REVIEW: Einar Sound VC-01i Balanced SS Headphone Amp - Page 5

From where I am the budget balanced field is quite rich, there's the VC-01 and more expensive SXT-2 Lite (available at Mingo), and of course the MkVII+ through the internet, haven't seen retail.

I wonder how these will sound compared to more expensive unbalanced amps like a Corda Concerto. Not a straight comparison, I know, but money's money.

I was only unsure about the regular output, I didn't mean to suggest it didn't have balanced, as I could see that clearly from pictures. I can see my wording may not have been as clear as it could have.

Even so, in the little background I've done on balanced, it doesn't seem a big deal to me. The idea of audible 'noise' in a pretty simple PC/DAC/AMP/Phone setup appears to me pretty much inconsequential. Balanced capability seems to be more appropriate to professional or studio usage, and like jitter, is probably more of a theoretical for people like me.

If it makes nada difference to SQ, then, I won't be going to the expense of using balanced inputs, let alone an dubiously expensive recable of any of my phones, which then couldn't be used in any non-balanced gear.

Even so, both amps may have different power outputs and usage/usability of that power will vary between them, so any comparisons are only worth making on what your budget is, and your phones require. I never bother checking specs on phones or amps anyway, it's of no interest to me, and I've avoided phones that need significant amounts of power. For me, the ears decide.

I am tossing up between one of these Einar VC-01i and an Audio GD Roc as my SS amp of choice. I intend to run it off the balanced outputs from a Transporter (if I can get one at the right price!)

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare yet? Sound quality is the main factor - I don't need the preamp functionality of the Roc, so if the sound quality is similar then I would save some bucks buying the Einar.

I will also be using the single ended output initally, until I get a balanced cable to try with my HD650's, or go to the expense of recabling my K702's balanced, or buying something like the DT880s in balanced. So, thoughts on the single ended ouput would be appreciated as well.

Cheers

Sorry to dig up this thread, but I finally got my Einar Sound VC-01i after waiting almost exactly 1 month with little communication and no warning that it would take that long. The unit came from China.

 

I am not a happy camper right now and here is why:

 

1. The volume is VERY scratchy when you turn the sound up/down

2. The left headphone speaker is lower than the right at low sound volumes (I use balanced IN and OUT).

3. The aluminum edges are razor sharp.

4. The back aluminum plate is bent.

5. The RCA inputs on the back appear bent, but it may be from the plate being bent (see #4 above)

6. The RCA inputs had some sort of sticky residue all over them when I got the unit

7. The power cable was not 120V USA. (I use my own power cable though)

8. The XLR inputs on the back are mounted upside-down (not that big of a deal I guess)

9. The overall packaging, manual and unit appeared almost used in a way...kinda dirty.

10. And here is what REALLY upsets me! My unit is not the Einar Sound VC-01i. Instead, the Chinese supplier sent me the Hevicy Audio VC-01. 

 

I really do hope Einar Sound will work with me to replace this unit with THEIR model and QA'd by Einar Sound. Lets just hope they reply to my email as the initial communication was lackluster. First impressions are not good at all compared to the last company I worked with (Audio-GD which has awesome customer service!).

 

I do have to admit that the amp does not sound bad, but because of the above...I just have a hard time enjoying it right now. I also want the modified better quality VC-01i.

 

Zorlac

 

 

 

 

EDIT: Edison from Einar Sound replied and said he would take care of this. That was actually quick which is cool. I will update this when I find out more.

Edited by Zorlac - 6/2/10 at 11:13pm

So, it wasn't even labeled Einar Sound? thats weird. Does Einar Sound provide a modified version of the amp you got or is it the same one just rebranded by Einar?

Edited by Farnsworth - 6/3/10 at 12:19am

Farnsworth: Check the posts from einarsound on page 3 of this thread.

Ah, thanks. I must have looked over that. Now I understand.

 

I am curious as to what changes they made to the VC-01i to get the VC-01 and if the sound diference is that great. I may pick up the VC-01 if the difference isn't that big.

Internal pictures would indeed be interesting.

Here ya go...I havent heard anything from Edison yet (I hope he is in the process of ordering me the correct amp).

 

Nice, thanks. Could you post some pics of the VC-01i when you get it so we can compare?

Of course!  :)

Its been 7 days now with no communication from Einar Sound. I have no clue whats going on and not sure why they do not reply to my emails. 

I am now disputing with Paypal because of the lack of communication. I have no idea what is going on and I would be careful if you are considering buying this amp. I hate to do this because I tend to be a very patient and trusting person, but I have no other choice at this point.

Zorlac, sorry to hear about the problems you're having and hopefully you get all this resolved soon.  From reading your posts, you have been very patient through the whole process so hopefully you either get the correct amp or your money back so you can buy something else.

Mate it sounds like you have been very understanding and patient.  Completely unacceptable on their part.  Customer service and communication is the cornerstone of a good business and it seems like they are really letting themselves down in this regard.  Hope Paypal can help you to get it resolved :)