[bluestorm1992]

Want to share some interesting new products, especially for those who are considering purchasing a small dongle like the Lotoo PAW S1.

Latest update:

LP is launching a new version of W2 - now called W2 (131) - in response to the chip shortages. This product is mostly identical with W2 OG, with two major improvements:

• The power consumption is 10% lower than W2 OG
• The driving power increases from 235mW @32 Ohm to 260mW @32 Ohm

Checkout @Currawong's latest review on W2-131!



For a detailed comparison with W2 OG, please check out post #4333 by user @tawmizzzz . More spec info is available from Musicteck’s website.

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My own review and comparison between Lotoo S1, LP W1, and LP W2.

Update: see post #43 for a first impression!

Update 2: see post #180 for English user manual and instructions.

Update 3: from Andrew @MusicTeck
“As far as we tested, there is no issues with W1 since it only draws 90mA, but W2 draws 110-120mA and iPhone has a limitation of 100mA to support external devices. So, when using W2 with iPhone 11 or 12 and W2 volume is over 70, it draws more current than iPhone allows and volume gets choppy and cuts off, even with that white cable. We suggest you set your iPhone to max volume, set W2 gain high and lower W2 volume below 70. That is when there are no issues with iPhone. Android phones and windows laptops don't have this issue. Only iPhones.”

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FW Update Info

Since most of the users cannot
download FW files directly from their official webpage, I have downloaded these files and then upload them to google drive so that everyone can access them.

General FW Update Steps (only for Windows 7/10 ATM).

1. Download the FW update package (google drive link here, or you can find them on Musicteck's webpage or LP's website).
2. Connect W1/W2 to your PC.
3. Install the driver (LuxuryPrecision_setup_WHQL_20210510.exe and Windows 7 drivers if necessary).
4. Install and run the FW update tool (ISP_Tool.exe) with the FW file (for example, W1_V1.0.2.6_AS.bin).
5. In case the upgrade fails or your W1/W2 is bricked, install this rescue driver.

You only need to install the driver and FW update tool once. For future FW updates, you can simply load the latest FW file to the FW update tool.

To check your current FW version. Unplug your W1/W2 first. Then, keep holding the shorter of the two bottoms and plug the device into your PC. The device’s screen will display your current FW version.

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Latest FW:
FW 1.0.5.6 (2023-06-28):

• Adding the IE900 profile
• Improves device stability and compatibility with 3rd party usb cables

FW 1.0.5.0 (2023-05-10):

• Adding the IE600 profile
• Improving comparability with certain Android phones.

W1_W2_V1.0.3.6_AS (2021-12-15)

This version is compatible with the NoHID version. When the HID Key enables state changes, the USB connection is re-connected. If the HID Key is closed, the reconfiguration descriptor closes the HID communication. The HID Key is turned off by default, so it is compatible with Apple M1 tablets.

There are two new FW from the 2021-11-23 release. One for the general user (1.0.3.4) and one specifically for Apple M1 device users.

FW W1_V1.0.3.4_AS (2021-11-23)

• UAC1.0 mode (future firmware update required switching back to UAC2.0)
• IER-Z1R tuning
• fixed minor bugs

FW W1_V1.0.3.3_AS_NoHID (2021-11-23)

• Fix the M1 device comparability issue. This FW will disable the HID function of W1/W2.
• The corresponding bin file can be found in the google drive.

V1.0.2.6AS All (2021-08-18)

• Seems like an overall improvement from the last FW update, but share the same firmware version.
• Use the file with the name W1_V1.0.2.6_AS_ALL.bin.

FW: W1_V1.0.2.6 (06032021)

• Added IE800s, SE846 EQ
• Added the asynchronous UAC connection mode (check out this article for what this is)
• Fixed the bug of no sound from DSD files after switching EQ

W1_V1.0.2.1 (03082021)

• Add the Xelento-tuned EQ
• Add the Self-adapted UAC connectivity mode
• Fix W2's balanced DSD output issue.
• Improve connection stability.

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Some Preliminary Product Info

Luxury & Precision (LP) is launching its Portable USB DAC/AMP W1 and W2; W1 has 1 DAC chip and W2 has 2. For some of you who may be hearing this brand for the first time, LP made its name by producing high-end R2R DAP P6.

Both devices come in two outputs: 3.5mm and 4.4mm. The 3.5mm output is also a SPDIF output, allowing it to be used purely as a DAC and connect with other AMPs.

What is insane about these two products is the crazily low noise levels and huge output power. I cannot post the link to the other forum, but if you are interested just google the product names and you will see the measurements. Long story short, based purely on the measurements, it outperforms many desktop devices... Of course, we will need to wait for the actual products to tell whether it sounds good or not.

