[daanh]

Hi, I have a Fostex TH-600 that I used to play with a balanced cable to a RSA Intruder. The problem then was that the micro-usb connector on my phone was very vurnerable. You only had to look at it to have it disconnect. Also, the headphone connecor that the RSA used was a bit iffy.

Since a few years I use a Sony noise-cancelling bluetooth headphone. It works great when travelling by bus, but I sometimes miss the superb sound that the Fostex-Intruder combo used to have.

I'm looking for a portable dac/amp that I can connect to my phone by usb-C. I'm reluctant to buy a second-hand Intruder because of the cost and hassle of having the battery replaced (I live in the Netherlands).

Any recommendations for something comparable and not too pricey?

Thanks, Daan

 

[daanh]

Okay, I did some reading, and am leaning to a Fiio Q5s. Problematic is that it seems discontinued...

The Ifi micro iDSD Signature is more expensive, and I read that it doesn't have a true balanced output. Does anyone know what this means? Does the Intruder have a true balanced output?

Thanks, Daan

 

[iFi audio]

The Ifi micro iDSD Signature is more expensive, and I read that it doesn't have a true balanced output. Does anyone know what this means?

Our S-Balanced tech benefits from true balanced circuits in spite of being a single-ended topology. It was designed so that our single-ended amplifiers could have lesser cross-talk and distortion. S-Balanced sockets also accept both single-ended and balanced terminations. Here's more about that subject: https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/iFi-audio-xCAN-S_BAL-Tech-Note.pdf

 

[daanh]

Hi Ifi, thanks for your reply. I don't really get it yet. In your s-balanced system there is no inverted signal. The minus pole of one side of the headphone seems to go to ground. How is this balanced?

Your Gryphon also seems interesting. Does this also use s-balanced?

Thanks, Daan

 

[iFi audio]

Hi Ifi, thanks for your reply. I don't really get it yet. In your s-balanced system there is no inverted signal. The minus pole of one side of the headphone seems to go to ground. How is this balanced?

The name S-Balanced (single-ended-balanced) means SE circuit with added benefits of a balanced topology plus usefulness both SE and balanced plug types. In short, S-Balanced is SE on steroids.

Your Gryphon also seems interesting. Does this also use s-balanced?

xDSD Gryphon is a fully balanced design and its 4.4mm output is fully balanced. Its SE output however is S-Balanced.

 

[daanh]

The name S-Balanced (single-ended-balanced) means SE circuit with added benefits of a balanced topology plus usefulness both SE and balanced plug types. In short, S-Balanced is SE on steroids.



xDSD Gryphon is a fully balanced design and its 4.4mm output is fully balanced. Its SE output however is S-Balanced.

Hi, is your Go Blue also fully balanced, or s-balanced?

 

[iFi audio]

Hi, is your Go Blue also fully balanced, or s-balanced?

Our GO blu is a balanced design that operates as such upon using its 4.4mm headphone out, while its second headphone out is S-Balanced. Thanks!