AVReviews

This time, we received for review a device that combines a music server, streamer, and DAC with a tube output stage—meet the ThivanLabs TMS-3.

We would like to thank Vivaldi Audio, the official importer of the ThivanLabs brand in Israel, for providing us with this product for review.

Bottom Line

A reminder about ThivanLabs

We’ve shared a detailed overview of ThivanLabs in the article (in Hebrew) we wrote about our visit to Vivaldi Audio, the official importer of ThivanLabs in Israel.

Here’s a quick reminder: ThivanLabs is a high-end audio company from Vietnam, which began its journey in the early 2000s, although the brand was officially launched only in 2010. The company produces complete audio systems, including speakers, amplifiers, DACs, and music servers. Each of their products reflects a unique approach and a clear design philosophy. In the speaker domain, the company offers a variety of configurations, including open baffle, 2-way, and 3-way speakers. Despite the variety, there are still common threads, mainly in the use of large woofers and horn tweeters.

As for amplification, the company’s core belief is in tube amplifiers in a Class A Single Ended configuration, with high power output, hand-soldered point-to-point connections, and zero feedback.

ThivanLabs’ product line is extensive and includes music servers and DACs, like the product featured in this review. Additionally, they offer phono preamplifiers, as well as stands and racks.

Under Test: ThivanLabs TMS-3

The ThivanLabs TMS-3 is the entry-level product in the company's TMS series. TMS stands for Tube Music Server. Alongside the TMS-3, the company also offers its flagship music server, the TMS-9, which we reviewed during our evaluation of a complete ThivanLabs system (Hebrew).

In the ThivanLabs TMS-3, the company's designers combined their knowledge from various fields, with the main goal being the precise and complete conversion of the digital signal to analog. The DAC in the TMS-3 is based on the ES9038 chip. From my experience, despite the significant attention chip models in DACs receive across the web, other components in the DAC tend to have a greater impact on the final result. The TMS-3 includes a high-quality output transformer manufactured by ThivanLabs. Its output stage is tube-based, operates in Single-Ended Class A without feedback, and features one 12AU7 tube and two EL-84 tubes.

The TMS-3 can function as a DAC for external sources, featuring both a coaxial and an optical input, both supporting PCM 192k 24bit and DOP DSD64 signals. On the output side, the device offers only analog outputs: one RCA and one XLR. Additionally, it has a network input and four USB ports for connecting external storage devices.

The TMS-3 also features a volume control, meaning it can function as a digital preamp and be connected directly to a power amplifier.

One specification not listed on the website or in the user manual is the output voltage of the device. I reached out to Mr. Shimon Bouzaglo, the owner of Vivaldi Audio, and he confirmed that the maximum output voltage for both the RCA and XLR outputs is 3V.

The playback platform, music server, and streamer of the ThivanLabs TMS-3 are based on Volumio, a platform with which I have extensive experience from the days when my source was a computer running Volumio 3—you can read our full review of the Volumio 3 system (Hebrew). In general, the system allows playback of local files and supports various streaming services, including Tidal with Tidal Connect, and Qobuz. The system also has the capability to install plugins and add support for additional services like Spotify.

The device's dimensions are 45 cm wide, 12.5 cm tall, and 40 cm deep, with a weight of 17 kg.

Design and Build Quality

Naturally, the first thing that catches the eye in terms of design is the wooden enclosure of the ThivanLabs TMS-3. In fact, all ThivanLabs enclosures are made from plywood coated with natural veneer. While most audio product enclosures are made of plastic at lower price points and metal (usually aluminum) at higher price points, the use of wood gives ThivanLabs products a unique, refreshing, and distinctive appearance. The wood finish also connects well with a retro style, which is why I found the TMS-3 to be visually impressive.

On the top panel, there is a transparent window that allows you to view the tubes and also facilitates their replacement.

In the center of the front panel is a metal plate featuring the power button, the screen, and the volume control, which also serves as the input selector. Switching between inputs is done by pressing the volume knob. The quality of the power button and the volume knob is high; they are metallic and provide a sense of confidence during use.

One aspect of the ThivanLabs TMS-3's design that is less impressive is the screen. It is small and does not even fill the entire window in which it is placed. The screen displays the sampling rate in the center, while additional information—such as the selected input, whether the signal is PCM or DSD, the chosen digital filter, and the volume level—is shown in the four corners. The information in the corners is displayed in such a small font that it is unreadable without being very close to the screen. I would have preferred a larger screen here. Additionally, if only static data is being displayed, a monochromatic screen could provide better readability and visibility over a color screen. It’s worth noting that the TMS-9, the larger model, does feature a bigger color screen that shows the album cover of the currently playing music.

