New review from Youtube!
Dethonray Clarinet - Portable DAC/Amp Discussion + Impression thread
- Thread starter pradiptacr7
- Start date
New review from Youtube!
A very interesting review and mentioned the coaxial cable that we all care about. IMO, Clarinet's true competitor is Mojo, as its features and product positioning are basically the same.
Finally l compared the standard and Pro versions of the Clarinet.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM.
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
to bring the Pro version to an level with significant sonic improvement and more engaging.
I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
HOWEVER, if you are a demanding person or you are using a power-hungry IEM/ headphone, I strongly recommend you to go for the Pro version.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM.
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
to bring the Pro version to an level with significant sonic improvement and more engaging.I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
HOWEVER, if you are a demanding person or you are using a power-hungry IEM/ headphone, I strongly recommend you to go for the Pro version.
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chaotic_angel
500+ Head-Fier
now I am looking at my Standard version with tears...Finally l compared the standard and Pro versions of the Clarinet.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM).
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
in my wallet
Ordered but not yet arrived?
Did you flash any fw or use the stock fw ?Finally l compared the standard and Pro versions of the Clarinet.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM).
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
Anson told me that Clarinet series use the same firmwares. When boot up, the software will run different firmware automatically for pro. And i agree with your impression, pro is another level and a worthy upgrade from the standard ones.
Compared to standard, the main difference i can identify is the sound stage. Pro is wider and has more depth to it.
And would like to add; usb c input with ddhifi TC09L is really better compared to stock clarinet's otg cable and my quloos L03 cable. Low freqs more refined and brings more punch to the bass. Even using it through the usb c to optical converter also makes the same impression.
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1. Have you tried to pair it with your senn hd800? Is the sound better as well?Finally l compared the standard and Pro versions of the Clarinet.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM.
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
2. Is this pro version better than xduoo xd05 pro and ibasso dc elite to you?
Maybe I answer both of you （Earfool and hiewsp ）in one response.
Earfool, I am using the stock FW for both Clarients, where the one in Pro should be "Rock". I also agreed with your findings about the Clarient Pro performance. I forgot to say that the sound by Pro is more dynamic as well.
hiewap, I did use the Clarinet standard version to drive my HD800 calmly（you can search for my post before）. I believe the sonic differences of both versions is mainly due to some hardware changes inside. I don't have xduoo xd05 pro and ibasso dc elite so I cannot comment.
The Clarient Pro（using Samsung S25 Ultra via USB C） shocked me and made me jaw dropping
today because it drove the Abyss 1266 Phi TC quite competently
to a level that I thought it was a desktop headphones amp （although Dethonray M1 is even better），esp. when I played some rock songs such as "Billie Jean" of MJ, "Party we will throw now" of Warren G and "Queen Mary" of Francine Thirteen, etc.
I also passed this combo to a senior staff of the store and he was very surprised after listening to it.
Earfool, I am using the stock FW for both Clarients, where the one in Pro should be "Rock". I also agreed with your findings about the Clarient Pro performance. I forgot to say that the sound by Pro is more dynamic as well.
hiewap, I did use the Clarinet standard version to drive my HD800 calmly（you can search for my post before）. I believe the sonic differences of both versions is mainly due to some hardware changes inside. I don't have xduoo xd05 pro and ibasso dc elite so I cannot comment.
The Clarient Pro（using Samsung S25 Ultra via USB C） shocked me and made me jaw dropping
today because it drove the Abyss 1266 Phi TC quite competently to a level that I thought it was a desktop headphones amp （although Dethonray M1 is even better），esp. when I played some rock songs such as "Billie Jean" of MJ, "Party we will throw now" of Warren G and "Queen Mary" of Francine Thirteen, etc.I also passed this combo to a senior staff of the store and he was very surprised after listening to it.
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pradiptacr7
500+ Head-Fier
I can say the regular one is already better than DC Elite to me.
Beautiful. Congrats man.Finally l compared the standard and Pro versions of the Clarinet.
My equipment used were a Samsung S25 Ultra Mobile phone （Music locally）and an iPad Pro M4 （Apple Music）as sources, USB C to the Clarinet DAC amp to drive the Dethonray Tender 1 and Penon IMPACT IEM.
The Pro version is a step up from the Standard one, and the sound quality is much better.
