Mini-Review: digiZoid ZO "portable subwoofer"

[HesterDW]

Partly because I wanted the DSP of the ZO and the power of the E9. And partly because I wanted to see what would happen.
 
I was also seeing how it would sound if I replaced my E7 with my ZO. Comparing the bass boost features.

 

[au5t3n5]

Quote:

E9? Why would you want to double amp for starters?

 
From what I understand, if you want to use an LOD, it would make sense to use an better amp to replace the ipod's internal one. Because that is essentially what you are doing right? Redirecting the line out audio into an amp that you can control, just one that is different (and better) than that of the iPod. V1 also does not have a volume bar either...
 
I think another member here has favorable reviews regarding ipod->lod->amp->zo as opposed to ipod->3.5->zo. But yes, the Zo can hold its own as its own amp.
 
On the DigiZoid web page, there is some info regarding too much input using an LOD, but if you use an amp and put it on a low output volume, I can't see what the damage could be...Maybe it is all a preference thing?
 

 

[ANDEROAN]

Quote:

E9? Why would you want to double amp for starters?

I'm not sure abou it being dbl. amping? but if it is I'm all for it, I'm running a portable rig, I-Pod classic 7th gen>lod>Voyager>mini to mini>ZO>EX600's! and the sound that its giving out is beatiful, full bodied, nice airy soundstage, I can't hardly takem off?
 
but if that's what dbl. amping will do, well then triple and quad amping here I come, lol, but from what the ZO does, if dbl, amping will ruin the sound, then the ZO must certainly be a Hybrid, with how it effects the over all sound signiture? it puts a polish to it that is heavenly, helped save me from returning the 600's because of the harshness from the mids and all the sibilance issues, brought into a really nice sweet spot? and if thats dbl. amping, then for some magical reason it really works! where in, it really shouldn't?
 

 

[RPGWiZaRD]

Well did you at least put ZO BEFORE E9 in the chain, I don't think ZO handles too strong input.

 

[au5t3n5]

Quote:

Well did you at least put ZO BEFORE E9 in the chain, I don't think ZO handles too strong input.

but isnt the whole point of using an LOD is to use the E9 as the amp and then the ZO? if hes not using an LOD, the E9 probably might have a negligible effect...
 

 

[illquid]

I tried running the ZO from a ipod touch and a ibasso T3D and it sounded poor, so I definitely prefer straight into ZO from my ipod. I also found it did improved sound much more through headphones than my SM3s and other IEMs, or perhaps I just like the sound sig of my SM3s as is, the bass is already very deep and punchy when the song demands it.
 
It's also probably too late to suggest design recs as the prototype is already done, but I also think the LED light, whilst very nice aesthetically, is a bit of a waste. I'd much prefer some numbers or a bar to tell me where I'm at in the range. Too often after when I've been adjusting/playing for a particular song without consciously remembering where I am, I have to reset to 0 and count the clicks so that I know I'm in my preferred "default" postion for standard listening. I'd imagine someone who likes a more contoured sound would find it even more annoying to click more times to get back to their preferred place.

 

[HesterDW]

Quote:

Well did you at least put ZO BEFORE E9 in the chain, I don't think ZO handles too strong input.

Yes I used it in replacement of my E7. It went ZO > E9 > D2000 instead of E7 > E9 > D2000.
 
 

 

[i2ehan]

I was wondering if those of us with the Zo would kindly be willing to take some time out and share with the rest of the community which earphones they've heard and found synergize well with the Zo, and those that don't synergize quite so well. For instance...
 
Great synergy: can comfortably go as high as the max setting without appreciable loss in SQ

1. Sony EX1000
2. HiFiMan RE262

 
Mediocre synergy: the Zo works best on low gain settings, else there is appreciable loss of SQ

1. Westone 4
2. Atrio M5 (mg7)

 
Not so great synergy: overkill, plain and simple

1. JVC FX700
2. Miles Davis Tribute

 
These choices are based only on my own impressions and personal opinion, based upon the in-ears I own, and have personally heard through the Zo. Nonetheless, I wish to hear the opinion of others to see whether or not there is a common trend. I've also found myself wanting to revisit a few earphones, which I personally feel could potantially benefit from the Zo, and may appeal to me all the more. Personally, I would find it very useful if even a few of us are able to report how well (or not so well) the Zo synergizes with their particular earphone of interest.

 

[shotgunshane]

I think with the right tips you can use the W4 on max, or close to max, as well.  I also think the synergy is very good with the FX700 but you just can't use very many steps.  My point being I prefer using the zo with the FX700's at 1 or 2 steps b/c I think it tightens the bass response and adds just a touch more sub bass to even out with the mid bass.  I think of bad synergy meaning you can't use it at all.
 
I would add the GR07 to your great synergy category.  You can use it at the max if desired.  Most importantly it improves the GR07's dynamics, allowing me to listen at lower volumes than I can without it.
 
I would add the Panasonic HJE900's to the low/bad synergy category.  They didn't seem to respond well to it and for the most part, I didn't care for the Panasonic's bass anyway.

 

[treal512]

The highs could get a bit shrill, but sometimes I miss my CK10s. I wonder how they would sound with the ZO?
 
Maybe someone will be able to give some impressions down the road (v2)

 

[i2ehan]

Thanks shotgunshane! Ive found that with the W4 and FX700, it varied from track to track, and so I based my findings on wherever the larger percentage of synergy fell with most tracks.

@treal512: I've been wondering the exact same, but the CK10 isn't easy to come by, and if I am to purchase it new, I'm almost positive it'd be only to conduct a brief listen, and then suffer the resale losses. I'm just as curious to receive feedback regarding the Zo and CK100.

 

[HesterDW]

Great synergy

1. Denon AH-D2000

       - No distortion at highest contour level/highest volume

1. Ultrasone HFI-580

       - Increased slam in bass, as well as added body
       - Sub-bass extends much lower
       - Increase in soundstage
       - Distortion at high volume (Ipod volume pot past 90%)
 
Fiio E7 Comparison
- After some A/B testing I've decided the Fiio E7 on bass boost 3 is somewhere in between the ZO's second and third level, closer to the second. What I like about the ZO is that it boosts mids/mid bass. The E7 only boosts bass.
 
The Denon AH-D2000 improved, but I could tell it wouldn't reach it's full potential with the ZO. The Ultrasone HFI-580 improved greatly. Bass is on par with the D2000 unless you turn it up too high, then the Ultrasones distort. But you shouldn't need them that loud anyway.
 
Anyone with a Fiio E7 want to share?

 

[treal512]

Quote:

Thanks shotgunshane! Ive found that with the W4 and FX700, it varied from track to track, and so I based my findings on wherever the larger percentage of synergy fell with most tracks.

@treal512: I've been wondering the exact same, but the CK10 isn't easy to come by, and if I am to purchase it new, I'm almost positive it'd be only to conduct a brief listen, and then suffer the resale losses. I'm just as curious to receive feedback regarding the Zo and CK100.

 
I havn't read all of your Top Tier Showdown, i2ehan, but I did notice you were able to audition and review the CK10s.
 
Any chance of trying the same ones again with the ZO?

 

[burtomr]

Anyone tried their ZO with Sennheiser IE 7 or 8's?
 
Curious for some opinions...

 

[i2ehan]

If a reasonable offer comes my way, then I most certainly will my friend.