Need advice: Allnic H7000 or H8000 or...

[Tbzc]

Dear all,

I am in the process of acquiring a new phono stage and I have pinned down my decision around Allnic. I have positive experience with the brand, like their philosophy, sound and flexibility of their phono stages. Model H 7000 would be a logical economical decision but I cannot decide whether it makes sense to go for H 8000. I already own DHT line preamp but after looking at the specs, reading forums and talking to one owner of H 5000 I have following dilemmas with H 8000:

• it can be noisy and tubes can be microphonic; is it design or tube related? How “bad” is it?
• looking at the specs it is linear only down to 30hz; does it have a strong, solid bass foundation which is in my opinion very important to have near life music experience? Does H7000 have better bass (it goes down linear to 20hz)?
• tube life - since it has very unique tubes it can be problematic to buy them in the long future; how frequent do you have to change the tubes?
• It is very expensive; is it worth?
• what do you gain compared to H7000?

I do not have possibility to try out H8000. Therefore I would appreciate if our fellow members who have experienced those phono preamps would share their thoughts about my dilemmas.

Also, I would also like to know what was the next phono stage upgrade in case somebody sold his/her H5000/H8000.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[cratin]

I guess that you do have the same question, which asked myself a few years back when I upgraded to H5000 from H3000.

First of all, H8000 DHT or H5000 DHT is a lot better unit than H7000 or H3000. The question is if it is worth of paying extra... That will really depend on your budget or quality of your downstream units

- Circuit is not noisy / but tube can be noisy like every audio equipment with tube.
- In comparison, H5000 or H8000's bass is more lifelike with higher resolution & I didn't noticed any shortcoming in bass frequency compared to H3000
- Yes, it does use rare tube. But, my understanding is that Allnic has a tons of spare tubes in stock... Won't be the problem. For last few years, I in fact replaced one KR242 tube, it costs me less than U$400. Other than this, I didn't have any issue with tube. Their circuit design from my understanding is not harsh on Tube...
- H7000 is a upgraded version of H3000. This should not be compared with H5000 or H8000. If someone should make a choice solely based on sound quality, H8000 !! no brainier.

 

[Albertporter]

I am the USA importer / distributor / retailer for Allnic Audio and have owned many of the most popular models since I began with them 11 years ago.
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As Cratin posted, the H-3000 and it’s newer replacement, the H-7000 are excellent. The two chassis Allnic H-5000 I purchased in 2013 was a huge upgrade over all other phono stages I’ve owned. The H-5000 was replaced in March 2018 by the Allnic H-8000
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All of these phono stages require extensive break in as is common with other brands. Like most tube gear tube choices make for big performance gains and I can delve into that if anyone cares to read an opinion.
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?In addition to tube rolling all these phono stages are sensitive to footers, power cables and interconnect. Choices would likely depend on taste, associated equipment and budget.

Image is KS Park (second from left) doing mods on an Allnic phono when he visited me. The room is my photo studio, not listening room, the guys visiting are part of my audio group.

 

[bonzo75]

Albert question is how does 7000, compare to the DHT 5000, and how much better is 8000 from the 5000?

 

[Albertporter]

Bonzo,

Like all things high end audio, the path to better is disproportionately expensive

When I had the Allnic H-7000 I thought it was the best phono ever, I preferred it to my three box Aesthetix IO Eclipse and the Ypsilon I borrowed from Brian Ackerman. That said the H-5000 DHT is substantially better and the difference between H-5000 and H-8000 are smaller by comparison.

To put in perspective, a H-5000 with Western Electric rectifiers and Emission Labs WE 300B tubes will out perform a H-8000. Of course if you put these superior tubes in the H-8000 the reward is even bigger since it is a better machine.

I also like Stillpoints and use the mini (least expensive in Stillpoints line) for both the H-8000 main unit and power supply. In a different situation that might not be best advice, but worth the time since it’s a simple tweak.

