ALO Audio RXMKIII Balanced Portable Amplifier Impressions - Page 33

Thanks booth of you for your answers; and thanks for the link to http://toxic-cables.co.uk/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kremer930 

I was lucky enough to have a DX100, CLAS, Alo RX3 plus my usual DT1350 and JH16's as well as a pair of HD25's to play with this afternoon for an hour. I was very excited and knew that I had some of the best portable components available today in my possession. I also expected my CLAS RX3 to take a beating....but that wasn't to be.
I listened to the HD25, JH16 and DT1350 all in single ended mode out of the DX100 as well as single ended from the RX3 powering the DX and also single ended with the CLAS combo providing signal.
The DT's sounded thin and harsh from the DX. The darker sounding HD25 tamed the sound and matched better IMO. The smooth top end on my JH also reduced the glitchy top end of the DX.
Next up I ran the line out from the DX to the RX3. The size of the RX3 matches nearly perfectly to the DX. It is almost the same footprint as the RX and CLAS. I felt that the RX added more musicality to the DX. The line out level of the DX is significantly less than the CLAS too which meant that I had to run medium gain for all but the JH. The sound stage was broadened with the use of the RX and bass impact improved.
Next I ran the CLAS RX3 combo. Compared to this the DX sounded thin and particularly harsh in the treble. It is a bit like comparing a high end turntable against a regular CD player. Music had significantly more body, bass was fuller and the treble was much smoother.
Stepping the RX3 up to balanced output only lifted the difference further by adding slightly wider soundstage and improved bass attack. There is also perhaps slightly more midrange detail and texture too.
I listened to two tracks when running this comparison. Metallica's Enter the Sandman and Lana Del Ray, Summertime Sadness. Both were high res 24 bit on the DX and were ALAC on the iPod. Metallica sounded horrible from the DX to the DT1350. It was too much treble energy. The HD25 toned the detail down to a more bareable level.
I can remember reading a lone review of the DX where it was definitely not glowing. Now after listening to the DX myself I can agree with his comments. I think it was Anaxilus but I am not sure. Excuse me if I am wrong.
I spoke to my friend who was keen to hear how his DX compared. I told him that it was not even close and gave him the details. A possible saving grace for the DX is that it only has about 4 hours on it. The RX3 would have about the same. The CLAS, iPod, and all cans/ iems are all well broken in.
I am certainly not looking at selling my CLAS or the RX3 any time soon!

What firmware was this on for the DX100? 1.2.3 sounds like garbage. 1.1.7 is where the sound is at.

Just to clarify RE: DX100. The line out is extremely powerful, but its output is controlled via the volume buttons. Push to 100% to achieve close to line-level output. 

But the RX3 outclasses the DX100 in a number of areas, overall power, control, and volume at high levels being one. The RX has always been either the highest performing portable amp on the market or one of the highest performing amps. That hasn't changed. Fortunately, the DX100 has a good line out system that works well (as noted earlier) with the RX3 as the two share a similar footprint.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo 

Just to clarify RE: DX100. The line out is extremely powerful, but its output is controlled via the volume buttons. Push to 100% to achieve close to line-level output. 

 

But the RX3 outclasses the DX100 in a number of areas, overall power, control, and volume at high levels being one. The RX has always been either the highest performing portable amp on the market or one of the highest performing amps. That hasn't changed. Fortunately, the DX100 has a good line out system that works well (as noted earlier) with the RX3 as the two share a similar footprint.

What about in comparison to the Triad L3? I hear conflicting comments regarding the two.

Hmm how about compatibility with sensitive IEMs? Is the volume pot really good for low volume listening without channel imbalance? Is there any hiss?
 

I have an L3 here at office. I'll try to get some good comparisons up as soon as possible. Also, the newest FiQuest. 

Still, both of those amps are more than twice the size of the ALO Rx3. In fact, you are comparing a completely portable amp to two very large, transportable amps. There will be disparities in output pressure and at points, quality. The RCA input for the L3 is a big advantage, but so is balanced for the RX3. We are talking about two very different amplifiers. 

Anyway, I'm amazed by the class of amp that has been brought up in this thread. We are talking about splitting kings' hairs here, nothing less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee730 

What about in comparison to the Triad L3? I hear conflicting comments regarding the two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo 

I have an L3 here at office. I'll try to get some good comparisons up as soon as possible. Also, the newest FiQuest. 

 

Still, both of those amps are more than twice the size of the ALO Rx3. In fact, you are comparing a completely portable amp to two very large, transportable amps. There will be disparities in output pressure and at points, quality. The RCA input for the L3 is a big advantage, but so is balanced for the RX3. We are talking about two very different amplifiers. 

 

Anyway, I'm amazed by the class of amp that has been brought up in this thread. We are talking about splitting kings' hairs here, nothing less.

Thanks Shigzeo. I look forward to your impressions. I figured these amps were more so comparable due to the price range. Didn't know the L3 was double the size. Unless you are referring to the L3 in the wood case or are you referring to the metal case? Although for me having very good volume control (especially with sensitive IEMs) at low volumes is a must. I also hate hiss so that is another important factor for me. My unit is about the same size as the DX100, just marginally bigger. Thanks once again.

My L3 is the metal case version and is more than double the size of the ALO RXIII. There is no way you could fit it in pair of trousers. Even attached to an iPhone, the RXIII can fit into a large pocket. If you're a hipster (or simply not into baggy trousers), it its better left in your leather 70's bag. 

The RXIII has a very good channel separation even single ended despite being fed by a 3,5mm stereo signal. There is hiss, which is a shame, but the volume control (my unit isn't from the first batch; it may be from the third batch) is perfect for even sensitive earphones. The older, digital volume RX models were 100% perfect becasue volume was matched perfectly from the start. This is the only area that the new RX falls behind its prior generations.

Sounds good. Hiss would be the deal breaker for me. Especially when it comes to amps it must have a black background. I've made a compromise with the Studio V3rd ANV but could not do so on an amp. I agree with you on the portability factor. I definitely don't intend on using the L3 while out and about. It is strictly gonna be for my desktop or if I'm gonna be stationary for a long while I'll keep it on hand. Would probably set the Guinness would record for largest trousers if I was to intend on pocketing it :P. Unfortunately I'll have to wait for a proper charger for the L3. Also really looking forward to getting a good PSU to get the full potential out of the amp. Do you think you could post a picture of the MKIII along side the DX100? I thought it was quite a large amp still (compared to UHA6 MKII etc).