[DBaldock9]

I


Did try this a couple of days back using a 2.5mm to a 2 x XLR cable. Easy enough to solder if you know what to do (the options on Ali were too expensive for me haha)

But yes, the clarity of E1DA is unmatched. The setup is very powerful, but a bit too clinical for me. I have a Nobsound TDA1387 which in comparison is nowhere near in either clarity or dynamics, but very musical.

Why is the balanced supposed to sound better btw? I noticed that when using e1da -> balanced in p20 -> balanced out Amiron home, a volume of -30 is pretty much loud enough. But using the same headphones in balanced out with a nobsound, can take the volume till -15 on some tracks.

Is it due to the higher voltage of line level in the balanced case? Nobsound has a measly 1.5V, which I believe is short of even the standard single ended.

In the P20, the JRC-5532-D op-amps, which drive the Balanced output, have ±18VDC going to them - so there's potentially up to 36VDC (minus a couple of volts, for drops within the amplifier circuit) across the headphone drivers.
.
The Specs from the Loxjie website say -
.
- Output Power -
Balanced headphones:
32Ω = 425mW
64Ω = 665mW
150Ω = 565mW
300Ω = 325mW
600Ω = 175mW

Unbalanced headphones:
32Ω = 385mW
64Ω = 210mW
150Ω = 105mW
300Ω = 55mW
600Ω = 29mW

 

[sufjennheiser]

In the P20, the JRC-5532-D op-amps, which drive the Balanced output, have ±18VDC going to them - so there's potentially up to 36VDC (minus a couple of volts, for drops within the amplifier circuit) across the headphone drivers.
.
The Specs from the Loxjie website say -
.
- Output Power -
Balanced headphones:
32Ω = 425mW
64Ω = 665mW
150Ω = 565mW
300Ω = 325mW
600Ω = 175mW

Unbalanced headphones:
32Ω = 385mW
64Ω = 210mW
150Ω = 105mW
300Ω = 55mW
600Ω = 29mW

Guess I should've made it clearer; the output is still balanced in both cases, only the input varies.

I also used an RCA to XLR to "fake it" and use Nobsound as balanced input. Compared to an actual balanced source, it still had worse dynamics, bass lacked punch, etc.

Is it because of low output voltage on the DAC side? I'm sorry if that's a stupid question.

 

[CADCAM]

Anyone heard anything about the Loxjie D30 hp amp\DAC?
Looks nice and price seems more than reasonable.

http://www.loxjie-audio.com/productshow.asp?id=156

 

[DBaldock9]

Guess I should've made it clearer; the output is still balanced in both cases, only the input varies.

I also used an RCA to XLR to "fake it" and use Nobsound as balanced input. Compared to an actual balanced source, it still had worse dynamics, bass lacked punch, etc.

Is it because of low output voltage on the DAC side? I'm sorry if that's a stupid question.

Looking at the Specs for the E1DA 9038S [ https://e1dashz.wixsite.com/index/9038s ], it appears to be able to output ~3.3V @ 32Ω
Since the Nobsound TDA1387 [ https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32881225029.html ] has an Line Output of ~1.5V - that would explain the difference in attenuator settings on the P20, for the two input sources.

 

[Mellowship]

The P20 in full balanced mode, driving the demanding K340.

There was no way I could amplify these 400 Ohm headphones to satisfactory levels on a budget if it wasn't for the Loxjie. It is connected to a SMSL M500 DAC through XLR. The volume on the Loxjie is usually around -15 to -10 db, with the DAC being remotely controlled to volumes around 15/40 to 30/40.

 

[CADCAM]

So I'm pretty sure that I was running the stock tube in my P20, it says 6H3N-E on it and sounded good but I noticed I was always going for one of my other hp setups and the P20\SU-8 combo was sitting alot.
I had bought another amp that failed that also used the same 6N3 type tube but I bought these instead as a replacement to the stock tube-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6N3P-2C51-396A-6385-6n3-Matched-Pair-Made-in-USSR-in-1968-military-tubes-2-PCS/253572965875?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
It says 6H3N on the box well I just tried them in the P20 and they sound excellent! Way tighter and a bit more detailed then the 6H3N-E.
Anyone know what the differences are between these two tubes? I just ordered a backup set after listening, it's that good!

 

[dpump]

Myself and others have stated before: get the 6N3P-DR. It is superior to any of the standard 6N3P-E tubes.

 

[CADCAM]

Myself and others have stated before: get the 6N3P-DR. It is superior to any of the standard 6N3P-E tubes.

