MatAudiophiles
EarMen CH-AMP
CH-AMP
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Prelude:
EarMen is a brand that needs no introduction to anyone in Europe, and I think it is also well known to everyone outside Europe. EarMen’s products are always a great pleasure for me, not only because of the quality of workmanship, but also because of the enormous amount of time and knowledge they put into even the smallest detail. Regardless of the price of the product. This time we will talk about the highest model of their headphone amplifier so far, which is the title CH-AMP. This model is quite unusual, which I will write about later in my article. At the same time, its price is high compared to competing st-amps, but extremely attractive considering the possibilities and potential this amplifier offers us. So let’s see what the $999 CH-AMP can do. By the way, it is currently available at a promotional price, so it is worth following the manufacturer’s official sales channel!
Unboxing:
CH-AMP, unlike ST-AMP, consists of a separate power supply section in the form of the PSU-3 power supply and the CH-AMP amplifier module. In addition to the equipment, we will receive a remote control and it is the same remote control that accompanied us when unpacking the tradutto DAC. Then we get a power cable for CH-AMP, three 12V power cables. Additionally, we will find a handful of information in the form of brochures, and that’s it. The PSU-3 is a small square block, with a really quite decent weight. On the front there is a device switch and two LEDs providing information about the device’s operating status. In my opinion, CH-AMP is a perfect copy of the tradutto transducer. I mean its size and shape, but also its external appearance, which is very similar. It’s nice that the manufacturer maintains a consistent style. Thanks to this, we can create a functional tower consisting of a power supply, amplifier and transducer. An interesting option is to add a stage amplifier at the bottom to save space, as the size of the PSU-3 allows it perfectly. On the back of the PSU-3, in addition to the socket dedicated to the CH-AMP, there are three 12V outputs enabling the connection of a Tradutto converter or other devices, in my case I connected the FiiO k11 to the linear power supply, and a nice cheap DAC xDuoo mu601. The PSU-3 is a great power supply with ultra low noise level, which actually translates into a much cleaner sound. However, the total power of the 12V outputs is only 1.5A, so we will not connect very demanding devices to it. The set does not include a power cord, so I used my isotec evo. It may not be the most neutral power cable, but I like it very much and I know that many people cannot hear the impact of the power supply on the sound at all. However, I definitely consider it an important aspect. But let’s leave the topic of power for another day. Today we are going to talk about CH-AMP and let’s get back to that. The amplifier itself is really small, if it weren’t for the power supply it would fit in a larger jacket pocket. On the front there is an input change button and two levels of gain adjustment. A tiny screen shows us the channel balance and allows us to adjust the volume in the range 0-30. I have no idea why they decided on such a scale, but I admit that it works well and allows you to listen to virtually any headphones without any problems. So I don’t know how you did it, but good for you Earmen! On the back of the device there is a 4.4mm balanced input classic for EarMen, two RCA analog inputs, and an RCA and 4.4mm analog preamplifier output. On the headphone output side, on the front of the device there is a 6.5mm output and a balanced 4.4mm output. The quality of workmanship and fit of the elements are at an exemplary level
Sound:
Low tones: The lower frequencies are flexible, very well controlled and provide excellent sensations. It is a very good and well-thought-out combination of a mature and technical approach with musical and slightly easier-to-understand tuning. I definitely prefer when music is primarily for listening, rather than for showing excessive parameters. At the same time, I am very impressed by how much EarMen in the CH-AMP model has raised the bar when it comes to the technical layer. This is a very powerful device and undoubtedly, the bass is powerful, but not overwhelming. The energy of the low tones is strong and hits the spot perfectly, regardless of the music genre. At the same time, the amount of bass is not overwhelming, but rather encouraging to listen and continue playing with the sound. At the same time, the bass goes low and has very good extension, which is especially noticeable in the case of rock, electronic music or music that is typically based on low tones. The lower bands made a huge impression on me with their purity and the depth they represent. At the same time, care was taken to maintain a smooth and very coherent character, which shows that CH-AMP maintains a classic, universal, but at the same time very technically efficient approach to sound. It reminds me a bit of the bass from the angel model, but at an even higher, more refined and developed level. Of course, if someone is a fan of ultra-fast transistor sound, they may be surprised, because CH-AMP sounds more analog, tempts with its sound and encourages you to continue listening. At the same time, we put sound quality first. And it’s not that CH-AMP lacks dynamics, because it perfectly follows any type of music, but it does it so naturally and ethereally that it is pure pleasure.
Mid tones: This area in the case of CH-AMP focuses primarily on naturalness. At the same time, not forgetting about the technical layer. Both the voices and the instrument sound full and engaging. CH-AMP maintains the overall tonal balance, but at the same time provides us with clear and legible vocals that are not hidden in the background. My Arya Organic or HE1000SE could really shine in a positive way when connected to CH-AMP. However, softears volume and BGVP DM8 also took full advantage of the potential offered by CH-AMP. What particularly pleased me was the amount of detail and air presented by CH-AMP. We can catch every detail and even the smallest detail in our music. At the same time, it is done in a natural and engaging way, not artificial or overwhelming. That’s why I assess the midrange in CH-AMP as well-thought-out and mature, at the same time it is a truly addictive and emotionally engaging tuning. Which I consider an additional advantage. The sound stage is expanded both in depth and height. The amount of air and the separation of instruments are much higher than the price we will pay for this amplifier. Each instrument, voice or detail has its place in space, and the whole thing is perfectly visualized. It’s truly inspiring how agile this little amplifier is at drawing planes and soundstages.
