[Dobrescu George]

System of a Dawn - Chop Suey!

Unleash the power of ESS PRO DACs

 

[ctaxxxx]

Switching between AMP2 and AMP3 with the Fostex TH-900 mk2 headphones: the AMP3 sounds clearer in the highs, tighter in the bass, and is about 10-15 steps louder. These feel like a mix of AMP1 and AMP2.

Compared to the Liquid Carbon desktop amp (via LO through AMP1): The LC is closest to AMP2 in terms of tonality. Treble and vocals are a little smoother, but the bass is not as tight as AMP3. Overall, both smooth over the sound, but in different ways. A little hard to explain, but I think I prefer the AMP3 over the Liquid Carbon.

The best thing about AMP3 though is the tighter, punchier bass when I EQ it up! I always felt AMP2 kind of fell apart at this.

Altogether, I'm very impressed! Definitely do not regret going fully portable now that I have something to drive full sized headphones in the palm of my hand. I can use that money for other headphones now lol

 

[meomap]

Hi,

Just received AMP3 this morning from DHL.
Power off, installed AMP3, power on DX200.
Plugged in 2.5 mm connector from DHC cable with K10C then HISSSSS non stop until I pushed PLAY.
Stop, idle = No Hissss

Tried to power off the unit. Power on again and Hiss even during SW loading up.
Pressed PLAY and the hiss is gone.

Does anyone owning the new AMP3 has this kind of Hiss?
I don't believe I have this Hiss with AMP1 or AMP2

FW still 2.3
Heard too many problems so far for 2.4 or 2.5 fw.

 

[artpiggo]

Hi,

Just received AMP3 this morning from DHL.
Power off, installed AMP3, power on DX200.
Plugged in 2.5 mm connector from DHC cable with K10C then HISSSSS non stop until I pushed PLAY.
Stop, idle = No Hissss

Tried to power off the unit. Power on again and Hiss even during SW loading up.
Pressed PLAY and the hiss is gone.

Does anyone owning the new AMP3 has this kind of Hiss?
I don't believe I have this Hiss with AMP1 or AMP2

FW still 2.3
Heard too many problems so far for 2.4 or 2.5 fw.

You need to go 2.5 fw cuz there is update regarding amp3 compatibility

 

[meomap]

You need to go 2.5 fw cuz there is update regarding amp3 compatibility

OK. Will try and see.
Does not have to install 2.4 then 2.5? Just 2.5 only?

 

[artpiggo]

OK. Will try and see.
Does not have to install 2.4 then 2.5? Just 2.5 only?

Yes. Give it a try

 

[meomap]

Hi,

Is AMP3 Line Out also balance only?
Does it mean I cannot use 3.5 mm to RCA cable connecting to my ALO SS6 tube amp?
I need to know since I don't want burn out any unit testing it.

Even using Utopia with 2.5 mm balance cable connected to DX200 sounds great; however, connected DX200 ( use as transport ) to ALO SS6 is super open more for Utopia, more breathing air. Even Aeon hp with DX200 + SS6 sound very good but not like Utopia though.

Thank you for any feedback.

 

[artpiggo]

Hi,

Is AMP3 Line Out also balance only?
Does it mean I cannot use 3.5 mm to RCA cable connecting to my ALO SS6 tube amp?
I need to know since I don't want burn out any unit testing it.

Even using Utopia with 2.5 mm balance cable connected to DX200 sounds great; however, connected DX200 ( use as transport ) to ALO SS6 is super open more for Utopia, more breathing air. Even Aeon hp with DX200 + SS6 sound very good but not like Utopia though.

Thank you for any feedback.

Balance only cannot connect to single end amp by any method.

 

[meomap]

Balance only cannot connect to single end amp by any method.

Thanks. Kind of a hassle now to listen both Utopia/Aeon with SS6 amp via home setup.

 

[chungjun]

AMP1 - Mixed, SE & Bal
AMP2 - Single-Ended
AMP3 - Balanced

AMP4 - ?

I wonder...

 

[twister6]

Time for burn in!

 

[Signal2Noise]

^
Burn-in is overrated. I liked the Amp3 the minute I listened to it straight out of the box. I'll grow old with it simultaneously.

 

[Morimoriya 62]

Hi guys

Here I would like to ask a question,If someone has the same experience Please advise .
Is it correct Dx200 not the same level as Sony WMZ1,Ak380 cu or Sp 1000 AK ?only SQ Subject is review.



Regards Mori

 

[artpiggo]

AMP2 - Single-Ended
AMP3 - Balanced

AMP4 - ?

I wonder...

Paul said in the first page. AMP4 will be a surprise connection.

so it could be 4.4 balance which I am not involved in this.

AMP5 would be a previously-designed AMP4 in CanJam London so another high current single end.

I'm looking for AMP6,7,8

 

[WindowsX]

This is how I interpret the way AMP module design they plan to release.

AMP1 - Best design they can come up with both SE/Bal output
AMP2 - Current mode Single-ended design
AMP3 - High voltage Balanced for hard to drive headphones

It's like additional amp module is for specialized application. I modded AMP1 module intensively and I could say with confidence that the design was already good. It can be improved with better parts and op amp sets. I hope iBasso will release improved AMP1 version in future.

Regards,
Keetakawee