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.
Product Strengths
- Functions as both a line preamplifier and a headphone amplifier effectively
- Delivers a dense, firm, and full-blooded sound
- Brings the sound closer to the listener and emphasizes the lower midrange
- The sound is complete, warm, and sensual
- Very quiet during operation, with minimal noise
Product Considerations
- Does not build a particularly deep soundstage
- The bass may not be the most patiently controlled
- The sound is not ultra-clear or highly defined in resolution, relative to some competitors
- HiFiMan Susvara headphones required modification of the Dual for optimal performance
- Vintage styling may not appeal to everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayon Audio HA-3: The Dual has clearly more to offer—potentially replacing the Ayon in any system
- Vs iFi audio Pro iCAN: The Dual creates a more intimate and tweaked sound, while the Pro iCAN is more open and geared toward accuracy
- Vs Kinki Studio EX-P7: The Dual has a warmer tonal temperature, while the EX-P7 sketches instruments more clearly and provides more insight
- Vs Mark Levinson No. 52: The Dual delivers a dense, warm sound with emphasized lower midrange, in contrast to the Mark Levinson's more open and resolved sound
Takeaway: The Thöress Dual Function Preamplifier offers a unique combination of preamp and headphone amp functionalities with a warm, engaging sound that prioritizes musicality and emotional connection. It is a good choice for those seeking a vintage-inspired aesthetic and a sound that is both substantial and intimate.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Dual Function
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
The Dual Function Amplifier (DFAmp) represents an ultimate implementation of a line control amplifier and a headphone amplifier, both of which functions are performed by the same minimalist vacuum tube circuit with very low output impedance.
The Dual Function Amplifier (DFAmp) represents... an ultimate implementation of a line control amplifier and a headphone amplifier, both of which functions are performed by the same minimalist vacuum tube circuit with very low output impedance. Such providing the amplifier with an outstanding ability to simultaneously drive long cable runs and headphones with an impedance as low as 50 ohms or even lower. The DFAmp also features unique tone control facilities and a custom designed remote volume control presented with typical THÖRESS style and attention to detail. The circuit of the amplifier consists of a triode gain stage followed by a unity-gain current buffer employing a power pentode operated in triode mode with high idle current.
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:
- They draw heavily from classic professional audio design, with a clear emphasis on functionality and a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of 1950s and 60s laboratory equipment.
- Thöress uniquely combines tubes with carefully chosen solid-state components like MOSFETs and Schottky diodes to optimize tube performance and minimize noise, rather than adhering to a strictly tube-only design.
- Almost all inductive components, including power, output, and MC step-up transformers, are hand-wound in-house, allowing for precise control over their specifications and performance.
- Rather than using a printed circuit board (PCB), Thöress amplifiers are assembled point-to-point, which Reinhard believes is a superior approach for the large parts, high voltages, and need for ventilation in tube circuits.
Select products
Select product comparisons
F2A11 INTEGRATED
- Positioning: A compact integrated amplifier suited for small room applications and modest budgets.
- Description: Uses the vintage F2A11 tube in single-ended triode mode to deliver a simple 2×6 watt output ideal for minimal setups. Compared to the DF and EHT models that offer additional functions and higher power, this unit is best for users focused on basic performance without extra features.
DF AMPLIFIER
- Positioning: A versatile dual function amplifier that combines line control with headphone driving.
- Description: Features a minimalist vacuum tube circuit with a triode gain stage followed by a current buffer that supports low impedance loads, ensuring flexible connectivity. Compared to the entry-level F2A11 with its simple integrated design, the DF amplifier adds tone control and remote volume features for users needing extra functionality.
FULL FUNCTION PREAMPLIFIER
- Positioning: A versatile preamplifier offering both line control and a built-in tube phono equalizer.
- Description: Integrates a tube phono equalizer with a refined line amplifier circuit to process signals accurately. In contrast to the simpler integrated F2A11 and dual-purpose DF, this model is tailored for buyers who prioritize advanced tonal control for vinyl and line-level signals without a built-in power section.
EHT INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier combining tube warmth with solid-state drive for challenging speaker loads.
