[pfurey89]

Is anyone running u12 balanced w/ Onkyo X1 (or Pioneer equivalent)? I know Seamon had that set up but said it distorted. 
 
I want a great DAP for streaming Tidal/Spotify (price under $700 used) that pairs best with u12, and potentially want to run balanced. Any recs? I don't want to stack anything.

 

[PinkyPowers]

Is anyone running u12 balanced w/ Onkyo X1 (or Pioneer equivalent)? I know Seamon had that set up but said it distorted. 

I want a great DAP for streaming Tidal/Spotify (price under $700 used) that pairs best with u12, and potentially want to run balanced. Any recs? I don't want to stack anything.

The Cayin i5 is a great DAP, but it doesn't have balanced. The FiiO X7 with AM3 module is balanced. The new FiiO X5iii (3rd Gen) does everything you're looking for. It will be released internationally soon.

 

[BobFiggins]

   
U10 is far from harsh or sibilant to me.  

Have you tried the HD600/HD800? While I know it's essentially different, which one would it be closer to in terms of how detailed it is?

 

[chaiyuta]

  Is anyone running u12 balanced w/ Onkyo X1 (or Pioneer equivalent)? I know Seamon had that set up but said it distorted. 
 
I want a great DAP for streaming Tidal/Spotify (price under $700 used) that pairs best with u12, and potentially want to run balanced. Any recs? I don't want to stack anything.

I suggest you try FiiO X5iii. 

 

[fritobugger]

  Have you tried the HD600/HD800? While I know it's essentially different, which one would it be closer to in terms of how detailed it is?

 
 
I have the HD800 and I have tried the HD600 and HD650.  To me the U10 is more like the HD600/HD650 than the HD800.  The unmodded HD800 is a microscope for detail and can be a bit harsh depending on the material and source.  For me the HD650 was too veiled and the HD600 was just about right but a bit boring with little or no bass.
 
U10 is never boring and has decent but not overblown bass.  The highs are there but smooth and not harsh to me.

 

[PinkyPowers]

I have the HD800 and I have tried the HD600 and HD650.  To me the U10 is more like the HD600/HD650 than the HD800.  The unmodded HD800 is a microscope for detail and can be a bit harsh depending on the material and source.  For me the HD650 was too veiled and the HD600 was just about right but a bit boring with little or no bass.

U10 is never boring and has decent but not overblown bass.  The highs are there but smooth and not harsh to me.

That sounds about right to me. My U12 has a lot in common with the HD6XX (650), so it makes sense the U10 would fall more in line with the HD600.

 

[Levanter]

I don't find the HD650 (6xx) veil at all. Lacking in sparkle in the treble yes, but definitely not veil. If you want to know what's veil go look at the AK Layla.

 

[noneedlessnoise]

   
I didn't compare them nor do a blind test. What I did was connect Onkyp dp-x1 via usb to Mojo and have been having lots of fun. Getting best of  both.

When you use the Mojo via USB, you're bypassign the DAC in the Onkyo DAP and using the Mojo DAC and amp exclusively. The Onkyo has no effect on the sound characteristics at that point.

 

[soundman414]

Can anyone comment on how the universals fit in the ear? Maybe someone that has ears on the smaller side and how much they protrude, do they go deep enough into the canal to get a good seal?

Thanks in advance

 

[maniac2003]

Overall I think the universal fit is decent. Due to the long stem it sits deep into your ear canal, as long as you can manage this the fit should be fine. The shell's themselves aren't particulary big from the IEM's that I have. Just a tad thicker (U8) so it sticks out a little bit more.

 

[PinkyPowers]

Can anyone comment on how the universals fit in the ear? Maybe someone that has ears on the smaller side and how much they protrude, do they go deep enough into the canal to get a good seal?


Thanks in advance

My Audiologist said I have average sized inner-ears.

These sit close to flush. Depending on how your ears are shaped, smaller ears may find the U12 does fit flush. Or it may protrude some. The U12's shell is quite small, considering how many drivers are inside.

And they are wonderfully comfortable.

 

[pfurey89]

My Audiologist said I have average sized inner-ears.

These sit close to flush. Depending on how your ears are shaped, smaller ears may find the U12 does fit flush. Or it may protrude some. The U12's shell is quite small, considering how many drivers are inside.

And they are wonderfully comfortable.

Hey Pinky, what's your favorite source to power (amp or dac) your u12?

 

[PinkyPowers]

Hey Pinky, what's your favorite source to power (amp or dac) your u12?

Anything that isn't overly warm. Since the U12 is quite warm already, I like a DAP that's closer to neutral, but still full and capable.

The AK120ii is amazing with the U12, because it's one of the smoothest, organic, and most spacious-sounding DAPs around, which accentuates the U12's virtues to the fullest.

However, during my week of testing the Opus #1, I grew to love how energetic and punchy the U12 sounded, while remaining perfectly clean and natural.

 

[pfurey89]

Meant to say, I need Spotify / Tidal streaming. I haven't downloaded music in 3+ years now.

 

[subguy812]

Meant to say, I need Spotify / Tidal streaming. I haven't downloaded music in 3+ years now.

I will try to download spotify on the i5 and let you know how it works