[Mimouille]

I love my DX100 and strongly recommend it. But if you want to stick to iphone, the glacier is a very nice amp and dac, which will allow to keep a portable rig. The amp sounds good from what I heard, but cant vouch for the dac.

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

Hey everyone,
 
Just ordered a pair of 1plus2. I don't have any experience with high-end IEMs. I'm mainly a headphone user (LCD-2).
 
I read through this whole thread over the weekend and I"m still undecided on a DAP.
 
I know Lee loves his Studio V, and others enjoyed their RWA-AK100/DX100. Any other contenders? Should I consider the Nova-3 as well?
 
I know the iPhone 5 isn't the best source, but I love how all my music is already organized on there. Is there any portable amp/dac that I can pair the iphone with that will give me similar sound quality to high-end DAPS?
 
RWA also offers their iMod. Anyone have experience with it?
 
Thanks!

 
How strongly do you prioritise music management over SQ? Since your comment about how you like your music is organised on your iPhone 5, I'm assuming that all your music on your PC is on iTunes and therefore AAC or ALAC. At this point, let me brief you about my portable audio system, as such you can see if you can relate or not. I have my music in two main forms :-
 
1) ALAC/AAC - iTunes synced to my iPhone and iPad. During syncing I actually cut down to 256kbps but in the iTunes source they are as they are (ALAC, 320bps AAC, 256kbps purchased AAC, etc.). My iDevice is my jukebox with 7000 tracks.
 
2) FLAC (16/44.1, 24/96, 24/192) - these are selected premium files either purchased from HDTracks, CD ripped, or converted/downsampled from SACD.
 
I have the VentureCraft Go-DAPs (4.0, X, & DD Socket 1) & CypherLabs Algorhythm Solo/ALO Rx Mk3 for #1, whilst I have the iBasso DX100 and RWAK100 for #2.
 
So the question for you is would you make the effort for #2? If so, then your options widen but you will need to do music management yourself with the iBasso, (RW)AK100, Sony NW-F/Z, Cowons, etc.
 
On the other hand, if you have too many songs under iTunes and you want to stick to a seamless music management system iTunes/iDevice, then the only options you have for your iPhone 5 would be :-
 
1) VentureCraft Go-DAP X
2) Upcoming V-Moda Verza
3) Fostex HP-P1
4) Cyperlabs Algorhythm Solo -R (and I think the -dB too but I didn't see iPhone 5 listed the -dB....strange)
[I think there's another but I can't remember]
 
So, what's your priority?

 

[Charnwood]

Quote:

Spiral ear se5 reference. I dont remember Joe comparing the SE 5 and the heir 8a. Plus the only problem I have is that their are few reviews of the se5, nt6 and such others. Coming back to the 1 plus 2, has the custom version been tested yet ?

Thank you for the clarification. I sympathise with the problem of there being few reviews. I had little to go on when I ordered my 1plus2 Hybrids, even with a review and a long thread to back it up, there was actually little solid information. And what there was was mostly about, what is now, the previous version; as is the review. I wouldn't like to order customs on so little.

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Thank you for the clarification. I sympathise with the problem of there being few reviews. I had little to go on when I ordered my 1plus2 Hybrids, even with a review and a long thread to back it up, there was actually little solid information. And what there was was mostly about, what is now, the previous version; as is the review. I wouldn't like to order customs on so little.

Aren't you glad you took the risk? Was it worth it?

 

[ariesq]

Quote:

 
How strongly do you prioritise music management over SQ? Since your comment about how you like your music is organised on your iPhone 5, I'm assuming that all your music on your PC is on iTunes and therefore AAC or ALAC. At this point, let me brief you about my portable audio system, as such you can see if you can relate or not. I have my music in two main forms :-
 
1) ALAC/AAC - iTunes synced to my iPhone and iPad. During syncing I actually cut down to 256kbps but in the iTunes source they are as they are (ALAC, 320bps AAC, 256kbps purchased AAC, etc.). My iDevice is my jukebox with 7000 tracks.
 
2) FLAC (16/44.1, 24/96, 24/192) - these are selected premium files either purchased from HDTracks, CD ripped, or converted/downsampled from SACD.
 
I have the VentureCraft Go-DAPs (4.0, X, & DD Socket 1) & CypherLabs Algorhythm Solo/ALO Rx Mk3 for #1, whilst I have the iBasso DX100 and RWAK100 for #2.
 