- Description: Uses a single-ended hybrid triode topology that combines a vacuum tube section with MOSFET technology to deliver 2×20 watts and low output impedance. Compared to the F2A11 and DF designs, the EHT offers advanced drive and display of modern hybrid technology.
SE845 MONO AMPLIFIER
- Positioning: A high-end monoblock amplifier designed for refined, powerful performance.
- Description: Uses the well-known 845 power tube in a single-ended triode configuration with a custom dual-winding transformer that ensures precise control and low distortion. Compared to the preamplifier and EHT models, the SE845 is aimed at buyers who need robust, high-performance amplification.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
350
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
2000
Our take on the brand
Thöress is a hifi brand known for its unique EHT Topology, which combines single-ended triode tubes with MOSFET output stages in Class-A mode, setting it apart from typical tube amplifiers through its transparency rather than warmth. The brand's products feature a distinctive vintage laboratory aesthetic with German labeling, and include the Phono Enhancer, which lets users adjust equalization curves on-the-fly without conventional tone controls.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Used
Thöress
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What if you spend more?
McIntosh
MC3500 Mk II
30000
30000
/
4
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Product Page
Product Page
Balanced Audio Technology
Rex 3 Tube
25676
25676
/
1
Reviews
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- 'Dynamic', 'extended', and 'smooth, yet revealing' performance
- Makes everything sound more real, providing a deeper understanding of the music
- Brings the listener closer to the essence of the original performance
Product Considerations
- Might sound a bit 'tight' when brand new, out of the box
Takeaway: The REX 3 seems to be a high-quality product that offers a very real and engaging music listening experience. It could be worth buying if you want to get closer to the heart of the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Tektron
TK Two 2A3/300BPSE-I
11899
/
Released
2021
Tektron Italia handcrafts visually stunning tube amplifiers in Italy, using both vintage NOS and modern tubes to achieve exceptional audio performance. Their amplifiers are distinguished by their muscular dynamic ability and flexibility to use various power tubes (300B, 2A3, 45), creating an immersive soundstage that makes voices and instruments feel palpably present in the room.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A variety of tubes can be used (45, 2A3, PX4, PX25, 300B, or 300B XLS) to produce different power outputs (1.5 to 22wpc)
- It can operate in single-ended (SE) or parallel single-ended (parallel SE) mode
- It is very adaptable—allowing for changes to input tubes and 5AR4 rectifiers to alter the amp's sound
- Built-in bias meters and pots allow for re-biasing when changing tubes
Product Considerations
- The right speaker load (high output impedance) is needed to perform optimally
- Single-ended amps shun negative feedback, which would lower their output resistance
- Speakers not well-suited for high output impedance amps may experience premature bass roll-off and a rising presence response
Takeaway: The TK2A3/300PSES-i Ref amplifier offers a lot of flexibility for tube rolling and sound customization. It is well-suited for high-efficiency speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Tektron Italia handcrafts visually stunning tube amplifiers in Italy, using both vintage NOS and modern tubes to achieve exceptional audio performance. Their amplifiers are distinguished by their muscular dynamic ability and flexibility to use various power tubes (300B, 2A3, 45), creating an immersive soundstage that makes voices and instruments feel palpably present in the room.
Product Page
Product Page
Thöress
SE-300B
10581
/
Released
2023
The SE300B Mono Amplifier is an all-tube power amplifier employing the famous classic 300B filamentary triode in single-ended operation mode for an output of up to 10 watts into a 4, 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load.
