Anybody here using N30 as a source for your amp? I need to ask because I have a plan to purchase Feliks Envy performance but don't want to spend too much so I need amp only for my upcoming Caldera. Is it okay to use N30 in SS mode as a source using the LO? What will happen if I use N30 in tube mode for a source for the envy? My friend said it will cause a distortion in sound because of the double tube on N30 and the Envy. Sorry if it's already answered here. TIA
I think it's clear to most owners but you can still use the direct LO mode and won't have any amp circuit involved.
With additional amp connected I could imagine that the difference between direct LO and preamp mode is a matter of taste and not SQ anyway
With N30LE, the timbre circuit is active in LO mode, the SS timbre option will basically bypass the Nutube timbre circuit, but even when you engage Modern or Classic tube timbre in LO mode, you have bypassed the headphone amplifier circuit definitely.
I have highlighted the process in our Functional Diagram for your reference.
With N30LE, the timbre circuit is active in LO mode, the SS timbre option will basically bypass the Nutube timbre circuit, but even when you engage Modern or Classic tube timbre in LO mode, you have bypassed the headphone amplifier circuit definitely.
I have highlighted the process in our Functional Diagram for your reference.
It is a true LO. The Timbre circuit is a unique gain circuit, which means the input and output of the circuit are at the same gain level, so it is an unamplified circuit.
The preamp output of N7 has a voltage gain circuit, but it doesn't involve any current gain, which makes it fairly double-amp friendly. Unlike pseudo line out that shares the output from the headphone amplification circuit.
It is a true LO. The Timbre circuit is a unique gain circuit, which means the input and output of the circuit are at the same gain level, so it is an unamplified circuit.
The preamp output of N7 has a voltage gain circuit, but it doesn't involve any current gain, which makes it fairly double-amp friendly. Unlike pseudo line out that shares the output from the headphone amplification circuit.
With N30LE, the timbre circuit is active in LO mode, the SS timbre option will basically bypass the Nutube timbre circuit, but even when you engage Modern or Classic tube timbre in LO mode, you have bypassed the headphone amplifier circuit definitely.
I have highlighted the process in our Functional Diagram for your reference.
We published our detail functional diagram when we announced our DAP. We try to be as transparent as possible. You can check out the original diagram on the opening post of this thread, please check out the FAQ in Post #2 as well, a lot of useful discussion for N30LE users.
If you go down this route, make sure you try the tube timber line out at some point and judge it with our own ears.
We have tested the N30LE tube timber line out to our vacuum tube headphone amplifier, which works fine in our cases. We use 3.5mm to Dual RCA connection and set the N30LE Line Out to "high", which is roughly 2Vrms.
Any suggestion about which LO cable I need to choose if what I seek is a neutral sounding cable from the N30 to my amp? My dealer offer me a PWA cable for the LO (FT/FTS/OrphyS wiring) but I'm afraid it will be too warm for my taste when I pair it with another tube amp. Thanks
I think it's clear to most owners but you can still use the direct LO mode and won't have any amp circuit involved.
With additional amp connected I could imagine that the difference between direct LO and preamp mode is a matter of taste and not SQ anyway
Will do it later when I have the chance. I can demo that on my regular shop because he has Feliks Envy performance + Caldera + Code 23 which is my preferred combo for my planar setup. For now my focus is on this one https://staxaudio.com/system/stax-t8000x9k
Already put a down payment a couple hours ago on my regular dealer
Interested in your findings C9 vs N30LE stand-alone.
One reason going for N30LE for me was actually not needing additional amping at least for IEMs and Overears below the likes of Susvara, TC and HE6 at least for bedside usage.
Still keeping my desktop stack in my listening room - open backs are a no-go for bedside listening next to my wife
Interested in your findings C9 vs N30LE stand-alone.
One reason going for N30LE for me was actually not needing additional amping at least for IEMs and Overears below the likes of Susvara, TC and HE6 at least for bedside usage.
Still keeping my desktop stack in my listening room - open backs are a no-go for bedside listening next to my wife
I tried comparing with a couple of songs on one side the N30 in hyper / SS alone low gain and on the other side the N30 plugged to the C9 in SS and A mode (LO mode) low gain.
I used the Bonnevilles with an Eros S 1 AE cable on this session.
With the C9 i found the scene larger but flatter (depth and height), a bit more precision (a bit sharp sometimes), an orverall colder render but with realistic timbres.
With the N30 alone, more voluptuousness and proximity with the voices, a scene a bit less large but more holographic, a globally warmer, a bit more colored overall but very coherent render and i felt more involved in the music.
I then turned on the classic tube mode and that was great, it brought a nice analog tone to both cases, but I finally felt bewitched by N30‘s magic and fell asleep on that feeling
That was a rather short session, I’ll pursue my tests in the next days.
Can you recall the serial number of your previous N30LE unit? We can't replicate the problem in our lab., it would be helpful if we could identify your unit and have it thoroughly checked before our repairman changing anything.
Will do it later when I have the chance. I can demo that on my regular shop because he has Feliks Envy performance + Caldera + Code 23 which is my preferred combo for my planar setup. For now my focus is on this one https://staxaudio.com/system/stax-t8000x9k
Already put a down payment a couple hours ago on my regular dealer
Woe, you just bought a set of TOTL Stax? This is the best resolution and transparency you can buy on headgear, but some headfiers want a better music foundation, other than that, you can't fault the system.
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