sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
Please make sure to include a Nobsound 8xTDA1387 DAC/HPA. 
Personal BEST DAC-AMP & DONGLES discoveries thread (Best finds Reference List)
- Thread starter NymPHONOmaniac
- Start date
NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
lol yeah, i think its just the pic that take too much place lol apart from this i would be ok....anyway, im no boss here...Well, you started a convo about them, I tried my best to keep em going...
im more a fan of amping section of XD05+ than DAC, and well, even amp isnt very clean and go higher and higher in THD when we crank the volume...
whats you best amp-dac find under 200$, like...something that sincerly puzzle your mind about price value????
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
Only very recently discovered HUD100 MKII . Earmen Sparrow sounded nice, but is right in 200 USD. Shanling UA2 is a top dog, but drains some batt from a phone
I like XD05+ too, but it is a bit narrow in stage for my typical taste.
Head-dicted
Previously known as Zachliang
I also have one of this model since 2019 and likeit. I m not a very HiFi fan but like good audio. used mailny for my TV audio and the digital TV decoder with a bit trebly audio Useful to check the broadacsters and listen to nice music programs A Samsung TV and AKG 81DJ or 77 are used
cappuchino
Previously known as sub30
Anyone ever heard of the sub-60 USD Bluetooth Desktop DAC/Amp, KGUSS BH3?
Well, for those that are curious, I have it here
=======================
ES9038Q2M
CSR8675 (Bluetooth 5.0; LDAC-capable)
2 x JRC-5532DD
WIMA and Nichicon capacitors
---
Bought it here. Check Lazada store for more details.
Well, for those that are curious, I have it here
=======================
ES9038Q2M
CSR8675 (Bluetooth 5.0; LDAC-capable)
2 x JRC-5532DD
WIMA and Nichicon capacitors
---
Initial Sound Impressions:
Warmer than neutral DAC/Amp, if comparing to my neutral-to-bright HUD100 MK2. Midrange is a treat with this one - weightier and more pleasant (fatigue-free). Treble's less harsh and smoother so it is very easy to listen to badly recorded tracks. However, the BH3 does add mid-bass warmth. Will be dependent on preference and needs. Clarity and transparency are adversely affected.
Can't determine yet it's effects, if there are any, on the other aspects of SQ (technicalities and such) as I've only had them for a day. So just the initial signature for now.
Driving Power:
Don't have measurements but have tested them with IEMs and headphones. Currently do not have high impedance earbuds. My usual listening volume is low-medium.
*In clock hands (o' clock). Just estimates as there is no marking.
HIFIMAN HE400se - 9.8
HIFIMAN DEVA - ~8.3
KZ DQ6 - ~7 (exception as it is at medium volume)
Moondrop SSP - ~7.7
*Compared to HUD100 MK2 (bypass, high power). Same order. n/100.
- 29/100
- 17/100
- 1/100
- 8/100
*Please take this with a grain of salt as this was done by ear only
---
Does it "open-up" the planar headphones? To an extent, yes.
Is there hiss with rather sensitive IEMs? With the DQ6, hiss manifests at 12 o' clock when not playing anything.
Are the components (op-amp, capacitors, etc.) legit/authentic? I have nooooo idea.
---
Forgot to mention - this is a BLUETOOTH DAC/AMP. My phone recognizes it as AAC/SBC/APTX/APTX-HD/LDAC capable. However, for some unknown reason, I can't activate APTX-LL, even through developer options. Bluetooth connection is very stable, without any random disconnections. Distance, as well, and I was able to walk around my house, phone in pocket, without losing connection (will of course depend on device used).
---
Build is all metal, even the volume knob (satisfyingly smooth turning). Has rubber feet so the BH3 sliding off your desk is not a problem.
Packaging is nondescript - just a cardboard box with a USB-C cable, antenna and the BH3 itself.
---
Op-amp appears to be hot-swappable but I haven't tried removing them from the board. I think it can also function wired through USB-C but that testing will be reserved for another day.
Interestingly, with the DQ6, there is a noticeably big loudness jump from the lowest volume, ~6 o' clock and 7 o'clock. Also perceivable channel imbalance in that "gap" but disappears once you get past said gap. With the other IEMs I have, this phenomenon wasn't observed.
Warmer than neutral DAC/Amp, if comparing to my neutral-to-bright HUD100 MK2. Midrange is a treat with this one - weightier and more pleasant (fatigue-free). Treble's less harsh and smoother so it is very easy to listen to badly recorded tracks. However, the BH3 does add mid-bass warmth. Will be dependent on preference and needs. Clarity and transparency are adversely affected.
Can't determine yet it's effects, if there are any, on the other aspects of SQ (technicalities and such) as I've only had them for a day. So just the initial signature for now.
Driving Power:
Don't have measurements but have tested them with IEMs and headphones. Currently do not have high impedance earbuds. My usual listening volume is low-medium.
*In clock hands (o' clock). Just estimates as there is no marking.
HIFIMAN HE400se - 9.8
HIFIMAN DEVA - ~8.3
KZ DQ6 - ~7 (exception as it is at medium volume)
Moondrop SSP - ~7.7
*Compared to HUD100 MK2 (bypass, high power). Same order. n/100.