 

[bonzo75]

Bonzo,

Like all things high end audio, the path to better is disproportionately expensive

When I had the Allnic H-7000 I thought it was the best phono ever, I preferred it to my three box Aesthetix IO Eclipse and the Ypsilon I borrowed from Brian Ackerman. That said the H-5000 DHT is substantially better and the difference between H-5000 and H-8000 are smaller by comparison.

To put in perspective, a H-5000 with Western Electric rectifiers and Emission Labs WE 300B tubes will out perform a H-8000. Of course if you put these superior tubes in the H-8000 the reward is even bigger since it is a better machine.

I also like Stillpoints and use the mini (least expensive in Stillpoints line) for both the H-8000 main unit and power supply. In a different situation that might not be best advice, but worth the time since it’s a simple tweak.

Hi yes I am aware about the tube rolls. I did think the DHT phono would be much better, but was hoping the 7000 had bridged the gap between the 3000 and the 5000. Guess not

 

[cjfrbw]

First time I noticed that the tube KR242 in the Allnic H-5000/8000 is based on the Telefunken RS242, one of the best sounding DHT triodes ever. RS242 is a frightening WWII Nazi tube, but sounds just so amazing.

 

[bonzo75]

First time I noticed that the tube KR242 in the Allnic H-5000/8000 is based on the Telefunken RS242, one of the best sounding DHT triodes ever. RS242 is a frightening WWII Nazi tube, but sounds just so amazing.

My favorite tube in the Lampi dac too. I do think the H5000 is the best phono I have heard, and I would love to try out some DIY 242 based amps, 5 -'7 watts. Dante Choi is using the tube on his Allnic A8000 power amp with tannoy autograph with silver drivers

 

[Birdwatcher]

More input on the big Allnic 7000, 5000, 8000 are very appreciated, as I am interested in this league of phono stages. Now I have a Zanden 1200 Mk.III, and would like to try an Allnic or Gryphon Legato Legacy or Pass 27 or Jeff Rowland Conductor or….

 

[bonzo75]

More input on the big Allnic 7000, 5000, 8000 are very appreciated, as I am interested in this league of phono stages. Now I have a Zanden 1200 Mk.III, and would like to try an Allnic or Gryphon Legato Legacy or Pass 27 or Jeff Rowland Conductor or….

Avoid pass. I don’t know the Gryphon.

Allnic 7000 is very good value. 5000 is excellent, was better than Aesthetix IO Eclipse

This owner has multiple carts - Atlas, vdh, Dava, red sparrow, and many others...4 tables and 14 arms now, and different phonos

Allnic, Aesthetix IO, Dartzeel, Kodo Beat, Vyger Indian Signature, Kiseki – Zero Distortion

zero-distortion.org

When I heard his system he had two tables, still many carts, and the 5000 was the best, though IO was excellent as well. Now has 8000 and said it is much better than the 5000. He also has the Conductor. I will probably visit him again later this year.

You can also read airbearing's comment on Allnic 5000 here

"I do own some other fine phonos like Boulder 2008, Kondo M7, Zanden 1200 MKII, EMT JPA 66, EMT 139a Dual Mono but this unit in combination with the Ceales II (new and better dampings, two new motors with tape) allows a perfect listening session."

Allnic 5000 DHT & Caeles II

The H5000 DHT is Allnic ´s reference phono stage and possibly the finest phono preamp the world has ever seen. This two chassis preamp represents the latest development in phono amplification. I ha…

audiocirc.com

You can check with Shakti on Allnic 8000 and Phasemation 2000.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

I currently possess the 8000 DHT Phono Stage Once you upgrade the 300B and Rectifier Tubes, its performance improves significantly, depending on the specific tubes you use. Experimenting with different tubes, can be an enjoyable experience.

I'm eagerly awaiting the Takatsuki Rec and 300B Upgrades.

Some have attempted to use Western Electric Rectifiers and Tubes, but their current prices are exorbitant. However, if you manage to find a thoroughly tested tube from a reliable supplier, Western Electric Tubes do offer higher reliability. On the other hand, there are many other good options available on the market for much more reasonable prices, which can still deliver excellent performance.

