Amp/dac for long flights
Aug 21, 2016 at 2:51 AM Post #16 of 43
 
What did they change in the new one? Pigtail split?

 
There is a new CCK that has the option for power input alongside the USB connection, I think the other version without power is still available as well.
 
I do wonder though whether it is worth using an external DAC/Amp with the iPhone when flying. The sound quality on the iPhone is pretty good and with the background noise of of the plane (unless using good noise cancelling) I'm not sure you really get the full benefit.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 3:23 AM Post #17 of 43
   
There is a new CCK that has the option for power input alongside the USB connection, I think the other version without power is still available as well.
 
I do wonder though whether it is worth using an external DAC/Amp with the iPhone when flying. The sound quality on the iPhone is pretty good and with the background noise of of the plane (unless using good noise cancelling) I'm not sure you really get the full benefit.

 
That's the thing really - a good IEM will seal out most of the noise and won't need a lot of power to play loud without distortion off a decent smartphone.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 8:30 AM Post #18 of 43
75 watts is a lot. Most portables charge using 5-10W. You should be able to charge the DAC and amp simultaneous and still have enough power to run a small laptop. Just be aware, these outlets are probably coming off the 28V on the aircraft.. Aircraft 28V is notoriously dirty.

My recommendation is the Mojo and Rx. Not too far off. The Rx gives a little wider soundstage and separation than the Mojo alone IMO.


Sent from my E5803 using a highly trained, special forces carrier pigeon


Most are 5-10w on the dc side. A normal 5w 2a iPad charger uses 60w on the AC side. The 13inch MacBook Pro and air charger is 65w on the AC side while the 15inch MacBook Pro charger is 95w on the AC side.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 8:32 AM Post #19 of 43
That's the thing really - a good IEM will seal out most of the noise and won't need a lot of power to play loud without distortion off a decent smartphone.


IEMs are all I use while flying, but the er-4s that I currently use sound flat and held back on even the iPhone 6s+ with out an amp. That is why my jds cmoy went on all long trips with me. But alas it has died and I want to go dac also instead of just amp.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 8:43 AM Post #20 of 43
I think this might have sold me on a red. Is it as good as a mojo, not at all. But better then my current setup and leaving room for a new set of er-4sr to go with it. Yes. And hell if it is not holding for what I need I can resell it and grab a mojo next time it is on massdrop for $100 usd off retail.

 
Don't buy the Mojo from massdrop. Chord have said that they're not an authorised dealer, and thus they will not honour the warranty.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 9:57 AM Post #21 of 43
Don't buy the Mojo from massdrop. Chord have said that they're not an authorised dealer, and thus they will not honour the warranty.


The massdrop warranties are through squaretrade and with this device level would cover replacement. I have dealt with them a lot and don't mind the company. And based on warranty reviews I wouldn't want the chord warranty as it covers parts and partial labor with no shipping and from the Hugo I bought and sold awhile ago, if the repairs are too extensive, they will replace with a refurbished unit even if you have had it for a week.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 10:25 AM Post #22 of 43
For long trips or travel, I would recommend getting a phone battery charger, as they are not just for Pokemon Go!:wink::

https://www.amazon.com/External-RAVPower-16750mAh-Portable-Technology/dp/B00MQSMEEE/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789209&sr=8-67&keywords=phone+solar+battery+charger

Or you can get a laptop battery charger for work:

https://www.amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471788921&sr=8-3&keywords=laptop+battery+charger

Then you can get the Dragonfly Red:

https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Red-USB-Preamp/dp/B01DFMV4NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789368&sr=8-1&keywords=dragonfly+red

Or the Chord Mojo:

https://www.amazon.com/CHORD-Electronics-ultimate-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B016W1X94O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789329&sr=8-1&keywords=chord+mojo

Edit: If the plane has USB ports, would you really want to be tethered to the port for the whole flight?
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 10:43 AM Post #23 of 43
For long trips or travel, I would recommend getting a phone battery charger, as they are not just for Pokemon Go!:wink::

https://www.amazon.com/External-RAVPower-16750mAh-Portable-Technology/dp/B00MQSMEEE/ref=sr_1_67?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789209&sr=8-67&keywords=phone+solar+battery+charger

Or you can get a laptop battery charger for work:

https://www.amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471788921&sr=8-3&keywords=laptop+battery+charger

Then you can get the Dragonfly Red:

https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-DragonFly-Red-USB-Preamp/dp/B01DFMV4NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789368&sr=8-1&keywords=dragonfly+red

Or the Chord Mojo:

https://www.amazon.com/CHORD-Electronics-ultimate-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B016W1X94O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471789329&sr=8-1&keywords=chord+mojo

Edit: If the plane has USB ports, would you really want to be tethered to the port for the whole flight?