So the question for you is would you make the effort for #2? If so, then your options widen but you will need to do music management yourself with the iBasso, (RW)AK100, Sony NW-F/Z, Cowons, etc.
 
On the other hand, if you have too many songs under iTunes and you want to stick to a seamless music management system iTunes/iDevice, then the only options you have for your iPhone 5 would be :-
 
1) VentureCraft Go-DAP X
2) Upcoming V-Moda Verza
3) Fostex HP-P1
4) Cyperlabs Algorhythm Solo -R (and I think the -dB too but I didn't see iPhone 5 listed the -dB....strange)
[I think there's another but I can't remember]
 
So, what's your priority?

 
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
 
All my music is currently ALAC/ACC in iTunes. I do have some FLAC files on my PC that I use with my headphone setup, but to be honest, I can't really hear a difference between the two.
 
I would honestly love to use my iPhone 5 with the 1plus2, but only if I can get almost comparable quality to a standalone DAP.
 
Thank you for the list of portable Amp/DAC that are compatible with iPhone 5. I will research all of them now. Have you heard all of them? Which one do you like the best? Is it even a fair comparison to compare them to the DX100/RWA-AK100/Studio V?
 
Thanks again!

 

[lee730]

ariesq you should try just give it a shot and see if you can indeed hear a difference between those said tracks (lossy to lossless) with the 1Plus2s. They are extremely revealing and I can discern lossy from lossless. On certain tracks its very noticeable while on others you have subtle cues that in the end still make it worth the extra space IMO . Although on apple devices I honestly see no need to use lossless as the difference was minimal at best and a waste of space (apple units aren't revealing enough to warrant the space IMO)....
 
In terms of sound quality ariesq I still feel the DX100 has the overall advantage of all the units you mention if you are after absolute in sound quality. But in regards to the 1Plus2 I honestly feel the Studio V sounds the best on the 1Plus2 even over the DX100. They just have very good synergy together and its not easy to find a good pairing with the Studio V since it is so bright and detailed. It's an energetic sound, very lively and dynamic. The RWA AK100 is also a decent option but personally I prefer the Studio V 3rd ANVs sound over the RWA AK100 and the Studio V doesn't need an amp to sound its best while the RWA AK100 does.
 
If you don't mind dealing with the rather basic UI of the Studio V I'd say it is a very good option. It is in no way a perfect player (very basic UI and has some hiss).. But what it does have is excellent sound quality, up to 85 hours of playback time with lossy and 55 with FLAC, sturdy metal body with metal buttons & it can also be used as an external amplifier.
 
Hell there really is no such thing as a perfect DAP. Even the AK100 has its own flaws that are unacceptable for its asking price. But that is a big part of this hobby (compromise for sound quality).
 

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

 
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
 
All my music is currently ALAC/ACC in iTunes. I do have some FLAC files on my PC that I use with my headphone setup, but to be honest, I can't really hear a difference between the two.
 
I would honestly love to use my iPhone 5 with the 1plus2, but only if I can get almost comparable quality to a standalone DAP.
 
Thank you for the list of portable Amp/DAC that are compatible with iPhone 5. I will research all of them now. Have you heard all of them? Which one do you like the best? Is it even a fair comparison to compare them to the DX100/RWA-AK100/Studio V?
 
Thanks again!

 
I have the VentureCraft (4.0, X, DD) range in my possession and I have the Cyperlabs Algo Solo (original and -dB). I also have the DX100 and the RWAK100. To be honest, I find it hard pressed to tell the difference 'cos for most tracks I have. I'd have to say very few, just a handful, that I can tell but only if I listen hard (i.e. I'm no longer listening to music but I'm scrutinising).  It's only those handful 'cos of how they're mastered.
 
My DX100 and RWAK100 is really more for 2 purposes - when I'm doing testing, and when I don't want to drain my iPhone battery life. Otherwise, I could comfortably use my iDevice DAC/Amp (most likely VentureCraft 4.0 for it's integration to my iPhone 4S), and RWAK100 interchangeably.
 
I don't own the Studio V - heard a pre-ANV version and it wasn't to my liking and not looked at HiSound since.

 

[elnero]

Quote:

I know the iPhone 5 isn't the best source, but I love how all my music is already organized on there. Is there any portable amp/dac that I can pair the iphone with that will give me similar sound quality to high-end DAPS?

 
The upcoming CEntrance HiFi-M8 looks like it would fit the bill, check the dedicated thread in the Portable Sources forum.

