[Nostoi]

I am doing it through 3.5 to 3.5 mm IC, and I have tried both the Pre-in mode and line-in mode of C9. The effects are quite similar: You get mostly Hugo 2 sound signature plus a lot more power in the output. The sound did become slightly more analytical, I think partly due to me using the SS mode of C9.

In addition, I have found that the degree C9 (even in line-in) changes the signature of the source vary from source to source. For example, I have always found Hugo 2 to have a dominant sound signature (in a good way), so what C9 does is mainly giving it more power. If I use a source like LPG, the change in sound signature is much more noticeable.

Thanks very much, good to hear. Yes, as you mention below, the Hugo 2 doesn't have a true line out - just a line level - so the "amp" section (even though there isn't one) can't be bypassed. That's fine for me, like you, the sound signature of the Hugo 2 suits me well. I'll mostly be using the C9 on a Lotoo Paw 6000, which of course does have a true line out.

 

[Whitigir]

Batteries rolling !! 1-4 from left to right


1/ Similar to Stock Sony but would have a lower rating with bass faster, not as energetic as Sony VCT6.
https://www.orbtronic.com/40a-18650-3120mah-button-top-battery-high-drain

2/ Worse sound performances, bass is like Non existed, no impacts, vocal slightly lacks body, though very good for trebles....probably because it didn’t have much ooohmms in mid and bass ? Avoid!!
https://www.imrbatteries.com/sanyo-...ource=yotpo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=map

3/ Best batteries with blackest back ground, best sub bass and bass body, tube like transients overall, smoother trebles, great textures. Highly recommended
https://www.orbtronic.com/3500mah-18650-imr-battery-high-drain-rechargeable-orbtronic-li-ion

4/ Stock batteries Sony VCT6. Also one of the best sounding batteries, Very Neutral signatures, impactful bass,
https://www.orbtronic.com/sony-vtc6-18650-battery-flat-top

 

[bluestorm1992]

Thanks very much, good to hear. Yes, as you mention below, the Hugo 2 doesn't have a true line out - just a line level - so the "amp" section (even though there isn't one) can't be bypassed. That's fine for me, like you, the sound signature of the Hugo 2 suits me well. I'll mostly be using the C9 on a Lotoo Paw 6000, which of course does have a true line out.

I think this will be an excellent choice! To me, you benefit from C9 the most when you are quite happy with the sound signature of the source, but find it lacking power in the output. That used to be my complaint for the LP6K, and even LPGT. I found that neither of them was able to drive my IER-Z1R (not to mention Diana V2) to a satisfactory level. If C9 existed back then, I would have kept these two players and just add a C9 to my system.

 

[TheNameIsGerald]

I asked at both Son Video in France and Hifi Sound in Germany. Didn't hear back any from them. Ended up ordering from AMP3 in UK who are very responsive.

thank you for confirming! I'd rather avoid the UK though...

 

[Nostoi]

thank you for confirming! I'd rather avoid the UK though...

If you're concerned about customs tax, don't be - they'll take this into account. I've ordered from the before from UK to Vienna, no problems with UPS as courier.

 

[Nostoi]

I think this will be an excellent choice! To me, you benefit from C9 the most when you are quite happy with the sound signature of the source, but find it lacking power in the output. That used to be my complaint for the LP6K, and even LPGT. I found that neither of them was able to drive my IER-Z1R (not to mention Diana V2) to a satisfactory level. If C9 existed back then, I would have kept these two players and just add a C9 to my system.

Cheers, sounds good. Yep, the signature of both the LP6K and Hugo 2 suits me perfectly, so I think the C9 will be a great addition to them both.

 

[andersos]

If you're concerned about customs tax, don't be - they'll take this into account. I've ordered from the before from UK to Vienna, no problems with UPS as courier.

Will they get it in stock in March?

 

[Nostoi]

Will they get it in stock in March?

Seems to be the case.

 

[bluestorm1992]

Testing (while trying to grade homework lol).

 

[DaYooper]

Grade depend on the music?

 

[bluestorm1992]

Grade depend on the music?

Then I will give A to all the homework!

 

[lumdicks]

Erua Tawa, a new brand from Taiwan which is quite popular in Asia recently. A mixed threads of Gold plated Silver and Paladium plated Silver on Litz Type 6.

