Heir Audio 4.Ai - Appreciation/Impression/Review Thread - Page 154

Quote:

Originally Posted by H20Fidelity 


She'll be right mate, just plugger in. Higher the better.

Really? This is the first time I've heard someone state that pairing high output impedance DAP with a low impedance IEM is a not only a good idea, ...but "higher the better".? Please explain. How is messing up the intended frequency response preferred? 

Not trying to start a fight, maybe there is something I don't understand.

Now the Tzar 90 and 350 with their high impedance were designed with high output impedance sources in mind. Maybe the C3 would be better for those. (I know nothing about the C3, just the 26 ohm output impedance was mentioned) 

Folks visit the AK100 thread for an extensive over view of high empedance DAPs etc

Lots of great info there, that said it does get intense in that thread as well.

Wizard

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinyman392 

 

He might possibly be talking about the Sony Hybrid foam tips (aren't available for purchase unless you get one of their expensive IEMs (then they come with them).  I could be off though. 

These hybrid tips (the ones with the foam inserts) also come with the entry BA model XBA-1IP

Quote:

Originally Posted by FullCircle 

Folks visit the AK100 thread for an extensive over view of high empedance DAPs etc

 

 

Lots of great info there, that said it does get intense in that thread as well.

 

 

Wizard

 

Sorry Wizard. Yup, off topic. My bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dumbleroar 

I'm thinking of getting the clip+. Does this player pair well with the 4.ai and the magnus 1 lead, or will I be crippling it? I need something portable and this seems to be the most portable player I can see. Just clip it on and in off. Just wondering how good it is because its quite cheap.

I think the clip is fairly okay for the 4.A.... With reservations. I used one with it for awhile until better things came along. After using better sources for some time, it's a lot easier to hear it's shortcomings (with the 4.A/i). So H20 is correct, you won't get the full glory of the 4.Ai out of the clip. But you have to balance your needs as well. If ultimate portability and a low cost are big factors, the clip works okay. The plus is it's so cheap it's nearly disposable and will get you going until you move up to something better. But, yes, you will want to move up to something better with the 4.Ai - it deserves a good source. 

Why not wait for DX50 or even the Fiio X3? If I am correct the Fiio X3 is already out.

The DX100 is meant to be fantastic all round, measurements wise and subjective review-wise and the DX50 is meant to be sonically the same as the DX100.

I really disagree about using the 4.ai with a high impedence source like the AK100 or C3 (if the outZ is really > 20 ohm on the C3)

I used the 4.ai with the AK100 and while resolution was fine, the bass impact I was getting compared to my desktop setup (or even out of an iphone) was reduced. there was detail and texture but it lacked impact that it had with other amps and sources.

When I got the AK100 modified to the RWAK100, the bass impact returned and the 4.ai from the RWAK100 now sounded on par with my desktop setup. (at the time it was the W4S DAC1 and ALO Amphora). if it weren't for my love of playlists and the awful way the AK100 software handles them, I would still be using it.

No one should buy a high output impedence source to use with the 4.ai unless you are OK with the potential for a softened bass response and a guarantee that the sound will be modified from the original recording. One poster might like the sound and make the recommendation but you should know what to expect if spending money on a device like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by H20Fidelity 


When you think about it, you've spent $399 on an IEM from Heir, and now... you're going to run them with a $35.00 mainstream Sansa player. Can you see the problem here? What you're doing is limiting 4Ai's capability, you're turning them back into $150 earphones. Don't get me wrong the mighty Clip+ measures well, I could have 50 members in here on my tail telling me that just for stating the above, but you're limiting your earphones technical ability. Yes, the Clip+ will sound 'OK' but there's a whole world of detail, soundstage, instrument separation hidden away from you capping your IEM if you do so. For some confidence in my statement check the sources I have owned / own on my profile.

I shall give you a name, search for it, the rest is up to you....


Colorfly C3


Goodluck

Thanks for advising me. Yes a cheap player and expensive earphones didn't sound right to me. It can get confusing picking the right dap, especially when players like the ak100 have a high output impedance which you are warned to watch out for. I'm learning though, slowly. The c3 does look nice and I'm reading all the reviews, the only negative thing I can see is the the lack of gapless playback, but then there appears to be a workaround for it. Not all my albums are gapless though, so it's something i can live with if there is a workaround.

Also the danger with using a high impedance source with low impedance IEMs like the 4Ai, is that for some IEMs, the treble got boosted. (SE535 for example). Can increase sibilance etc etc

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCfiner 

I really disagree about using the 4.ai with a high impedence source like the AK100 or C3 (if the outZ is really > 20 ohm on the C3)

 

I used the 4.ai with the AK100 and while resolution was fine, the bass impact I was getting with my desktop setup (or even out of an iphone) was reduced. there was detail and texture but it lacked impact that it had with other amps and sources.

 

When I got the AK100 modified to the RWAK100, the bass impact returned and the 4.ai from the RWAK100 now sounded on par with my desktop setup. (at the time it was the W4S DAC1 and ALO Amphora). if it weren't for my love of playlists and the awful way the AK100 software handles them, I would still be using it.

 

No one should buy a high output impedence source to use with the 4.ai unless you are OK with the potential for a softened bass response and a guarantee that the sound will be modified from the original recording. One poster might like the sound and make the recommendation but you should know what to expect if spending money on a device like that.

+1

Also the danger with using a high impedance source with low impedance IEMs like the 4Ai, is that for some IEMs, the treble got boosted. (SE535 for example). Can increase sibilance etc etc

Quote:

Originally Posted by uchihaitachi 

Why not wait for DX50 or even the Fiio X3? If I am correct the Fiio X3 is already out.

 

The DX100 is meant to be fantastic all round, measurements wise and subjective review-wise and the DX50 is meant to be sonically the same as the DX100.

The x3 looks a little bulky, but the dx50 looks a bit slimmer. Maybe I should wait.Thanks for the input everyone. It's helped :)