[kayser]

Hey guys,
 
I'm planning to build up a truly portable rig that will finally fit inside my pocket.
I will use a rockboxed Sansa Fuze with LOD as a DAP and my JH16 Pro.
As for the amp, I'm choosing between RSA Shadow and Pico Slim.
Did anyone listen to both these amps?
Will be grateful for any advice.

 

[kayser]

As RSA Shadow is considered to sound just like RSA Mustang, I'm also interested in a "Pico Slim - RSA Mustang" comparison.
From this post I see that the Mustang is way better than the Pico...
 
 

For me, I also find the Pico Slim laid back. Its missing that punch at the low end as compared to my P-51, but the mids really shine on the Slim. Overall SQ-wise I think the P-51 is marginally superior, but the truely *pocketability* of the Slim and its fine volume control has made my P-51 redundant.
 

 

[Duggeh]

That post says no such thing.

 

[basementdweller]

Quote:

That post says no such thing.

I agree.  I'm trying to decide between smaller high end amps, much like the OP, and from what I can tell a lot of the differences can't be seen simply as better or worse.  A lot of the major differences seem to fall upon sound signature preference rather than sound quality.  Personally, I want an RSA Shadow because it appears to be a good amp, has good battery life and is just so tiny, but that's just me.

 

[MrProggie]

I can safely recommend the Headstage Arrow 12HE 2G. It's cheap compared to other high end amps and will fit without problems in your pocket together with your DAP.
 

 

[justin w.]

 
Quote:

Hey guys,
 
I'm planning to build up a truly portable rig that will finally fit inside my pocket.
I will use a rockboxed Sansa Fuze with LOD as a DAP and my JH16 Pro.
As for the amp, I'm choosing between RSA Shadow and Pico Slim.
Did anyone listen to both these amps?
Will be grateful for any advice.

The Sansa Fuze measures 1.9″ x 0.3″ x 3.1″.  The Pico Slim measures 1.55" x 0.37" x 3.15".  So combined, a thickness of 0.67", and lengths/widths that mate well.  Very pocketable.  You should try to look up dimensions if you can find them

 

[Jalo]

Quote:

As RSA Shadow is considered to sound just like RSA Mustang, I'm also interested in a "Pico Slim - RSA Mustang" comparison.
From this post I see that the Mustang is way better than the Pico...
 
 

Please see my initial impression between the two in the PICO Slim thread Post #589:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/483809/pico-slim-first-impressions-and-reviews-thread-see-p31-onwards-for-a-couple-of-solid-reviews-pics-useful-info/585#post_6987659
 
Like Justin says, I prefer the Slim form factor and appearance more and I think it will match better with your dap but the two have a very different sound signature.  They are both very very good smallest portable amp you can buy.  It all depends on your style of listening.  With the JH16, you will probably enjoy the tight bass attack, even though HPA thinks the Mustang is more aggressive.  But I also enjoy the little more air with the P51.  I think the jh16 will work great with either one.  Good luck you can't go wrong with either.
 

 

[kayser]

Thanks, Jalo.
In my case, the form factor is not a big deal.
The Pico Slim is thiner, but the RSA Shadow is shorter in length.
Moreover, I like the volume control of the Shadow (seems to be more solid than the Pico's one).
I tested the original Pico Amp/DAC and I didn't like it.
At the same time I owned a Mustang and loved the sound.
So, is the Pico Slim a big step ahead in comparison with the original Pico? 

 

[The Monkey]

Just get the Shadow and be done with it.

 

[justin w.]

Quote:

Thanks, Jalo.
In my case, the form factor is not a big deal.
The Pico Slim is thiner, but the RSA Shadow is shorter in length.
Moreover, I like the volume control of the Shadow (seems to be more solid than the Pico's one).
I tested the original Pico Amp/DAC and I didn't like it.
At the same time I owned a Mustang and loved the sound.
So, is the Pico Slim a big step ahead in comparison with the original Pico? 

Wait...you've tried both of these, but you're asking which to buy?  Because you seem to be speaking from personal experience.
 
What didn't you like about the volume control of the Pico Slim?  it has 255 steps (feels infinite) and an extreme attenuation range.

 

[cooperpwc]

I find it wierd how this thread is focused heavily on a comparison of the Pico Slim and the Mustang because of one unsupported statement:
 
Quote:

As RSA Shadow is considered to sound just like RSA Mustang, I'm also interested in a "Pico Slim - RSA Mustang" comparison.

Wrong! Compare the Pico Slim and the Shadow.

 

[Ramesses]

I have the Pico Slim and the Mustang P51, (I have not heard the Shadow).

I much prefer my Pico Slim to the P51.

The clarity of the Slim with the Twag micro LOD and my 4th Gen Touch is sublime.

The P51 is warmer and more coloured to my ears than the Slim.
This does of course depend on source and phones...I am using D7000's which are perhaps considered bassy.

 

[alyanm]

I'd like to add my vote to see a comparison of the Pico Slim, RSA Shadow and Headstage Arrow 12HE I'd like to add in as well.  In my case I have UE11Pros which are strong on bass already.  Does anybody know if the Shadow really does sound like the Mustang?  And where does the Arrow fit into all of this?  I haven't tried any amps yet, trying to figure out which one to get as my first...

 

[cooperpwc]

Quote:

Does anybody know if the Shadow really does sound like the Mustang? 

Great line from the Psychedelic Furs: 

 I've been waiting all night for someone like you but... you'll have to do.

 

[delancyst]

i would be interested to checkout the Pico Slim since the Shadow's digital volume control failed on me within a year.