I got them! Left: 2 Raytheon Japan 6CG7 Right: 2 RCA Grey Plate 6CG7 (Non-clear top version) Subjective initial impressions (may change with burn-in, though I didn't notice burn-in with the stock tubes) - Right off the bat, the sound is slower and more relaxed than the stock tubes. Definitely...

The stock tubes honestly are pretty good, though I do feel (preemptively) that upgrades to the 6cg7 tubes are worth it for the relatively little cost. I am expecting two RCAs and 2 Raytheons today and will share some information as to how they sound with headphones.

Enjoy man. These scale up so well too. I added a Schiit Freya N preamp and the enjoyment level went up even more. The right source is key :beerchug:

I just received the Freya N today and am listening to it with the stock 6n1p tubes. Current impressions are that they are very detailed (more like extremely detailed) and improve upon the relatively average treble response of the Reference 5 DAC. It also helps that the THR-1 has a very laid-back...

Just curious, does anyone have any experience with RCA Black Plates 6CG7 w/ the white label and top getter? I also came across some Sylvania grey plates with the green labels (from the 50’s?). Any impressions or comparisons vs the Raytheons?

Hello, absolute tube newbie here. I am about to receive a Freya N to pair with my Kinki THR-1 and was wondering which tubes would be the most harshness-free and musical sounding, but still have excellent detail (same tonality as THR-1 or Violectric V281, with more neutral bass). It seems that...

I use this great set of IEMs daily. Well-balanced tuning and great technicalities.

@iFi audio is it ok to daisy chain 2 iematches together for more volume attenuation?

I remember John telling me when I first bought these XTC Opens that they scale extremely well the higher up you go. Well, I upgraded to a vintage Audio-gd Reference 5 PCM1704UK DAC (this thing is 13 years old but don't let the age fool you), and it is literally like finding the next level of...

I am selling my newly acquired MoonDrop MoonRiver 2 Ti. It is in Like New condition and includes packaging/accessories/manuals. It is missing the little USB A to C adapter though. Selling to downsize audio collection. Sound-wise, it does not emphasize any frequency and is pretty neutral to my...

Quick and easy process trading with Music Alchemist. Highly recommend him to trade equipment with.

Tried these at Canjam. They sound incredible and compare well to the XTC Opens I have, which in turn compare well to Utopias, Final D8000s etc.

I highly recommend pairing the reference tuning with a warmer source that is easier on the ears. Still retains incredible detail imo.

XTCs definitely the best headphone at $799. No question. Competes well against flagships such as utopia, susvara, meze elite, etc.

I do not experience any hiss issues even with my 64 Ohm 114dB XTC Opens with the low headphone output under normal volume ranges (9-3). However, if I turn the volume on the THR-1 to the max, there is quite a loud hiss present. I am using the DAC pre-out as the DAC doesn't have any line out...

Up for sale is a lightly used Jensen PI-2XX 2 channel isolation transformer in perfect working condition. Product sticker has tape on it to prevent further chafing, otherwise is Like New (no cosmetic damage on transformer casing). Shipping is on me. PM if interested :), thanks! Product page...

Yep. Before I thought it was quite sharp in the treble and presence region, but now it's perfect with the pairing of a tube-like amp.

This past week I have tried many pads to try and decrease the sharpness of the treble, including Dekoni elite Beyerdynamic velour, fenestrated, and sheepskin pads (they all fit the XTC Opens). However, I always came back to the angled fuzzies. It turns out the THR-1 just needed some more burn-in...

Just curious. Does anyone have a comparison or know what the difference in sound is between a brand-new THR-1 and a fully burned-in one at 300 hours? I am trying to gauge how much more analog the amp could sound, currently at ~70 hours.

Issue fixed! The million cables I had around the desk and in the extension strip were too noisy, so I separated them so they weren't touching each other and bought another extension strip just for the amp and dac. Turns out clean power is important for your audio equipment :)

There might be a ground loop present It may be a ground loop issue. There is hissing with my cans but only if I turn the volume up to the max. Anything else is just a very slight buzz. I connect my laptop and DAC to the same power so I am hoping the ifi GND defender can solve the issue with the...

I have noticed a little hum in the left driver of my headphones during power on that gets quieter as I use it. Is this normal with the THR-1? Does the background noise improve over time with burn-in, or is 64 ohms 113 db too sensitive for the amp?

The Kinki Studio THR-1 came in today. I am absolutely speechless with how good it sounds when paired with this tuning. I dare say that it is better than the 4x more expensive Niimbus 5 Pro. Tames the peaks pretty well, they are mostly gone, though I expect it to improve over time with burn-in. I...

Just received a second-hand THR-1 with about 50 hours of burn-in per the seller. If 50 hours sounds this good, I am extremely curious as to what 300 hours sounds like. Currently running the XTC Open with the Cen.Grand acting as pre-out. I have tried many amps at CanJam this year, including the...

I agree that they sound absolutely great with good recordings. May be a reason why people like the XTCs on tube amps like the Woo Wa6se to correct the flaws.