The iQube Enigma (Review Updated)

[diab0lik]

hope your review comes soon. i'm intrested in getting one

[musicmaker]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

I received a loaner iQube yesterday. I am getting familiar with its sound and should be posting impressions by Sunday.

Looking forward to your impressions.

[Ihatepopupads]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

I received a loaner iQube yesterday. I am getting familiar with its sound and should be posting impressions by Sunday. I hope to meet w/ vorlon1 and boomana on Saturday to compare notes on the iQube's sound.

Here are some pictures, please click on the thumbnail to view the full size picture.

First Dex, that review was a stunningly enjoyable read, I want this amp because of you. Second, Mrarroyo I can't wait for your take on this amp, I bought the mini box e+ on your recommendation and it's a real winner, I just wish the price was lower on the iQube I might have to cancel my pico pre-order.

[Dexdexter]

Originally Posted by Ihatepopupads

First Dex, that review was a stunningly enjoyable read, I want this amp because of you.

Thanks, IHPUA!

Here's more grist for the iQube mill, just posted by FreeBlues, a beautifully written comparison to the LISA III:

Lisa vs. iQube - my thoughts

[Edwood]

Originally Posted by Joelc87

the iQube is around 600 USD I believe

$500-600 is an awful lot for a portable amp with no built in DAC, larger in size, and the case design is meh.

-Ed

[TheMarchingMule]

Originally Posted by Edwood

$500-600 is an awful lot for a portable amp with no built in DAC, larger in size, and the case design is meh.

-Ed

It's actually around $500 including VAt or whatever it's called.

Moon Audio is starting to carry the iQube though, and it'll be with a welcoming introductory price of...$475, I believe.

[Podster]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

I received a loaner iQube yesterday. I am getting familiar with its sound and should be posting impressions by Sunday. I hope to meet w/ vorlon1 and boomana on Saturday to compare notes on the iQube's sound.

Here are some pictures, please click on the thumbnail to view the full size picture.

Dex, absolutely one of the best written reviews I've seen out here bar none.

Miguel, I noticed your pics show the iQube connected via mini cable from the Pods headphone out? Am I wrong that you are amping an already amped signal which is not near as clean of noise as coming off a LOD? I thought the purpose for using an external amp was to bypass headphone outs?

If this whole area is about better sound through amping why would anyone want to amp an amped signal? I have tried all three of my portable rigs both ways and all three sound far better when pulling data off the HDD via a LOD vs. headphone out What am I or did I miss? THX

[Skylab]

Originally Posted by Podster

Dex, absolutely one of the best written reviews I've seen out here bar none.

Miguel, I noticed your pics show the iQube connected via mini cable from the Pods headphone out? Am I wrong that you are amping an already amped signal which is not near as clean of noise as coming off a LOD? I thought the purpose for using an external amp was to bypass headphone outs?

If this whole area is about better sound through amping why would anyone want to amp an amped signal? I have tried all three of my portable rigs both ways and all three sound far better when pulling data off the HDD via a LOD vs. headphone out What am I or did I miss? THX

You are missing that he uses a 4G RedWineAudio iMod, which has the very-high-quality line out routed through what used to be the headphone jack

[musicmaker]

Just received my iQube 5 minutes ago. Its burning in. Couldn't resist taking a quick out-of-the-box listen. I like what I hear. Dex, your review made me order the iQube.

[mrarroyo]

Originally Posted by Skylab

You are missing that he uses a 4G RedWineAudio iMod, which has the very-high-quality line out routed through what used to be the headphone jack

You are correct, of course there is also the 5.5 iModded w/ the VCaps in the external enclosure.