Regarding build quality, the sides of the enclosure feel thick, and the box itself feels heavy with an excellent level of finish.

Additionally, the device's substantial feet provide excellent isolation from the surface on which it sits. Overall, I was very impressed with the build quality of the ThivanLabs TMS-3.

Functionality and user experience

The device is powered on using the power button on the front panel. As mentioned earlier, the volume control also serves as the input selector—these are the physical control elements on the ThivanLabs TMS-3. Additionally, the TMS-3 comes with a white plastic remote that resembles those of media streamers like the Xiaomi Mi-Box. It features directional arrows arranged in a circle, along with two additional buttons: Menu and Mute.

In contrast to the device's luxurious wooden enclosure, the remote feels somewhat simplistic, and I found its usability to be less intuitive. For some reason, the volume is adjusted using the left and right arrows, while input selection is done with the up and down arrows, which I find contrary to common practice. Moreover, the Menu button actually cycles through digital filters, so I don't think the labeling accurately reflects its function. The Mute button is the most straightforward and appropriately labeled on the remote.

In a modern audio product with streaming capabilities, the primary control method is typically the app. As noted, the TMS-3 is based on the Volumio platform and is controlled by the corresponding app. Since the last time I used Volumio, they have indeed undergone a design upgrade. Although the interface is still not at the level of Roon, it offers a complete and user-friendly solution with support for local file playback, files from external storage devices, and streaming services.

The system's interface is extensive and clear, and it also supports the installation of plugins, which I believe are developed by the community, to add additional functionalities. For example, there is a DSP plugin. I tested two plugins: first, the one that adds support for Spotify Connect, which worked immediately. Additionally, I tried the plugin called Roon Bridge, which allows streaming from Roon to the Volumio system. This enables the use of Roon’s advanced service, but the streaming is done via AirPlay, which bypasses the need for Roon Ready certification. For those seeking the highest quality, this bypass is less recommended.

Overall, the user experience with the Volumio system is among the best in the market. It is a worthy competitor to systems like BlueOS and Roon, even if its appearance is somewhat less polished and modern.

The listening test

For the listening test, the ThivanLabs TMS-3 was connected to my personal system. The TMS-3 was connected to the Nagra Classic Int integrated amplifier via a QED RCA cable. The speakers are YG Acoustics Carmel 2, with Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables. As usual, the complete system details are provided at the end of the article. The content was streamed using Tidal Connect.

The unit I received for review is on permanent display at Vivaldi Audio, so I did not feel the need for a break-in period. Nevertheless, I listened casually for several evenings before settling in for a critical listening session. Before the critical listening, I made sure to power on the TMS-3 half an hour in advance to ensure the tubes reached their optimal temperature. After completing the full test, I also assessed the TMS-3’s performance without warming it up; I started playing music almost immediately after powering it on, and in my personal opinion, the difference was not significant. Thus, the device delivers nearly optimal performance right from the start.

The last topic before we move on to sound examples is the digital filters. You can choose from 7 digital filters, with the user manual recommending the M-Sharp filter as the best option. In my experience with various devices that included digital filters, the differences were often minimal, making the option seem like a waste of time. Similarly, with the TMS-3, I didn’t perceive any significant differences between the filters, so I conducted the entire test using the recommended M-Sharp filter.

I decided to start the test with high energy and chose the single “Return Of The Ellington” by rock singer Rosalie Cunningham. The ThivanLabs TMS-3 handled the fast-paced rhythm and rock energy of the track superbly. There was good separation, with the bass slightly softened, and the vocals were centered and detailed. In the part of the track where Rosalie sings from the left and backing singers respond from the right, the directional separation and placement across the stage were precise. The violin solo in the piece sounded clear and distinct, with good separation from the bass.

The next track I chose is the Nordic folk ballad “Fuel to Fire” by Agnes Obel. The presentation here is expansive and powerful, with a three-dimensional and three-dimensional soundstage. Agnes's voice, while centered, spreads across the stage due to her singing very close to the microphone. The piano sounds smooth and also feels grand, while the cello in the piece includes a deep bass that fills the entire listening space. There is a slight sense of warmth, and the midrange is rich and full of life.

