DNA Sonett Review - Page 7

Originally Posted by santacore 

I stared with the SE amp, and later got the balanced version. Overall they are very similar sounding, with a slight nod to the balanced version with my HD800's. It seems to have a bit more control and a bit more drive. It's a subtle thing, but something I preferred.

Originally Posted by Donald North 

Hi Regal,

 

Thanks for sharing these comments. Do keep in mind this photo is of the prototype. Production units look similar and nicer inside.

 

As for your comment about not paying for R&D, the same can be said when you go to a nice restaurant. A $50 entree costs less in actual food components - you're also paying for the chef's expertise to carefully select and combine the ingredients to create a complete tasty experience.

 

Lastly, I do use the Sonett with my K240DFs wonderfully, playing plenty loud enough for me.

Originally Posted by Jeremy 

Nice review. I love the Sonett. I listen to it every day. I spent a ton of time auditioning headphone amps. None compared to the Sonett in terms of sound quality, build quality and value, which is why I chose it. Great customer service, too.

Originally Posted by Jeremy 

Nice review. I love the Sonett. I listen to it every day. I spent a ton of time auditioning headphone amps. None compared to the Sonett in terms of sound quality, build quality and value, which is why I chose it. Great customer service, too.

Originally Posted by TTEO22 

Have you auditioned the Zana Deux or other tube amps like the Raptor before? Care to elaborate more? Many thanks.
 

Originally Posted by Jeremy 

 

I have auditioned the Zana Deux, but only at Head-Fi meets, not at home where I do my critical listening, so it would be unfair for me to try and compare them. I'm sure the Zana Deux is a great amp but I didn't feel the need to go any further or spend any more money once I heard the Sonett. I have heard the Raptor many times and I prefer the tone/sound signature of the Sonett. I have also auditioned the Headamp GS-1, the Stello HP1, and the Cayin HA1 tube amp. The GS-1 was the best of that bunch to my ears but I still prefer the Sonett by quite a margin. There are several other headphone amps I have auditioned at various meets, but I forget which ones at this point.

 

The Sonett is also dead silent, doesn't get too warm, which is a bonus since it is sitting right next to me at my computer desk, and it sure is pretty, which doesn't hurt! 

 

Originally Posted by Rdr. Seraphim 

 

Congrats on the Sonett punkaroo! I loved mine out of the box; loved it even more with the NOS tube substitutions; and then even more as things progressed (yes, there's even more to be had from Donald's very robust design). One of the reasons I like the Sonett so well is that it pretty much plays any kind of music with some of the "bestest" cans out there, a testament to its versatility and drive (that lil' 6H30 is one heck of a tube). I was using my Pico Amp/DAC with very nice results. Recently, I paired it with the new Wyred4Sound DAC-1 (Cullen Circuits) with the 24/192 USB option. The Sonett rewards generously, so give it your best and it'll play some music!

 

I've had several very late (early morning) listening sessions. My only regret was my lack of sleep.

Originally Posted by Rdr. Seraphim 

 

I couldn't agree more re your comment, "IMO an amp that is genre specific isn't designed properly." Similarly, I recall a conversation with Bobby Polkovic of Merlin Music about his TSM's (then the MXe, now the MXr), about how they would reproduce choral and classical genre's, my personal music preferences. His reply kinda took me aback, "My speakers don't care what kind of music you play, rock, classical, choral, Hip Hop..." He was unabashed in his declaration that loudspeakers shouldn't play music better with one genre or another, a stance that I have since adopted on all my audio equipment, from source to transducer. It has also made my music system selection process less subjective, as system matching and synergy become important and more apparent during audition.

 

When I first started my search for an amplifier, part of my purpose was to find out just how good the Westone ES3X could get, as well as a good basis for future reference IEM's and CANs. What I ended up with was an amp that I felt first and foremost delivered music, regardless of the genre. And for the most part, could handle most CAN's you could throw at it, from the venerable 800's to the best of the IEM's.

 

Most recently, my source has been upgraded to the newly released Wyred4Sound (Cullen Circuits) DAC-1 with the USB 24/192 option. As some have indicated, the source is where it starts, is the fountainhead, or spring that feeds the rest of the musical chain. The ES3X and the Sonett have easily revealed each change, and musically, for the better. (I plan to update the original Sonett review with observations on the new DAC. So, stay tuned!)

 

BTW, I think the Sonett might exhibit some good synergy with your AudioGd sources . Also, have you thought about some reference IEMs from Jerry Harvey, e.g. JH13 or JH16? 

Originally Posted by spahn_ranch 

 

Certainly not to answer for anyone else, anyway I extensively auditioned JH13/16; HD800 and amps with the Sonett being my overall favourite.

 

JH16/Sonett was the most definite goosbump level combo to my ears; the HD800/Sonett were in that ballpark. Otherwise, I prefered the JH13 over the JH16 with Lehmann Black Cube; RA1 and a smallish Nuforce DAC/amp. The JH16's bass was too much one those; whether or not due to a lesser degree of control I'm not sure, but it was clearly overpowering whereas it was très excellent and beyond on the Sonett.

 

I'll be doing more auditioning of JH13/16; HD800 and Sonett, after picking up my Amarra MINI later this week, as that software appears to truly mitigate the issues I may have had with edgy trebles.

I should note that others may not be troubled at all by treble on any of those phones, but my ears still slightly hurt from small hints of spikey or edgy trebles after suffering some damage years ago. Quite possibly it was all source related and that's what I'll find out the next time. My final comment right here and now is that the Sonett and the RA1 were generally the "good guys" with my "treble trouble" tracks.

Originally Posted by dannie01 

Great, jc. Hope you like your new toy. BTW, try out the EML rectifier in the Sonett if you have a chance, learn that it's a very good sounding tube than a Sophia. I should have mine in the next week for the WA22.