Questyle CMA600i first impressions thread

[Blueshound24]

Even if that is the case and the 600i amp sounds nicer then the HA-1 amp, it sounds like the opposite is true for the dac with the HA-1 dac sounding nicer then the 600i dac. An external dac is not an option for me right now i need an all in one unit. Maybe if i had found a later made edition oh well.

I have listened to mine with and without the built in DAC, and it actually is a pretty good sounding DAC. It is only in comparison to a much more expensive DAC that costs more than the entire cma 600i, (PS Audio PerfectWave II). And the PS audio is only slightly better to my ears. I could probably live with the built in one if I didn't obsess over the sound so much.

 

[betula]

... it sounds like the opposite is true for the dac with the HA-1 dac sounding nicer then the 600i dac..

I don't know why you think that. The 600i has a decent DAC section for a DAC/amp combo. However if you add a dedicated external DAC to the amp which is from the same price range as the whole 600i itself, that will obviously further improve the sound.

 

[vincent1]

Hi
I am the person who has probably set the 500 cut off number in some posts. I am told SCV had some units in the later 400,s which were free of the issue - but as they and I did not know the exact cut off, I started saying that 500 and above is safe from the USB click issues. If you are buying a unit in the 300 range then just make sure you listen to it first to make sure there is no issue - it is pretty apparent if it is there. It sounds like it is a used unit you are buying and if so you should insist on hearing it first. It is a great model and based on reviews and my experience works very well with HD800 and LCD - it’s amp section is outstanding.
Vincent

 

[betula]

I am very happy with my 600i, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any other amp (amp only) with the following description:
- similar price to the 600i
- similar resolution, clarity and detail
- slightly more emphasis on bass, slightly warmer sound.
I am not planning to change the 600i anytime soon, just exploring amp market atm. Thanks.

 

[esauseesaw]

I am very happy with my 600i, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any other amp (amp only) with the following description:
- similar price to the 600i
- similar resolution, clarity and detail
- slightly more emphasis on bass, slightly warmer sound.
I am not planning to change the 600i anytime soon, just exploring amp market atm. Thanks.

Understood you aren't looking right now but PM if you are interested in a CMA800R. We have some we are clearing.

 

[Lebber67]

Hello,

My cma600i was popping when changed the file format.
Serial ended 238 today i received a brand new one with serial number 737.

Tested and i can confirm no more popping.

Thanks to Ewald from Terrason audio.

 

[betula]

Is there someone who heard both the CMA600i and Violectric V280/281 and could comment on the sound differences of the amp section of the units?

 

[kitfrisk]

I've also purchased CMA600i. However, I'm only getting the popping when I stop audio and or switch between different source applications. ie. VLC then to Spotify or Pine Player.
Changing between file types Mp3/FLAC or DSF doesn't cause any pops. Safari audio content when stopped does a small pop after 10 secs.
Continues play without stopping audio don't appear to cause popping.

Is this the type of popping you all are experiencing?

I'm on a MacBook Pro 15 (2017) on 10.14. running through USB-C to USB
The serial number is 10300500216

 

[vincent1]

Hi

What you are describing is not the original hardware problem. Presuming you don't change software too often it sounds as though it is not an impediment to music listening.

V

 

[765227258]

I bought cma800i last spring and was satisfied with its sound. Is there any certain difference between 600i and 800i?

 

[betula]

Clean, detailed, and powerful. Neutral, airy but still smooth and rounded. This current mode must have some secret. Upgrade the DAC and you're up for a treat.
Loving the combo.

 

[Soundizer]

I just did a YouTube video of the 600i Recently. Here is the link-



I felt it was time to shed light on a product I use every time I A/B headphones.... I covered the majority of what I wanted but missed some things looking back on it. These are a work in progress for me for sure ha

Hello MTMECraig. Really like your videos.

Any chance you can post a photo of the CMA600i with Focal Clear. I would like to see how the variations in silver/metaalic grey/tungsten blends together from pure cosmetic reasons. Cannot find such a photo with both in the same picture on the internet.

Much appreciated if you can do so, but if you cannot could you let us know how they look together.

Although I have listened to them together my focus was on Audio not cosmetic. I should have taken a photo.

 

[betula]

Unfortunately I don't have the Clear anymore, so I only have this pic in b&w. IMO they do look pretty good together.

 

[Soundizer]

Anyone tried CMA600i with Sony MDRZ1R Headphones?

 

[Dan Fuentes]

Unfortunately I don't have the Clear anymore, so I only have this pic in b&w. IMO they do look pretty good together.

Great pic