[AxelCloris]

We're getting off topic here, let's bring it back to the CTH please.

 

[Hansotek]

Let me quote the Steve Jobs of digital audio at length, as I think his words carry more weight than my own:

This is all off topic, but he says this, "Now the most examples of Schiit USB have USB bus powered USB sections which were isolated from the separate power of the DAC itself. The grounds had series inductors to isolate the electrical USB groud slop from the DAC ground. There went the stray clock currents. At the time, seemed to be galvanically isolated to me." ... so he engineers around one of the big pitfalls of USB and then erects a straw man from a questionably relevant piece of data so he can continue his angry rant anyway. Uh... okay, bud.

Oh yeah, and they sell the Wyrd, which also cuts the current from the USB and replaces it with a more stable one. So there seems to be quite a rift between words and actions.

I don't know, maybe I missed something. FWIW, I think Mike makes pretty nice DACs.

Now, I'm not saying these things will make a difference on every setup - but if the USB port isn't so hot you might get a little touch of interference every once in a great while. Overall, this is an issue that is pretty overblown. So in that respect we can agree that it's mostly buzzy BS.

That aside, the part you should really be paying attention to in his above rant is that USB absolutely sucks for transporting audio, and you should really be using S/PDIF or TOSlink, if possible.

 

[Josh Englert]

I've owned Bimby, Mojo and the iFi iDSD Black Label, which are three popular choices in that category. Everybody obviously has slightly different requirements for their DAC, and there are tons of variables that weigh into the final sound, from wall power quality to USB cable to the USB output on your computer. Quantitative scoring aside, I can tell you what the different qualitative differences are between the DACs and perhaps that will help:

Bimby Pros:
Smooth analog sound.
Outstanding timbre.
Can sound very, very transparent at times. The most transparent of the three.
Really excels at rendering acoustic instruments, voices, etc.

Bimby Cons:
Powered by the wall, if your AC power sucks and you don't have a good power conditioner, your DAC will suck too.
Lacks the dynamic range of the other two, slightly smoothed over up top and not as black on the bottom.
Lacks the impact and physicality of the other two.

Mojo Pros:
Extremely crisp attack and decay.
Fairly spacious with sharp imaging.
Great dynamics and very solid impact.
Very clear, detailed, high-resolution sound, especially with higher res files. It's a fun sound to listen to.
Ultra versatile and portable. Fits in your pocket, can step up and hold its own with a high-end amp or 2-channel system.

Mojo Cons:
The USB input isn't galvanically isolated from the computer's USB output (but workarounds are available)
Battery life is kinda short (6-7 hours), unless you keep it plugged in.
Timbre can be a touch metallic at times, not as natural as the other two.

iDSD Black Label Pros:
The most impact and physicality of the three.
Warm, natural timbre.
The most deep inner detail of the three.
Transparency is just a hair behind Bimby, but dynamics on iDSD BL are clearly better.
Legit power to drive pretty much any headphone.

iDSD Black Label Cons:
Weird USB input type (but the best USB implementation).
Can be finicky about charging, must make sure the charging light engages or it will run on battery power.
Not as pocket friendly as Mojo.

If you want big, powerful dynamics with great timbre and impact: iDSD BL.
If you want a smooth, sweet sound with excellent transparency: Bimby.
If you want a fun sound with very crisp clarity and stunning imaging: Mojo.

Very helpful. Thanks.

 

[Shetzu]

Was anyone able to audition the Auderez LCD-2 with the CTH at SFO Camjam. Any impressions would be welcome.

 

[Shetzu]

This is all off topic, but he says this, "Now the most examples of Schiit USB have USB bus powered USB sections which were isolated from the separate power of the DAC itself. The grounds had series inductors to isolate the electrical USB groud slop from the DAC ground. There went the stray clock currents. At the time, seemed to be galvanically isolated to me." ... so he engineers around one of the big pitfalls of USB and then erects a straw man from a questionably relevant piece of data so he can continue his angry rant anyway. Uh... okay, bud.

Oh yeah, and they sell the Wyrd, which also cuts the current from the USB and replaces it with a more stable one. So there seems to be quite a rift between words and actions.

