gordec
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2006
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I like the dx220ex sound with stock amp8 sound. Does amp8ex change the sound signature or just expands on the current signature?
I can say without a doubt that the EX Mod for AMP8 and the DX220 sounds amazing. As you said John, the AMP8EX sounds like a REALLY good desktop amp and brings the DX220 to highs usually reserved for full tabletop systems.
I can say without a doubt that the EX Mod for AMP8 and the DX220 sounds amazing. As you said John, the AMP8EX sounds like a REALLY good desktop amp and brings the DX220 to highs usually reserved for full tabletop systems.
dont forget the impression AmP8EX with Solaris.. hehehe...Im relay looking forward to trying it, Assuming I dont screw up the build , Wondering if I should spend some time with the vanilla AMP8 first... Dont know if I can wait to hear what you are all telling me about in the AMP8ex though .
Did you get to hear DX220ex with stock amp8 vs Dx220ex with amp8ex. I wonder if the difference is mainly with the ex mod on the main DAP or amp8ex adds significant improvement.
When I listen to the current setup, the enjoyment I get is like with my Pro iDSD and Susvara, except I can take it anywhere with me.
Im relay looking forward to trying it, Assuming I dont screw up the build , Wondering if I should spend some time with the vanilla AMP8 first... Dont know if I can wait to hear what you are all telling me about in the AMP8ex though .
Yes. I listened to the DX220EX with the stock AMP8 and then the AMP8EX. The modded AMP8EX blew my doors off. It takes the units EX mod to an entirely new higher level.
Definitely spend time with the stock AMP8 first. It will give you a greater appreciation for the modded version. It really IS as good as we keep saying.
Yes I think I should. I'll give it a few weeks before modding it. This is only my 4th real audio project (Built some Mad Dogs, Lots of IEM cables and some acrylic custom IEM's) So I'll take my time and enjoy the modding, as well as the music .
Max,
I'm really happy that you're going to take on the mod. As many have shared, it is totally worth the effort.
Since you have the skills all that's needed is the experience specific to iBasso and their amp modules. So, please do read Whit's build notes carefully. I also posted where the pitfalls are, and knowing them will make the difference between success and failure. Especially–watch out for the four bicapped caps on the top (the line filtering capacitors). The pads and traces underneath are incredibly fragile and where everyone has had trouble.
For me, the fool proof way has been to cut off the electrolytics first and then use low-temp solder on the tantalums. If you're using hot air you really have to know how to ramp up the temperature curve.
Also, since the question was raised, modding amp8 into the EX version will have a much more noticeable affect on sound than modding the main board. For the older, standard DX200 both mods were pretty significant, but iBasso's upgrade to the 220 board were so good the EX mod wasn't as dramatic. Interestingly enough, iBasso's quiet improvements to amp8 had the opposite effect and allowed for more gains in the amp8EX mod.
Best of luck to you!
Hey Edwardsean
Thanks for the advice, I will head it well. Im going to start around 200 then work my way up slowly to de-solder. But that is all a few weeks away, I want to get a feel for the amp first then make one change at a time and try it out. Looking forward to it.