Hi guys. Is the Neo 430ha really as good as the reviewers say it is? I currently own the Oppo HA-1 and been listening to my LCD-3f and HD650 through it in the past. I have owned the Schiit Ragnarok and Yggy stack but sold them to try the Ha-1. Wanted a more streamlined all-in-one package. I have owned other nice headphone amps such as Bryston BHA-1f, Schiit Mjolnir, Schiit Bi-frost, Burson Conductor and so on and many nice DACs and other nice flagship headphones too. I am looking for an end game headphone amp with built-in DAC. I curious to know how the Neo would compare with the other headphone amps I have owned in the past. Has anyone compared to the Oppo? Additionally, I will be purchasing the new HD-800s when it comes out. I hear the Neo is a all around good headphone amp that plays nice with many different headphones. BTW, if anyone is looking to sell there Neo w/ DAC, PM me.
I used to own the Oppo amp but I forgot how it sounds! All what I remember that the Oppo is somehow bright to my ears! (hot treble)
I hate bright sound.
Let me give you an honest opinion, just stay away from the unrealistic and deceiving reviews made by people who claim that they are professionals. I don't believe that amps are supposed to add anything to sound stage, separation, bass....etc. Don't waste your time with ******** scams.
It is all about treble level! The more the treble the more sense of air, separation and soundstage. Less treble means more bass and little narrower sound stage (somehow).
So if you want to get an amp, aim for the following:
1- How clean is the single (has nothing to do with sound, just makes you feel proud about your gear).
2- Floor noise (has nothing to do with sound, just the amount of hissing in black background).
3. Power to drive headphones.
4. Brightens (which will affect soundstage and bass).
My opinion about the Moon:
1- The cleanest single ever! Due to advanced circuit and power supply. I live near to radio tower and the ONLY amp that does NOT have interference with radio is THE MOON! I don't know why!
2- ZERO noise compared to ALL other amps.
3- POWERFUL can drive any headphones you imagine.
4. Natural sound signature (the amp will disappear between your headphones and source). Not bright at all also not ****ty warm like tube amps. I can listen to it for hours with ZERO fatigue.
Anybody claims that the Moon will add any sound signature to your gear, DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. PERIOD