Ty for the suggestions (plane outlets are 2 prong AC not USB). I wouldn't plug my device into a public USB port anyways. Lol
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 11:17 AM Post #26 of 43
Ty for the suggestions (plane outlets are 2 prong AC not USB). I wouldn't plug my device into a public USB port anyways. Lol


Here are other necessary/great travel products:

8-pack international power outlet converter set:
https://www.amazon.com/ChargeTech-Portable-Universal-External-Photography/dp/B0116BX968/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BCKJY4C31HCSV2HC0Y1D

Laptop battery charger (pricey, but with 2-prong outlet):
https://www.amazon.com/ChargeTech-Portable-Universal-External-Photography/dp/B0116BX968/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BCKJY4C31HCSV2HC0Y1D

Outdoor laptop battery charger (pricey, but with 2-prong outlet and has handles):
https://www.amazon.com/Bioenno-BPP120-Rechargeable-Phosphate-Controller/dp/B00ME985E8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_107_40?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X8TS0R0EW2YKTR6XW4ZD

"Scientifically proven" neck support travel pillow:
https://www.amazon.com/Trtl-Pillow-Scientifically-Support-Washable/dp/B00LB7REFK/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1471792409&sr=8-17&keywords=travel+pillow+and+blanket&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Pocket-Size Travel Blanket:
https://www.amazon.com/KAHUNA-Pocket-Blanket-Waterproof-BLUE-GRAY/dp/B01E1CVJXO/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1471792592&sr=8-20&keywords=travel+pillow+and+blanket&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Edit: Target and Best Buy have great travel stuff as well.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 11:35 AM Post #27 of 43
Here are other necessary/great travel products:

8-pack international power outlet converter set:
https://www.amazon.com/ChargeTech-Portable-Universal-External-Photography/dp/B0116BX968/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BCKJY4C31HCSV2HC0Y1D

Laptop battery charger (pricey, but with 2-prong outlet):
https://www.amazon.com/ChargeTech-Portable-Universal-External-Photography/dp/B0116BX968/ref=pd_sim_sbs_147_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BCKJY4C31HCSV2HC0Y1D

Outdoor laptop battery charger (pricey, but with 2-prong outlet and has handles):
https://www.amazon.com/Bioenno-BPP120-Rechargeable-Phosphate-Controller/dp/B00ME985E8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_107_40?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X8TS0R0EW2YKTR6XW4ZD

"Scientifically proven" neck support travel pillow:
https://www.amazon.com/Trtl-Pillow-Scientifically-Support-Washable/dp/B00LB7REFK/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1471792409&sr=8-17&keywords=travel+pillow+and+blanket&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Pocket-Size Travel Blanket:
https://www.amazon.com/KAHUNA-Pocket-Blanket-Waterproof-BLUE-GRAY/dp/B01E1CVJXO/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1471792592&sr=8-20&keywords=travel+pillow+and+blanket&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Edit: Target and Best Buy have great travel stuff as well.


Not my first rodeo. Just looking for suggestions for amp/dac. I have everything else I need as I travel a lot.
 
Aug 21, 2016 at 11:36 AM Post #28 of 43
Most are 5-10w on the dc side. A normal 5w 2a iPad charger uses 60w on the AC side. The 13inch MacBook Pro and air charger is 65w on the AC side while the 15inch MacBook Pro charger is 95w on the AC side.


This seems horribly inefficient. Most power supply designs I have worked with approach 95%+ efficiency... I guess consumer electronics have not caught up.
 
Aug 27, 2016 at 12:42 PM Post #30 of 43
So after about 24-26 hours burn in, the dragonfly red sounds great with hifi files from tidal using my older er4s. I decided to add a new er4pt as I love the er4's and you can never have enough pairs when you travel a lot.
 

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