[fuhransahis]

One interesting thing here: Looks like the new technology IEMs with electrostatic drivers are pretty hard to drive. I read somewhere that the SP1000 was not able to properly drive (if I am not mistaken) the VE Elysium and an extra amp was needed. I am talking about an IEM! Similar thing also with the RHA CL2 planars. So, the output power of SP2000 and Cube (and also the Cayin N8) might be the next high end DAP standard for next generation of IEMs.

The HiBy R6 Pro, Cayin N6ii, and LTPG Touch have comparable power, and the iBasso DX150/200/220 with Amp8 has more power than any of those. Now the Cube has the most power of any DAP, but on the pure SQ front is still a bit of a mystery to me as ample comparisons to other DAPs and sources are limited at best, and existing reviews read more like press releases than actual reviews.

 

[DarginMahkum]

The HiBy R6 Pro and Cayin N6ii have comparable power, and the iBasso DX150/200/220 with Amp8 has more power than any of those.

Unfortunately I didn't try the N6ii but N8, which is quite powerful and full bodied. I found the post that I mentioned:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/vis...compact-monitors.682142/page-63#post-14999800

"The Elysium, when properly driven, is the most coherent and accomplished take on the "trinity" hybrid design that I have heard so far. They are very power-hungry for an IEM, you won't be happy with them on a WM1Z or straight out of the SP1000. It only took a couple minutes on my SP1000 to convince me to switch to the WA11 on high gain."

My dealer is now trying to organize an Ultrasone Saphire for demo-ing, which is a 2x ES + 4x BA configuration. Can't wait to try it with Cube.

 

[fuhransahis]

Unfortunately I didn't try the N6ii but N8, which is quite powerful and full bodied. I found the post that I mentioned:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/vis...compact-monitors.682142/page-63#post-14999800

"The Elysium, when properly driven, is the most coherent and accomplished take on the "trinity" hybrid design that I have heard so far. They are very power-hungry for an IEM, you won't be happy with them on a WM1Z or straight out of the SP1000. It only took a couple minutes on my SP1000 to convince me to switch to the WA11 on high gain."

My dealer is now trying to organize an Ultrasone Saphire for demo-ing, which is a 2x ES + 4x BA configuration. Can't wait to try it with Cube.

Yep, those two are pretty under-powered DAPs. The Cube is no doubt overkill for powering the vast majority of IEMs, the other higher powered DAPs would do just fine with the Elysium. Though it's good the Cube can do it all if it's signature meshes well with your other gear and preferred signature.

 

[omoanya]

Re: 2.5 Balanced port

2 questions for the Cube Community :

1. I've never seen headphones with 2.5 mm balanced plug - would these be high-end IEMS or can anyone give me any examples of headphones configured with this plug I might try?

2. Looking through the manual there is a section called "Connecting to A Balanced Audio Device 1." which reads "Connect to an external audio device by using the 3.5mm unbalanced port and 2.5mm balanced port. Unbalanced Port (Ground) Balanced Port (LR)" . - Does anyone know what devices would take such a combined input?

Thanks!

 

[omoanya]

Just updated software OTA- Car mode is great! Any suggestions for a car mount that would securely hold this beast?

 

[JasonNYC]

Looking through the manual there is a section called "Connecting to A Balanced Audio Device 1." which reads "Connect to an external audio device by using the 3.5mm unbalanced port and 2.5mm balanced port. Unbalanced Port (Ground) Balanced Port (LR)" . - Does anyone know what devices would take such a combined input?

This is the type of cable the manual is referring to, which we used to sell, but currently do not:

https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12070
https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12010

The new 5-pin XLR to XLR balanced designed for KANN CUBE that will be available in the next two weeks will do the same thing - https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC35710

 

[omoanya]

This is the type of cable the manual is referring to, which we used to sell, but currently do not:

https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12070
https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12010

The new 5-pin XLR to XLR balanced designed for KANN CUBE that will be available in the next two weeks will do the same thing - https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC35710

Ok, very nice, will definitely order it. I don't have a balanced home setup, but our studio mix room has balanced XLR inputs - can't wait to try it!
What about headphones that have the 2.5mm balanced plug any suggestions?

