New portable Tube DAC/amp: EarMen L-amp

[jjss]

It is difficult to answer this question because, for example, I don't know how the device was used. If you used an IEM on the balanced output in headphone mode, the device operates at maximum power and is under the most load. However, this also means that noise and microphonics become more noticeable, especially since IEMs are very sensitive.

Again, I can't say exactly what you experienced because I don’t know the details, but if you were using an IEM, it would be convenient to listen in IEM mode, where the high frequencies are tamed. They are not missing; rather, you simply won’t get that piercing sound. Instead, the sound will be more similar to that of headphones.
Edit:
I just read your previous post, and I see that you are using the IER-M9, as I had assumed. They have a 20-ohm impedance and likely a somewhat higher sensitivity. If you used the device in headphone mode and pushed it a bit harder for testing (which you normally wouldn’t do), you might have experienced stronger microphonics. I can’t say for sure whether it would be audible through the music and to what extent—that depends on the volume level at which you listen.

The solution would be to use IEM mode, which we didn’t include by accident. I hope this helps at least a little.

Thanks for the reply,
Will schedule time to have further investigation on the unit and see how to make it "work" for my use case, can't forget the sound though .. cheers

 

[sofastreamer]

It is difficult to answer this question because, for example, I don't know how the device was used. If you used an IEM on the balanced output in headphone mode, the device operates at maximum power and is under the most load. However, this also means that noise and microphonics become more noticeable, especially since IEMs are very sensitive.

Again, I can't say exactly what you experienced because I don’t know the details, but if you were using an IEM, it would be convenient to listen in IEM mode, where the high frequencies are tamed. They are not missing; rather, you simply won’t get that piercing sound. Instead, the sound will be more similar to that of headphones.
Edit:
I just read your previous post, and I see that you are using the IER-M9, as I had assumed. They have a 20-ohm impedance and likely a somewhat higher sensitivity. If you used the device in headphone mode and pushed it a bit harder for testing (which you normally wouldn’t do), you might have experienced stronger microphonics. I can’t say for sure whether it would be audible through the music and to what extent—that depends on the volume level at which you listen.

The solution would be to use IEM mode, which we didn’t include by accident. I hope this helps at least a little.

could sth like the ifi iematch+ help?

 

[FilipTot]

could sth like the ifi iematch+ help?

Earmen IEM mode/match will help for sure.

 

[sofastreamer]

Earmen IEM mode/match will help for sure.

oops, sorry, i got everything wrong!

haha, i read "The solution would be to use IEM mode, which we didn’t include by accident. I hope this helps at least a little." like you accidentally forgot to include it. wow, i need some coffee, i guess

 

[FilipTot]

oops, sorry, i got everything wrong!

haha, i read "The solution would be to use IEM mode, which we didn’t include by accident. I hope this helps at least a little." like you accidentally forgot to include it. wow, i need some coffee, i guess

Maybe I shouldn't bold that part

 

[gunswick]

Hi,
I'm glad that you like our products. Now, I’ll try to be as objective as possible—I don’t like being the kind of parent who thinks their child is flawless!

I’m not as articulate as professional reviewers, but I’ll do my best. L-AMP truly has that irresistible tube sound, as has been mentioned in multiple places. In a way, it’s more pleasant, warmer, or better said, more rounded. I’d say it has slightly fewer details compared to the Angel, but that doesn’t bother me because the sound feels more natural. For a device like this, it delivers really good bass. Personally, I prefer headphones because that’s where I get the most out of it. I mostly listen with Meze Lyric or Meze Empyrean, where the sound was absolutely amazing.

On the other hand, Angel is extremely precise, with a touch of warmth coming from the DAC and operational amplifiers. What keeps you engaged when listening to Angel is its insane dynamics and the level of detail that creates an immersive soundstage—I honestly haven’t heard that on many devices. The reason for this is definitely the ESS DAC and the amplifier topology.

You may agree or disagree, but I’m really curious—what specifically do you like? I think L-AMP could be a great complement to Angel. It has less power, but personally, I haven’t had any issues with that. I’ve already mentioned what I use.

Thank you Filip!

