Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread

[fx88]

…still, impossible to ignore the step-up in SQ with an USB interface and via the coax output.

Isn't it a Lifatec optical cable?

 

[F700]

Yes, it is.

 

[DingDongMonster]

I spent the last few hours testing a prototype cable. I thought might as well do a David vs Goliath AB comparison of the Clarinet and Onix Mystic, both being AKM based, and see which one wins.

Here is the conclusion. The rest of the notes are in the link.

The Clarinet sounds excellent with any genre. It’s a great example of good tuning over technical specs. While it may not deliver hyper-resolution, its tuning is so impressive that you'll find yourself listening for hours.

I've tried to find some drawbacks with the Clarinet for a balanced view. There are a couple of annoying quirks with the volume knob, and plugging in the IEM can cause some loud clicking sounds. Honestly, these don't bother me much. It sounds amazing musically, and that's what really counts.

On the other hand, the Mystic is the mature choice. It offers a technically skilled and refined version of the AKM sound. Instead of a young rock band, you get an experienced performer with total control and a perfect presentation.

So, which one is better? The Clarinet delivers warmth, dynamic female vocals, and a rich tonality. In contrast, the Mystic provides high resolution and a flawless technical performance without sounding dry. They are both so different that it's tough to choose. But if I have to pick, I go with the Clarinet. At the price of a dinner, it sounds great with every song. You really can't beat that.

https://dingdongmonster.com/post/dethonray-clarinet-vs-onix-mystic_5TEQAnNagTZvep8oQhv1yb

 

[BS5711]

I spent the last few hours testing a prototype cable. I thought might as well do a David vs Goliath AB comparison of the Clarinet and Onix Mystic, both being AKM based, and see which one wins.

Here is the conclusion. The rest of the notes are in the link.



https://dingdongmonster.com/post/dethonray-clarinet-vs-onix-mystic_5TEQAnNagTZvep8oQhv1yb

Regarding the quirks of the volume adjustment, have you installed the latest firmware dated 30th December 2024 ?

That update had a tweak to the volume adjustment and behaviour at gain changes that now seems to work well.

If I can ask:

With the coaxial - Clarinet - Hermit combo I get a nice holographic presentation of music, more apparent on certain tracks, that is very enjoyable and something I don’t get as much with other sources. I am playing with ideas of a higher end amp like a Cayin C9ii perhaps. Is there something that you would recommend that would make the most of that holographic sound ?

For context I don’t usually hear much in the way of significant differences with amps but the Clarinet through coaxial certainly does something different. I assume it is intentionally “tuned” to mess with the sound in a pleasing way rather than to simply amplify and measure well. Thus the idea of the tubes in the Cayin rather than something solid state. Any thoughts or recommendations ?

 

[-rowan-]

I am playing with ideas of a higher end amp like a Cayin C9ii perhaps. Is there something that you would recommend that would make the most of that holographic sound ?

For context I don’t usually hear much in the way of significant differences with amps but the Clarinet through coaxial certainly does something different. I assume it is intentionally “tuned” to mess with the sound in a pleasing way rather than to simply amplify and measure well. Thus the idea of the tubes in the Cayin rather than something solid state. Any thoughts or recommendations ?

If you’re at all contemplating a C9ii, I would strongly recommend also looking at the L&P EA4 while you’re at it.

 

[cobrabucket]

Got my Clarinet earlier tonight.
Running it out of a Pi2AES via optical while listening to EPZ 530.
This little DAC/Amp is GREAT...
I can't believe that it retails for only $200!
Thanks to everyone who urged me to try coax/optical.
It is indeed a noticeable upgrade in sound quality over USB, specifically in soundstage and layering of instruments.

 

[pappsa8]

Everyone who can compare the Nunchaku (in tube mode) vs Clarinet??

 

[DingDongMonster]

Regarding the quirks of the volume adjustment, have you installed the latest firmware dated 30th December 2024 ?

That update had a tweak to the volume adjustment and behaviour at gain changes that now seems to work well.

If I can ask:

With the coaxial - Clarinet - Hermit combo I get a nice holographic presentation of music, more apparent on certain tracks, that is very enjoyable and something I don’t get as much with other sources. I am playing with ideas of a higher end amp like a Cayin C9ii perhaps. Is there something that you would recommend that would make the most of that holographic sound ?

