First Impressions: ALO Audio the "National" Portable Headphone Amp (The Continental's Younger... - Page 4

Oh, I also cannot comment on the Sony EX1000s or the AHA-120 or SR71A...

 

Sorry, but I've never used any of those. I can give comparisons to the Fiio E9/11 or the Audioquest Dragonfly. Or how it sounds with my Vsonics or HiFiMANs. I wish I could be more help, but this is my first "high-end" amp.

 

I will say that I love it completely so far. I was skeptical about spending $300 on an amp, but I don't regret it at all.

I figured it out. It's the charger that gives you the red light while charging and green when it's fully charged, not the amp. 

I am still surprised there weren`t more buyers for the National, or more head-fiers talking about it or posting impressions.

 

I would certainly like to hear more.

I bought it. It arrives on Wednesday. I'm hoping to do a little comparison between Neco Soundlab V.3 and the classic RSA SR-71a. 

Just got mine tonight. So far, I am happy with it. used to own the SR71A which is a great amp. The National has its own distinct signature. Would spend more time with it and post more impressions but right now, I am smiling.

I also own The National and think its a great amp.

 

Do you think it will be able to drive the Hifiman He-500?

Can't vouch for that. I got the national understanding the fact that I won't enjoy it with HD600. I am just using my SE425 and DT1350. The SR71A was able to drive my HD600.

 

I'm enjoying the HD600 with the National more than I thought I would at first. My first impressions were not great but after listening a couple hours yesterday, it is rising in my estimation. At first the treble seemed awfully receded and I'm not in love with woman vocals or violins on it yet, but it does very well with lots of genres from symphonies to Radiohead. Its just a very engaging without demanding listen.  I'll have the SR71A and Neco Soundlab V.3 in a few days. I'm excited to do some comparing. 

You will be grinning from ear to ear with the HD600 /SR71A combo. I have not tried my HD600 with the National for fear that I may be disappointed. With your comment, I may have to try that. For the value, the National has that and for portable listening like waiting for the wife at the mall, it would suit me fine. Now of course, my humble home setup will compensate for whatever is missing. Glad that you gave the National some more time. i was not initially impressed but thought I would be fair. i'm glad I gave that time for it to blossom. The SR71A is a superlative amp. People complain on changing batteries. Got the rechargeable powerex 9v and for the sound, it was worth it. Would love to know your thoughts when you get yours. In the meantime, happy listening.

I ordered one Thursday and it shipped yesterday.  Can't wait to see how it does with the HE 400 and PS 500. 

My ALO The National arrived today and I must say I am very impressed with how this looks and the build quality for the actual price of the amp.

Not really had a proper listening session yet but on my initial sessions today I am quite impressed....seems to have a good weighty sound combined with my modded iPod and A.4i's. My only initial concern is even on the low impedence setting there is noticeable background hiss with the A.4i.....not tried them with my T70p yet and I have some GR07 Mk1's arriving tomorrow so will see if they fair any better.

After a week of listening, it does get better and the soundstage widens a bit. For the pricing, I am very happy with my national. Love to hear what you think after some listening.

 

I would agree with this assessment. I've gotten much more enjoyment out of the National the last couple days. 

I was not happy initially when I first used it. Little congested. Next day, slight improvement. Now at 50 hours, getting better. My SR71A truly blossomed at 200 hrs. The National certainly is sounding better. I limit it to iems and the DT1350 as I got it for commuting.

Received mine today and after five hours or so am really enjoying it.  I listen to mostly classical and have noticed some of the referred to congestion in the busier pieces but nothing I can't live with and hopefully it will clear up with time.  The gr07mkII's really shine but it's been excellent with everything I have plugged into it.