- 29/100
- 17/100
- 1/100
- 8/100
*Please take this with a grain of salt as this was done by ear only
---
Does it "open-up" the planar headphones? To an extent, yes.
Is there hiss with rather sensitive IEMs? With the DQ6, hiss manifests at 12 o' clock when not playing anything.
Are the components (op-amp, capacitors, etc.) legit/authentic? I have nooooo idea.
---
Forgot to mention - this is a BLUETOOTH DAC/AMP. My phone recognizes it as AAC/SBC/APTX/APTX-HD/LDAC capable. However, for some unknown reason, I can't activate APTX-LL, even through developer options. Bluetooth connection is very stable, without any random disconnections. Distance, as well, and I was able to walk around my house, phone in pocket, without losing connection (will of course depend on device used).
---
Build is all metal, even the volume knob (satisfyingly smooth turning). Has rubber feet so the BH3 sliding off your desk is not a problem.
Packaging is nondescript - just a cardboard box with a USB-C cable, antenna and the BH3 itself.
---
Op-amp appears to be hot-swappable but I haven't tried removing them from the board. I think it can also function wired through USB-C but that testing will be reserved for another day.
Interestingly, with the DQ6, there is a noticeably big loudness jump from the lowest volume, ~6 o' clock and 7 o'clock. Also perceivable channel imbalance in that "gap" but disappears once you get past said gap. With the other IEMs I have, this phenomenon wasn't observed.
Bought it here. Check Lazada store for more details.
Last edited:
sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
Thanks @cappuchino. It looks very nice design and a quality components!
hidehide
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2016
- Posts
- 81
- Likes
- 13
Anyone will experience on Lead Audio CMD32? I’m looking to see if it is a good fit with my LCD3…
Head-dicted
Previously known as Zachliang
My neotek NTK059 amp
Very nice trebly audio
Around 6 hours battery but stops abruptly
Used mostly with digital TV receiver
Used for around 3 years but limited usage
Any opinions here
Very nice trebly audio
Around 6 hours battery but stops abruptly
Used mostly with digital TV receiver
Used for around 3 years but limited usage
Any opinions here
chris.d.m.
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2005
- Posts
- 201
- Likes
- 36
Some good / helpful thoughts here.
Still hunting for $100-200 portable dac/amp for the LCD X's that won't bring "too much" of a compromise.
Of course if could afford an idsd micro, I'd bet that would rock.
Still hunting for $100-200 portable dac/amp for the LCD X's that won't bring "too much" of a compromise.
Of course if could afford an idsd micro, I'd bet that would rock.
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
If you love MQA, but also love Bluetooth and want a freeing solution to listen to your favorite IEMs, FiiO designed something new, or rather made their BTR5 Receiver even better this time!
They made a 2021 variant of their popular BTR5, added MQA support, and upgraded the DAC chip, and now, after some serious testing, I can say for sure that if you listen to LDAC and enforce it to play in the proper resolution, you shouldn't hear any differences between LDAC and RedBook FLAC files or CDs
At least, this is how it looks like when comparing the DAC mode vs the LDAC mode of the new BTR5. I made many more remarks and personal notes in today's full written review about the sequel to the most popular Bluetooth Receiver, the new FiiO BTR5 2021!!
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2021/10/fiio-btr5-2021-mqa-freedom-at-the-end.html
They made a 2021 variant of their popular BTR5, added MQA support, and upgraded the DAC chip, and now, after some serious testing, I can say for sure that if you listen to LDAC and enforce it to play in the proper resolution, you shouldn't hear any differences between LDAC and RedBook FLAC files or CDs
At least, this is how it looks like when comparing the DAC mode vs the LDAC mode of the new BTR5. I made many more remarks and personal notes in today's full written review about the sequel to the most popular Bluetooth Receiver, the new FiiO BTR5 2021!!
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2021/10/fiio-btr5-2021-mqa-freedom-at-the-end.html
Attachments
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
Today's a fine day for music!!
If you need an ultraportable DAC/AMP with a full metallic body, I present you FD1 by HiBy Music~
This is a tiny, yet wild-spirited DAC/AMP with Type-C, a Balanced output, Single Ended, it works with both Android and Windows environments!!
More info in today's full written review about the Square One, FD One!
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2021/11/hiby-fd1-dac-amp-square-one-musics-fun.html
If you need an ultraportable DAC/AMP with a full metallic body, I present you FD1 by HiBy Music~
This is a tiny, yet wild-spirited DAC/AMP with Type-C, a Balanced output, Single Ended, it works with both Android and Windows environments!!
More info in today's full written review about the Square One, FD One!
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2021/11/hiby-fd1-dac-amp-square-one-musics-fun.html
NymPHONOmaniac
Headphoneus Supremus
Time to come back into this abandoned thread...cause I have heard quite alot of DAC-AMP since then...but my last crush, which is a VERY intense one is the TRI TK-2....literally can't stop using it.
With my Hifiman SUNDARA.
