I'm using one from Power Inspired. It did make the amp hum a bit less but it was still noticeable.
Moon Nēo 430HA Reference Headphone Amplifier
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JohnnyCakes
Formerly known as talkingmuffin
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on my Moon Neo 430 (+DAC), i listen at:
40-50 volume on Focal Utopia
65-75 volume on Audeze LCD-4
quite a difference. BUT! --- the Utopia has a balanced cable (black dragons) and the LCD-4 is running the stock black/gold braided 1/4" single ended. i'm getting a balanced cable from Audeze soon, i'll report back if it makes a difference.
40-50 volume on Focal Utopia
65-75 volume on Audeze LCD-4
quite a difference. BUT! --- the Utopia has a balanced cable (black dragons) and the LCD-4 is running the stock black/gold braided 1/4" single ended. i'm getting a balanced cable from Audeze soon, i'll report back if it makes a difference.
jlbrach
Headphoneus Supremus
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I usually find about a 20DB difference between the Utopia and the LCD-4 either straight of my Dave or Dave to 430
hattrick15
100+ Head-Fier
I'm thinking of getting a Dave. I currently have an Auralic Vega and a 430. How would you compare the sound of the Dave with the Utopia versus the Dave and 430 with the Utopia? I'm trying to figure out if I can sell both the Vega and the 430 to fund a Dave.
jlbrach
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I wouldnt bother using the Utopia with the external amp...not necessary and overkill IMHO...with the LCD-4 it is a different story ...if you plan to use only the Utopia with the Dave then I would say you can safely sell the amp
Yugo
100+ Head-Fier
I have posted in the GSX forum before, but I will post here again.
I am considering selling my GS-X MK2 230V in exchange for a 430HA. Based on my audition 430 has much better synergy with the Utopia. So if u are interested check out my listing and PM me. Also if you have a similar mint conditioned 430HA in 230V, I can happily trade with u.
I am considering selling my GS-X MK2 230V in exchange for a 430HA. Based on my audition 430 has much better synergy with the Utopia. So if u are interested check out my listing and PM me. Also if you have a similar mint conditioned 430HA in 230V, I can happily trade with u.
I am a GS-X mk2 owner, not a Neo 430HA owner. So if I misspeak I am sure the Moon owners will correct me.
I was giving serious consideration to the 430 myself. As I understand it, there are two versions of the 430.
- The 430HAD which has a built in Sabre 9018 based DAC
- The 430HA which is same amp, sans DAC.
Is it safe to assume that you're keeping your Rockna DAC and just considering the HA model?
I can't see the 430 HAD outperforming your current Rockna/GS-X pairing.
JohnnyCakes
Formerly known as talkingmuffin
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i recently got the Meridian Explorer2 in order to take full advantage of the new MQA "Masters" streaming on Tidal. so i'm using this as my DAC now running to the Moon Neo 430, bypassing the Neo's internal DAC.
my question: taking the MQA variable out of the equation, which is the better overall DAC - the Meridian Explorer2 or the one inside the 430HAD?
my question: taking the MQA variable out of the equation, which is the better overall DAC - the Meridian Explorer2 or the one inside the 430HAD?
john777
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I would expect it to be the one inside the 430HAD, if only because of better power supply.
SuperBurrito
100+ Head-Fier
I haven't heard the Meridian, but have used the internal DAC in the 430 for about 8 months until I upgraded to the Yggy DAC. The internal DAC is a very nice 1-box solution.
At a price of $800 for the internal Moon DAC, it is probably equivalent to at least a $1,000 external DAC (considering the need for a chassis and power supply). Or more if you are buying fancy interconnects and/or power cables.
At a price of $800 for the internal Moon DAC, it is probably equivalent to at least a $1,000 external DAC (considering the need for a chassis and power supply). Or more if you are buying fancy interconnects and/or power cables.
crrrddddeeeee
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I have both the GSX-MKII and the 430HA+DAC and I think the Moon would be a better match with the Utopia. I haven't had the pleasure to listen to the Utopia yet but the GSX-MKII just seems like it would be too sterile and lean for them from my experience with different headphones on both amps.
SuperBurrito
100+ Head-Fier
I'm thinking the same thing (selling the 430HA and Yggy, and just having a Dave/Utopia setup). But there are always new headphones coming out, some of which need a more robust amp than the Dave can provide. So I feel like if I sold the 430 I would probably buy another one in the future. I really like it.
The Utopia/430 combo is amazing, really amazing. But I am almost afraid to listen to the Dave because I've heard so many great things about it...an audition could be financially dangerous.
crrrddddeeeee
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I'm in the same boat; I was thinking of selling my 430HA, Headamp GSX-MKII, and/or Rag & Yggy to pay for the DAVE if I like it. Hopefully soon!
jlbrach
Headphoneus Supremus
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I have both the Dave and the 430 and I have the Utopia and can state categorically that the Dave drives the Utopia easily...in fact the Dave drives everything quite easily other than my LCD-4 which is a power hog...even with the LCD-4 i tend to listen straight out of the dave more often than not.....the 430 with the dave is a great combo for hard to drive HP's like the LCD-4 or HE-6..the Dave is worth the effort to acquire,it really is that good
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