[Hoegaardener70]

Not directly, but I've had all three. If you are using the XLR outputs on the rear of the HTT2, it seems pretty similar to the Pro iCAN in terms of power. The HTT2 is bit more clear, and also brighter than the Pro iDSD.

What would you specifically like to know? I can try and do a comparison from memory, which is maybe better than nothing for you

Hi there, I am mostly interested in clarity and "spatial awareness", I mean which of the two creates the more holographic image for an utopia and final a8000. And may be also general observations ... e.g. I had the Hugo2, and despite all the glowing reviews I was somewhat disappointed with the single USB (and of all the micro b) port ... do you see similar shortcomings? Thanks for sharing your insights.

 

[makan]

Not directly, but I've had all three. If you are using the XLR outputs on the rear of the HTT2, it seems pretty similar to the Pro iCAN in terms of power. The HTT2 is bit more clear, and also brighter than the Pro iDSD.

What would you specifically like to know? I can try and do a comparison from memory, which is maybe better than nothing for you

How did you find the abyss 1266 between the TT2 and pro ican....I am debating on giving the TT2 a shot. I have the pro ican right now and just got the abyss in

 

[ufospls2]

Hi there, I am mostly interested in clarity and "spatial awareness", I mean which of the two creates the more holographic image for an utopia and final a8000. And may be also general observations ... e.g. I had the Hugo2, and despite all the glowing reviews I was somewhat disappointed with the single USB (and of all the micro b) port ... do you see similar shortcomings? Thanks for sharing your insights.

Hmm. Clarity probably goes to the HTT2. Spatial awareness, probably the TT2 as well, but it would be close i think. TT2 is a much better unit in terms of usability than the regular Hugo 2. I'd be worried the Utopia with the HTT2 would be overly bright however. I haven't heard the A8000 sadly.

How did you find the abyss 1266 between the TT2 and pro ican....I am debating on giving the TT2 a shot. I have the pro ican right now and just got the abyss in

Honestly, considering the vast price difference and the fact you already have the Pro iCAN, it might not be worth it. What DAC are you using with the iCAN currently? It also depends on your needs and space requirements, as the HTT2 is a really neat all in one, probably the best on the market, and that really appeals to some people.

 

[makan]

Honestly, considering the vast price difference and the fact you already have the Pro iCAN, it might not be worth it. What DAC are you using with the iCAN currently? It also depends on your needs and space requirements, as the HTT2 is a really neat all in one, probably the best on the market, and that really appeals to some people.
[/QUOTE]
I am using the ADI-2 pro for a DAC. I have no complaints and to be honest, my ears do not perceive much difference from DAC to DAC.

 

[ufospls2]

Honestly, considering the vast price difference and the fact you already have the Pro iCAN, it might not be worth it. What DAC are you using with the iCAN currently? It also depends on your needs and space requirements, as the HTT2 is a really neat all in one, probably the best on the market, and that really appeals to some people.

I am using the ADI-2 pro for a DAC. I have no complaints and to be honest, my ears do not perceive much difference from DAC to DAC.
[/QUOTE]

I'd stick with your current set up then, unless you get an unbelievably smoking deal on the HTT2 or something.

 

[makan]

I am using the ADI-2 pro for a DAC. I have no complaints and to be honest, my ears do not perceive much difference from DAC to DAC.

I'd stick with your current set up then, unless you get an unbelievably smoking deal on the HTT2 or something.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks. It seems to drive my Susvara nicely too. Got it keep the upgraditis virus away.

 

[kenray536]

I just bought an IFi iESL for my STAX L700s.

I have the the chance to buy a used iCan or use an amp I already have in the list below.

What would you do?
Is the iCan a lot better than these amps?

1) Monoprice Liquid Platinum Alex Cavalli https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33305
2) monoprice THX 788
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459
3) Parasound Zdac v2
https://parasound.com/zdac-v2.php

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Hoegaardener70]

I just bought an IFi iESL for my STAX L700s.

I have the the chance to buy a used iCan or use an amp I already have in the list below.

What would you do?
Is the iCan a lot better than these amps?

1) Monoprice Liquid Platinum Alex Cavalli https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33305
2) monoprice THX 788
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459
3) Parasound Zdac v2
https://parasound.com/zdac-v2.php

Thanks in advance for the help!

Sell all of the amps above and get the ICan pro. That’s at least what I did with all my amps, and it drives my abyss ab-1266 very nice indeed. Plus, you can get rid of all your desk clutter, the two units will stack neatly.

 

[makan]

I just bought an IFi iESL for my STAX L700s.

