[Mhog55]

Hey folks. This will be my first venture into the amp world, so please bear with me. I've owned multiple daps throughout the years, and I believe I've settled on two. My sources are the Shanling M6 Pro, and the Hiby RS6.
Recently picked up the Focal Clear MG. Also looking to run my 58X and Ibasso SR2 through this amp from time to time. I'm looking for something fairly small, but it doesn't need to be class as portable by any means. I'd like the amp to have a 4.4mm balanced connection, but if the right amp doesn't have it, so be it.
It was suggested to me that I should look for an amp with a higher output impedance than what my daps have, specifically for the Clear MG. That being said, I'd also like the amp to work well with my other 2 headphones.
I'm kinda looking at tube and hybrid amps. I want something that will provide a little additional warmth, but nothing crazy warm. I prefer neutral in the upper mids and lower treble. Nothing bright or harsh, and fairly detailed without any in your face hyper analytical detailing. Smooth characteristics.
An amp that was recommended to me is the Schiit Lyr 3, but I would greatly appreciate other recommendations. I'd like to keep at 350 or under, before I start digging the hole deeper. I'd like something that will add a little additional note weight - round and full. Please feel free to ask any questions.

 

[dunring]

One combo I like is the Magni Heresy and Topping d10s with it's sharp filter is great for 44.1khz music. The Khadas tone board also paired well with the Heresy.
Adapters make things simple, or Hart cables with their quick connect system to swap out ends quickly.
The Magni 3 and Modi is pretty smooth too when it comes to treble like when using bright headphones. For THX the Drop One thx amp and JDS 4490 Atom DAC was really fun too, very good combo for 48khz gaming. Just hard to find the DAC these days. Haven't tried the new version yet.

 

[Mhog55]

I should clarify, as my 1st post is a little confusing. I'm not after a dac amp combo, just an amp to use with some daps. Looking at the Ifi Zen Can, but wondering if anyone has any better suggestions.

 

[chemosapien]

I should clarify, as my 1st post is a little confusing. I'm not after a dac amp combo, just an amp to use with some daps. Looking at the Ifi Zen Can, but wondering if anyone has any better suggestions.

I've really been enjoying the entry level tube sound from the mt604, it's under 200 and fully balanced

Sounds great with focal elex

 

[Mhog55]

I've really been enjoying the entry level tube sound from the mt604, it's under 200 and fully balanced

Sounds great with focal elex

I'll check it out. Thanks for the response

 

[Julius Decimus]

Hey folks. This will be my first venture into the amp world, so please bear with me. I've owned multiple daps throughout the years, and I believe I've settled on two. My sources are the Shanling M6 Pro, and the Hiby RS6.
Recently picked up the Focal Clear MG. Also looking to run my 58X and Ibasso SR2 through this amp from time to time. I'm looking for something fairly small, but it doesn't need to be class as portable by any means. I'd like the amp to have a 4.4mm balanced connection, but if the right amp doesn't have it, so be it.
It was suggested to me that I should look for an amp with a higher output impedance than what my daps have, specifically for the Clear MG. That being said, I'd also like the amp to work well with my other 2 headphones.
I'm kinda looking at tube and hybrid amps. I want something that will provide a little additional warmth, but nothing crazy warm. I prefer neutral in the upper mids and lower treble. Nothing bright or harsh, and fairly detailed without any in your face hyper analytical detailing. Smooth characteristics.
An amp that was recommended to me is the Schiit Lyr 3, but I would greatly appreciate other recommendations. I'd like to keep at 350 or under, before I start digging the hole deeper. I'd like something that will add a little additional note weight - round and full. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Good day.

There is Xduoo XD 05 Plus (exaclty this, not the basic version without plus, and not the balanced verison).

