That is because the sound signature and synergies as a combination of both that makes it that way. See ? A neutral monitors or headphones with DX220 and even Amp8 would still be dead neutral. Most of the time Neutral is boring and not musical to many people, but it has nothing to do with drivability. It is the synergies. If you have Amp9 which is warm, musical and fluid, and totally is different than the rest of the dead neutral modules from Ibasso until now, then musicality + Neutral = something more enjoyable. I have always said that, and will say it again, the Dx220 and it other amp modules are focused on Neutral and flat signature with clarity, details and airy presentations. So if you want something more musical, pair it with something warmer. Even a Cables after careful consideration would does wonderful too! About modifications, it is to achieve better energy delivery, background, and hence improvements in other areas while taking tuning into account. Each and every modifications will carry it own signatures and will synergies with different things. It is important to know whose preferences, and which systems are paired to develop the modifications. Once the improvements are made, everything connecting to it would be improved. That is why Cables is the last thing, and always is the absolutely last piece in the chain to be taking into considerations. However, for people who want to drive full-size all the time like me, I have only found a few DAP/Systems that can do so. The new players such as SP1000/2000, Cubes, SR15, N8, DX200-220 and Amp8, the DMP-Z1. We are pretty much stuck, because this portion of the markets is very small in comparison to the in ear people. So form and portability is a huge factor. This is another reason why I modified my DX200 and also Dx220, Amp8. It makes the DX220+Amp8 as a combo being driven pretty well with my needs and gears, so I am very happy with it. Next up to it would be the DMP-Z1, but with that form factor and not to mention the opposite Signatures, I almost prefer to have DX228EX inside my pocket driving universally everything.....even when I use T2 + Stax SR009 as a whole system
Absolutely not. The DX228 easily drives Diana's. Quality? Really? I used a burned-in DX220 with a burned-in AMP8 and the Diana's sounded so good, that the cable manufacturer who was using the Diana's next to our booth listened and was like, "I can't believe that". I mean each to their own, but the Hugo has absolutely no "music quality" over the DX228, but there a house sound to each unit. I'm thinking that the Hugo is just more to your liking.
Yeeeees, I need this monster...but the price not suitable for me now))) I even don’t want to make audition, cause I don’t my family to starve)))
Especially when you can relate food to musical performances ahahaha Yeah, I do believe he is seeking the sound signatures instead of drivability. I am pretty sure he would starve somebody if he audition the DMP-Z1 hahaha
The mod path is too steep for most of us,I guess. I would take the road with external amp, such as iFi micro iDVD BL. Just hoping to have balanced line out, so I can hook it up to desktop amp.
Man, you don't need that! Just let the dog starve ... Edit: You know I'm joking, right??? I love dogs, I'd better starve myself...
Myself sir! I can recommend you Norne audio, and moon audio for cables needed, and Steve recommends Chris My cables in fancy marketing terms: Silver plating and highgrade brass core XLR 3 connectors Differential concentric OCC Litz wires 20 AWG Pentaconn 4.4mm 4 cores braiding with differentiated braidings to improve soundstage and minimize inductive capacitances. Solder joints with high silver content solder it doesn’t cost any limp or kidney Sound signature is musical with great sub bass and sweet vocal, expansive soundstage and still retain details and trebles textures with density and extensions, an excellent synergies for Stax SR009 I will not sell it, unless you pay me a kidney !.... I will not disclose details materials and sources as it is trade-secrets! I am joking, if anyone want, I can post detailed sources and materials hahah