The main differences are the cohesion and refinement of the sound, the increased sound density （a little bit warmer and thicker）, more details and layers, more low-frequency volume with greater impact. The bass is also tightened and hits harder and deeper.
The standard version I thought was pretty good before, but after listening to the Pro version, I can't go back.
The standard version (relatively) sounds coarser, the sound density is a little worser, the bass is less (thin) and hits less deep than the Pro version. I am not saying that the standard version is bad, it is already good and can rival with those DAPs of several times it's price, but Anson has done a real good job
I found that the sonic difference is greater when Clarinet Pro was driving Tender 1 than driving the Penon IMPACT as the former is a very power-hungry IEM.
In view of this, if you are using an easy driving IEM or headphone , using cabinet standard version is already good enough.
Don't worry man, the regular Clarinet holds an extremely good value proposition. You've already owned a solid device. hehe
Pro is indeed much better than standard in driving headphones.Maybe I answer both of you （Earfool and hiewsp ）in one response.
Earfool, I am using the stock FW for both Clarients, where the one in Pro should be "Rock". I also agreed with your findings about the Clarient Pro performance. I forgot to say that the sound by Pro is more dynamic as well.
hiewap, I did use the Clarinet standard version to drive my HD800 calmly（you can search for my post before）. I believe the sonic differences of both versions is mainly due to some hardware changes inside. I don't have xduoo xd05 pro and ibasso dc elite so I cannot comment.
The Clarient Pro（using Samsung S25 Ultra via USB C） shocked me and made me jaw dropping
I also passed this combo to a senior staff of the store and he was very surprised after listening to it.
But when it comes to driving 1266, many people won't believe it and think you're hyping it up!
Yes, I don't believe what I have heard as well.Pro is indeed much better than standard in driving headphones.
But when it comes to driving 1266, many people won't believe it and think you're hyping it up!
So I would rather say, please try them yourselves and believe your ears if you can! Haha!
lairpost
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
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Perhaps this was 'lost' in translation but the power spec lists voltage only and the same for both unbalanced and balanced. Odd.The Dethonray Clarinet DAC/Headphone Amplifier offers a portable audio experience for individuals seeking high-fidelity sound while travelling.
It utilizes the AKM4493EQ chip, delivering precise digital-to-analogue conversion and showcasing audio across an extensive dynamic range. Additionally, the integrated DPPU power supply system guarantees consistent performance, enhancing the overall audio quality.
I have visited Anson and also have a Pro, which, like SG1 Gold, is very powerful but has good battery life, reaching 6-7 hours. He mentioned that he spent a lot of time finding a balance between battery life and powerful output. And he and his team spent two months designing the circuit to keep the output and timbre of 3.5 and 4.4 as consistent as possible. Although I have worked in the electronics industry, I still cannot fully understand his technical explanations.Yes, I don't believe what I have heard as well.
So I would rather say, please try them yourselves and believe your ears if you can! Haha!
I have also been to his office/workshop recently and own a SG1 Gold (bought in March 2023 to used with AKG N5005). In 2023, I was not very obsessed with this hobby before, so when I first heard M1 at the Guangzhou Headphones Exhibition, I didn’t have much feeling on it (I was using Sony IER Z1R at that time).
It wasn't until a year later, in 2024, that I auditioned M1 again at the Shenzhen Headphones Show (I was using Penon IMPACT at the time). M1 pushed the sound quality of my Penon IMPACT to another level (especially the low frequencies)
, and it was like listening to headphones. So I bought M1 without hesitation (as I also planned to buy headphones).Later, I looked up Anson's background online and found out that he is very experienced in this industry. He has worked as a product designer in two well-known Portable Audio companies. I also realized hat he is a very competent technician after meeting with him. I believe this supports him to start his own business and establish Dethonray!
After using the M1, I became fascinated by Dethonray's products
, so I bought a DTR1+ limited edition second-hand (because it was sold out at the time). After using it, I became even more convinced of Anson's strength. It may also be due to Anson and his team's R&D strength, so Dethonray's products are loved by many senior headphones/earphones users.I believe that Clarinet, with its extraordinary strength but at a great value is an important strategic product for Dethonray in 2025, aiming to open the door to more customers, and is also a good opportunity for Music lover to explore Dethonray!
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