Review: ALO Rx - Double the battery, double the fun
Nov 25, 2009 at 3:13 AM Post #16 of 145
estreeter - that is fine if you disagree. But I was referring to hard tests and yes, it will outperform your most players on the market. My typos - they are an unfortunate part of the game. (typo fixed) - probably many more to come.

I do notice hiss, but not at high volumes as the signal to noise ratio is higher. And, even at low volumes, the noise is still low. This is an excellent amplifier.

Will start formatting for headfi.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 5:12 AM Post #18 of 145
Quote:

Originally Posted by thread /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Is there really noticeable hiss with the JH13 when the gain is at minimum? ... or is that not minimum you were referring to, shigzeo?

Thanks for the review!



I'm using this amp with a 5.5g iMod and JH13s and there's no hiss. Can't speak to other 'phones.

Nice review, many thanks.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 5:16 AM Post #19 of 145
I am particularly keen on hiss levels and wouldn't cast doubt that you don't hear it, but it is there. It could be that I got into sensitive earphones with MD players and thus, had no hiss at all, then moved to other standards. Immediately, I noticed noise. Even the iPod touch 2G has a small amount of hiss which I can detect with the JH13Pro, but it is much quieter than the Rx. Still, hiss levels aren't too bad at all. Considering too that at 100% volume, the amp still has pace with good headphones, supplying about 95% of the signal quality, I can stand for a little hiss.

The above will be published soon.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 5:27 AM Post #20 of 145
Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I am particularly keen on hiss levels and wouldn't cast doubt that you don't hear it, but it is there. It could be that I got into sensitive earphones with MD players and thus, had no hiss at all, then moved to other standards. Immediately, I noticed noise. Even the iPod touch 2G has a small amount of hiss which I can detect with the JH13Pro, but it is much quieter than the Rx. Still, hiss levels aren't too bad at all. Considering too that at 100% volume, the amp still has pace with good headphones, supplying about 95% of the signal quality, I can stand for a little hiss.

The above will be published soon.



I'll not argue with your cat-like hearing (I tried to get my cat to listen, but no luck). For my 51-year-old ears, I can bring the Rx down to dead low volume, switch it off, and not tell any difference. So anything that's going on is that minimal. (Might any difference we're hearing be source-based?)

In any case, agreed on the basics, this is a fabulous amp.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 9:37 AM Post #21 of 145
Don't waste the Rx on your cat. By the way, the FitEar Private 333 (review next week) which is only 16 ohms and probably dips to around 4 or even less at times runs fabulously with the Rx - a feat which to a large extent, is harder to perform than the JH13Pro.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 2:42 PM Post #23 of 145
shigzeo... Have you listened to the RSA Mustang or Shadow?
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 3:47 PM Post #26 of 145
shigzeo, good review. And clearly shows the effects of how the amplifier has a definitive impact on overall SQ--in this case, in a very positive way! The ALO Rx is able to maintain its output under more difficult to drive conditions.

Hopefully, other Head-fi'ers are taking notice of this amp, and it's stout power supply. Yes, shorter battery life, but improved overall performance for your headphones. It should be easily heard to the trained ear playing music.

The review also shows the effect of single driver vs multi-driver/multi-point crossover designs. In your graphs, you can easily discern the difference. BTW, the effect has to do with the variability of impedance loading on FR. The multi-driver JH13 represents a much more complex load on the amplifier.

EDIT: This looks like a much better match for the JH13. If only I was in the market for another amp! ALO is in my neck of the woods so, I may have to visit Ken's new store for a listen.
 
Nov 25, 2009 at 4:14 PM Post #27 of 145
Yes, I imagine (I have no measured this) that the ba drivers may go down as far as 4 ohms at a time and make any amp swallow its pride. I will update to show the amp at 100% volume, driving the JH13Pro and the DJ1Pro as in the review, it is only at very loud listening levels. Most amps kack out about 80-90% of their volume, but this one does not.

Not perfect, but a great price for so much good technology. And, rather than borrowing the thing, I bought it!
 
Nov 27, 2009 at 4:25 AM Post #29 of 145
Given that Skylab lumped the Lisa III in with much smaller portables, would it be fair to compare it to the Rx ? D4 vs Rx is probably a closer 'apples-vs-apples' stoush : in any case, we would seem to have some very good portable/transportable amps to chose from atm.
 
Nov 27, 2009 at 7:11 AM Post #30 of 145
Hello again estreeter - the Rx is a very good portable amp and for the size, probably one of the most capable in terms of driving a large range of headphones. But, I would not put it as an amp which can replace a more powerful amp for full size headphones. I have not heard the Lisa III though I may get the chance at a headphone meet which is looming large on my horizon.

If I didn't have experience with home-amps, I would probably be fully satisfied with HD600 and the Rx which is a great pair, but it still is a portable amp. The same bass slam isn't going to happen with it as with much more powerful single ended amps. For its segment, it drives headphones better than a lot of amps out there.
 

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