x-post from the AK SR35 thread - someone asking a comparison between the PA10 and the C9.
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The PA10 requires some more
-in. I am only 10 hours in.
First impressions: the PA10 is not as versatile as the C9. Not a big deal at this price point. A propos price, how come AK came up with such an amp at that price? Typical class A sound and absolute killer built quality. This amp looks and sounds gorgeous.
vs. C9, the PA10 « sounds » maybe a bit narrower in the stage, but hey, the DAP/DAC and most importantly the transducers will make the difference. The C9 digs deeper in your tracks to brings all details in the surface while keeping the signature very musical and effortless. The noise floor is excellent on both devices, the C9 maybe is a bit more silent (to be confirmed within extended comparison).
So far, the PA10 is an affordable and better built C9 (yes, it’s possible). It’s a warmish, full sounding amp, a bit colored, but powerful and able to go very loud without distortion, with a « how much can you take »-philosophy. Pairing is key with the PA10, much less with the C9 (versatility).
The PA10 never gets warm btw. The chassis of the amp has been built with great care.
Honeymoon phase at play, I am enjoying the PA10 with my SR35 as I used to get goosebumps back in 2017 with the FiiO X5III/FiiO A5 stack. Not the same era, we have been a long way, but the old school concept of stacking gears together is dope to me.
More elements of comparison in due time.
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