iCan Micro + Nighthawks
Well, the micro arrived in very good time and I've had a good chance to play around with it. Works well with either no gain or lowest gain. Not sure which I prefer yet...
Having opted for this as opposed to the iDSD Micro (which I demoed) in order to save some money, I am not at all disappointed.
What this brings to the 'hawks that the Little Dot (and the Cayin C5) do not is a greatly improved high frequency clarity. I was content to listen to the Nighthawks without this until I heard them with. I now have the same kind of treble definition that I get with the LZA4 iems (black front filter) but with no hint of fatigue or sharpness. This is enhanced slightly with the 3D switch engaged at full effect, which obviously also improves the soundstage, both width and depth.
The 3D suits most genres, but there are some recordings where it makes the lead vocals a little too low in the mix. Easily fixed by changing to the lower setting or turning off altogether - I'm still getting a more precise sound than with my other options.
Listening to Carmina Burana (Orff recording, first track, the 'devil' music that everyone knows) is truly a revelation. Suddenly there are two groups of voices, with sopranos on the left side and lower registers on the right. I had NEVER been aware of this and I've listened to that recording many times. Also, I had previously thought there was some distortion on the higher voices. What I can now very clearly hear is that there is a brass section playing the same notes that the choristers are singing. All of this with all the aspects that made me fall in love with the 'hawks in the first place.
That whole thing about 'a particular signature that you get used to' with the Nighthawks is basically gone - the 'getting used to' part. Because they are really kicked up a couple of notches with this improvement in signal. I am in love all over again.
I'm done for gear for a bit now - no, really, I think I've pushed my wife to her limit until I figure out a way to make more money! When I AM making more money, I will investigate other amp choices but for now I am a very very happy listener. Imaging, size of soundstage, treble definition - all noticeably improved and still with that gorgeous musicality and comfort that the Nighthawks supply. Chuffed!!!