I have the the chance to buy a used iCan or use an amp I already have in the list below.

What would you do?
Is the iCan a lot better than these amps?

1) Monoprice Liquid Platinum Alex Cavalli https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33305
2) monoprice THX 788
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459
3) Parasound Zdac v2
https://parasound.com/zdac-v2.php

Thanks in advance for the help!

The Ifi pro would connect seamlessly with the iESL. It drives my Akg k1000, He-6, susvara and Phi TC adequately....so really drives pretty well all headphones except electrostatics and RAAL SR1A.

 

[kenray536]

The Ifi pro would connect seamlessly with the iESL. It drives my Akg k1000, He-6, susvara and Phi TC adequately....so really drives pretty well all headphones except electrostatics and RAAL SR1A.

Is the the iCan basically an almost end game amp that should last me a lot of years?

Is it still one of the top headphone amps even though it’s been out a couple of years?

Thanks

 

[Ficcion2]

Any iCan owners that can compare against the Vioelectric 280? Mostly looking for a SS to drive planars.

 

[iFi audio]

Is it still one of the top headphone amps even though it’s been out a couple of years?

Certainly it's one of the most versatile ones even today

But if you have iESL, it forms a nice package with Pro iCAN, that's for sure.

 

[saunaboi17]

I got an ifi ican pro off eBay for $1080 and have been testing it out today! I have the ZMF Aeolus and have been playing vinyl on an Audio Technica LP-7. (I also have a Bifrost 2 that its stacked on but I’m waiting for some XLR cables to come In the mail before I use the dac.)

Anyways the ican pro sounds great and paired with the Aeolus is definitely my preferred sound signature. It’s certainly not as big of a leap in sound quality as when I first heard a Bottlehead crack with speedball though. Going back and forth between the BHC and iCan (on SS), I notice a very slight increase in detail and separation between instruments that I’d have trouble noticing in an A/B test. Maybe there would be more of a leap in sound quality if I was running the Aeolus balanced, but its not the most revealing headphone in the first place.

I cant praise ifi enough for their xBass feature. It’s not slight at all. With my BHC, I’d have to raise the volume to louder/ ear damaging levels to get the amount of thump I get on the iCan at normal listening volume. Records like J Dilla Donuts really come alive with this feature cracked up to 20-40 Hz. The tube modes were a very slight difference with the already warm sound sig of the Aeolus. I think I’d only switch to tube if I wanted the orange light on for ambiance lol. I’ve heard this light isn’t even from tubes and I would’ve much preferred it to always be on. The 3D feature is also pretty subtle but I enjoy a little spaciousness being added to the intimate sound sig of the Aeolus. I’ve heard many reviewers say they arent fans of these tweaking features, but I love what they add and enjoy the saved space/ money from tailoring the iCan to each headphone vs. heaving to buy different upstream gear for each headphone.

One issue I’m having is that I was looking forward to utilizing the iCans preamp and bypassing my turntables built in preamp which I assume isn’t that great. However, when I switch my turntable to Phono, the iCan can barely pick up the signal. At max gain and max volume my Aeolus was still below normal listening levels. So I’ve just been running my turntables built in preamp into the iCan. This doesn’t seem right so if someone knows what I’m doing wrong let me know.

All in all, I think this amp will last me for a long time. I don’t think I could get a better sounding amp without dumping ridiculous amounts of money and when I buy more headphones I’ll be able to take advantage of this amps versatility and avoid having to buy a matching amp.

 

[technobear]

One issue I’m having is that I was looking forward to utilizing the iCans preamp and bypassing my turntables built in preamp which I assume isn’t that great. However, when I switch my turntable to Phono, the iCan can barely pick up the signal. At max gain and max volume my Aeolus was still below normal listening levels. So I’ve just been running my turntables built in preamp into the iCan. This doesn’t seem right so if someone knows what I’m doing wrong let me know.

Phono cartridges only produce a very small signal. A phono pre-amp is required to bring it up to line level. Also records are not flat so the phono pre-amp has to equalise the signal.

The Pro iCAN doesn't have a phono input. You can use the phono pre-amp in your AT or you can buy a separate one (iFi make a good one, the iPhono, now in it's third generation).

 

[saunaboi17]

^ahh yep that makes total sense. Another thing I’m noticing is that the 6.3mm right output jack has some play, so when I’m moving the cable around or spinning the headphone jack, it causes cracks and pops and messes with the signal. Maybe Its due to the amp being purchased used, but this doesn’t happen at all with the BHC output jack and shouldn’t happen at this price range. It’s not causing any issues when the cable isn’t moving, so I’m not sure if it warrants a return.