[punit]

+ 1 for Kingwa's patient support & prompt response to all my questions over the last 4 years. I have 5 Audio GD products never had any issues so far.

 

[Shaker]

   
I second this.  He is a pleasure to deal with.

Thanks. He has been responsive and helpful to date.
 
Anyone compare the M9 to the Auralic Taurus MKII or Mjolnir?
 
Any reason that I would have issues (e.g. SQ degradation, connectivity, etc.) having the M9 and 105D connected via XLR and then run a pair of XLR from the 9 to my monoblocs for 2 channel listening, and connect the RCAs from the 105D to my 5 ch amp for 7.1?
 
Thanks

 

[mowglycdb]

ACSS vs XLR , seems no different. If you're only going to use the pre-amp of the Master-9 you might want to consider Master-1 that's a pre-amp only, King-wa stated that Master-1 was a better pre-amp thatn Master-8, not sure about the 9.

 

[Shaker]

Just ordered the M9. Looking forward to hearing it for myself after all the reading/research.
 
Also wanted to thank the folks on this, and other threads, for taking the time to share their insights and impressions.
 
A special thanks to Articnoise and Greed who were especially helpful and generous with their time and provided detailed answers to (many) questions. 
 

 

[Velomane]

Hey Shaker,
 
What headphones will you be listening with?

 

[Shaker]

  Hey Shaker,
 
What headphones will you be listening with?

Either the LCD-X or LCD-3 (trying to stick with one serious HP).
 
I'm comparing both now and leaning toward the X. I'm hoping the M9 is delivered soon enough that I can listen to both LCD's on the M9 before making a final decision. Right now all I have is the Oppo 105D and the headamp leaves a bit to be desired, especially with the 3.

 

[punit]

Listening to XC's (on loan from a friend) on the M9 right now. Very balanced yet quite enjoyable & engaging , one more HP that needs to be added to my collection.

F@*K. And I though I was done for this year.

 

[rsbrsvp]

The Master 9 with the LA-900 and HE-6 modded are simply the most musical combo I ever heard in headphones- and yes I owned a BHSE and SR-009 and SR-007, HE90, HE60, Qualia, R10, LCD-3,  etc.....
 
The transparency, detail and dynamics of these headphones with the Master 9 is incredible.  The soundstage when using "Fidelia FHX crossfeed" from my Mac is GARGANTUAN.  The tonality is FULL and pleasant on the ears.  If I did not feel the pressure of the headphones on my ears I could be fooled that I am listening to small speakers.   The LA-900 with the Master 9 specifically is the most speaker-like experience I ever heard on headphones. It is so "out of the head" that I do not know how it could sound any more real.
 
I am curious to try the HD800 with the Master 9 using my fuller sounding DAC.

 

[preproman]

  The Master 9 with the LA-900 and HE-6 modded are simply the most musical combo I ever heard in headphones- and yes I owned a BHSE and SR-009 and SR-007, HE90, HE60, Qualia, R10, LCD-3,  etc.....
 
 
I am curious to try the HD800 with the Master 9 using my fuller sounding DAC.

 
 
WOW - now that's saying an awful lot.  Congrats.  That was a long journey.  
 

 
What DAC are you referring to?

 

[nigeljames]

  The Master 9 with the LA-900 and HE-6 modded are simply the most musical combo I ever heard in headphones- and yes I owned a BHSE and SR-009 and SR-007, HE90, HE60, Qualia, R10, LCD-3,  etc.....
 
The transparency, detail and dynamics of these headphones with the Master 9 is incredible.  The soundstage when using "Fidelia FHX crossfeed" from my Mac is GARGANTUAN.  The tonality is FULL and pleasant on the ears.  If I did not feel the pressure of the headphones on my ears I could be fooled that I am listening to small speakers.   The LA-900 with the Master 9 specifically is the most speaker-like experience I ever heard on headphones. It is so "out of the head" that I do not know how it could sound any more real.
 
I am curious to try the HD800 with the Master 9 using my fuller sounding DAC.

 
I use my HD800's with Master-6 & NFB-7 DAC. Superb sound, sounds full and dynamic. I am sure you will really enjoy the HD800/M9 combi.

 

[rsbrsvp]

   
 
WOW - now that's saying an awful lot.  Congrats.  That was a long journey.  
 

 
What DAC are you referring to?

I use a $600 USB dac made by ultra-fi.  It has no name.  You need to contact them if you want one.

 

[Audio Jester]

I'm also interested if anyone has compared the M9 to the Auralic Taurus MKII?

 

[dan.gheorghe]

  I'm also interested if anyone has compared the M9 to the Auralic Taurus MKII?

Me too ) . Asked the same question a month ago, and then bought the M9. ( i didn't find anybody to know how they compare )

 

[Maven86]

  Me too ) . Asked the same question a month ago, and then bought the M9. ( i didn't find anybody to know how they compare )

Yea, I've also been looking for that comparison a for a few months now but to no avail.  On another note, I've been reading some of the audio articles on your page, it's great stuff.  Have your impressions of the M9 changed at all after having it for a few weeks?

 

[dguitarnut]

The only amps I would like to hear side by side to my M9 would be a liquid gold and a GSX.
But I'm not curious enough to plunk down +3k and wait 6 to 18 months to find out that they only sound a little different and not better.
I guess I will never find out what nirvana sounds like. Wait.......I just found some old CDs marked Nirvana! Lol