Helm just came through on their promise to get their Bolt DAC/AMP out the door and in my hands. Max credit to Helm for living up to their commitments.
How I roll for initial listening:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Helm Bolt DAC AMP using USB A converter provided
- Apple USB Camera connector
- Sennheiser 58x Jubilee, Phillips Fidelio X2HR and Meze 12 Classic v2 with replacement foam ear tips
- Roon using Tidal as a source and Tidal app as a direct source
Initial impressions:
I will say that if you are looking for the DAC/AMP to add additional character by way of some kind EQ to the sound, you should look elsewhere. This is so neutral and clean that at times I felt myself wanting a bit oomph on the low end. If the track is recorded with a solid low end, its all good and translates well without being overbearing. As an example, Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Stop Now” punches like Mike Tyson with smooth, clean lows.
I think this is where the ifi hip-dac (as an example) will satisfy as a more appropriate alternative. Given the minor price difference and the features (balanced out, xbass) if you fall into that camp, its an option. The hip-dac is nowhere near as small in terms of form factor, so the give and take becomes obvious.
This is a massive step over iOS native audio. (Duh...)
ANOMOLIES:
My specific unit came with a frayed cable. Minor, and maybe I'm just a picky jerk... but disappointing. I have asked Helm how they deal with this. I get it. Manufacturing at speed leads to defects. That said, this is one purchase I have been really REALLY wanting to be solid as its time to get outdoors and run (keeping distance of course!
)
IF I WAS A REVIEWER....
I would say its worth it as a purchase, provided the product doesn't have any defects as mine does. Form factor, clarity, imaging and a neutral/true sound profile all come though as massiveaudiophile audio enthusiast level improvements to enhance the mobile experience. The price is reasonable for the upgrade and will you keep you listening happily for at least the next couple of years - hopefully Apple doesn't eliminate any/all ports on their devices.
———
Update - literally within an hour, Helm staff have responded and have acknowledged that the frayed cable is unacceptable in a way that is transparent and demonstrates care for the customer. They have just earned a repeat buyer. That kind of respect and ownership is so rare that it’s almost worthy of its own post and is ridiculously impressive. DAMN RIGHT, HELM! SO DAMN GOOD! Keep killing it!
How I roll for initial listening:
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Helm Bolt DAC AMP using USB A converter provided
- Apple USB Camera connector
- Sennheiser 58x Jubilee, Phillips Fidelio X2HR and Meze 12 Classic v2 with replacement foam ear tips
- Roon using Tidal as a source and Tidal app as a direct source
Initial impressions:
- I find the sound profile almost dead neutral. I don't get the sense of anything being dominant or recessed as a result of the DAC. Lows, mids and highs all come across closer to what sounds "flat", but not lifeless, which surprisingly changed very little given the Meze's more v shaped profile, but very respectably for the Fidelio based on the same profile.
- The sound is clean but not clinical.
- Imaging and soundstage are precise and evident, especially with the 58x and Fidelio, which you would expect from open backs. Sound sources are distinct and readily discernable by channel with a sense of location in space. The Fidelios' ability to separate and isolate in a way that is clean and bright really pops on the Bolt.
- There is zero indication of anything that would resemble background noise, hissing, or clipping. This kind of thing makes me personally want to launch DAC/AMPS into orbit to float around with the other space junk.
- No audible clicks or noises on changing of bitrate (looking at you ifi Zen DAC...)
- Amplification is solid. I never felt like there was a lack of energy to give the music body using the x58, the Fidelios or Meze 12 Classic.
- Roon on iOS immediately recognized the DAC, as did Tidal. Full lossless end to end using Tidal as a source. As advertised.
- The Bolt gets slightly warm after about a 1/2 hour of play time.
- I have noticed my battery on the phone drains faster. This is expected, but the rate is not unreasonable.
I will say that if you are looking for the DAC/AMP to add additional character by way of some kind EQ to the sound, you should look elsewhere. This is so neutral and clean that at times I felt myself wanting a bit oomph on the low end. If the track is recorded with a solid low end, its all good and translates well without being overbearing. As an example, Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Stop Now” punches like Mike Tyson with smooth, clean lows.
I think this is where the ifi hip-dac (as an example) will satisfy as a more appropriate alternative. Given the minor price difference and the features (balanced out, xbass) if you fall into that camp, its an option. The hip-dac is nowhere near as small in terms of form factor, so the give and take becomes obvious.
This is a massive step over iOS native audio. (Duh...)
ANOMOLIES:
- When the DAC is converting MQA from Roon or Tidal on lossless, the LED is magenta, as expected, BUT, when I go to take a picture with the camera app, the LED indicator turns BLUE... even though a lossless track with full MQA is rendering (as best as I can tell.) When I turn off the camera app, the LED turns Magenta again. I had to take a photo of the LED using a separate app (FOCOS)
- Interruptions in Roon when a notification is received are common - the music is interrupted rather than the notification message playing OVER the music. This is likely a Roon problem. (I've just never hit it before.)
My specific unit came with a frayed cable. Minor, and maybe I'm just a picky jerk... but disappointing. I have asked Helm how they deal with this. I get it. Manufacturing at speed leads to defects. That said, this is one purchase I have been really REALLY wanting to be solid as its time to get outdoors and run (keeping distance of course!
)IF I WAS A REVIEWER....
I would say its worth it as a purchase, provided the product doesn't have any defects as mine does. Form factor, clarity, imaging and a neutral/true sound profile all come though as massive
———
Update - literally within an hour, Helm staff have responded and have acknowledged that the frayed cable is unacceptable in a way that is transparent and demonstrates care for the customer. They have just earned a repeat buyer. That kind of respect and ownership is so rare that it’s almost worthy of its own post and is ridiculously impressive. DAMN RIGHT, HELM! SO DAMN GOOD! Keep killing it!
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