Well I must have missed that one and man did I pay for it!
I've had the P20 for a while now and always liked it but never really loved it. I got the HE400i with the Periapt balanced cable and the SU-8 DAC but still wasn't blown away... figured it was just the way it was gonna sound.
Being a hybrid amp I never thought rolling tubes would make a tremendous difference in sound but these new tubes absolutely smoke the stock tube! Listening to some Willie & Lobo Fandango Nights and the detail and separation are delectable.
Does anyone know the difference between the tube I'm now using https://www.ebay.com/itm/6N3P-2C51-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
and this tube https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-6N3P-...151100?hash=item34104362fc:g:ih8AAOSw5SNdRofW
Just wondering if things can get even better...

 

[intoitreviews]

Okay so there is really not much out there on the Loxjie P20. There's a few out there that have given really high regards to this thing, and i feel like it deserves a good discussion. (TL;DR: just read the bold stuff)

The main thing i want to know is regarding the balanced in/out. I DON'T want this to descend into a balanced argument thing. The point is that nearly every reviewer has mentioned how the balanced is noticeably better on this thing. I personally don't care about balanced - it's not something i need or care about. HOWEVER. It seems like the circuitry/electronics/whatever in this specific amp is somehow better than the unbalanced.

What i want to know is this - can i still take advantage of this "better" balanced sound by simply using something like RCA --> XLR adapters and running them into the Loxjie P20 inputs? The balanced output thing is relatively cheap/easy, but i'm definitely not spending balanced DAC money anytime soon. Is it just the balanced OUTPUT that gives this benefit? Do i need to even run balanced into it to benefit?

Question 2: [Loxjie P20 owners ONLY] - does this make a good first real amp for the HD6xx? I know that a JDS Atom is a "safer" choice, but i kind of want something interesting and different, which leads me to...

Will this still give me SOME amount of the benefit of tube despite being hybrid? The warmness, light distortion, and soundstage/reverb type of effect that people talk about? Reviewers seem to think that it.

It would also give me an upgrade path if i DID want to eventually buy a balanced DAC.

 

[intoitreviews]

I did a review a while back: https://www.intoitreviews.com/post/a-review-of-the-loxjie-p20-neutral-cheap-and-balanced

www.intoitreviews.com

 

[cirodts]

the p20 is sufficient to drive the sundara unbalanced

 

[Mellowship]

the p20 is sufficient to drive the sundara unbalanced

It drives the k340 unbalanced, to very respectable levels. I actually use the unbalanced inputs to my turntable pre-amp, and the P20 does a pretty decent job on single ended to single ended with the hugely demanding 400 ohms of the k340. It also suits my K701 and helps taming its brutality in the highs while giving it a bit of much needed strength in the lows. I believe this is a great amp for ageing AKGs.
But it is in full balanced mode that the real magic happens.

 

[jenkinsontherun]

General Question:
Tube rolling experts, I made a mistake today by assuming 7 pin had just one size. I was wrong! Bought some 7-pin off of amazon, and it does not fit the P20 (significantly too small). Here is the link for reference: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B086HJ6L2T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now the obvious question is, what tubes can you recommend, especially those available in Canada? If you are not in Canada, general recommendations are welcome. I will also browse this thread to see what you guys already recommend.

But yes, please help me with the fact that tube sizes vary, even with 7 pins. In the future, how can I tell its exact size?

Cheers!

 

[DBaldock9]

General Question:
Tube rolling experts, I made a mistake today by assuming 7 pin had just one size. I was wrong! Bought some 7-pin off of amazon, and it does not fit the P20 (significantly too small). Here is the link for reference: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B086HJ6L2T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now the obvious question is, what tubes can you recommend, especially those available in Canada? If you are not in Canada, general recommendations are welcome. I will also browse this thread to see what you guys already recommend.

But yes, please help me with the fact that tube sizes vary, even with 7 pins. In the future, how can I tell its exact size?

Cheers!

There are some adapter sockets available - that allow tubes with similar characteristics, but different pin-outs, to be used in alternate sockets.
.
The sockets in the P20 are for 9-Pin tubes, and I don't know if there's an adapter to use a 7-Pin tube in a 9-Pin socket.
.
I do know that the Russian Reflektor 6N3P-DR Tubes work well in the P20.

 

[jenkinsontherun]

There are some adapter sockets available - that allow tubes with similar characteristics, but different pin-outs, to be used in alternate sockets.
.
The sockets in the P20 are for 9-Pin tubes, and I don't know if there's an adapter to use a 7-Pin tube in a 9-Pin socket.
.
I do know that the Russian Reflektor 6N3P-DR Tubes work well in the P20.

Thanks @DBaldock9 , you're always helpful. I didn't realize they were 9-pin, that's my bad. I'll take your advice and look elsewhere! Thanks!