Man....i was sure to hate ES9038q2m until i hear this DAC-AMP powerhouse.
1250mw@32ohm balanced way. And truly portable if you have big pocket.
TRI isnt known for DAC-AMP, but they have collaborated with an excellent audio company call KAEI, know for their expertise in amplifier tech...
While the feature are basic and its ''just'' a DAC-AMP with lot of type of ouput, it can be end game desktop and portable DAC-AMP due to its powerful amping.
Anyway, I will share more impressions here about this, but this TRI TK-2 is a masterpiece. The dual ES9038 are properly implemented...and put to shame Zishan Z4 and Topping D10S.
No sub-bass roll-off. Note have weight. Dynamic have heft. Treble is balanced. Timbre is natural....man.OK. This might seem pricey at 280$ but it kindafeel portable end game to me.
With my Hifiman SUNDARA.
Man....i was sure to hate ES9038q2m until i hear this DAC-AMP powerhouse.
1250mw@32ohm balanced way. And truly portable if you have big pocket.
TRI isnt known for DAC-AMP, but they have collaborated with an excellent audio company call KAEI, know for their expertise in amplifier tech...
While the feature are basic and its ''just'' a DAC-AMP with lot of type of ouput, it can be end game desktop and portable DAC-AMP due to its powerful amping.
Anyway, I will share more impressions here about this, but this TRI TK-2 is a masterpiece. The dual ES9038 are properly implemented...and put to shame Zishan Z4 and Topping D10S.
No sub-bass roll-off. Note have weight. Dynamic have heft. Treble is balanced. Timbre is natural....man.OK. This might seem pricey at 280$ but it kindafeel portable end game to me.
Jumbolilit
New Head-Fier
Great find, man! Did it give a bit more juice (and bass) to power your HE400se? Looking to buy that - thx in advance!Anyone ever heard of the sub-60 USD Bluetooth Desktop DAC/Amp, KGUSS BH3?
Well, for those that are curious, I have it here
=======================
ES9038Q2M
CSR8675 (Bluetooth 5.0; LDAC-capable)
2 x JRC-5532DD
WIMA and Nichicon capacitors
---
Initial Sound Impressions:
Warmer than neutral DAC/Amp, if comparing to my neutral-to-bright HUD100 MK2. Midrange is a treat with this one - weightier and more pleasant (fatigue-free). Treble's less harsh and smoother so it is very easy to listen to badly recorded tracks. However, the BH3 does add mid-bass warmth. Will be dependent on preference and needs. Clarity and transparency are adversely affected.
Can't determine yet it's effects, if there are any, on the other aspects of SQ (technicalities and such) as I've only had them for a day. So just the initial signature for now.
Driving Power:
Don't have measurements but have tested them with IEMs and headphones. Currently do not have high impedance earbuds. My usual listening volume is low-medium.
*In clock hands (o' clock). Just estimates as there is no marking.
HIFIMAN HE400se - 9.8
HIFIMAN DEVA - ~8.3
KZ DQ6 - ~7 (exception as it is at medium volume)
Moondrop SSP - ~7.7
*Compared to HUD100 MK2 (bypass, high power). Same order. n/100.
- 29/100
- 17/100
- 1/100
- 8/100
*Please take this with a grain of salt as this was done by ear only
---
Does it "open-up" the planar headphones? To an extent, yes.
Is there hiss with rather sensitive IEMs? With the DQ6, hiss manifests at 12 o' clock when not playing anything.
Are the components (op-amp, capacitors, etc.) legit/authentic? I have nooooo idea.
---
Forgot to mention - this is a BLUETOOTH DAC/AMP. My phone recognizes it as AAC/SBC/APTX/APTX-HD/LDAC capable. However, for some unknown reason, I can't activate APTX-LL, even through developer options. Bluetooth connection is very stable, without any random disconnections. Distance, as well, and I was able to walk around my house, phone in pocket, without losing connection (will of course depend on device used).
---
Build is all metal, even the volume knob (satisfyingly smooth turning). Has rubber feet so the BH3 sliding off your desk is not a problem.
Packaging is nondescript - just a cardboard box with a USB-C cable, antenna and the BH3 itself.
---
Op-amp appears to be hot-swappable but I haven't tried removing them from the board. I think it can also function wired through USB-C but that testing will be reserved for another day.
Interestingly, with the DQ6, there is a noticeably big loudness jump from the lowest volume, ~6 o' clock and 7 o'clock. Also perceivable channel imbalance in that "gap" but disappears once you get past said gap. With the other IEMs I have, this phenomenon wasn't observed.
Bought it here. Check Lazada store for more details.
Dobrescu George
Reviewer: AudiophileHeaven
Let's start the day with a nice DAC/AMP, the DH80 from Hidizs!! Tons of power, good control, and an improved sound for their AP80 PRO series of music players, plus matching colors, and reliable extra battery to make for a fun experience!
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2022/02/hidizs-dh80-dac-amp-supporting-ap80-sound.html
https://www.audiophile-heaven.com/2022/02/hidizs-dh80-dac-amp-supporting-ap80-sound.html
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