chaotic_angel
500+ Head-Fier
Any report on how this amp does with the Fiio X5iii??
Bump this question up.. same X5iii user here.
@nmatheis how the highs and details on balance out, does it have sparkles and revealing?
Any report on how this amp does with the Fiio X5iii??
The only decent review I have seen for this is here. http://headfonics.com/2017/03/the-pb3-mockingbird-by-ibasso/.
Don't know if the fellas that bought it here on headfi are not stoked about it or what it is but this amp seems to be getting zero attention.
At least Marcus here on the review rates it higher than the A5 amp. I was willing to find out but there was too good of a deal on a IDSD black label for me to pass up so I had to pass on the PB3.
Balanced out of the X5iii is good but not great. My Pono is better sounding from the balanced end. Was thinking of getting the PB3 for stacking with the X5iii for use with my Z5. Still might consider the PB3.
As per the BL. Ya that is something I have always wanted. Recent sale on it was too good of a deal not to buy. Can't wait to try it out with my X5iii.
May I know what's wrong with the X5iii balanced out? The PB3 will probably sound different as they implemented it differently compared to traditional balanced amplifications. Not sure how on the X5iii. I will try to compare them when I get the chance.
I tried the original version of the micro iDSD and I was impressed. I could only imagine the same and way more on the BL.
By the way, the Aune M1s balanced sounds great. Really dark background, transparent sounding, and decent enough soundstage upgrade compared to its SE output. Just mentioning since were on the balanced topic.
Bump this question up.. same X5iii user here.
@nmatheis
how the highs and details on balance out, does it have sparkles and revealing?
How are people liking this amp? I'm very close to pulling the trigger on one to use with my iBasso IT03 and E-MU Teaks, fed by a Meridian Explorer2 or my LGV10.
I'm just hesitant to start dropping more money for balanced cables.
How much better does this amp sound in balanced mode? I know balanced ranges from "much better" to "slightly worse," depending on the implementation. I'm new to the balanced amp game, if you couldn't tell.
Yes, good detail retrieval and sparkle. Scuba energetic. An especially good pairing with warmer/darker headphones or IEM IMHO. As I mentioned earlier, it's quite powerful even on low gain which means you have to be careful with the volume knob. A variable line out would be good to have if you're pairing PB3 with IEM.
I can see using it with IT03, but the EMU I've heard have pretty forward treble for my tastes. PB3 seems to bring the treble forward, so I think PB3 + EMU would be to bright / hot for me. Perhaps your EMU are smoother than those I've heard of you prefer brighter sound, though...