Thank you, yes 2.5mm actually. If you could try and report back that would be appreciated. I have ES100 and your Amp looks like a great match just need to confirm it will be a strong enough
It should be! I'm sure someone will try it this weekend at the CanJam - if not, I'll go give it a shot. The iSines are pretty low impedance (24 Ohms) so most phones, tablets, computers, and combo DACs may not be happy driving them. The iSines are rated for 500 mW max, recommend more than 50 mW; we could generate about 480 mW continuous into that load, so we're well beyond the recommended and about at the maximum. I don't know if you're going to get a better match.
NOTE: this does mean you are NOT using the Cipher cable, but the 3.5mm jack.
I have a little Radsone unit as well, experimenting with it around the lab... It's the same size (well, within a mm or two - same height, about 2mm thinner, about 3mm longer), so the two together make a monster of a portable, wireless rig! Note that Nickel only has a 3.5mm output and input, so I use the 3.5mm output from the Radsone. There isn't anything gained with the "balanced" output, other than a bit more noise and THD when using the balanced connection (unbalanced is better).
I have a little Radsone unit as well, experimenting with it around the lab... It's the same size (well, within a mm or two - same height, about 2mm thinner, about 3mm longer), so the two together make a monster of a portable, wireless rig! Note that Nickel only has a 3.5mm output and input, so I use the 3.5mm output from the Radsone. There isn't anything gained with the "balanced" output, other than a bit more noise and THD when using the balanced connection (unbalanced is better).
Nickel is unbalanced only. There is actually a signal degradation going balanced; use balanced only if you have radiated noise coupling into your cable. Unbalanced will have lower THD+N for a given level.
Also, Nickel includes a very short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable with it, I wrap it around the stack one time (under the clip on the Radsone) and it is just the perfect length!
I realise I more than likely have said this to you a few times already.
The Nickel is among the best portable amps I have used, especially as a truly portable amp, it pretty much goes with me everywhere though I may not always use it on the go.
But in my own listening space at a desk (not a console), it does get more use & pairs so well with everything.
By the way, I reall enjoyed your technical deep dive video you posted on the Ni, it is very informative though given I have followed the Ni development, it is not surprising.
Definitely great engineering on the Ni which I wholeheartedly support as well as portability !
Playing around w NI. The thing is freaking great! Smartphone > ZuperDAC-s > NI > R1 IEM. Crystal clear music and great dynamics courtesy of NI. Hiby Music app, volume maxed on the phone, hardware volume at 9/16 on ZuperDAC-s. Sound improvement is most noticeable in the lower registers. Dongle dacs provide anemic amount of power. This is where NI comes in. And oh my does it deliver... I dont have DFR anymore, otherwise i would try it with it. Very anxious to try Hidizs HD Sonata cable DAC now. Its tiny and simple and supposedly has a Cirrus Logic dac in it.
Tried some mp3s and YTube vids on R1 , PA Carbon and HD518s, crystal clear powerful audio. HD518s are a little harder to drive at 50 ohm, but NI has no problems whatsoever.
Nickel is unbalanced only. There is actually a signal degradation going balanced; use balanced only if you have radiated noise coupling into your cable. Unbalanced will have lower THD+N for a given level.
Also, Nickel includes a very short 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable with it, I wrap it around the stack one time (under the clip on the Radsone) and it is just the perfect length!
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