My IC arrived and it looks and sounds beautifully . Imaging further expanded with even better high low dynamics and clarity.

 

[LabelH]

Thank you @Whitigir for sharing useful information. Though, my previous question about connector were half-joking.

Furutech for sure, but Pentaconn has better reliability and denser tonal body

Batteries rolling !! 1-4 from left to right


1/ Similar to Stock Sony but would have a lower rating with bass faster, not as energetic as Sony VCT6.
https://www.orbtronic.com/40a-18650-3120mah-button-top-battery-high-drain

2/ Worse sound performances, bass is like Non existed, no impacts, vocal slightly lacks body, though very good for trebles....probably because it didn’t have much ooohmms in mid and bass ? Avoid!!
https://www.imrbatteries.com/sanyo-...ource=yotpo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=map

3/ Best batteries with blackest back ground, best sub bass and bass body, tube like transients overall, smoother trebles, great textures. Highly recommended
https://www.orbtronic.com/3500mah-18650-imr-battery-high-drain-rechargeable-orbtronic-li-ion

4/ Stock batteries Sony VCT6. Also one of the best sounding batteries, Very Neutral signatures, impactful bass,
https://www.orbtronic.com/sony-vtc6-18650-battery-flat-top

My IC arrived and it looks and sounds beautifully . Imaging further expanded with even better high low dynamics and clarity.

@lumdicks maybe time for upgrade Pentaconn OFC

 

[Andykong]

According to Luxury and Precision, the variable LO of P6 Pro is implemented as follow:

Why is the LO volume of P6 and P6PRO adjustable?
The definition of LO is the analog audio signal directly output by the DAC after LPF (low pass filtering), without going through the headphone amplifier. The LO of most players cannot adjust the volume, such as the LO of L5, LP5, LP6 series, because the analog volume circuit is between the LPF and the amp circuit.

But then we found that the input level of many car audio is not standard. Once the input exceeds 1.5V, it will "clip the top", which will have a greater impact on the sense of hearing. Therefore, on the P6 and P6PRO, we deliberately put the analog volume circuit after the LPF. Before PO, the LO is connected behind the volume control circuit, which is convenient for the user to lower the level, so that the ideal distortion will be achieved when connected to the car audio.

With the above, would @Andykong please advise whether it can be regarded as real pre-out?

I have just tried both Line In and Preamp In of C9 with LO pf P6 Pro for a couple of songs, under tube mode and class AB with Unique Melody MEST and Satin Audio Zeus cable. Both modes have preserved the neutral, analog and effortless presentation of P6 Pro. For Line In mode, the background is darker and cleaner while for Pre In mode, the weight of notes is stronger with more reverb and stronger bass. Comparatively I enjoy the Pre In mode more upon more cautious audition but the volume control at C9 under Line In mode is more precise.

There are too many options of C9 for me to explore (Line / Pre In, balanced / SE, tube or solid state, class A or AB) with a number of DAPs that I own as sources (P6 Pro, LPGT Ti, DX300, Cayin N3 Pro and Sony 1A). As commented by @Whitigir, the C9 worths every penny and I found myself difficult to come back to standalone DAP setup without C9 when listening my music at home.

Base on the description you provided, this is not a pre-amp output. Apparently this is an attenuated LPF output so that you can used it in "alternative" scenario such as car audio. No voltage gain is mentioned and is unlikely included based on the application they quoted. I'll classify this as variable line out, IMHO.

I'll be looking forward to more impression from you on mix and match C9 with different source in different connection and in different setting/mode, arithmetically, you have over 50 combinations to deal with, if not 100.

PS: I take 1 day off only, and we have 8 new pages in this thread, ... you guys just won't stop at all.

 

[Andykong]

@xand Measurements are important. Even Schiit publishes full Ap555 reports for their newer products. Has Cayin provided such transparency to justify the C9's price?

I see, we need to JUSTIFY our price with a measurement report. So Schiit sells more unit after they published the report? 30% increase in sales? or 3%? You got to give me some figure so that I can convince my management to take the risk of publishing something that a large percentage of worldwide consumers will be confused and misunderstood.