I then moved on to some jazz. The German drummer and composer Wolfgang Haffner recently released a new album titled "Life Rhythm", which we selected as our Album of the Week. From this album, I chose the track "Eternity." Although it is predominantly gentle jazz, it features an intriguing electronic element. This track includes an electronic effect that moves across the stage, and the ThivanLabs TMS-3 manages to convey this effect accurately with a sense of a wide and continuous soundstage. The piano feels clean and full-bodied. In this piece, I noticed that the decay—meaning the time it takes for a sound to fade—seemed slightly extended, a phenomenon quite common with tube equipment. While one might argue that this affects the accuracy of the reproduction, it creates a pleasant sense of airy sound. The bass is deep and punchy, with a good level of detail and precision to accurately convey the rapid drumming passages.

Another jazz track I examined is "The Smile of Rita" by the French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. This joyful and energetic piece is presented with a huge soundstage, with a clear and tight applause effect, as well as the drumming. The trumpet is centered, sounding large, clean, and detailed, with a pleasant rounding of the highs. The guitar solo is also conveyed with high detail, and the slight warmth in the bass adds to the festive feeling of the track. Overall, the piece sounds like a celebration through the TMS-3.

נNext is an alternative folk-rock track by Mel Parsons from her new album "Sabotage". The piece I chose is called "Little Sadness," a poignant and emotional ballad. Mel’s smoky and distinctive voice takes center stage with notable emphasis, delivered with excellent detail. The guitar also features high detail, and the bass is well-tightened, with a bit of warmth in the mid-bass. The overall presentation is especially pleasant.

For evaluating electronic music, I chose one of my regular tracks, "Intervals" by Boris Blank. Through the ThivanLabs TMS-3, it delivers a huge soundstage with deep bass and good detail. The effects are precisely scattered across the stage, offering good dynamics and energetic delivery, along with a slight softening of the midrange and mid-bass.

The track I chose to conclude this part of the review is "Le sablier" by the French composer and conductor Fred Pallem, from the album X. This piece features a big band with multiple instruments, allowing me to assess the TMS-3’s ability to separate instruments. The addition of the tube character is noticeable, manifested in a slight emphasis on the midrange that makes the center of the piece clearer. There is a bit of warmth in the mid-bass and a softening of the brass instruments. Despite these characteristics, the presentation remains sufficiently neutral and detailed, with a large soundstage and accurate reproduction of the energy and dynamics of the piece.

Comparisons

In the second part of the listening test, we will focus on a few comparisons to provide a reference point for the performance of the ThivanLabs TMS-3.

Comparison 1: ThivanLabs TMS-3 vs. Nagra Streamer + MSB Discrete DAC

In the first comparison, I evaluated the performance of the ThivanLabs TMS-3 against the digital section of my system, which includes a Nagra Streamer transport and an MSB Discrete DAC with two external power supplies. Naturally, these systems have a significant price gap, with the Nagra+MSB combo costing around three times the price of the ThivanLabs TMS-3. The comparison was made by streaming through Tidal Connect.

I revisited the first two tracks from the listening test. In "Return Of The Ellington" by Rosalie Cunningham, the Nagra and MSB combo provided better bass separation with more detail, offering a cleaner and more neutral presentation. On the other hand, the ThivanLabs TMS-3 added a tube-like touch to the music, with a slight warmth and emphasis on the midrange, which sounded more full-bodied as a result.

In "Fuel to Fire" by Agnes Obel, the Nagra and MSB setup sounded more relaxed and balanced, with a better sense of clarity and perhaps a bit more detail in the vocals. However, the midrange felt less powerful and full-bodied compared to the ThivanLabs TMS-3.

To summarize this comparison, the ThivanLabs TMS-3 holds its own against a much more expensive system. If you are a fan of the tube-like sound, you might even prefer the result it delivers.

Comparison 2: ThivanLabs TMS-3 vs. Nagra Streamer

In the second comparison, I connected the Nagra Streamer to the ThivanLabs TMS-3 via a coaxial cable and compared the streamer section of the TMS-3 with the Nagra streamer. Again, both sources were streamed to through Tidal Connect.

The track I selected was "Kama Shelo" by the Israeli group Pinchas and Sons from the album "Ma Yihiye Alenu". Through the streamer section of the ThivanLabs TMS-3, the soundstage was large and energetic, with the gospel choir sounding full of emotion and the lead singer’s voice well-separated. After the opening, there is a section where the soloist sings alone, and here it was easy to notice the low noise floor of the TMS-3. The bass was energetic, and the overall presentation was moving. When I switched to the Nagra Streamer, I noticed an improvement in the soundstage, which became even larger and more three-dimensional. The level of detail was slightly better, especially in quieter parts, where more subtle details could be heard. There was also an improvement in the separation of voices—between the soloist, the backing singer, and the choir—as well as in dynamics and clarity.

