Introducing Lotoo PAW Gold
Dec 11, 2016 at 8:10 AM Post #2,971 of 4,770
Is that because streaming is now a factor?


That and because Alex said it's a bit warmer vs LPG but still very detailed. I've found he and I share similar taste in DAPs.

OK, I can't say the new Sony Aluminum DAP doesn't tempt me, too...


Love both, and in comparison to LPG, I find Opus#2 in 32bit mode to be as resolving and transparent but a little less analytical and with more body. And, btw, android access in Opus#2 is still locked, no streaming or access to Google play yet (interface and functionality, except for bluetooth, is identical to opus#1 for now). So, I purely judge on the sound quality.
 
Dec 11, 2016 at 9:50 AM Post #2,972 of 4,770
Is it a bit smooth sounding? I tend to not get that black between notes or quite the solidity form android based players in general but they can be very open and good/freindly sounding. The detail is there but the it's almost like there's too much harmonic for the fundamental. Hard to describe but not the solidity available from say, the LPG. I also think the DAC chip the LPG uses is commonly more solid sounding. I'm asking here. Not trying to project a character without hearing it but every android based player I've had hasn't hit as hard as a couple using their own OS or linux. Doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed them and still have a couple.
 
Dec 11, 2016 at 10:50 AM Post #2,973 of 4,770
  Is it a bit smooth sounding? I tend to not get that black between notes or quite that solidity form android based player in general but they can be very open and good/friendly sounding. The detail is there but the it's almost like there's too much harmonic for the fundamental. Hard to describe but not the solidity available from say, the LPG. I also think the DAC chip the LPG uses is commonly more solid sounding. I'm asking here. Not trying to project a character without hearing it but every android based player I've had hasn't hit as hard as a couple using their own OS or linux. Doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed them and still have a couple.

 
I had almost finished a long post answering this, and a tiny Windows glitch 'ate' my post.  I do not type that well or quickly so,  ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!
 
That said, I am using the Campfire Vega almost exclusively now, and they are quite natural sounding, but do favor the instruments over the acoustic a bit.  WIth the LPG, the combo can be, on occasion, a bit too "challenging/demanding for a more relaxed listen.  The QP1R is also very good sounding, but the Vega is just too bass-heavy with it- not flabby, just a bit too much in the mix.
 
Heard an Opus1  at RMAF, so I thought the Opus2 might be a nice antidote to my considering the Sony 1Z, vs the A&K 320 vs the 380 vs the 380cu vs with or without an A&K amp.....  The Opus2 sounds good so far, and has about 15 hours on it, most burning in on my desk, the rest listening.  So, the following is all a provisional report:
 
So far, it is more "relaxed" sounding than the LPG or Q, it is more "open" sounding.  That is, it has a more mid-hall sound, so you hear the acoustic as well as the instruments. - Things are spaced further apart front to back, and a bit more left to right.  Tonal balance with the Vega is very good, but perhaps a bit bass-shy (maybe just coming from the others, which may have a touch too much.  Not sure yet.  The instrumental timbres are very good, and it does not have the Sabre glare.  It also seems to slightly soften, smooth out leading edges of note - it does not "hit" as hard as the LPG.  The individual instruments are not as palpable and holographic as on the PAW and Q.  I have always found that audio systems (especially speaker-based) either give big stage, or palpable images, but not both, until you get to the very top-tier gear that gives you "everything".  Same here.  When you attend an acoustic performance, the tonal balance and the ratio of direct/reflected sound changes a bit.  What does not change is that there is really not a sound stage or imaging - the instruments are just 'there' an a primal kind of way-you just sense it.  It's that kind of thing that the (modified) LPG does, and the Q, to a large extent, that, so far at least, the Opus2 isn't quite there.  IN other word, it needs to become a bit less "Memorex" and more "Ella".  But so does almost all portable hifi gear.....
 
 
Maybe next time I'll make it much shorter and just say "I agree with Goodvibes".  lol
 
Dec 11, 2016 at 4:34 PM Post #2,974 of 4,770
@fzman - do you have output setting on opus#2 for dsp 32bit mode?  going from 24bit to 32bit will give you a faster note transient, sharper transitions of note on/off.
 