So I Iike EDM music, I like rumble bass, and the deep drops (e.g. Prodigy), I like the female vocals on Angel (eg. Birdy), I really enjoy the details (so many songs, but especially guitar strings and artists manually handling equipment, compared to Sparrow which is impressive but when you A/B listen you notice details missing, e.g. Fleetwood Mac bass guitar).

When you mention the dynamics on Angel, I think you mean the range of frequencies and the ability to impress on both highs and lows. Assuming so, I agree, it can deliver heavy bass in Drum & Bass song (Camo & Krooked for example), but also then very delicate and high pitched soft such as acoustic instrumentals or wood instruments etc.

In terms of headphones, I use the balanced output 4.4mm and really see a benefit from that, currently I use Sony MDR-1AM2 though will likely use Audeze LCDX at some point! For the Sony, Angel really can drive it to move for the bass, especially with some EQ adjustments. It's the other big difference to Sparrow for example. The Sony is also surprisingly detailed with Angel, I trialled some Meze 99 and with A/B compare found many details missing on the Meze and less clarity. Also less bass, and the treble was not as smooth or pleasant.

For these music types, and these headphones, how would you compare Angel and L-amp? What experience would you have with them?

Thank you sir!

 

[vikinguy]

I think I’ll get one and review it here. It’s a really exciting product!

 

[FilipTot]

Thank you Filip!

So I Iike EDM music, I like rumble bass, and the deep drops (e.g. Prodigy), I like the female vocals on Angel (eg. Birdy), I really enjoy the details (so many songs, but especially guitar strings and artists manually handling equipment, compared to Sparrow which is impressive but when you A/B listen you notice details missing, e.g. Fleetwood Mac bass guitar).

When you mention the dynamics on Angel, I think you mean the range of frequencies and the ability to impress on both highs and lows. Assuming so, I agree, it can deliver heavy bass in Drum & Bass song (Camo & Krooked for example), but also then very delicate and high pitched soft such as acoustic instrumentals or wood instruments etc.

In terms of headphones, I use the balanced output 4.4mm and really see a benefit from that, currently I use Sony MDR-1AM2 though will likely use Audeze LCDX at some point! For the Sony, Angel really can drive it to move for the bass, especially with some EQ adjustments. It's the other big difference to Sparrow for example. The Sony is also surprisingly detailed with Angel, I trialled some Meze 99 and with A/B compare found many details missing on the Meze and less clarity. Also less bass, and the treble was not as smooth or pleasant.

For these music types, and these headphones, how would you compare Angel and L-amp? What experience would you have with them?

Thank you sir!

Hi,
Yes, I was thinking about the frequency range. I don't have the headphones listed, but I'm sure you'll love the L-AMP. Do you have a tube headphone amp? The L-AMP's sound is closer to the High-end than the Angel's, so the sound details aren't crucial. The sound is very good, different but in a good way.

 

[LowBeat91]

Did someone compared the EarMen L-amp with the WooAudio Tube Mini? Im very interested in one of both

 

[FilipTot]

Did someone compared the EarMen L-amp with the WooAudio Tube Mini? Im very interested in one of both

Here’s a new review from Headfonia, there's also a comparison: https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-l-amp-review/

 

[GAJA71]

I've ordered a unit last Thursday after seeing this review, sorry if it's been previously posted:



Really looking forward to receiving it!

 

[FilipTot]

Hello, I’d like to share a few additional tips for better use of the L-AMP device.

*To significantly reduce microphonics, it's best to connect your headphones and set everything else, then turn on the device by plugging it into USB
*If you're experiencing low output power, connect a mobile phone charging adapter or an external power bank to the EXT PWR USB port. This will provide more power to the output.
When using only the Data USB connection, the USB port protection may activate to save your device, but it will limit performance. By using the EXT PWR input, you can avoid this issue.

 

[gunswick]

I've ordered a unit last Thursday after seeing this review, sorry if it's been previously posted:



Really looking forward to receiving it!

Hey did you receive it?

 

[GAJA71]

Hey did you receive it?

Hi gunswick, Yes, it turned up just over a week ago.

 

[gunswick]

Ok awesome would be great to hear your thoughts and any comparisons on other DAC and headphones if possible?