iBasso PB-2 Pelican fully balanced portable, DB-2 Dac . . HiFlight recommended op amps page 16. . - Page 8

Is there a thread sbout a PB1 driving an AKG K1000? Can somebody point me to it please.

HIFLIGHT  if its not much of a trouble can you please write a review on PB2 driving the K1000.  I currently owned the PB1 but I haven't tried with my K1000 I'm still waiting for the hirose connector to arrive.  I would definitely sell the PB1 and get the PB2 if this can really drive the k1000 with authority. thanks much

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeGoodman 

Sorry about that. Didn't you say that some Ray Samuels' amp/DAC, I think it was the Predator, had more impact in the bass? You said the DB1/PB1 were better in every way except that aspect. Correct me if I am wrong, and thanks for chiming in. These are awesome products.

Thinking of this (vs. SR71)?

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/499184/ibasso-boomslang-and-toucan-balanced-portable-dac-and-amp-silver-and-black-pg-1-19-25-26/495#post_7054149 

This is a question for the cable believer.  Do you think a silver cable like the TWag or silver dragon will match better with the PB1/PB2 amps or do you like the UPOCC type copper better.  I am ordering the PB2 and since I have not heard either the PB1/PB2, I do not have a feel of the over all sound signature.  Does the PB2 need help in the treble or in the bass department? Is it cold, or warm, or colored? Is it transparent and clear?

Also, for connection between DB1 and PB2, do you prefer silver or copper?  Please help.Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen68 

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeGoodman 

Sorry about that. Didn't you say that some Ray Samuels' amp/DAC, I think it was the Predator, had more impact in the bass? You said the DB1/PB1 were better in every way except that aspect. Correct me if I am wrong, and thanks for chiming in. These are awesome products.

 

Thinking of this (vs. SR71)?

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/499184/ibasso-boomslang-and-toucan-balanced-portable-dac-and-amp-silver-and-black-pg-1-19-25-26/495#post_7054149 

This is what I meant. Sorry. Do you still feel this way, and do you plan on getting the PB2? 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbusuego

Is there a thread sbout a PB1 driving an AKG K1000? Can somebody point me to it please.

 

HIFLIGHT if its not much of a trouble can you please write a review on PB2 driving the K1000. I currently owned the PB1 but I haven't tried with my K1000 I'm still waiting for the hirose connector to arrive. I would definitely sell the PB1 and get the PB2 if this can really drive the k1000 with authority. thanks much

I had my K1000s set up with the PB1 at one of our local mini-meets and several people heard them and commented on the fact that a portable could actually drive them to a reasonable level.  That level was suitable only with the PB1 maxxed on volume, and then only with a source that ran a really good line-out voltage. 

After reading your post today, I compared the PB1 and PB2 with the same inputs using my K1000's.  The PB2 clearly outperformed the PB1 both in tonal accuracy and in volume.  I had configured the PB2 with 2X stacked buffers, but not Hi-C.  I also tried it with a number of top-quality L/R opamps.   I should mention that I did all of my evaluations running the K1000 from the balanced output. 

Volume control needed to be at least 2PM and for some recordings with less line-out voltage, I needed nearly full volume for what I consider to be a normal listening level.  I would say that my listening preference is a "moderate" volume level. 

At no time, even at full volume, did I experience any clipping or distortion.  Tonal balance was excellent, with as much bass as I get from my desktop amp, albeit at lower volume level.

I would not suggest that the PB2 be considered as day-to-day source for the K1000 as there are other more appropriate choices for about the same or less cost.  As an example, the Virtue Classic or Virtue 1.2 outperforms the PB2 in all respects when driving the K1000 balanced from the amplifier speaker terminals.  It is not, however, a headphone amp, but then the K1000 should more correctly be called near-field speakers rather than a headphone. 

For occasional use with the K1000 and any other lesser phones, the PB2 is an outstanding performer, both from the SE output as well as the balanced output. 

While the PB2 sounds quite good as delivered, it responds very well to synergistic opamp combinations.  FWIW, I did not detect any change in volume level when using the AC adapter over using battery only.  The charger should provide some additional headroom, but I was not able to hear any audible differences. 

I hope this helps with your decision!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalo

This is a question for the cable believer. Do you think a silver cable like the TWag or silver dragon will match better with the PB1/PB2 amps or do you like the UPOCC type copper better. I am ordering the PB2 and since I have not heard either the PB1/PB2, I do not have a feel of the over all sound signature. Does the PB2 need help in the treble or in the bass department? Is it cold, or warm, or colored? Is it transparent and clear?

 

Also, for connection between DB1 and PB2, do you prefer silver or copper? Please help.Thanks

I don't consider the PB2 to be colored in any way.  It is well-balanced across the audio frequency and responds accurately to the quality of the input.  I believe the copper Hirose interconnect sold by iBasso works just fine for connecting the DB1 to the PB1/PB2.  Neither to I think that an expensive silver cable is necessary.  I have tried both silver and copper headphone cables (TWag and Black Dragon) plus my own OFC coppoer and can hear little, if any, difference between the two.  The quality of the source and the recording makes far more difference, IMO, than does the choice of cable material. 

I do believe that choices of cable material and construction are personal preferences that cannot be applied across the board to all users.  If this was the case, the marketplace would consist of one cable maker. 

Thanks HIFLIGHT. That was quick.  I guess I'll give PB1 first a try and then decide later on if I should get PB2, which is most likely to happen :)

Jalo, this is what I found from the PB1/DB1 thread:

By Jamato: 

I am using a Twag balanced IC by Whiplash Audio with the Boomslang and Toucan. Very nice. In thinking about it, how could 2 inches of IC make any difference unless what you were replacing was really bad but then I realized, that in a good IC, it isn't really adding to the sound but it amounts to what it doesn't take away from it (the signal). I hear more separation and transparency and what I would term as impact or dynamics. This is a nice addition as the copper IC iBasso sells, is a little warmer, which may suit some music. I find the Twag to be very neutral and really not tilted warm or cold in sound. 

HiFlight and Goergegoodman, thank you both for you help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalo 

HiFlight and Goergegoodman, thank you both for you help.

You are welcome.

IMO, is the TWag worth the $120? In most cases, no. However, if you want a sound with slightly more precision and clarity, more like a razor as opposed to a cleaver, over what the amazing combo already offers or you want a slightly brighter or different sound sig, the TWag is not a bad purchase. Also, it will probably be wasted if your headphones and sources are not up to the task, but I think that is obvious.

Quote:

I have since sold the PB1 as I have been quite "smitten" with the SR71b and DB1 combination.  I have no plans to get a PB2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfen68 

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeGoodman  

This is what I meant. Sorry. Do you still feel this way, and do you plan on getting the PB2? 

I have since sold the PB1 as I have been quite "smitten" with the SR71b and DB1 combination.  I have no plans to get a PB2.

I am listening to the CCR via DB1-->SR71B-->LCD2 in full balance mode.  You are right, it's got everything a person wants.  The beat is just snapping away.  But the PB2 with 2.5W per channel is still very tempting 

wheres that picture of that old school headfier using the K1000 potable and how cool it can look when I need it. Jamato8, you know the one I mean? I just searched for it to no avail because I cant remember who it was

also guys, please do not continue the cliches of copper = warm bassy and silver interconnects = cool detailed sound in here, I have a hard enough job trying to explain that just isnt true as it is. system synergy is much more important. you simply cannot make generalized statements like that IMO

this one.

Originally Posted by qusp 

wheres that picture of that old school headfier using the K1000 potable and how cool it can look when I need it. Jamato8, you know the one I mean? I just searched for it to no avail because I cant remember who it was