I actually wasn't able to listen to the TEAC AP505, I took a punt on the XTZ Edge A2-300 and was disappointed with it in my living room setup. Now using it with some small bookshelf speakers for my desktop PC. I ordered a power amp from March Audio based on measurements here, but it's not...

I auditioned the Hugo 2 a couple of times against the ADI-2 (and others), and out of all the Dac/amp combos I tried, the Hugo 2 and the ADI-2 sounded most similar to me. But I agree there is something extra embellishing the sound on the Hugo 2, only very very slightly to my ears, but noticeable...

I agree. Actually one of the draws for me to the ADI-2 DAC was the flat frequency response, I could really tell the difference from auditioning it with my headphones against other 'hifi' dac/amps. I've also got EQ set up to use with my Empyreans for Harmon Target, this seems to elevate the...

In a stereo speaker setup what power amp are ADI-2 users using (if using a power amp)? I just got an XTZ Edge A2 300 amp to try out with my ADI-2 versus my Aura Groove integrated (has inbuilt dac) and the sound is so so different I'm not sure if I like it or not yet (I really want to). I...

So tried this with my RME ADI-2 Dac versus my Aura Groove. The Groove is a much higher price point with integrated dac. The Edge sounds very clean, good instrument separation, very black background. But it lacks an oomph factor that the Groove has. I usually listen at lower volumes and this...

Sound isolation I'd say is virtually zero in my experience. Just put mine on and I can clearly hear the TV about 10 meters away. Noise leakage isn't as bad, but these aren't the type of headphone I'd personally use while sitting next to someone (like in an office environment). I did use them...

Has anyone tried EQing the Meze Empyran for Harman Target? Not that I think they 'need' any EQ, I'm just curious since getting the RME ADI-2 Dac that has the 5 band parametric EQ.

They deliver to Japan and the PSU is auto switching. Based on the reviews for this, and the price, I decided to order this versus going for the more expensive Teac. Thanks!

Very tempted to take a punt on the Teac Ap-505, I can't really find much else that doesn't have an insane price hike (benchmark ahb2 is almost 12,000usd here!)

Thanks, it doesn't look like it. I emailed in case they can ship it here though.

I'm looking for Power Amp recommendations for Tannoy Precision 6.2 speakers. Speaker specifications Sensitivity (2.83 Volts @ 1m): 89dB Nominal Impedance (Ohms): 8 A caveat: I live in Japan and a lot of power amps are not easily available here, or have a 2-3x markup versus US price. I plan to...

Quoting myself here, but it arrived and I'm very happy. Thanks everyone for the advice, for me the RME ADI-2 and Meze Empyrean sounds amazing. Feels like a decent upgrade to the Ifi Micro BL. Now very curious to try the ADI-2 as a digital pre-amp to my speakers. Might have to get a second one...

Amazing! Really hoping I'm happy with it when it arrives.

So I auditioned Hugo 2, Rme Adi-2 and also listened to Ifi micro bl as a comparison (already owned) with Empy. Store floor wasn’t as noisy or busy as other times when I visited, but there was still a decent amount of noise in the background while auditioning. My impressions where that the Hugo...

Thanks for the input guys, I'm going to see if I can audition all of these later on. I'm really hoping the RME ADI-2 impresses me just because it's a fair bit cheaper than the alternatives ;) From what I've read, the ADI is likely going to be closer to my Micro BL and the Hugo 2 will sound...

Some things that I found online in my price range that I can probably audition: Used - MYTEK Digital Brooklyn New - Chord Hugo 2 New - RME Adi-2 Pro New - SONY TA-ZH1ES New - NuPrime DAC9H Then we have things a bit more specific to Japan like: New - DENON DNP-2500NE New - TEAC AX-505 (I did...

I was thinking about auditioning some luxman gear, but the no dac part is the problem. I could use my Ifi micro BL as a dac, but ideally looking for something all in one that can sit on the desk and be within budget.

Thanks. I'm a bit wary to spend so much without auditioning first though, especially as import duties here can be really harsh on delivery.

Thanks for the recommendations. I took a look if I could find availability in Japan and can't find the Auralic, and the Headamp is selling at about $4,500 here from one place :(

Any dac/amp recommendations to pair with the Empy that are $2,500 or below? I'm currently using a desktop machine with an Ifi-audio Mico iDsd Black Label -> Empy. I'll likely keep the Black Label for portability, but my upgraded dac/amp can be a desktop or portable one. I'm wondering if a...

By the way, how often do you switch out the pads and for what reasons?

Just gave this song a listen on the leather pads too and agree. Guitars sound meaty and full, and drums are thumping hard. Everything is just very clear and balanced sounding, not bass tilted or treble tilted, at least with my ears.

I only own the Empy as a flagship, and currently spending some time with them on the leather pads versus velour and pleasantly surprised versus the first 2 times I tried it. Still definitely more closed in feeling in terms of sound stage, but feels less intense than the previous times I tried...

Welcome to the club! :) What will you be using to drive them?

Interesting, in Japan the Ifi Micro BL is twice the price of the Mojo. From what I had read I thought the Ifi was closer as a competitor to the Hugo (and I read at least one comparing to Hugo 2), which swung me to make the cheaper buy. To be honest I've often struggled to tell the difference...