I am mentioning this because the option of easily changing its operational amplifier (giving you new sound coloration and ability to do what you want and experiment). It is 800-1000mW and has 4.4mm jack/3.5mm adaprter as well. Can be used as DAC/AMP, not only amplifier if you need that sometime. Is transportable, would not call it portable. But is smaller than desktop amplifier. Battery life is 35h+ as only amplifier and 12-15h working as DAC/Amp. Has Line Out. Thread for it in Head-Fi - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/xdu...ion-impressions.789886/page-118#post-15660595

Apart from that, consider JDS Atom all the way.

 

[iFi audio]

Looking at the Ifi Zen Can, but wondering if anyone has any better suggestions.

I'm not sure if your DAPs can output a balanced signal, but if they can, ZEN CAN is a fully balanced design that would really benefit from that. It's also powerful enough to drive most headphones to deafening levels and with proper authority. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[Mhog55]

I'm not sure if your DAPs can output a balanced signal, but if they can, ZEN CAN is a fully balanced design that would really benefit from that. It's also powerful enough to drive most headphones to deafening levels and with proper authority. Hope this helps, thanks!

Balanced for sure. I think this amp has roughly 600 additional mw over my daps, so definitely plenty of power. If you don't mind me asking, how much will this amp alter the sound signature opposed to listening straight from my dap? Will my EQ settings still be in play? Also, will this amp potentially offer some additional warmth? That's primarily what I'm looking to gain when listening to my Clear MG.

 

[Mhog55]

I

Good day.

There is Xduoo XD 05 Plus (exaclty this, not the basic version without plus, and not the balanced verison).

I am mentioning this because the option of easily changing its operational amplifier (giving you new sound coloration and ability to do what you want and experiment). It is 800-1000mW and has 4.4mm jack/3.5mm adaprter as well. Can be used as DAC/AMP, not only amplifier if you need that sometime. Is transportable, would not call it portable. But is smaller than desktop amplifier. Battery life is 35h+ as only amplifier and 12-15h working as DAC/Amp. Has Line Out. Thread for it in Head-Fi - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/xdu...ion-impressions.789886/page-118#post-15660595

Apart from that, consider JDS Atom all the wa

Good day.

There is Xduoo XD 05 Plus (exaclty this, not the basic version without plus, and not the balanced verison).

I am mentioning this because the option of easily changing its operational amplifier (giving you new sound coloration and ability to do what you want and experiment). It is 800-1000mW and has 4.4mm jack/3.5mm adaprter as well. Can be used as DAC/AMP, not only amplifier if you need that sometime. Is transportable, would not call it portable. But is smaller than desktop amplifier. Battery life is 35h+ as only amplifier and 12-15h working as DAC/Amp. Has Line Out. Thread for it in Head-Fi - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/xdu...ion-impressions.789886/page-118#post-15660595

Apart from that, consider JDS Atom all the way.

I've been looking at some of the Xduoo desktop tube amps, but I really don't know what to expect. I'm definitely going to add the JDS EL Amp 2 Balanced to my short list. The output impedance is about right, but right now I'm leaning towards the Ifi Zen Can for my starter amp. Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[Ufanco]

Since I use the shanling M6 pro 21 it’s sounds like instead of needing more power your looking for a change to the sound.
With my setup this is the route I went.
First upgraded to the Oriolus BA300s that alone really added some warmth to the the M6 pro. Later decided to try out the Loxjie pa20 and really loved the sound of it.
It’s a good amp to get a feeling on if you want to invest in a higher costing tube amps. Loved it for a couple months but have decided to sell it. For a $100.00 the Loxjie is a good way to get a feel before investing more. I figure with the added tube power supply riser, I spent over $150.00 to get it sounding really good.
The only reason I’m selling is because I found a excellent deal on the xDuoo ta20. The Xduoo is better sounding with more choice for tubes than Loxjie but your also comparing something that cost 4 times as much.

So my suggestion would be the xDuoo ta20 if your sure you will like the tube sound. If not try something like the Loxji to see first. If looking more for portable the Oriolus ba300 sounds really good with the shanling M6 pro 21. Sadly it only available direct from China and is not cheap (around 350).

