[Emerald Core]

Another vote for the Effect Audio A&K 4.4mm adapter. It is perhaps the best one available on the market. I haven't heard the PWA one.
The bird sounds fantastic out of the SP2000. Whether you choose to add the C9 is a personal thing. It does 'colour' the sound and expand the soundstage. I'm generally content enough not to.

I wouldn't advise terminating an expensive cable to 2.5mm unless you really want to. 4.4mm is fast becoming the new (and long stay) standard. And many DAP's now include the 4.4mm. You'll be far better future-proofing having 4.4 and spending the money on an adapter, which may be cheaper than reworking a PWA cable.

Thank you for confirming that it plays well with sp2k directly.

 

[Rockwell75]

+1
I will not buy anything player or IEM without 4.4 no matter how good it sounds. If it is an IEM will have to replace the cable. Everyone should just standardize now, the war is over.

Apologize for being so opinionated on this.

4.4mm has won me over. It is now my standard termination of choice. I used to use 4-pin XLR for my full sized headphones and 2.5mm for my IEMs. Now, I have converted them all to 4.4mm as well. Why? Because that XLR connector is heavy. It's must easier to adapt 4.4mm to 4pin XLR than the reverse. And, my favorite sources have 4.4mm.

+1

In addition to whatever else can be said inserting a 4.4 jack into a player is still one of the most oddly aesthetically satisfying experiences in this hobby.

 

[rcoleman1]

And just to add... Not everyone wants a 4.4mm "balanced" sound all the time so 3.5mm has to coexist with it IMO. 2.5mm not so much.

 

[Emerald Core]

+1

In addition to whatever else can be said inserting a 4.4 jack into a player is still one of the most oddly aesthetically satisfying experiences in this hobby.

Naturally , since we are men…

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

+1

In addition to whatever else can be said inserting a 4.4 jack into a player is still one of the most oddly aesthetically satisfying experiences in this hobby.

Size does matter.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

And just to add... Not everyone wants a 4.4mm "balanced" sound all the time so 3.5mm has to coexist with it IMO. 2.5mm no so much.

I hear what you are saying, but if you terminate a cable with 3.5, you cannot go balanced. If you have it terminated 2.5mm balanced, you can always adapt it to 3.5mm. It's probably why the resale value for cables terminated 3.5mm are so depressed relatively speaking.

 

[Rockwell75]

Naturally , since we are men…

Size does matter.

 

[Emerald Core]

Now I understand why aidiophiles are leaning towards 4.4

devil in the details ..

 

[RTodd]

Listening to Dave Holland and Pepe Habichuela album Hands, for the first time, P6Pro Traillii.
Amazingly holographic.
Track 4 The Whirling Dervish, had my eyes closed, and I opened them startled, I thought someone was sneaking up from my left side.

 

[jwilliamhurst]

Listening to Dave Holland and Pepe Habichuela album Hands, for the first time, P6Pro Traillii.
Amazingly holographic.
Track 4 The Whirling Dervish, had my eyes closed, and I opened them startled, I thought someone was sneaking up from my left side.

Listening now! Thanks for the rec @RTodd

 

[subguy812]

For a great example of the stage capabilities, check out Stanley Turrentine, That's Where It's At. Great release, my favorite by him. The placement is so precise. It also displays the realism and timbre of instruments very well.

 

[Emerald Core]

Order placed. Let’s see if it lives to its hype.

 

[Emerald Core]

What’s the best DAP pairing with the bird ? Cost no object
I happen to have sp2000cu, quite analytical and energetic.

 

[bluestorm1992]

What’s the best DAP pairing with the bird ? Cost no object
I happen to have sp2000cu, quite analytical and energetic.

Energetic then it must be LP6. I will be sending my unit to @tawmizzzz soon so you can probably wait a bit to get his assessment. He has SP2000 too.

 

[Emerald Core]

Energetic then it must be LP6. I will be sending my unit to @tawmizzzz soon so you can probably wait a bit to get his assessment. He has SP2000 too.

I mean the sp2000 is. But sure.
I’d want a overall versatile and resolving dap like it doesn’t miss a single note from every track.
Most of the good scores go to LP6 and I’d want to know if it can be end game or try hunt the Ti version