Don't want to hijack/derail the thread, but LPG and Opus#2 are two of my currently favorite daps, so curious about other people impressions and comparison
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Dec 11, 2016 at 6:17 PM Post #2,976 of 4,770
  @fzman - do you have output setting on opus#2 for dsp 32bit mode?  going from 24bit to 32bit will give you a faster note transient, sharper transitions of note on/off.
 
Don't want to hijack/derail the thread, but LPG and Opus#2 are two of my currently favorite daps, so curious about other people impressions and comparison
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Yes, I set it on 32bit proior to even listening to it. It's a subtle thing, but it is there, to my ears so far.  It's just a touch smooth/pretty sounding, not quite the naural edges and textures of the real thing. The Opus2 is very open and extended on top, and has a very airy stage, without a tipped up treble.  I will give it more time. One thing is for sure, it does not have the ammp power that the PAW or Q have.
 
Dec 14, 2016 at 7:51 PM Post #2,978 of 4,770
Has anyone had any problems with their screen brightness on the lpg mine is really dark despite setting it to the highest level also the print is distorted and is fading just looking at the photo of the above LPG which is nice and bright. I have emailed lpg and am awaiting your reply
 
Dec 16, 2016 at 10:15 AM Post #2,979 of 4,770
Did you set it to the highest setting? High gain + +6 db on digital gian? I have similar impression from my HD800.

Also do you find it necessary to make some adjustments in the DSD gain manuel when playing DSD music? I don't seem to notice DSD music plays at a lower level.

 
I didn't touch any of the settings because I was advised by The Evolution of Sound (LPW-Diana Edition distributor) that the player is preset to the ideal settings to drive most headphones on the market. I've used IEMs Sony Z5, Weston W60, AKG K3003 and all played incredibly well with the shipped settings.
 
To answer your question, my unit is set at +6 db on digital gain and DSD gain at High level setting. LPW-DE (Lotoo Paw Gold Diana Edition) is the only player I've used so far that can drive Abyss to a comfortable listening level and not sound hard for forceful. The chassis stays relatively cool driving Abyss and playing standard 16/44.1kHz files. A little warm playing DSD files.
 
Dec 16, 2016 at 1:59 PM Post #2,980 of 4,770
   
I didn't touch any of the settings because I was advised by The Evolution of Sound (LPW-Diana Edition distributor) that the player is preset to the ideal settings to drive most headphones on the market. I've used IEMs Sony Z5, Weston W60, AKG K3003 and all played incredibly well with the shipped settings.
 
To answer your question, my unit is set at +6 db on digital gain and DSD gain at High level setting. LPW-DE (Lotoo Paw Gold Diana Edition) is the only player I've used so far that can drive Abyss to a comfortable listening level and not sound hard for forceful. The chassis stays relatively cool driving Abyss and playing standard 16/44.1kHz files. A little warm playing DSD files.

Thanks, but I think that setting may be fine for full size headphones like the Abyss or the HD800 but it may be too much for sensitive iems. So do you leave it on high gain and +6 db on digital gain all the time?
 
Dec 17, 2016 at 3:01 AM Post #2,982 of 4,770
  Thanks, but I think that setting may be fine for full size headphones like the Abyss or the HD800 but it may be too much for sensitive iems. So do you leave it on high gain and +6 db on digital gain all the time?

 
I've used a variety of IEMs (Sony XBA-Z5, Westone W60, AKG K3003, UE Reference Remastered) at the reset settings with wonderful results. LPW-DE is dead silent with those IEMs.
 
I want to listen LPG before buying, anyone know where can I listen in Toronto?

 
Try the Diana Edition. It's a different beast.
 
http://www.theevolutionofsound.com/lotoo/
 
Dec 18, 2016 at 12:13 PM Post #2,983 of 4,770
Man, I am really impressed by Lotoo Paw Gold (Diana Edition). It is the ONLY DAP (digital audio player) that drives my Abyss effectively and also drive in-ear headphones without noise.
 

 
Dec 18, 2016 at 2:39 PM Post #2,985 of 4,770
As much as I love my LPG ever since the release and purchase of Sony WM1A I haven't used it much.

I feel the Sony wm1a has finally taken the dap quality in the right direction. Specially its DC phase linear setting which to me takes away any long terms fatigue that I tend to get listening sessions.

If i was to keep two dap it would be LPG and WM1A. However 1A wins due to much better navigation setting. I haven't used its balance out yet, it is said to be best in that mod.

Not to derail but LPG owners who like an alternative complimenting dap should look into it.
 

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