MASS-Kobo Headphone Amp. model404
Nov 24, 2023 at 9:42 AM Post #185 of 198
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Nov 24, 2023 at 11:19 AM Post #186 of 198
Is this the one that has the XLR in front? Forgive me I get the models confused.
I think it is similar to the 475, but the 475 is a newer model
 
Nov 24, 2023 at 3:20 PM Post #187 of 198
I think it is similar to the 475, but the 475 is a newer model
424 - XLR output
428 - 4.4mm output
475 - Identical to 428 but with USB-C power bypass instead of micro-USB
 
Feb 1, 2024 at 2:19 AM Post #188 of 198
Good day everyone!
I decided to make a little tuning on my Mass Kobo 428 and replaced all the op amps. In the original there were 4 x JRC 5532 - not bad, but outdated in their characteristics.
After installing the replacement panels DIP8, I tried several different op amps and settled on the following option:
Preamp - dual discrete op amp Sparkos SS3602 x 2
Output stage - dual (single x 2) JFET op amp OPA828 x 2
The sound is simply unrecognizable! :))

P.S. micro-usb connector was replaced with usb-c.
 

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Feb 6, 2024 at 10:23 AM Post #189 of 198
Just to check, when you guys use with really sensitive IEM (above 110 db/mw) types, when connected to a DAP, do you hear the capacitive screen noise?
 
Feb 10, 2024 at 5:11 AM Post #190 of 198
Feb 10, 2024 at 10:47 AM Post #191 of 198
Feb 10, 2024 at 9:02 PM Post #192 of 198
Nice review, though laid back/relaxed signature? I would describe it as the very opposite - namely, forward and incisive. Laid back is not something I'd ever associate with the Mass Kobo house sound, especially the 428/475...
This is actually in comparison with many amplifiers. I have quite a few and everything I compared to have a slightly more forward sound. It's just on a very small amount and noticeable only in a AB comparison as what I wrote in the review. If you don't compare directly, it will sound just fine really.
 
Mar 2, 2024 at 8:45 AM Post #193 of 198
Good day everyone!
I decided to make a little tuning on my Mass Kobo 428 and replaced all the op amps
Hi, I sent you a PM a few days ago. Would like to do the same kinda mod and I have some questions:)
 
Apr 14, 2024 at 8:10 AM Post #194 of 198


Alright! The mod of Mass Kobo is completed, moreover.. documented on YouTube๐Ÿ˜ My friend (audio reviewer and fresh YouTuber) has done an amazing job and now the op-amps are swappable in the MK 428/475 - those two โ€œmodelsโ€ are exactly the same, just different usb connector. If you could give Michalโ€™s channel some love, will be highly appreciated:)

For start weโ€™ve immediately put Sparkos SS3602 in preamp stage and Muses02 in output stage. Mass Kobo has a new sound to it - Iโ€™d say itโ€™s become meatier, namely bass is stronger and tighter and the signature has slightly more body. As for soundstage, details, etc. Iโ€™ll have to wait to receive stock JRC5532 back to compare more directly (it was 2 weeks break in between hearing MK). I will be writing conclusions after those direct comparisons with stock and some other opamps๐Ÿ‘

Here are some photos when I took it apart. Easy enough for anyone, but complex enough to be satisfying as well!
DSC_0135.jpeg

DSC_0137.jpeg
 
Apr 14, 2024 at 12:20 PM Post #195 of 198


Alright! The mod of Mass Kobo is completed, moreover.. documented on YouTube๐Ÿ˜ My friend (audio reviewer and fresh YouTuber) has done an amazing job and now the op-amps are swappable in the MK 428/475 - those two โ€œmodelsโ€ are exactly the same, just different usb connector. If you could give Michalโ€™s channel some love, will be highly appreciated:)

For start weโ€™ve immediately put Sparkos SS3602 in preamp stage and Muses02 in output stage. Mass Kobo has a new sound to it - Iโ€™d say itโ€™s become meatier, namely bass is stronger and tighter and the signature has slightly more body. As for soundstage, details, etc. Iโ€™ll have to wait to receive stock JRC5532 back to compare more directly (it was 2 weeks break in between hearing MK). I will be writing conclusions after those direct comparisons with stock and some other opamps๐Ÿ‘

Here are some photos when I took it apart. Easy enough for anyone, but complex enough to be satisfying as well!
DSC_0135.jpeg
DSC_0137.jpeg

Great video! If someone else has modded one of these portable amps, maybe they can shed some light on the changes the mod made? Big or small, Iโ€™m interested to know how much the signature changes with op amp swap.
 

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