KAEI TAP-1 Portable Hybrid Balance Headphone Amp

[DBaldock9]

What is the orange colored item?

I'm guessing that since it's captioned "Family photo", the amp on the left is the KAEI TAP-1 Pro, and the one on the right, with the orange cover, is the KAEI TAP-1. Both of them are in his equipment list.

 

[Sharppain]

Family photo

Very cool compact chain (think it is even 2 chains).
I think you need 2-3 holes on two of vertical sides of the plexi chamber and 4-6 on top - the V7s are getting pretty hot; I run V7s on my Burson Soloist and can tell you that they are getting 20% hotter that the V6s in a way that I had to put the Burson Soloist on top of the stack.

 

[Kordonrules]

I have my SP3000 interconnected from its 4.4 out to TAP-1 4.4 in. Then I have 3.5 IEM connected from TAP-1, is this correct?

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

I have my SP3000 interconnected from its 4.4 out to TAP-1 4.4 in. Then I have 3.5 IEM connected from TAP-1, is this correct?

Sure both 3.5 or 4.4 will work for input .

 

[Kordonrules]

Sure both 3.5 or 4.4 will work for input .

Thank you!

 

[LakeOfTheWyles]

A comprehensive and thorough review of the tap-1 pro. Excellent review

Has anybody compared the tap-1s to the tap-1 pro? From what I understand the internals are fairly similar, but I’m not sure. I have the last iteration of the tap-1s which I’m happy with. Just purchased the PSU 2, curious to see if there’s any difference between the PSU-1 and 2. I guess it offers much more voltage, and I like that it doesn’t have to be plugged in all the time

 

[Headcan]

Curious as to whether the 18650 batteries in new PSU-2 are easily replaceable or spot welded. Anyone open theirs or have pics of internals?

To answer my own question, the 18650 batteries in new PSU-2 are spot welded.

@ToneDeafMonk - The new batches of PSU-2 have been updated with printed text on PSU. It no longer has that little sticker up top.

It's refreshing to see that KAEI Design take constructive criticism and very quickly make changes to customer satisfaction as well as listen to customer suggestions and then offer add-on or customisation options.

 

[HTjapan]

I wrote a review article on another site.

https://note.com/anemorilove/n/n27e7f427464c

 

[Audiophile03]

Just ordered the TAP-1 Pro. I got it with the SparkOS SS3602*2 op amps, CS43198*2 dac chips, and the PSU-2 power supply. This was solely based on Tone Deaf Monks recommendation to go with the 3602s. Not sure if there were any other upgrade recommendations on this build but I didn't really care for lighting, I just wanted the glass panel so I could see all the beautiful tubes and chips. Anyone have an idea on how long it takes for them to fulfill an order? I'm here in the US.
I will be using this with my 32ohm XTC2.5s and 300ohm XTC2s.

Cheers,
Jared

 

[Audiophile03]

Just received tracking info this morning, hopefully it'll show up next week! I ordered the leather case for it as well and was informed it'll take 3 weeks to make it. Their choice of leather was quite extensive and is supposedly hand made upon ordering. I'll report back once received.

 

[hemtmaker]

Will the tap 1 pro battery degrade if I just leave it plugged in via usb for charge and use it as a desktop setup? I am wondering if I should get the PSU. I am also considering PSU over PSU2 because it doesn’t have a battery (no need for portable) so I can leave that plugged in on my desk all the times. Thanks!

 

[HTjapan]

Will the tap 1 pro battery degrade if I just leave it plugged in via usb for charge and use it as a desktop setup? I am wondering if I should get the PSU. I am also considering PSU over PSU2 because it doesn’t have a battery (no need for portable) so I can leave that plugged in on my desk all the times. Thanks!

It is likely that using it while constantly plugged in via USB will degrade the battery. I cannot confirm if the PSU is compatible with the TAP1-PRO. However, using the PSU-2 would likely prevent battery degradation in the TAP1-PRO, although the PSU-2's own battery would degrade over time

 

[Sullosax]

It is likely that using it while constantly plugged in via USB will degrade the battery. I cannot confirm if the PSU is compatible with the TAP1-PRO. However, using the PSU-2 would likely prevent battery degradation in the TAP1-PRO, although the PSU-2's own battery would degrade over time

Best thing to do is contact Kaei direct they are very responsive

 

[hemtmaker]

Thanks for the replies. I had contacted KAEI and the only way to disable the internal battery of TAP Pro is using PSU. PSU1 is compatible with the pro but out of stock.

 

[Sullosax]

Thanks for the replies. I had contacted KAEI and the only way to disable the internal battery of TAP Pro is using PSU. PSU1 is compatible with the pro but out of stock.

I would image someone would want to sell the psu1 if they are upgrading to the psu2