 

[nicodem]

This is the type of cable the manual is referring to, which we used to sell, but currently do not:

https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12070
https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC12010

The new 5-pin XLR to XLR balanced designed for KANN CUBE that will be available in the next two weeks will do the same thing - https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/con...scg=CG210330&spos=2&tcg=&tpos=0&gcode=SC35710

So just to clarify - 5-pin Mini XLR port is for audio-out only, not for any type of headphones, yes?

 

[JasonNYC]

So just to clarify - 5-pin Mini XLR port is for audio-out only, not for any type of headphones, yes?

Correct. It is a line out.

 

[JasonNYC]

Ok, very nice, will definitely order it. I don't have a balanced home setup, but our studio mix room has balanced XLR inputs - can't wait to try it!
What about headphones that have the 2.5mm balanced plug any suggestions?

There are a number of headphone manufacturers that offer 2.5mm balanced termination and many aftermarket cables that you can buy. Most of AK's branded headphones and IEMs come with 2.5mm terminated cables.

 

[fuhransahis]

There are a number of headphone manufacturers that offer 2.5mm balanced termination and many aftermarket cables that you can buy. Most of AK's branded headphones and IEMs come with 2.5mm terminated cables.

On this note though, this is a DAP that seems to be meant to power most headphones, no matter how power hungry, no? Many headphones have cables with a higher gauge thickness that won't work well with a 2.5mm termination as they might not fit, to name just one potential issue... do you mind elaborating on why a 2.5mm balanced output was chosen for such a high-powered DAP, especially when many are adopting the more durable and versatile 4.4mm termination?

 

[Whitigir]

On this note though, this is a DAP that seems to be meant to power most headphones, no matter how power hungry, no? Many headphones have cables with a higher gauge thickness that won't work well with a 2.5mm termination as they might not fit, to name just one potential issue... do you mind elaborating on why a 2.5mm balanced output was chosen for such a high-powered DAP, especially when many are adopting the more durable and versatile 4.4mm termination?

You do have Mini-XLR, and that is more than enough to handle large gauges for high current demanding headphones . Even though I love the 4.4mm, I also do love the mini-XLR

The next question would be...why using Ribbon cables interconnect for that ? Heck even the copper traces look thin at after the semiconductor from those internal shots

 

[fuhransahis]

You do have Mini-XLR, and that is more than enough to handle large gauges for high current demanding headphones . Even though I love the 4.4mm, I also do love the mini-XLR

The next question would be...why using Ribbon cables interconnect for that ? Heck even the copper traces look thin at after the semiconductor from those internal shots

Sure but that's a very niche connection, no? Meant for speakers?

Anyways, truly not hating on the Cube as the reason I'm on this thread is my interest in it

Once there are enough impressions and reviews, if it fits my preferred sig it'll be on my target list.

 

[omoanya]

I just want to say this thing sounds amaazing on everything I've tried so far.. ultrasones, focales, even my old Akgs and jambox have come back to life! Clearly I'm going to have to step up my headphone game to understand what it can really do - Now I just have to figure out what pair to get now that this tank has eaten a chunk out of my budget! Fellow Cubeheads any suggestions?

 

[jmills8]

I just want to say this thing sounds amaazing on everything I've tried so far.. ultrasones, focales, even my old Akgs and jambox have come back to life! Clearly I'm going to have to step up my headphone game to understand what it can really do - Now I just have to figure out what pair to get now that this tank has eaten a chunk out of my budget! Fellow Cubeheads any suggestions?

once you stepped up your headphone game then you going to think you need to step up on your dap game , then you will start again with your headphone game. Or you can just enjoy what's in front of you instead of thinking what to fix. Seems most of thinking is about fixing something.