I don't know, maybe I missed something. FWIW, I think Mike makes pretty nice DACs.

Now, I'm not saying these things will make a difference on every setup - but if the USB port isn't so hot you might get a little touch of interference every once in a great while. Overall, this is an issue that is pretty overblown. So in that respect we can agree that it's mostly buzzy BS.

That aside, the part you should really be paying attention to in his above rant is that USB absolutely sucks for transporting audio, and you should really be using S/PDIF or TOSlink, if possible.

There are many theories out there and many perceptions about USB spikes etc. Some even say use Ferrite around the cable to kill noise. However, good quality cables like those made by Audioquest has helped and many users are happy. It is just like all audiophile industry using expensive cables for HPs and gear to get that ultimate detortion free sound. So these days portables have separate USB port for charging & audio. Since USB ports on the PC tend to charge the dac it is possible of heat generation. But if your DAC has separate usb port for audio it does not get hot and there is no interference.
Sorry for being off topic.
On the other hand I am sure the CTH is a great amp and having good power may be able to drive some decent HP. I am waiting for some audition of the CTH with the Audreze LCD-2 which I plan to buy next year.

 

[Skooks]

I'd suggest pumping the breaks, doing research, and making a confident and informed decision. Right now it looks like you'd end up unhappy with any purchase due to the uncertainties you have.

Not sure why the rush.

So, if I had to pick one you listed, I'd say... Neither, go w/ Bottlehead Crack+SB. (Easier & cheaper to tube roll which is a plus.)

I have used all tubes and all solid state in my system with Audeze LCD-3F's... and at the present time, I am using a Cavalli Liquid Carbon... it is a great fit with the LCD-3F's... great music! I also use the Oppo UDP-205 as my DAC. My whole system is balanced and using those great Norne Audio cables. This is my best system to date without spending $15G's. But, if I was going back to an all tube headphone amp... the best I've had is the Little Dot VI Plus... and for $800, it just can't be beat! It is a winner! That's my humble opinion.

 

[majo123]

I've owned Bimby, Mojo and the iFi iDSD Black Label, which are three popular choices in that category. Everybody obviously has slightly different requirements for their DAC, and there are tons of variables that weigh into the final sound, from wall power quality to USB cable to the USB output on your computer. Quantitative scoring aside, I can tell you what the different qualitative differences are between the DACs and perhaps that will help:

Bimby Pros:
Smooth analog sound.
Outstanding timbre.
Can sound very, very transparent at times. The most transparent of the three.
Really excels at rendering acoustic instruments, voices, etc.

Bimby Cons:
Powered by the wall, if your AC power sucks and you don't have a good power conditioner, your DAC will suck too.
Lacks the dynamic range of the other two, slightly smoothed over up top and not as black on the bottom.
Lacks the impact and physicality of the other two.

Mojo Pros:
Extremely crisp attack and decay.
Fairly spacious with sharp imaging.
Great dynamics and very solid impact.
Very clear, detailed, high-resolution sound, especially with higher res files. It's a fun sound to listen to.
Ultra versatile and portable. Fits in your pocket, can step up and hold its own with a high-end amp or 2-channel system.

Mojo Cons:
The USB input isn't galvanically isolated from the computer's USB output (but workarounds are available)
Battery life is kinda short (6-7 hours), unless you keep it plugged in.
Timbre can be a touch metallic at times, not as natural as the other two.

iDSD Black Label Pros:
The most impact and physicality of the three.
Warm, natural timbre.
The most deep inner detail of the three.
Transparency is just a hair behind Bimby, but dynamics on iDSD BL are clearly better.
Legit power to drive pretty much any headphone.

iDSD Black Label Cons:
Weird USB input type (but the best USB implementation).
Can be finicky about charging, must make sure the charging light engages or it will run on battery power.
Not as pocket friendly as Mojo.

If you want big, powerful dynamics with great timbre and impact: iDSD BL.
If you want a smooth, sweet sound with excellent transparency: Bimby.
If you want a fun sound with very crisp clarity and stunning imaging: Mojo.

