what headphones do you own thread - i own dt150's :)
- Thread starter garyfl
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Caporegime
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2.5w from the balance is very nice. I wonder what price this will be at.
edit - no bluetooth though.
edit - no bluetooth though.
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Fosi Audio has a new DAC/Pre/HPamp in compact form factor coming this month, actually looks cool and it has XLR output at the back, with 12v trigger in AND out, Fiio are you taking notes?!
Fosi Audio ZH3 All-in-One Desktop HiFi DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp
Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC/Amp/Preamp - Provides versatile interfaces for headphones and active speakers. Easily switch outputs and control your desktop HiFi.fosiaudio.com
Nice that it has XLR out, RCA out AND RCA input. That's very useful.
One question; this new Fosi box lists it's spec as XMOS XU316+AKM4493SEQ+ OPA1612 x 4 (Fosi K7 uses the same AKM chip, but slightly lower spec I assume; XMOS XU208+AKM4493SEQ+QCC 3031+TPA6120). But the Fiio K7 uses 2 x AKM 4493SEQ + THX AAA 788+ chipset. I assume the use of dual AKM chips by Fiio (something the K15 does too) isn't for balanced, but just a design choice to allow for more power, lower distortion, or some other benefit?
Soldato
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Anyone got experience with ChiFi wireless ANC headphones or ear buds? Looking for some WH-1000XM2 replacements.
As an aside though "burn-in" shouldn't really be a thing with opamps - I have a lot of OPA1612s from my DIY amp building projects and I can instantly tell the difference between the one which are fresh out the box and those that have been used previously - they have a slight bright kind of artificial sound out the box which goes away with around 50-100 hours of use after which they sound much more neutral. Though that may change somewhat depending on the rest of the circuitry and/or whether there is any "burn-in" from the factory. One of my favourite opamps out of the ones I use.
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Yes, I think so. As you say single chip solutions can do balanced output. It seems with dual-chips SNR can be improved, or reduce crosstalk etc. I found an ASR thread with a similar question seven years ago; ASR Link. But what isn't really mentioned is whether there is an additional benefits to using two separate AMP chips. Also there must be cost implications from the increased complexity on the circuit board and potential increase in failure rate etc. It's not something I've thought about, but noticed because of the AKM4493SEQ chip that is used in so many of these £200 DAC/AMPs. And it would make sense for Fosi to use a single chip implementation where they are more sensitive to cost, i.e. their K7 has extra stuff like the screen, additional controls and a mic input/circuitry that maybe they needed to offset as a cost.
It seems that models like the Topping D50/D70, DX5 II, Fiio K7, K15 etc. use two chip DAC implementations so again that would support a difference between mid-fi and entry level set-ups potentially. I also noticed that the Luxsin X9 uses AKM's high-end, current flagship dual chip; AK4191EQ + AK4499EX, but then the Fiio K17 which uses the same chipset actually uses 2 x AK4499EX chips which might explain its increased power output. But I would imagine cost implications matter far, far less at this point given the higher profit margins.
Probably over thinking it, but something that I couldn't help but notice.
I've long since come to the conclusion that burn-in on headphones is not a thing (as evidenced by Headphone Show's measurements etc.) but never thought about it on audio gear. I guess It explains why some comparisons sound more distinct when the gear is new, versus used for a while.
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The Dual dac thing, pretty sure its just to increase snr and crosstalk numbers etc but I don't think the difference is audible as it's already beyond the point of human hearing with a single chip. Plus, advertising "dual dac chips" sounds good.
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He took a while but his review is up and aligns with my thoughts on the DX5 II from before, he says:
This was the exact reason in terms of sonics as to why I knew it would not be an amp I would be keeping for my sound signature preferences which lean on wide stereo image that has loads of detail, with a wide soundstage beside it.
Though he also goes into the rabbit hole of saying the pure silver RCA cables he's using incredible so yeah... there is that
Spot the @Raymond Lin power cord
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With the DX5 II and HE6 SE2 I'm hearing instruments in songs I never knew existed before, I'm still not too deep in the rabbit hole but for now it's been a great upgrade for me.
I wonder if Mariah Carey will sound any different, not long to find out....
I wonder if Mariah Carey will sound any different, not long to find out....
I've very mixed feelings with the Fiio FF1 after more extended use - the open back nature and how much they rely on the right positioning with accessories (foam, inserts, etc.) and ear geometry to sound their best is a significant caveat and some people might find they just can't get them to sound right. But whoever tuned these was obviously a big HD800 fan though they lack the soundstage, resolution and extension in bass and treble of the HD800 there is a similarity to the overall tuning to close to be coincidence. The imaging is really good, and I enjoy that, despite the limited soundstage and somewhat monochrome for want of a better way to put it lower bass which has decent crunch and thump for earbuds but lacks finer details.
Not end game and some caveats but I find I enjoy listening to them more than almost anything else in my collection aside from the HD600s, unlike a lot of earphones and IEMs you can't ultimately tell the sound is coming from a small point, and physical comfort wise they are great for long sessions, though the sound signature has a bit of upper mid-range punch which can be a little fatiguing and sometimes pushes out other details.
Not end game and some caveats but I find I enjoy listening to them more than almost anything else in my collection aside from the HD600s, unlike a lot of earphones and IEMs you can't ultimately tell the sound is coming from a small point, and physical comfort wise they are great for long sessions, though the sound signature has a bit of upper mid-range punch which can be a little fatiguing and sometimes pushes out other details.
I would recommend trying the grill mod if you haven't already. Cleans up the sound even further, its not a huge difference but it is noticeable. Ive just printed a comfort strap as well for the headband, which makes a huge difference to clamping force.
K13 R2R is around $266 it seems:
www-fiio-com.translate.goog
More power than K11 R2R and a better sound, one user reports that is has better dynamics than the K11 R2R which had used for a while and then tried the K13 at a Canjam. so even though it uses the same R2R ladder, the processing/amplification seem to be better, probably helped by the new internal power supply too.
24Bit全平衡R2R解码耳放 K13 R2R，正式上市！-FIIO---BORN FOR MUSIC
www-fiio-com.translate.goog
More power than K11 R2R and a better sound, one user reports that is has better dynamics than the K11 R2R which had used for a while and then tried the K13 at a Canjam. so even though it uses the same R2R ladder, the processing/amplification seem to be better, probably helped by the new internal power supply too.
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That was Google translate from the CHinese page so don't take the exact word as black and white!
But yes low noise switching power supply with select components would make for a better sound, which is what I found with even the basic ifi ipower 2 on the K11 R2R.
But yes low noise switching power supply with select components would make for a better sound, which is what I found with even the basic ifi ipower 2 on the K11 R2R.
Thats a lotta juice into those cans
Soldato
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This seems like a little pocket rocket!
www.linsoul.com
14w @ 32Ω! Could be a good budget amp for very card to drive headphones.
FangSound Silenos | Integrated DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp
The FangSound Silenos is an integrated DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp with R2R decoding, 14W true-balanced output, dual GaN power supplies, and compact CNC aluminum design. Ideal for audiophiles, desktop HiFi, and studio monitoring, it supports up to 32bit/768kHz PCM, offers rich I/O...
www.linsoul.com
14w @ 32Ω! Could be a good budget amp for very card to drive headphones.
Interesting, will check it out