High tones: CH-AMP focuses strongly on balanced sound, while maintaining the balance between the technical and entertainment layers. Thus showing incredible realism and clarity of sound. It is no different in the case of high tones. That’s where the real magic happens. The tonal range and resolution provided by CH-AMP is a very high level, much higher than what we can find in this or even more expensive price range from the competition. The high tones are smooth and consistent, while remaining appropriately extended and not dull in any way. Instead, they provide a lot of excitement and a lot of information. They allow us to enjoy the music we listen to and at the same time enable us to analyze it thoroughly and thoroughly. This is a truly impressive feature of this amplifier. I have tested many DACs, but it sounds best with the tradutto converter dedicated by EarMen. Of course, it also sounds good with other pickups. However, this combination is tailor-made. In combination with the tradutto, the high tones became clear and legible, while being completely contained. Providing detailed and clear sound with a very pleasant and smooth reception. This means that even when connecting louder headphones, we should not be afraid of excessive piercing in the high tones. On the other hand, choosing darker or more subdued headphones, CH-AMP will add some life to them and make them even more engaging and exciting to listen to. This plasticity in the case of CH-AMP is a very good and desired feature by many.
Power:
In terms of power, we will definitely not lack it both with the SE and balanced outputs. Importantly, in the vast majority of cases, CH-AMP remains completely silent and has a black background, offering us one of the purest sounds on the market. This is very important, especially in the case of sensitive and more sensitive headphones. That’s why I’m glad that EarMen didn’t approach the topic differently and instead of the unknown high power, choose a very reasonable compromise in which there is no lack of power, and the main assumption is signal purity and quality. CH-AMP will also work well with IEM headphones.
Comparison:
EarMen CH-AMP (999USD) VS EarMen ST-AMP (599USD)
EarMen CH-AMP has a more mature sound, much more technical and resolving, but ST-AMP is, in my opinion, a great device, more entertaining and easier to listen to. In terms of entertainment, ST-AMP is certainly more entertaining in presentation, while CH-AMP is more resolving and universal. Of course, both devices are great, but the price difference between them is fully justified and dictated by the increase in sound quality in the case of CH-AMP. CH-AMP has such a different sound compared to ST-AMP that I personally decided to have both devices, their quality and mutual complementation are really worth such an investment in my opinion. ST-AMP is an almost perfect device for people looking for a universal, all-in-one device. As well as for people who like to save space, or when such saving is dictated by our space. However, CH-AMP is a more mature amplifier, with a sound closer to the angel mobile DAC/AMPA, and thanks to its arrangement in a tower, it also requires relatively little space.
EarMen CH-AMP (999USD) VS HIFIMAN EF600 (799USD)
The EF600 is, above all, an excellent device when it comes to planar headphones or units that require a lot of power. Unfortunately, due to the very high amplification level, it is not suitable for very sensitive headphones. However, it also has a DAC based on the R2R circuit, which is outstanding in its price class. However, if we evaluate the EF600 only as a stand-alone amplifier, it sounds more neutral, transparent and with much more power. However, CH-AMP has a better gain control, is perfect for virtually any type of headphones, is also more precise, shows more details and focuses on greater listener involvement. So it’s a completely individual decision which will be better for you. The EF600 worked great as a R2R DAC for CH-AMP and turned out to be an excellent combination offering very good analog sound. Although the tradutto is most suited to the CH-AMP signature, the R2R system warmed the whole thing up even more. When it comes to very current-demanding headphones, the EF600 certainly has more power and offers much greater amplification, but on the other hand it has limitations related to very sensitive IEM headphones. In the case of CH-AMP there is a lot of power, and in the case of sensitive and ultra-sensitive headphones we have very good synergy. In terms of signal purity, both amplifiers are impeccably clean, offering a beautiful black background.
EarMen CH-AMP ($999) VS EarMen ANGEL ($599)
Since I have mentioned the legendary Angel DAC/AMP so many times, it could not be missing in this review. Angel is primarily an all-in-one device and still retains its portable form factor. While in terms of sound it is similar to CH-AMP. However, CH-AMP is, in my opinion, an extension of the angel project, offering sound on a larger scale. CH-AMP does what angel does, but does it much better, with greater dynamics, a larger stage and even better sound. Of course, you should remember that there is almost a double price difference between angel and CH-AMP, which is completely justified. For mobile solutions, angel is simply very good, it offers stationary-level sound in a pocket-sized package, which deserves great admiration. At the same time, if you like the sound of this DAC/AMP, you should not think too long about purchasing the CH-AMP. It is an undisputed evolution compared to its portable brother and provides an even greater range of sound sensations, which translates into an even better experience
Summary:
EarMen CH-AMP is an outstanding and timeless device, offering incredible workmanship and a unique and very engaging sound. The perfect combination between musicality and clinical clarity. The clean and strong signal offered by CH-AMPA is another important advantage. At the same time, it is ideal for both demanding planar headphones and less demanding IEM headphones. This is also an advantage of low output impedance. In terms of power, we will certainly not lack it in virtually every case. As a preamplifier, the CH-AMP sounds really good and the volume control works very smoothly. It is worth remembering that each time we turn our device back on, all parameters will be reset and the volume will be reduced to 0. This is a form of protection against accidentally turning on too high a volume. Many companies could learn from EarMen when it comes to device design and security. It all makes a very solid impression. The strong point of CH-AMP is its unique and well-thought-out tuning as well as its relatively small and compact size. That’s why I consider CH-AMPA to be one of the best amplifiers in its price class, and once again I strongly recommend the EarMena product because they have once again proven their professionalism and the quality of their products, making CH-AMPA a device that is not only practical and functional, but above all, plays beautifully. At the same time, the purity of the sound and the almost perfectly black background were kept in mind. All this translates into an extremely positive value for money offered by this product.