
- Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
- Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension
Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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