I can't recommend a phone more than the IT01 right now. It is awesome sauce and everyone must figure out how to get these bad boys in balanced cause it is amaze ballz in balanced.
Yes that means you will have to spend the money for a new balanced cable. How much you want to spend is up to you. You think your IT01 sounds good in single mode? Mines sound better
One thing to mention regarding this is the source. I took a quick look at your profile; are you using the Fiio X5iii? Or if not, then which source(s)?
I'd love to understand better where you're coming from
I use the DX200 and have most of the AMP units.
I use the original AMP1 with both balanced and SE outs and a neutral, reference style sound.
I preferred the balanced output (which also let me use my upgraded balanced cables).
So I also use the balanced AMP3 with a slightly more warm, musical and organic sound.
However, when preferring the balanced output, I'm not sure how much of it is down to the cables or the balanced architecture and its implementation.
Right now, I've been using AMP5 non-stop since I received it at the same time as the IT01.
It sounds terrific (sound signature analogous to that of the AMP3) and I haven't really noticed anything lacking from when I was using the balanced AMP3 with either IT03 or Noble Katana.
However, now that I've finally completed burn-in (or brain-burn-in; as you wish), I'm ready to start comparing and contrasting.
Will be interested to see how the IT01 sounds with the balanced CB13 cable on the AMP3 and AMP1.
You may be right, and it might sound better. If so, I still have the slight conundrum of how much is down to the cable and how much is down to the AMP architecture and implementation
But I suspect it will be a case of not necessarily better, but just different sound signatures (just has been the case with the different AMPS I've tried).
I've preferred different ones at different times, and with different genres and different IEM's
It's quite time-consuming, this hobby. Fortunately I've got the music to keep me company while I do it