Thöress is a hifi brand known for its unique EHT Topology, which combines single-ended triode tubes with MOSFET output stages in Class-A mode, setting it apart from typical tube amplifiers through its transparency rather than warmth. The brand's products feature a distinctive vintage laboratory aesthetic with German labeling, and include the Phono Enhancer, which lets users adjust equalization curves on-the-fly without conventional tone controls.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Pure sound, free of coloration while retaining musical detail, allows a graceful and effortless listening experience
- Natural and tangible sound due to accurate reproduction of details, creates a believable presentation
- Solid and controlled bass performance, unusual for a 300B single-ended triode amplifier
- Excellent sense of touch and tactile sound, making instruments like plucked strings and bowed violins sound very convincing
- Wide and deep soundstage with good 'air', providing a transparent and 'hear-through' sound, especially with complex music
Product Considerations
- Careful matching with partnering equipment is required, especially speakers with high efficiency
- Relatively low overall gain requires a source with a high output voltage
- Output transformer links need to be correctly set for speaker impedance, requiring dealer assistance
- Some reviewers found the top end sounding a bit rolled off before use of appropriate high efficiency speakers and source gain settings
- Changing the EL803S driver valves requires carefully matched pairs supplied by Thöress
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Shindo Haut-Brion/Corton-Charlemagne, Thöress has more treble extension and transparency, Shindo has better upper-bass/lower-midrange substance and body—and more drive
Takeaway: The Thöress SE-300B offers a supremely musical and detailed listening experience with a focus on accuracy and sonic purity. When paired with the right speakers, this amplifier could be an excellent choice to bring out the best in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thöress is a hifi brand known for its unique EHT Topology, which combines single-ended triode tubes with MOSFET output stages in Class-A mode, setting it apart from typical tube amplifiers through its transparency rather than warmth. The brand's products feature a distinctive vintage laboratory aesthetic with German labeling, and include the Phono Enhancer, which lets users adjust equalization curves on-the-fly without conventional tone controls.
Product Page
Product Page
Fezz
Audio Lybra 300B
10306
/
Released
2023
One of the finest parallel single ended 300B tube amplifier made by Fezz Audio. It provides openness and spatial sound. Powerful, sublime, very involving and uniqe to itself.
Fezz Audio distinguishes itself by being the first to implement toroidal output transformers in single-ended tube amplifiers, a design choice that enhances efficiency and reduces noise. Their Evolution series, developed in collaboration with the KABO & PYDO design studio, has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an incredibly rich, flavorful midrange and a sweet, relaxed treble
- Has a more sophisticated presentation than the utilitarian bent-metal chassis sported by most integrated tube amps on the market, and the smooth lines of the chassis help the amp stand out from the crowd
- Has a clever tube cage design with a clear Plexiglass front panel that delivers an unobstructed view of the tubes and is easy to install and remove
- Is seriously quiet, and there was effectively zero noise through any of the speakers
Product Considerations
- Can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers
- The four slightly squishy feet underneath the amp may cause stains
- The power switch is on the rear of the chassis, which may be problematic if installing the amp in a cabinet with limited access
- Needs a good 20 minutes to warm up, and on initial startup, the amp sounded a bit thin, bright, and constipated, but after one album, it opened right up
- Limited power output (15Wpc) may not be sufficient for all speakers or listening preferences, especially when wanting to play music very loud
Takeaway: The Fezz Audio Lybra 300B is a well-designed tube amplifier that delivers a rich and flavorful sound. It can bring out the best in your speakers, offering clarity and great sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fezz Audio distinguishes itself by being the first to implement toroidal output transformers in single-ended tube amplifiers, a design choice that enhances efficiency and reduces noise. Their Evolution series, developed in collaboration with the KABO & PYDO design studio, has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Red Dot Design Award.
Product Page
Product Page
McIntosh
MC2301
13500
/
Released
From the demands of massed chorale to full-on rock and roll, the MC2301 delivers the most extraordinarily lifelike and dynamic performance ever heard from a McIntosh tube amplifier. With an output of 300 Watts, it provides enough high power to drive even the most demanding loudspeaker.
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fast response, with detail, and a warm tube sound
- Picks up detail with speed when playing Hi-Res digital content
Product Considerations
- Lacks sound stage depth/width, power, and feel compared to the reference system (vintage MC275 amplifiers)
- Super tweeters seemed to be sleeping—as if there was no data provided at that frequency
- Lacks a big window of performance, energy, and feel, providing a smaller window of performance albeit nice with a tube-like sound
- Bass with the MC2301s was starving when compared to the 275's
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs vintage 1960s MC275: MC2301 lacks sound stage depth/width, power, and feel, a full rich lush enveloping sound, and energy that stirs emotion
- Vs later generations of the MC275: MC2301 would be superior
Takeaway: If you don't have access to vintage MC275s, the MC2301 could be a good option, providing a tube-like sound with detail and speed. McIntosh should look back and reconsider past designs.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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