Very interesting I own mojo and was considering buying black label, reading your post has made me more happy with my decision.
Hope you don't mind but i would like to post your opinion on a different thread to someone who may be interested as there aren't many with experience of all three.

 

[gmahler2u]

Shipping date for this amp feb..
..hmmmmm it's almost September....ill wait.

 

[wazzupi]

I've owned Bimby, Mojo and the iFi iDSD Black Label, which are three popular choices in that category. Everybody obviously has slightly different requirements for their DAC, and there are tons of variables that weigh into the final sound, from wall power quality to USB cable to the USB output on your computer. Quantitative scoring aside, I can tell you what the different qualitative differences are between the DACs and perhaps that will help:

Bimby Pros:
Smooth analog sound.
Outstanding timbre.
Can sound very, very transparent at times. The most transparent of the three.
Really excels at rendering acoustic instruments, voices, etc.

Bimby Cons:
Powered by the wall, if your AC power sucks and you don't have a good power conditioner, your DAC will suck too.
Lacks the dynamic range of the other two, slightly smoothed over up top and not as black on the bottom.
Lacks the impact and physicality of the other two.

Mojo Pros:
Extremely crisp attack and decay.
Fairly spacious with sharp imaging.
Great dynamics and very solid impact.
Very clear, detailed, high-resolution sound, especially with higher res files. It's a fun sound to listen to.
Ultra versatile and portable. Fits in your pocket, can step up and hold its own with a high-end amp or 2-channel system.

Mojo Cons:
The USB input isn't galvanically isolated from the computer's USB output (but workarounds are available)
Battery life is kinda short (6-7 hours), unless you keep it plugged in.
Timbre can be a touch metallic at times, not as natural as the other two.

iDSD Black Label Pros:
The most impact and physicality of the three.
Warm, natural timbre.
The most deep inner detail of the three.
Transparency is just a hair behind Bimby, but dynamics on iDSD BL are clearly better.
Legit power to drive pretty much any headphone.

iDSD Black Label Cons:
Weird USB input type (but the best USB implementation).
Can be finicky about charging, must make sure the charging light engages or it will run on battery power.
Not as pocket friendly as Mojo.

If you want big, powerful dynamics with great timbre and impact: iDSD BL.
If you want a smooth, sweet sound with excellent transparency: Bimby.
If you want a fun sound with very crisp clarity and stunning imaging: Mojo.

Im considering returning my mimby and canceling my CTH order for a Mojo. I can get it now and use my original Tube amp. The mojo is suppose to sound great alone, its portable but from your description of the sound the Mojo is what I'm looking for except for that timbre- metallic isn't what I want to hear ;P.

 

[Hansotek]

Im considering returning my mimby and canceling my CTH order for a Mojo. I can get it now and use my original Tube amp. The mojo is suppose to sound great alone, its portable but from your description of the sound the Mojo is what I'm looking for except for that timbre- metallic isn't what I want to hear ;P.

When I say slightly metallic, that manifests in ways like the strings being a touch more forward on the guitar than the woody sound of the body (compared to other DACs). It leans just a pinch more into the transient snap of the attack than the resonance (which I would call "woody")... at least that's the way I hear it. Tubes do tend to add some natural warmth that, fleshing it out a bit. Just to be clear, I don't mean that it's hard and harsh like a poorly done Sabre DAC. If it sounded like that, I wouldn't own it or recommend it.

Feel free to PM me if you want to pick my brain about it. I don't want to derail the thread.

 

[project86]

Better late than never...

https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/massdrop-x-alex-cavalli-tube-hybrid-amp-cth

 

[buke9]

Sounds like the wait might be worth it. Have yet to hear a Cavalli amp I didn't like to be honest.

 

[Shetzu]

Better late than never...

https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/massdrop-x-alex-cavalli-tube-hybrid-amp-cth

yeah saw that. looks good

 

[project86]

Thank you! It's definitely a nice amp. People who can stomach the long wait are in for a real treat.

 

[Shetzu]

Thank you! It's definitely a nice amp. People who can stomach the long wait are in for a real treat.

I am sure looking forward to that treat.