The DHT 8000 proves to be significantly superior to the 7000 model after a two-month on-site comparison. During this period, I experimented with various cartridges and tonearms.

 

[Cristian]

Hello,

May I know why avoid Pass? I’m having XP-27 and I’m quite satisfied with it. However, I’m seriously thinking getting a tube stage like H7000v or Phasemation.

Avoid pass. I don’t know the Gryphon.

Allnic 7000 is very good value. 5000 is excellent, was better than Aesthetix IO Eclipse

This owner has multiple carts - Atlas, vdh, Dava, red sparrow, and many others...4 tables and 14 arms now, and different phonos

Allnic, Aesthetix IO, Dartzeel, Kodo Beat, Vyger Indian Signature, Kiseki – Zero Distortion

zero-distortion.org

When I heard his system he had two tables, still many carts, and the 5000 was the best, though IO was excellent as well. Now has 8000 and said it is much better than the 5000. He also has the Conductor. I will probably visit him again later this year.

You can also read airbearing's comment on Allnic 5000 here

"I do own some other fine phonos like Boulder 2008, Kondo M7, Zanden 1200 MKII, EMT JPA 66, EMT 139a Dual Mono but this unit in combination with the Ceales II (new and better dampings, two new motors with tape) allows a perfect listening session."

Allnic 5000 DHT & Caeles II

The H5000 DHT is Allnic ´s reference phono stage and possibly the finest phono preamp the world has ever seen. This two chassis preamp represents the latest development in phono amplification. I ha…

audiocirc.com

You can check with Shakti on Allnic 8000 and Phasemation 2000.

 

[Jackl3y]

I am reading this thread with great interest as the Allnic unuts are very popular here at WBF. I’d be curious, and I hope I am not detracting from the conversation, if the Phasematuon EA-550 or 1000 is in this league?

 

[dcc]

The EA-1000 is no more produced and is now replaced by the EA-1200.

I own the Allnic H3000V (the predecessor of the Allnic H7000) and I did a direct comparison against several phono stages among other the EA-1200 https://www.whatsbestforum.com/thre...aring-5-phono-stages-in-my-home-system.34341/.

The Phasemation with the additional power supply is a serious contenter. Both are excellent and I can't say that one is better than the other one. The big brother (EA-2000) is definitely in another league but it is not the same budget.

There is big gap between the EA-550 and the EA-1200.

 

[sbo6]

Great info on this thread. I recently purchased an H7000 and love it. It came with an Amperex 5U4GB rectifier tube for the PSU. Any recommendations to best tubes for this unit would be much appreciated.

 

[bonzo75]

Great info on this thread. I recently purchased an H7000 and love it. It came with an Amperex 5U4GB rectifier tube for the PSU. Any recommendations to best tubes for this unit would be much appreciated.

haven’t heard the Amperex, please compare to KR/RK 5u4g and let us know. That one is also excellent. Will compare it to Marconi U52 soon.

 

[sbo6]

haven’t heard the Amperex, please compare to KR/RK 5u4g and let us know. That one is also excellent. Will compare it to Marconi U52 soon.

Will compare when time allows. How about the other tubes, any recommendations? I'm also surprised to not hear anyone use tube dampers.

 

[benito]

Look here : Dubstep Girl's Massive 5AR4/5R4/5U4G Rectifier Review

 

[bonzo75]

Will compare when time allows. How about the other tubes, any recommendations? I'm also surprised to not hear anyone use tube dampers.

KR is better than EML or Ayon. You can chance WE 274b it WE 422a but each tube is going to be different and risky purchase. Check with Albert if he has any

 

[matakana]

Will compare when time allows. How about the other tubes, any recommendations? I'm also surprised to not hear anyone use tube dampers.

I have heard good things about the Sophia electric blue 5u4g/274b ! And good prices too.