 

[Mhog55]

Since I use the shanling M6 pro 21 it’s sounds like instead of needing more power your looking for a change to the sound.
With my setup this is the route I went.
First upgraded to the Oriolus BA300s that alone really added some warmth to the the M6 pro. Later decided to try out the Loxjie pa20 and really loved the sound of it.
It’s a good amp to get a feeling on if you want to invest in a higher costing tube amps. Loved it for a couple months but have decided to sell it. For a $100.00 the Loxjie is a good way to get a feel before investing more. I figure with the added tube power supply riser, I spent over $150.00 to get it sounding really good.
The only reason I’m selling is because I found a excellent deal on the xDuoo ta20. The Xduoo is better sounding with more choice for tubes than Loxjie but your also comparing something that cost 4 times as much.

So my suggestion would be the xDuoo ta20 if your sure you will like the tube sound. If not try something like the Loxji to see first. If looking more for portable the Oriolus ba300 sounds really good with the shanling M6 pro 21. Sadly it only available direct from China and is not cheap (around 350).

Haha, I owned the BA300S, but I used it with my Hiby R5 - perfect fit/match. I'll definitely check out the others you mentioned, thanks.

 

[iFi audio]

If you don't mind me asking, how much will this amp alter the sound signature opposed to listening straight from my dap?

It's difficult to say as I don't know how what your DAP's output does, but in general every extra device in a setup does something of its own, so a flavor change is to be expected.

Will my EQ settings still be in play?

If your DAP has any EQ that applies to its line out (it most likely has), you'll still ahve access to that

Also, will this amp potentially offer some additional warmth? That's primarily what I'm looking to gain when listening to my Clear MG.

Our products in general are known as those that lean more towards warmth than technical aspects, so if you're after a bit more vibrant colors, ZEN CAN has some

Hope this helps!

 

[Mhog55]

It's difficult to say as I don't know how what your DAP's output does, but in general every extra device in a setup does something of its own, so a flavor change is to be expected.



If your DAP has any EQ that applies to its line out (it most likely has), you'll still ahve access to that



Our products in general are known as those that lean more towards warmth than technical aspects, so if you're after a bit more vibrant colors, ZEN CAN has some

Hope this helps!

Fantastic

 

[iFi audio]

Fantastic

Sure thing, if you have any extra questions, by all means tag us or drop me a PM, thanks!

 

[JohnLnyc]

Hey folks. This will be my first venture into the amp world, so please bear with me. I've owned multiple daps throughout the years, and I believe I've settled on two. My sources are the Shanling M6 Pro, and the Hiby RS6.
Recently picked up the Focal Clear MG. Also looking to run my 58X and Ibasso SR2 through this amp from time to time. I'm looking for something fairly small, but it doesn't need to be class as portable by any means. I'd like the amp to have a 4.4mm balanced connection, but if the right amp doesn't have it, so be it.
It was suggested to me that I should look for an amp with a higher output impedance than what my daps have, specifically for the Clear MG. That being said, I'd also like the amp to work well with my other 2 headphones.
I'm kinda looking at tube and hybrid amps. I want something that will provide a little additional warmth, but nothing crazy warm. I prefer neutral in the upper mids and lower treble. Nothing bright or harsh, and fairly detailed without any in your face hyper analytical detailing. Smooth characteristics.
An amp that was recommended to me is the Schiit Lyr 3, but I would greatly appreciate other recommendations. I'd like to keep at 350 or under, before I start digging the hole deeper. I'd like something that will add a little additional note weight - round and full. Please feel free to ask any questions.

I found this portable amp years ago. Read the reviews from trusted sources. The price very good so I ordered a Pure II.
Have been in love with it since. Works with my AK240 and Etymotics and Audeze’s. Very clear and very clean detailed sound. Definitely well made and definitely a “contender”..worth a look!
https://vorzuge.com/