MASS-Kobo Headphone Amp. model404
Nov 24, 2023 at 9:42 AM Post #185 of 198
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Nov 24, 2023 at 11:19 AM Post #186 of 198
Is this the one that has the XLR in front? Forgive me I get the models confused.
I think it is similar to the 475, but the 475 is a newer model
 
Nov 24, 2023 at 3:20 PM Post #187 of 198
I think it is similar to the 475, but the 475 is a newer model
424 - XLR output
428 - 4.4mm output
475 - Identical to 428 but with USB-C power bypass instead of micro-USB
 
Feb 1, 2024 at 2:19 AM Post #188 of 198
Good day everyone!
I decided to make a little tuning on my Mass Kobo 428 and replaced all the op amps. In the original there were 4 x JRC 5532 - not bad, but outdated in their characteristics.
After installing the replacement panels DIP8, I tried several different op amps and settled on the following option:
Preamp - dual discrete op amp Sparkos SS3602 x 2
Output stage - dual (single x 2) JFET op amp OPA828 x 2
The sound is simply unrecognizable! :))

P.S. micro-usb connector was replaced with usb-c.
 

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Feb 6, 2024 at 10:23 AM Post #189 of 198
Just to check, when you guys use with really sensitive IEM (above 110 db/mw) types, when connected to a DAP, do you hear the capacitive screen noise?
 
Feb 10, 2024 at 5:11 AM Post #190 of 198
Feb 10, 2024 at 10:47 AM Post #191 of 198
Feb 10, 2024 at 9:02 PM Post #192 of 198
Nice review, though laid back/relaxed signature? I would describe it as the very opposite - namely, forward and incisive. Laid back is not something I'd ever associate with the Mass Kobo house sound, especially the 428/475...
This is actually in comparison with many amplifiers. I have quite a few and everything I compared to have a slightly more forward sound. It's just on a very small amount and noticeable only in a AB comparison as what I wrote in the review. If you don't compare directly, it will sound just fine really.
 
Apr 14, 2024 at 8:10 AM Post #194 of 198


Alright! The mod of Mass Kobo is completed, moreover.. documented on YouTube😁 My friend (audio reviewer and fresh YouTuber) has done an amazing job and now the op-amps are swappable in the MK 428/475 - those two “models” are exactly the same, just different usb connector. If you could give Michal’s channel some love, will be highly appreciated:)

For start we’ve immediately put Sparkos SS3602 in preamp stage and Muses02 in output stage. Mass Kobo has a new sound to it - I’d say it’s become meatier, namely bass is stronger and tighter and the signature has slightly more body. As for soundstage, details, etc. I’ll have to wait to receive stock JRC5532 back to compare more directly (it was 2 weeks break in between hearing MK). I will be writing conclusions after those direct comparisons with stock and some other opamps👍

Here are some photos when I took it apart. Easy enough for anyone, but complex enough to be satisfying as well!
DSC_0135.jpeg

DSC_0137.jpeg
 
Apr 14, 2024 at 12:20 PM Post #195 of 198


Alright! The mod of Mass Kobo is completed, moreover.. documented on YouTube😁 My friend (audio reviewer and fresh YouTuber) has done an amazing job and now the op-amps are swappable in the MK 428/475 - those two “models” are exactly the same, just different usb connector. If you could give Michal’s channel some love, will be highly appreciated:)

For start we’ve immediately put Sparkos SS3602 in preamp stage and Muses02 in output stage. Mass Kobo has a new sound to it - I’d say it’s become meatier, namely bass is stronger and tighter and the signature has slightly more body. As for soundstage, details, etc. I’ll have to wait to receive stock JRC5532 back to compare more directly (it was 2 weeks break in between hearing MK). I will be writing conclusions after those direct comparisons with stock and some other opamps👍

Here are some photos when I took it apart. Easy enough for anyone, but complex enough to be satisfying as well!
DSC_0135.jpeg
DSC_0137.jpeg

Great video! If someone else has modded one of these portable amps, maybe they can shed some light on the changes the mod made? Big or small, I’m interested to know how much the signature changes with op amp swap.
 

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