New high-end headphone amps: Vorzuge VorzAMPpure and VorzAMPduo impressions and review thread - Page 6

Originally Posted by shigzeo 

I borrowed a 4.Ai for about a month last year. Paired with the VorzAMPs, background noise is evident, but it is minimal. VorzAMPs exhibit mostly inconsequential noise. Most amps out there (with a few honoured exceptions) will hiss more than the Vorz. Every amp I have in my drawer except for the Tralucent T1 hisses more than the Vorz. Only one amp among them costs less than the Vorz. 

 

The 4.Ai hisses, but not as much as the Sleek Audio CT7. That earphone is incredibly sensitive. The UM2 is a beast, too. But there isn't an amp out there that will NOT hiss with either of those earphones.

Originally Posted by shigzeo 

 

The Portatube and vorz are two very different amps. Sound-wise, they can be compared. Both drive headphones and earphones nigh on perfectly with few to no artefacts. The Vorz sound is decidedly less shiny (a bad phrase for the sort of smooth/clean distortion you can sometimes get with valves). The Portatube has a lush high end that smacks a good one at every portable amp I've come across. It's a personal thing, though. 

 

But, either amp perform very well. Technically, at optimal volume settings (matched to safe listening levels with same headphones on the out), the Vorz will technically outperform the Portatube. But, if you are a valve fan, that won't matter. I'm typically not a valve fan, however, the Portatube isn't a typical valve amp. It's not 'tubey', dark, or veiled. It's merely more intimate than a typical solid state amp, with the plus of a shiny high end.

 

But it's more than double the volume of the Vorz, runs hot, gets 8-10 hours of battery life. 

 

I wouldn't consider one or the other if you value compactness. The Vorz is the only choice there. Absolute power, the Portatube will win of course. 

 

If Vorzuge can fix the gain, either by incorporating the gain into the volume pot and lowering the aggression so that it can freely be rotated up to 50% for earphones and 100% for headphones, I'd not think twice. The Vorz is killer. 

The VorzAMPs have excellent control of artefacts and resolution with low Ω earphones, but the gain is too high. However, VS the Continental V2 for use with low Ω earphones, there is no comparison: the VORZ has it beat in almost every regard: better resolution, fewer artefacts, lower noise, overall tighter grip. But, the Vorz lacks a gain control, which it desperately needs. Its internal gain is too high.

Originally Posted by kevin638880 

It just so happens that I have both. The Pure is definitely a tad bit clearer/more transparent than the Apex, and the speed is definitely faster. I would say the Apex is more balanced while the Pure's mids are a bit more forward. The Pure has more bass quantity and (I think) the quality is better, but the high/low end extension is not as great as the Apex. To me, the element that the Pure stands out from the Apex is the analog sound - both the vocal and the instrument sounds are rendered really well - just like how it should sound in reality. (Okay this is a personal taste - I know many people like some color).

 

Well, personally I love the Pure because I listen to fast, rhythmic J-pop music mainly. The Apex would be great for listening to slower songs for me, because if I would pick something negative about the Pure, it is the speed. Great on rhythmic songs, yes, but sounds unnatural with slow songs - feels like the singer wants to sing fast but unable to do so. Oh, and the light, too. It is easily a torch. 

Originally Posted by ariesq 

Anyone have experience requesting Vorzuge to lower the gain on their amp before shipment?

Can you request how much to lower the gain? Or do they lower it by a set amount?

Also, anyone from North American order directly from Vorzuge? Their site states that they ship via Express UPS/DHL (2-4 working days). I wanted to know how accurate their timing is as I will be going on vacation in two weeks and wondering if I should wait to order until after I return.


Thanks!

Originally Posted by awry 


I've emailed them before regarding this exact same thing about the gain adjustment. I was told to just provide information like iems used as well as source in the remarks space at the bottom of the order form.

I think they will adjust according though you can probably let them know what you have in mind as well. I personally was thinking of requesting the bass boost to be reduced to just 3db on top of adjusting the gain. They reply emails quite promptly if you want to ask any other questions. You should ask them about the shipping yourself. Hope this helps somewhat.

Originally Posted by awry 

@ariesq Adjust the bass boost at least as well if you're getting the Duo. It's a little ridiculous in its stock form.