Earlier this year, I reviewed the Aiyima T9, a small class D amplifier, made in China which retails for just $129. The small unit produced a pretty significant sound, but it was riddled with a number of annoying quirks during operation. There is now an Aiyima T9 Pro model released and I want to review that model by comparing it to the original version to see what they fixed and if there are any lingering issues.
Let’s first talk about some of the issues Aiyima addressed with the new Pro model.
No More Clicking!
The biggest complaint with the original T9, was that the unit clicked all of the time. It would click when you changed the input and then click again to confirm the input was selected.
If there was an absence of sound for a few seconds, the unit would click into a muted mode. When you started playing music, it would click again.
To be fair, I got used to the clicking pretty quickly and it didn’t bother me, but Aiyima has addressed this issue with the T9 Pro and you will only hear a click when you select different inputs.
Also, the Pro model no longer goes into mute when sound isn’t present, like it did on the original T9.
Remote IR Sensor Improved!
Each T9 model comes with a remote control, but the original model’s IR sensor was not properly isolated so the remote would often interfere with other electronics. For instance, the original remote turned on my Samsung TV and would cause my Cambridge AXC35 CD player to skip.
Thankfully, the T9 Pro remote works great and does not interfere with any of my other electronics. There are also some updated features on the remote that I will mention in more detail below.
The T9 Pro has a new look!
You will note the new Pro model has an updated look, with large orange circles rounding out the meter and the new digital display. The original T9 did not have a digital display and I found the Pro display much easier to use.
New Tubes!
Aiyima installed new tubes in the Pro model, JAN5725 versus the 64k tubes in the original T9. I like that the new tubes are shorter as the tall skinny tubes often get pushed around and bend over on the original model.
The Aiyima T9 models use tubes to help with gain, rather than create a holographic 3D sound that we are accustomed to hearing with tubes. So I didn’t hear that much sound difference with the updated tubes between the two models.
Where are the tone controls?
Aiyima redesigned the tone controls on the Pro model to only be operational with the remote, removing the knobs from the front of the unit as seen on the original T9.
This was an interesting choice because remotes are easy to lose and with the Pro model, once it’s gone missing, you won’t be able to adjust treble and bass via knobs on the front of the unit like you could the original model.
Did they really fix EVERYTHING?
I discovered one odd thing while using the T9 Pro, something I’ve never had happen before with a piece of audio gear.
When I was using my CD player via the coaxial input, every time I would stand up from my chair in my listening position, the sound would drop out for a quick second or two.
Now, it’s important to note my chair is in front of the T9 Pro, because when I sat on my couch which is off to the side and stood up, the sound stayed on and did not drop out.
It’s also worth noting that when I switched the CD player’s input to RCA, and I stood up from my chair, the sound again stayed and did not drop out.
I have no idea what caused this issue and not sure it’s something big enough to cause someone to not buy the T9 Pro, but I wanted to point it out regardless.
To be clear, everything thing else on the T9 worked properly!
Everything else is the same…
Outside of the different tubes and the items addressed above, the T9s share a lot in common. They both still offer the same connectivity and input options as the other.
I also thought, even though the tubes were different, that the sound signatures were very similar. This little amp will surprise you with the sound level it can offer, while still being detailed.
Given the tone controls, you can tweak the bass and treble as you like, but note that bass is well represented with these amps.
I still don’t think these little class D amps should be used for critical hifi listening, but they sure do offer a great opportunity for anyone just getting into hifi to own an affordable amp with playback that will impress.
Which model Aiyima T9 should you buy?
The new Aiyima T9 Pro is currently priced at $169.99 while the original T9 is just $129.99.
I would suggest spending the $40 more to get the updated unit with the more powerful remote, controlled IR sensor and a lot less clicking. I also like the look of the shorter tubes.
Regarding sound, I don’t think you’ll tell that much difference between the two, but I would still give my honest opinion and say it’s worth the $40 to get the quirks of the original T9 ironed out in the new Pro version.
Before you go…
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Did you notice any difference with the VU meter sensitivity?
The OG meter is a little more sensitive.
There is a small potentiometer on the bottom of the unit to adjust VU meter sensitivity. It does not provide a large swing, but did get mine moving.
Also, bass and treble adjustments are available via a 2x push of the encoder knob. 1x push mute 2x push bass, another 2x push treble.
Hey there, you can **totally** still adjust the treble and bass without the remote — all you have to do is double-click the volume knob and the display on the left will toggle through bass adjust, treble adjust, and back to volume.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD2lS3_n05Q&t=87s