I heard the Onkyo in SE mode only and I have to say the separation and layering is very good compared to DAP in its price range.
I compared it to Cowon, Plenue M, etc in the 60k - 80k yen range. However as a matter of taste people may prefer a warmer more liquid sound. I agree if separation, layering and clean sound is what you are looking for the Onkyo seems to have in spades. Others may prefer the warmer presentation of something like the zx2 or zx100.
From what people are saying, balanced mode may be even better.
I'm going to get a balanced cable today or tomorrow, so I can't yet comment on the Balanced output, so my comments on SQ will solely be based on SE A.C.G mode.
I heard the Onkyo in SE mode only and I have to say the separation and layering is very good compared to DAP in its price range.
I compared it to Cowon, Plenue M, etc in the 60k - 80k yen range. However as a matter of taste people may prefer a warmer more liquid sound. I agree if separation, layering and clean sound is what you are looking for the Onkyo seems to have in spades. Others may prefer the warmer presentation of something like the zx2 or zx100.
From what people are saying, balanced mode may be even better.
I am with you on your comments. I have tested several DAPS, and none is able to tame 8A bass and split that thick mid where at times sounding congested. And I believe DP-X1 excellent separation and layering are the reasons why it is able to make 8A bass sounds more texture and not overpowering, and that thick mid spread evenly and layered blending well with the upper frequencies.
I have tried the Balance mode on my VE6 but I still prefer the SE mode and the ACG select on Balance mode. Maybe my love for open and spacious sound is the reason why SE is still my preferred choice. But I will still continue on Balance mode and see how it goes.
For the balance jack you have 4 poles R-/R+/L-/L+, and only in balance are the 2 amps wired to drive one channel each. For the normal balance mode, the current is allow to flow both directions which means you get the full push/pull for both directions of the coil magnets on the headphone's driver thus more power because the membrane will be driven harder in both directions thus pushing more air therefore more power. However in ACG balance mode the negative terminal is held at zero instead of going negative flow direction in normal balance mode, the theory is that this should give more control.
As for why people hear a difference in SE it's probably placebo because Onkyo is very specific about how ACG mode only works in balance, especially because its not software magic but also depends on the hard wiring to do its magic. SE simply can't work with ACG with its single GND connection.
For the balance jack you have 4 poles R-/R+/L-/L+, and only in balance are the 2 amps wired to drive one channel each. For the normal balance mode, the current is allow to flow both directions which means you get the full push/pull for both directions of the coil magnets on the headphone's driver thus more power because the membrane will be driven harder in both directions thus pushing more air therefore more power. However in ACG balance mode the negative terminal is held at zero instead of going negative flow direction in normal balance mode, the theory is that this should give more control.
As for why people hear a difference in SE it's probably placebo because Onkyo is very specific about how ACG mode only works in balance, especially because its not software magic but also depends on the hard wiring to do its magic. SE simply can't work with ACG with its single GND connection.
I certainly agree with you in regards to the SE ACG being a placebo effect, since I myself don't hear a difference. Just got my hands on a nobunaga labs medusa balanced cable yesterday though, and hearing my music on balanced with it is just a magical new experience
Also, here are some pics!
http://imgur.com/a/0kDUK
A couple of questions here, if I remember no folder browsing with the default music player, correct?
Is there browsing by music tag date?
Other music apps that one may add to the player do not play with same level of sound quality as default music player, correct?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.