[Whitigir]

Ok, so using Amp8 to trigger the Amp9 for higher gain is good for headphones, but with IEMS as IER-M9, there is definitely noticeable hiss

 

[Whitigir]

Interesting, what you're speaker setup if i may ask?

My dream is to have a house with a dedicated listening room! Right now i use my Dali's for 2ch stereo.

Yamaha Anniversary Soavo , A-S3000, and whatever the heck else for Source, including DX220

 

[Whitigir]

Ok, so the Amp9 triggered by Amp8 can drive HD800S very very loud with Hiss but low level. Kinda like high quality tape hisses LOL!

 

[Paulo Abreu]

I have the same preference))) But my wife allows me to use only iems, and sometimes headphones. So my system that costs me a whole bunch of money just collecting the dust((((

Me trying to resist selling my home system for some top of the line portable gear...

 

[leftside]

Been using AMP8 and AMP9 for a few weeks now. Prefer the AMP8 for the gym, or when on-the-go and active doing stuff around the house. Prefer the AMP9 for those closing the eyes, sitting back and listening moments.

Both are great with CA Solaris and Focal Stellia, although you definitely have to crank the volume a lot more with the Stellia on the AMP9.

 

[duyanh43]

Ok, so the Amp9 triggered by Amp8 can drive HD800S very very loud with Hiss but low level. Kinda like high quality tape hisses LOL!

Yeah hot swapping Amp9 boost its output power. It can drive Ananda and headphones just like the Amp8. Without hot swapping i need to turn volume to almost 130 to listen with SR1, a fairly easy to drive headphone, 150/150 can't put VE Zen loud enough to listen also.

 

[Signal2Noise]

Is "hot-swapping" healthy for a tube amp? I'm under the impression even powering on/off a tube amp in quick succession (I.e. less than 3-4 minutes) is not a good idea.

 

[arijitroy2]

I have the same preference))) But my wife allows me to use only iems, and sometimes headphones. So my system that costs me a whole bunch of money just collecting the dust((((

Damn, I'm sorry man!! I know it sucks when people near you don't get this, my gf doesn't say anything when I purchase these things! But I make it a point to make them listen once, and their opinion completely changes!!

 

[Whitigir]

Is "hot-swapping" healthy for a tube amp? I'm under the impression even powering on/off a tube amp in quick succession (I.e. less than 3-4 minutes) is not a good idea.

If safety and reliability is a concern, Ofcourse abiding the rules of thumbs is recommended. Never hot-swap, regardless of it being tube or solid states. But if you want to give it a try, then no one stopping you. I do notice that whatever Ibasso is restraining the Amp9 with firmware is for a purposes, to keep the noisefloor and the hiss down for majority of the gears. Even Hd800s would hiss when hotswap, I didn’t hear Aiva hiss though, it may be an exception ....lol

 

[arijitroy2]

@Whitigir , would you say Amp9 is warmer than amp8ex in sound signature?

 

[Whitigir]

@Whitigir , would you say Amp9 is warmer than amp8ex in sound signature?

Definitely! They are still very different. Tube is always different than SS doesn’t matter how much you tweak it. The Amp8EX is just to maximize the clarity, density, fluidity and fidelity while remaining true to being references and accurate.

You can ask @icefalkon for a more detailed comparison

It is kinda meaningless to compare though, unless you have someone who will be ready to tackle the EX job, and that you have the balls to hall it through...LoL. Or maybe waiting for DX220Max ? Unless you are waiting to keep something small in the pocket and maximizing the potentials. I hold DX220 EX and Amp8EX in a very high regard, and that is the beast unleashed with all it Sabers and Claws to show.

 

[duyanh43]

@Whitigir , would you say Amp9 is warmer than amp8ex in sound signature?

My new Amp9 sound pretty dry and bright in comparison to Amp8. I'm currently burning it.

 

[singleended5863]

My new Amp9 sound pretty dry and bright in comparison to Amp8. I'm currently burning it.

My amp9 was sounding warm right out of the box.

 

[arijitroy2]

Definitely! They are still very different. Tube is always different than SS doesn’t matter how much you tweak it. The Amp8EX is just to maximize the clarity, density, fluidity and fidelity while remaining true to being references and accurate.

You can ask @icefalkon for a more detailed comparison

It is kinda meaningless to compare though, unless you have someone who will be ready to tackle the EX job, and that you have the balls to hall it through...LoL. Or maybe waiting for DX220Max ? Unless you are waiting to keep something small in the pocket and maximizing the potentials. I hold DX220 EX and Amp8EX in a very high regard, and that is the beast unleashed with all it Sabers and Claws to show.

I do love the amp8 mod I have, been a great decision to get it done. Just that once a while i could use a little musical signature too, i love neutral balanced a lot but it does get a bit fatiguing at times.

I think ill just get the amp9 and enjoy the tube warmth once a while!

 

[arijitroy2]

My new Amp9 sound pretty dry and bright in comparison to Amp8. I'm currently burning it.

I have heard amp9 drastically improves the sound signature. Keep us posted after i guess 100 hrs of use