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StyleAudio Topaz Amp Eval / Review Thread - Page 7

post #91 of 101
8/4/09 at 7:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberspyder View Post
Another question...when listening to the HF out with low impedance phones (like the UM3X), there's volume imbalances at the 8 and 7 o'clock position...is this a defect or does it happen with all units?
I would say that at least half the small or portable amps that I have come across have this issue of low volume knob position channel imbalance.
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post #92 of 101
8/4/09 at 8:02pm
Should I just get an attenuator?
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post #93 of 101
8/4/09 at 10:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberspyder View Post
Another question...when listening to the HF out with low impedance phones (like the UM3X), there's volume imbalances at the 8 and 7 o'clock position...is this a defect or does it happen with all units?
Umm that does not sound correct. Have you tried another pair of headphones?

I will contact you and see what's going on...

Craig
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post #94 of 101
8/4/09 at 11:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberspyder View Post
Should I just get an attenuator?
Um, yeah?
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post #95 of 101
12/11/09 at 11:25am
Sorry for this question, but does the Carat-Topaz have a synergy with Beyer 880/600?
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post #96 of 101
12/11/09 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by deadie View Post
As noted in this thread, Craig (SACD-Man) at Whiplash Audio is StyleAudio's US dealer for their portable headphone amps. CryoParts is the US importer.

Craig has generously agreed to kick off an eval program to 10 or so headfi members, to review the Topaz amp and Whiplash's Spotlight USB cable. Those who are interested in taking part, pm Craig directly and he will select the reviewers.

Rules:
-1 to 2 week auditioning
-Must post comments / reviews in this thread
-The Topaz must be sent to the next person on the list using USPS priority service / UPS / FedEx with delivery confirmation / tracking
-The unit needs to be shipped in the same condition that they received it
-Separate comments should be added on the USB cable itself
-US only

I'm posting this b/c I'll be the first reviewer. The Topaz and Polestar cable are on its way to me now, and I should receive it within the next few days. A review will then be forthcoming in a couple of weeks.
i am super interested to see how this dac compares to the d10 and linearrosa w3 and the go vibe vulcan dac's---toslink--coaxial, and usb

cant wait to read you review

i really like the 1/4 jack
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post #97 of 101
11/27/12 at 3:44pm

Apparently they have updated this product line and released the Topaz signature. So hard to find this product. 

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post #98 of 101
11/27/12 at 8:49pm

So I caved in and purchased it. 

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post #99 of 101
2/20/13 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by audionewbi View Post

So I caved in and purchased it. 

 

Looks like a nice product. I'd be interested to read impressions.

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post #100 of 101
2/21/13 at 1:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AJHeadfi View Post

 

Looks like a nice product. I'd be interested to read impressions.

Ill do my best:

  • The key feature of this unit is its DAC. The headphone amp is mostly for presentation purposes. The volume knob after 12 will not add to the volume at all
  • It gets hot, you can feel it at your hand. It will not burn you but the warm is around 40-50 degrees Celcius. 
  • Its headphone amp can sound bright, the midrange is not as dominate as its treble and bass. I would not call it recessed but the treble is quiet presence.
  • It headphone amp was darn awful with XBA-4 which is low impedance IEM. That was expected as the suggest headphone impedance is 16-300 Ohm.
  • Headphone section is not dark, there is audible hiss with my CK100PRO.
  • Best synergy was with ER4S and this is why I kept it. It is a good enough amp/dac for my ER4S and i use it as my bed-side amp/dac however on quiet tracks you will have a hard time hearing anything.
  • Using RCA to 3.5 to O2 I really like its DAC sound on par with ODAC however I admit and say perhaps the limit factor is the O2 and perhaps paired with a better amp the amps true potential might shine.
  • If I was to go back and just care about the dac feature I would buy their Saphire LE edition which has OPA627 for its output. http://http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-STYLEAUDIO-CARAT-SAPPHIRE-LE-24Bit-PC-FI-Limited-Edition-Pre-Amp-Audio-DAC-/121066791453?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1c3024a21d#ht_9103wt_1158

 

End word: Would I recommend it , No, spend a little more and get their carat saphire LE edition. Note I did nto hear it but the parts used in it is what normally used on high end products. However truth be told OPA627 is power hungry and I really do not know how 6V DC can provide that power. 

 

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post #101 of 101
2/22/13 at 5:26pm

Thanks audionewbi. Seems StyleAudio were true to their maxim. Anything that gets hot is wasting a lot of energy, sometimes that is necessary, here to achieve utmost audio quality.

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