Some data for its power level (the third party measured numbers rather than OEM-supplied numbers):
Balanced:
32Ω 235mw
Single-ended:
32Ω: 125mw

W1 retails for 199 USD and W2 retails for 299 USD. Both W1 and W2 are now ready for order! Their advertisements suggest that the prices already include two cables in the box: one USB C-to-C and one USB C-to-lightening. The attached images are for W2. The detailed info for W1 can be found on Musicteck.

 

[bahamot]

Its measurements are also good

 

[bluestorm1992]

Its measurements are also good

Thanks!
I also have another updated information from Musicteck and LP. The W2 will launch first in the US - expected to ship later this month. The W1 will arrive early next year.

 

[bluestorm1992]

Sharing some more pics of the W1/W2. The sound quality is said to be on part with their middle/higher-end DAP L4.

LP says follow-up firmware will include EQs specifically designed for certain IEMs; the first two will be for Xelento and Shure 846.

 

[Symbiose]

I'm looking for a portable dac amp to use with my iphone, this L&P item seems to be a good solution. I also liked to have 4.4mm balanced because I want to buy a cable that has a balanced 4.4mm option, so it would be the right purchase.

I'll keep an eye on this dac amp. Thanks for the post and information.

 

[MatusSVK]

Can someone just confirm that there are two models launching. The W1 and W2. Does W1 still have a balanced output although it only has one DAC?

Just seen the HiFiGO blog post and it seemed to only feature one (the W1)

 

[bluestorm1992]

Can someone just confirm that there are two models launching. The W1 and W2. Does W1 still have a balanced output although it only has one DAC?

Just seen the HiFiGO blog post and it seemed to only feature one (the W1)

Yes there are two models, and the W1 has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output. The pics from the first post is for W1; W2 shares the exact same design.

 

[MatusSVK]

Yes there are two models, and the W1 has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output. The pics from the first post is for W1; W2 shares the exact same design.

So the only difference between the two is the dual DAC. How does the W1 have a 4.4mm balanced output though

 

[bluestorm1992]

So the only difference between the two is the dual DAC. How does the W1 have a 4.4mm balanced output though

You don’t need two chips to achieve balanced output. For example, Lotoo’s flagship DAP PAW Gold Touch only has one AKM 4497 chip, but it has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output.

Two chips is just kind of a “luxury” such that each chip is dedicated to a single channel.

BTW, I think Hifigo is not LP’s authorized dealer in the US; Musicteck is. Better wait a bit for that.

 

[sodesuka]

How's the volume control situation like? What are those buttons for and is the volume jump as unusably large as Tempotec's stuff?

After trying out many dongles, that stuff is important. Will get either W2 or Khadas Tone 2 Pro and then compare it with Musiland MU3X which I prefer to Sonata HD Pro despite the latter's better measurements.

 

[MatusSVK]

You don’t need two chips to achieve balanced output. For example, Lotoo’s flagship DAP PAW Gold Touch only has one AKM 4497 chip, but it has both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output.

Two chips is just kind of a “luxury” such that each chip is dedicated to a single channel.

BTW, I think Hifigo is not LP’s authorized dealer in the US; Musicteck is. Better wait a bit for that.

Honestly didn't know. Never looked at something that expensive . I will be very interested how it compares to the earmen sparrow, which I'm also very interested in. They seem very similar,but the W2 has better power (and different DAC)

 

[MatusSVK]

How's the volume control situation like? What are those buttons for and is the volume jump as unusably large as Tempotec's stuff?

After trying out many dongles, that stuff is important. Will get either W2 or Khadas Tone 2 Pro and then compare it with Musiland MU3X which I prefer to Sonata HD Pro despite the latter's better measurements.

Have a look at the Earmen Sparrow. It's really similar to the W2 spec wise. And also has MQA if u are into that.

 

[sodesuka]

No interest in dongles with no physical volume buttons, let alone one that costs $200.

 

[MatusSVK]

No interest in dongles with no physical volume buttons, let alone one that costs $200.

That is fair. One of the biggest drawbacks for me as well. Also the W2 has a OLED screen which looks really nice

 

[bluestorm1992]

How's the volume control situation like? What are those buttons for and is the volume jump as unusably large as Tempotec's stuff?

After trying out many dongles, that stuff is important. Will get either W2 or Khadas Tone 2 Pro and then compare it with Musiland MU3X which I prefer to Sonata HD Pro despite the latter's better measurements.

I believe the longer bar on the side is for volume control, and the shorter bar is for EQ adjustment. Not sure how sensitive/insensitive these buttons are. Will definitely test it and report when it launches. I will also keep an eye on the reviews from the first group of users in China.