Recent content by Charlie Norwood
  1. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin iDAP-8 streamer and iDAC-8 DAC

    Got an order in for the IDAC-8 at musicteck. Hasn’t shipped yet so they probably don’t have their stock yet but I’m sure they will soon. It will be paired with a Headamp gs-x mini and be an upgrade over my capable but somewhat boring smsl su-9. Will share my impressions when it arrives. In...
  2. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    There are Windows drivers on the website. Do they not work? https://en.cayin.cn/drive/9/18/484.html
  3. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Very nice. Love some vannuys. Looks like you could probably get a set of smaller iems in there too?
  4. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Can you order from linsoul? International shipping is really fast. took a week to get to me in New York.
  5. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Just go with the the MFi07S Cable. No issues on high gain at dsd256 with iPhone 13 pro max.
  6. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Yes the Gryphon offers a 4.4 (and 3.5) line out on the bottom of the device. Which also work as line in when used in that mode. The LO doesn’t bypass the volume which is why it’s a variable voltage line out - but thankfully the c9 has the pre-amp mode so volume only needs to be adjusted on the...
  7. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Yeah I don’t think that should cause any issues. It’s the desktop DACs that are putting out 6V or 8V via balanced that can be an issue.
  8. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Not sure which review it was but they did some measuring and found that yes you get some clipping and/or distortion when feeding the c9 with more than 4V. I confirmed this when using the 4.4 LO in the ifi Gryphon at max output which I think is close to 6V, it was clipping. With the gryphon I’ll...
  9. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    Short answer is yes. The c9 is the perfect amp to pair with the ru-7. One, because of the 4.4 i/o and two, because the c9 prefers a more modest amount of voltage input, ideally never going beyond 4V. It’s up to your ears whether you think an easy to drive headphone gets enough benefit from...
  10. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    You mean my hearing? It’s not about volume but dynamics. The ie600 lacks definition with less power, especially in the low end. With less power it doesn’t sound like a $700 dollar iem but something closer to what you get for like $200.
  11. Charlie Norwood

    Cayin RU7: 1-Bit Resistor Network Dongle DAC /Amp

    I’ve found the RU-7 and Softears Twilight to have a very good synergy. I got the RU-7 mostly as a simple DAC to pair with the Cayin c9. And it does that very well via the LO mode (even if it’s not a traditional LO). But the Twilight doesn’t seem to really need the c9. Compared to @baskingshark...
  12. Charlie Norwood

    LETSHUOER S12 - Next big planar? (Impressions & Discussion)

    They aren’t really comparable due to p1’s unique vocal-focused tuning. S12 has more low end and much wider stage. P1 has better transients and treble clarity. P2 and s12 are much more similar. S12 has the more impactful bass but p2 has more neutral tuning with improved resolution compared to s12.
  13. Charlie Norwood

    LETSHUOER S12 - Next big planar? (Impressions & Discussion)

    The microphonics on the cable is due mostly to stiffness and is not that big of a deal, it will generally subdue over time. But the combination of cable noise and driver flex is really too much. I’ll just be returning these for a refund. Like I said originally, I can tell they are very good for...
  14. Charlie Norwood

    LETSHUOER S12 - Next big planar? (Impressions & Discussion)

    That’s not driver flex as it’s not dependent on there being any power… it’s audible when unplugged. It’s usually due to air getting trapped in the membrane. What you’re likely talking about is distortion.
  15. Charlie Norwood

    LETSHUOER S12 - Next big planar? (Impressions & Discussion)

    The s12 stock cable’s microphonics plus the driver flex makes these some of the noisiest iems I’ve ever put in my ears. Driver flex is very loud when no music is playing and audible at quiet levels of music. It’s just a bad experience… I also mentioned there’s distortion, should I live with...
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