Another track I tested was "Not In Vain" by Asaf Avidan from the album "In A Box III: Acoustic Recordings". In this piece as well, I felt that the ThivanLabs TMS-3 performed well, but when paired with the Nagra Streamer, the result was superior. There was an improvement in precision and separation, with a smoother presentation and more detail. Whether it was Avidan's vocals or the violins in the track, everything sounded cleaner and more distinct.

To summarize this comparison, with the combination of the Nagra Streamer, I achieved the most satisfying and engaging performance from the ThivanLabs TMS-3. It retained its tube-like warmth and pleasant character while benefiting from the impressive smoothness and clarity of the Nagra Streamer. It’s no surprise that Nagra’s transport streamer, which costs more on its own than the entire ThivanLabs TMS-3, delivers superior performance compared to the TMS-3’s built-in streamer section. However, the key takeaway from this comparison is the quality and potential of the DAC section in the TMS-3. It can easily reflect the quality of any connected digital sources (such as a CD transport or other digital sources), without becoming a bottleneck.

Comparison 3: Local file playback vs. Tidal through the ThivanLabs TMS-3

For this third and final comparison, I connected my external SSD to the ThivanLabs TMS-3 and compared its performance when playing local files to the same tracks streamed via Tidal Connect.

I began with the track "Keep Connexion" by French jazz drummer Manu Katché, which is the opening piece from the excellent album "The Scope".

The local file version was in FLAC 44.1kHz 24-bit quality, while the Tidal version is 16-bit. The difference between the two versions was quite noticeable. Playing the track through Tidal resulted in a less punchy and deep bass, the sound felt somewhat thinner, and the presentation was less three-dimensional, with a slight reduction in detail. Of course, without directly comparing the two, the Tidal version still sounds excellent on its own.

The second piece I tested was "Mystic River" by the remarkable Korean singer Youn Sun Nah, from her album "Immersion". This time, the comparison was more balanced, as both the local file and the Tidal version were in the same quality—48kHz 24-bit. Both versions offered tight, well-separated, and precise bass, with the various effects in the track being easy to distinguish. While the gap was smaller, I still preferred the local file. Its sound felt richer, with more layers and details, and the soundstage was larger and more three-dimensional.

This final comparison once again highlights how well the DAC section of the ThivanLabs TMS-3 can reveal quality differences. If you have a collection of local files, you’ll thoroughly enjoy listening to them through the TMS-3, as it clearly conveys the advantages of such files over streaming services.

Summary

The ThivanLabs TMS-3 is a product that beautifully blends retro design with modern functionality, offering a high level of build quality and a wide range of features, including streaming capabilities, a quality DAC, and a tube-based output stage. It presents a combination of classic and contemporary elements.

ThivanLabs chose the Volumio platform for its streaming and playback interface, which I believe is an excellent decision. Volumio is a mature and advanced solution, offering numerous extensions and the potential for further expansions in the future.

The TMS-3’s tube output circuit gives consumers an additional option to incorporate tube characteristics into their stereo systems. If you want to add a touch of tube warmth to your setup, you don’t necessarily need a tube preamp, hybrid amplifier, or tube power amp—integrating a player and DAC like the ThivanLabs TMS-3 could be an excellent choice.

It always excites me to review products that bring something unique, and the ThivanLabs TMS-3 definitely proved to be one of those products.

In conclusion, I found the ThivanLabs TMS-3 to be a highly enjoyable digital source, featuring impressive design, the ability to serve as a DAC for other sources, and excellent sound quality.

Price: 19,500 ILS
Warranty: 2 years (3 months for tubes)

The system I used for the review: 
Speakers: YG Acoustics Carmel 2
Integrated amplifier: Nagra Classic Int
Streamer for comparison: Nagra Streamer
DAC for comparison: MSB Technology Discrete DAC with dual power supplies

Cables: 
Coaxial cable between the Nagra Streamer and the DAC: Van den Hul
XLR cable between the MSB DAC and the amplifier: Nordost Blue Heaven
Speaker cables: Nordost Blue Heaven
RCA cable to connect ThivanLabs TMS-3 to the amplifier: QED cable

Power:
Power cables  for the amplifier, the Nagra Streamer and the MSB DAC: Nordost Blue Heaven 
Power Distribution Block : QBASE QB8 Mark II 
Power cable for the distribution block: Nordost Red Dawn