For context I don’t usually hear much in the way of significant differences with amps but the Clarinet through coaxial certainly does something different. I assume it is intentionally “tuned” to mess with the sound in a pleasing way rather than to simply amplify and measure well. Thus the idea of the tubes in the Cayin rather than something solid state. Any thoughts or recommendations ?

Sorry mate. I missed your post.

Upfront. I have sold my C9ii. Keeping the iBasso PB5.

I don't know the technical reasons behind it. It appears everything in the chain can affect the holographic imaging. If you are hearing it now. I assume your dac is the source and using line out will carry on the theme.

Assuming you are looking for nutube portable amps. In terms of technicals and what you are seeking. I will rate them this way.

1. L&P EA4 - All round the best. Clearer, wider, better than the PB5 in all manners.
2. iBasso PB5 - Bass boost and more solid, stage expansion, note edges done in such a way it enhances the technicals.
3. Cayin C9ii - A lot of options, but one really good one. Very mid range focused, excellent texture in the mids, but stage is rather narrow in comparison to the EA4 and PB5.
4. Cayin C9 - Everything is true like the C9ii, but a level below the C9ii.

The trouble with the EA4 is the price. 4x the price of the PB5 for 10% better sonics is hard to justify. If you are driving mad difficult headphones. Then I will consider it. In my case. I will be paying a lot for power I do not need.

The PB5 is another story. Lots of the iBasso fanboys had one to pair with the D16. They were regularly available on the secondary market. But the recent hype of the DX340, and the realization that the PB5 completes the sound as a set, they're being snapped up. The interconnect that comes with the PB5 is also very good. There is no need to change it.

If you are all about the mids. Then the C9ii is the way to go. When paired with something like the Cayin N7, the mids are beyond words. The friend I sold to is using it with the SP3K and RS8. He loves it. However, I find the clarinet is also in the thick, rich, and not wide category. That is something to think about.

My 2 cents. Try to get a PB5 on the secondary market. Best bang for buck portable nutube amp.

 

[BladeRose]

Got my Clarinet earlier tonight.
Running it out of a Pi2AES via optical while listening to EPZ 530.
This little DAC/Amp is GREAT...
I can't believe that it retails for only $200!
Thanks to everyone who urged me to try coax/optical.
It is indeed a noticeable upgrade in sound quality over USB, specifically in soundstage and layering of instruments.

I was originally planning to pass Clarinet because I thought $200 might be a product with mediocre sound and high sales. But after seeing the sharing, I didn't hesitate to get it. The coaxial effect is amazing!

DETHONRAY's product positioning is really great, the products are getting better and the prices are becoming more friendly!Anson rarely pursues hot topics like other brands. He always tries to simplify functions and prioritize the sound quality, which is valuable in the current market.

 

[gadgetgod]

Got to try the Clarinet recently courtesy of a dear friend. The DAC sounded really good, I used it with my Friend's M11 Plus via Coax connection. Quite a musical and engaging sound.

 

[DingDongMonster]

Everyone who can compare the Nunchaku (in tube mode) vs Clarinet??

I own quite a few iBasso gear. I love the new releases. Except the Nanchuku. The link below is my notes. There is always the possibility it needs burn-in.

https://dingdongmonster.com/post/ibasso-nunchaku_5uBLGNyLLYscjoSUQAvBia

 

[superuser1]

I own quite a few iBasso gear. I love the new releases. Except the Nanchuku. The link below is my notes. There is always the possibility it needs burn-in.

https://dingdongmonster.com/post/ibasso-nunchaku_5uBLGNyLLYscjoSUQAvBia

ouch thats harsh

 

[DingDongMonster]

ouch thats harsh

Nothing special. The Jan tubes I have tested for the most part are very meh. The solid state is fine. Like many a CS dongles. It’s decent. No magic sauce found.

 

[BS5711]

Ding Dong,

I did a bit of listening with Hermit and Clarinet and I retract my earlier observation, I don’t personally think it works well.

To me the bass becomes over pronounced and unpleasant to my ear.

I swapped back to straight off my M11 Plus LTD and then off my PA10 and both sounded cleaner and better balanced.

Of course that is subjective preference and mileage may vary.

 

[pappsa8]

ouch thats harsh

Quite a bit