 

[Charnwood]

Quote:

Aren't you glad you took the risk? Was it worth it?

Oh yes, the gamble paid-off! And they continue to surprise me.
 
I was listening recently to Allen Toussaint's album 'The Bright Mississippi', using  Apple Lossless on the iPod and FLAC lossless on my PC.
 
I started with the 1Plus2s plugged into the iPod and then added my Meier Quickstep to the chain.
One track in particular cought my attention.
Track 5 - Winin' Boy Blues
This track is duet between two pianos, one to the left, the other to the right, with nothing much happening in between.
Off the iPod, the pianos are close to each ear which I found uncomfortable to listen to. Adding the Quickstep didn't change this presentation much. Swapping the iPod for Media Center 18 on my PC together with the Beresford Caiman DAC, again using the Quickstep. This time there was a noticible difference, things had opened up. The pianos where now just in front of me on either side.The result was that the track was now much easier to listen to.
   
One thing is clear, the quality of the source makes a significant difference to the 1plus2's.

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Oh yes, the gamble paid-off! And they continue to surprise me.
 
I was listening recently to Allen Toussaint's album 'The Bright Mississippi', using  Apple Lossless on the iPod and FLAC lossless on my PC.
 
I started with the 1Plus2s plugged into the iPod and then added my Meier Quickstep to the chain.
One track in particular cought my attention.
Track 5 - Winin' Boy Blues
This track is duet between two pianos, one to the left, the other to the right, with nothing much happening in between.
Off the iPod, the pianos are close to each ear which I found uncomfortable to listen to. Adding the Quickstep didn't change this presentation much. Swapping the iPod for Media Center 18 on my PC together with the Beresford Caiman DAC, again using the Quickstep. This time there was a noticible difference, things had opened up. The pianos where now just in front of me on either side.The result was that the track was now much easier to listen to.
   
One thing is clear, the quality of the source makes a significant difference to the 1plus2's.

 
Exactly. These IEMs are very revealing. Even chameleons. I felt the same in regards to the older model as well since they scaled extremely well on better gear. As you mentioned on how the 1Plus2s image in front of you. That is something I've never really experienced in an IEM before. How it images. You can close your eyes and picture them in front of you on stage. While with other IEMs it's more so in your head and I really can't truthfully picture them in front of me although I can hear them . The IE8s were the only other IEM that really gave me some form of out of head experiences, but nothing like that of the 1Plus2. But the IE8s had an effect on me in certain tracks where I'd look back or around me thinking something happened lol.

 

[AnakChan]

I've added my impressions of the Tralucent 1Plus2 finally after a few weeks of love and hate. The bottom line of my impressions is that although I may agree with some aspects of what most of you are saying, there are quite a few points where I do disagree which is highlighted (although not dwelled upon). Afterall though audio is extremely personal but for me, I may not necessarily love this IEM as much as some of the rest of you.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/tralucent-audio-1plus2/reviews/8314
 
Now that I've completed this, I'm undecided if I'm to keep or sell my 1Plus2.

 

[Turrican2]

I've added my impressions of the Tralucent 1Plus2 finally after a few weeks of love and hate. The bottom line of my impressions is that although I may agree with some aspects of what most of you are saying, there are quite a few points where I do disagree which is highlighted (although not dwelled upon). Afterall though audio is extremely personal but for me, I may not necessarily love this IEM as much as some of the rest of you.

http://www.head-fi.org/products/tralucent-audio-1plus2/reviews/8314

Now that I've completed this, I'm undecided if I'm to keep or sell my 1Plus2.

Very nice review. Have you heard the k3003 by any chance? If so how would you say it compares to the 1 plus 2 IYO

 

[AnakChan]

Very nice review. Have you heard the k3003 by any chance? If so how would you say it compares to the 1 plus 2 IYO

No unfortunately I haven't. I've seen them in the shops but not tried them. I might one day, however comparisons in such cases will have to be taken with a large grain of salt. With the headphones I mentioned in my review, I had (and for most, still have) them in my possession.

 

[tomscy2000]

Hey guys, I just received the new 1plus2 (w/silver cable) and old 1plus2, as well as the T1... I'll be spending the next couple of weeks with it before it goes off to someone else.

 

[zachchen1996]

I'm undecided if I'm to keep or sell my 1Plus2.

If you ever decide to sell em' contact me, very interested.