[SomeGuyDude]

From what I've read, the 400i has a smaller power supply, lacks the high-level inputs (?), and uses a cheaper material in the housing. The DAC portion is the exact same and the amp should be nearly the same, it's basically a simplified 600i for headphones only.

 

[RatFarm]

Thanks. Sounds like the CMA400i is the better deal. Moon Audio is only 15 minutes from my house. Might have to pick up a 400i this week!

 

[SomeGuyDude]

Nice!

 

[w0nx]

That output switch, though...

 

[SomeGuyDude]

BTW where y'all getting that rubber stand? I could really use it given how my desk is set up.

 

[gibby]

BTW where y'all getting that rubber stand? I could really use it given how my desk is set up.

I would sell you mine. I'm not going to use it. Moon Audio has them though. They are $50.

 

[esauseesaw]

From what I've read, the 400i has a smaller power supply, lacks the high-level inputs (?), and uses a cheaper material in the housing. The DAC portion is the exact same and the amp should be nearly the same, it's basically a simplified 600i for headphones only.

600i has a separate analogue preamp input stage. 400i digital input only.
Housing is exactly the same, not cheaper. As with all their desktop boxes it is 10mm CNC aluminum. The early prototypes had a folded steel top plate but Questyle wanted to keep the high quality feel and material benefits so, decided on 10mm aluminum for the CMA400i production models.
There are some component changes on the amp circuit so, the CMA600i has better spec and is designed to have improved SQ over the CMA400i.

CMA400i
106mW@300Ω; 980mW@32Ω (normal headphone jack)
418mW@300Ω; 3920mW@32Ω (balanced headphone jack)
THD+N 0.0006%

CMA600i
220mW@300Ω; 950mW @32Ω(normal headphone jack)
630mW @300Ω; 1900mW @32Ω (balanced headphone jack)
THD+N 0.00042%

I'm going to check the spec above however because they state a bigger jump in mW for balanced mode on the CMA400i. Perhaps to do with the Hi/Low gain switches, which the CMA600i does not have...?!

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I'll agree I might be hearing things, I seem to have a knack for that. All I know is it's got the capability and I have the cable, so I might as well make use of it since I've read the LCD-3 will do better with balanced by virtue of being a planar with a higher impedance. I definitely take the volume higher than you, but the 3 is a touch harder to drive and I like it loud.

I gotta say that our LCD2 Rev 1 sounds excellent out of the 400i... I was doing an A/B of single ended and then put the balanced cable on now. I stopped evaluating and was just enjoying it (I still am). It makes me want our LCD3 back to listen! LOL

I had to take a break anyways from listening with the Aeon Flow Closed, so thanks for that.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

I gotta say that our LCD2 Rev 1 sounds excellent out of the 400i... I was doing an A/B of single ended and then put the balanced cable on now. I stopped evaluating and was just enjoying it (I still am). It makes me want our LCD3 back to listen! LOL

I could bring 'er in again for a bit haha

 

[bgbkt]

This or Schiit Bifrost Multibit + jot?

 

[dangblue]

is it worth buying 600i instead of 400i? I will use it with AFO, LCD-2 and maybe Beyerdynamic T1.2, HD800S.
I think the silver one looks better next to imac (vertically).

 

[Paulo Abreu]

is it worth buying 600i instead of 400i? I will use it with AFO, LCD-2 and maybe Beyerdynamic T1.2, HD800S.
I think the silver one looks better next to imac (vertically).

Unless for the color or if you intend to use an external DAC or other analog source, I think CMA400I will do the job perfectly

 

[esauseesaw]

is it worth buying 600i instead of 400i? I will use it with AFO, LCD-2 and maybe Beyerdynamic T1.2, HD800S.
I think the silver one looks better next to imac (vertically).

In terms of power, both fine with those. The biggest difference is if you will use the analogue input.

 

[dangblue]

Thanks Paulo Abreu and esauseesaw

 

[spookanide]

is it worth buying 600i instead of 400i? I will use it with AFO, LCD-2 and maybe Beyerdynamic T1.2, HD800S.
I think the silver one looks better next to imac (vertically).

There are a few posts in this thread detailing the differences between the two, but I can't remember where exactly. You should read up some. I haven't demo'd the 600i so I can't say. Some people say the 400i is nice and honest, where it can turn LCDs into analysis cans with the right cable. Some people say the 600i is less "exciting". In my experience with the 400i, it can give the LCD2 excellent responsiveness/dynamics. Depending on how you like your sound signature you can then tune it a little with headphone cables. Either single-ended or balanced work great, it's hard to put my finger on the differences cause I have to use different cables from different manufacturers.