ALO audio New amp+DAC : "The International" - Page 3

So how then will we be able to make use of the DAC if we want something PORTABLE and not TRANS-portable? Get an android device?

So .... what is the head-fi niche the International is aimed at filling? 

No mobile phone has a fully functioning USB port. It doesn't matter the connector or the software. The DAC on the input device matters. If that DAC can be powered with below 20mw, then it is fine. if not, then it won't run on a current iDevice. If a specific Android device has more power than that, then as long as the DAC needs that minimum input, it should run. If a DAC needs 5V to run, no smartphone in the world will power it.

 

You will need an external battery pack or to hit the mains.

 

My iPod touch 4G jailbreaked runs the International. The iPad does not need to be jailbreaked to run it. Even current models. They seem to run fine. It's a matter of the blocked USB calls in iPhone/iPod touch that can be addressed by jailbreak, not a matter of power - at least with the International. Its DAC either receives plenty power from 20mw, or from the battery inside the International.

 

Not too sure what you mean by "a fully functioning  USB port". Wasn't implying that at all. I don't know of any DACs that draw less than 20mw (presumably you're talking about an external DAC with circuitry around it, etc....not talking about the DAC chip itself and it's power requirements). Most portable DACs have their own power source (either batteries or mains power pack). Those that don't like the JDS Labs ODAC would pull it from the PC.

 

I agree with you it's the protocol but in the protocol communication between the DAC and the computer or iDevice, and exchange of information as to what power is required. So these two points of protocol and power are not mutually exclusive.

 

The reason I'm quoting the iOS 4.2 version for the iPad is that before that version, the iPads allow (via the CCK) for USB devices (including DACs) to draw up to 100mA however it was deemed to be draining the iPad's power source unreasonably as such since iOS 4.2 to now, that power requirement was dropped to 20mA. And this is done actually via the iAP communication when the USB device is hooked to the iPad.

 

Anyway, my question was whether your statement was in general for all USB DACs (which I'd probably would have disagreed with you), or if it's specifically with The International which you replied it is which is much more plausible.

Edited by AnakChan - 2/6/13 at 8:14pm

My reply was tackling just the power requirement. Since no USB ports on any smartphone support the full power requirement of USB (and few laptops do, either), DACs that draw more power than the USB port can handle need extra power. The iPod touch works perfectly fine with the International's DAC, which is powered by the battery. Certain DACs take their power from the mains, or from the source. Those devices never work without external power. Examples of those devices are: Pan Am, Porta Tube; examples of DACs that don't require external power (that power from the internal battery) are: hippo cricri+, The International. 

 

If an Android device can push out more power, chances are it will power more DAC devices via USB, but if the device pushes the same power, it will be stuck just like the iPod touch, or the iPad is. 

 

iPad does not need to be jailbreaked to be used. iPod touch does. 

 

I think I may understand with Pan Am, not certain with Porta Tube. But I'm quite sure I tried my iPad with the hippo cricri+ (this is the tiny gum box one right?) and thought that the iPad +CCK and it said it needed too much power and didn't want to talk to it.

 

I understand what you're saying about power but I think it's geting into the nitty-gritty details of what happens during the protocol communication exchange between the DAC & the iDevice.

 

So far the only DAC/Amp that works my iPad are desktop DAC/Amps like the HP-A8 & the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. I've yet to come across a portable DAC/Amp that works with the iPad (in USB mode). So I'll be sure to give that International a shot.

 

Sorry to go OT for the rest of the audience here.

 

Edit #1: Just to be clear, I'm not doubting The International specifically as it's proven to work from pix, not to mention your previous statement "....at least with the International.". But right now I think this is the only portable DAC/Amp that works with the iPad via the CCK (or in the pix, with the Lightning).

Edit #2: I've brought this conversation here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/507559/list-of-dacs-that-work-with-ipad/615#post_9136779

Edited by AnakChan - 2/6/13 at 8:20pm

Does anybody know the MSRP of this product?

You can find that information by going to ALO's website. It costs 599$ USD.

It's $599 USD:  http://www.aloaudio.com/the-international

Considered getting the RSA Intruder but then read that the Intruder has a 16/48kHz chip

vs the International that houses the Cirus 24/96kHz so now I am getting the ALO

International to be my main source of power for the LCD2.

In the writeup they mentioned that the single ended input is balanced via the circuitry

and can be used as an output on the ALO Int.  Knowing that the balanced output has more

power than the single ended I got a Green Linea 4pin to XLR adapter to connect the LCD2

to the amp. 

 

My question is:   should I use a LOD cable from the iPod to 1/8 adapter to connect an

iPod Classic to the amp or should I get a LOD to USB mini?  What is your suggestion.

 

Also what is your opinion on ALO Internationa vs RSA Intruder? 

 

Thank you...

 

Just AB-ed Intruder vs. International

 

Three crazy audiophiles agree:

 

International beats Intruder in:

Soundstage

Neutrality (Less dark)

I read two reviews where they mentioned that the International

has better dynamics, punchier bass and the chip difference (vs the Intruder)
The chip is not that much of an issue (maybe on the long run)

but the other facts are.  International is on its way.

 

Searched the net for LOD iPod to mini USB... nobody is making that adapter.

I guess the standard LOD to 1/8 will do.

 

Thnx for reply...vZero
 

 

The CLAS-dB comes with one and I think there's one made by ALO...

 

http://www.aloaudio.com/sxc-24-30-pin-to-usb-mini-a-en

 

And no problem :)

This just keeps getting better. My my current rig-of-joy is the dB+RxMk3 balanced. I'd be particularly curious if the International tops the RxMk3 in balanced. Any comment on hiss & pot scratch on The International??

Yes.. I have seen that adapter on the ALO site.  Thanks for reminding me. 

Of course there is always that question what do we gain getting that

connection over the LOD and the gold plated 1/8 (FiiO L9)  which is

ten times less in price.  ;-)  

I also wonder how is the International with smaller headphones like

the Etymotic ER-4 MicroPro on low gain...  all those questions

and doubts...  I guess I will soon find out. 

 

Thnx again...