RSA The Lightning F-35, fully balanced portable amp Review: 35 more F-35 amps at intro price . . .

[audionewbi]

I like how it is small but its form will not stack nicely against any current DAP beside the ipod nano 7G.

 

[wormsdriver]

Quote:

I like how it is small but its form will not stack nicely against any current DAP beside the ipod nano 7G.

or (I think) Hisound Rocoo BA / Studio.
 
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I knew price would be around this range, but it would've been more appealing (in general) to be around $475.  
 
Here's an idea, why not make it with a lifetime warranty (except for battery) like the Predator? 
 
I know this did influence my decision when I purchased my (now long gone) Predator.
 
Just a suggestion...

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

I expected it to be a bit less then the SR71-B, and that's exactly what it is.  Now to choose between the two...

 

[jamato8]

Orders start this week for the F-35, The Lightning. I look forward to impressions. 

 

[LFC_SL]

  that's an ambitious price, around the price of a portaphile 627x too, hopefully there will be impressions on the sq between the two later on

 
Think the appropriate comparator is to other RSA balanced amps. And ALO who also use the same connector.
 
Am out at this time but may revisit. Not because of the price or anything. But because have never tried balanced cable before. The only way to assess I think is to have a dual single and balanced output amp and engage in cable swapping (feel free to correct anyone). Really want to try balanced with my Clas -dB but demo opportunity of balanced amps is separated by an ocean

 

[attilahun]

I was wondering how this might pair with the fiio x3.
I haven't done the homework yet but the x3 looks like a great deal compared to the other expensive ipod replacements and seems generally shaped like the f35.
Anyone explore this yet?

 

[jamato8]

It works well with the X3. You get the benefit of a well done Wolfson dac and a big jump in amp performance. Excellent sound combination and beautifully small!

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

  It works well with the X3. You get the benefit of a well done Wolfson dac and a big jump in amp performance. Excellent sound combination and beautifully small!

 
jamato8, how about when comparing against 901 balance amp card or DX50? My wallet hates me........
 
Thanks and sorry for too many questions....

 

[onlychild]

It's the perfect size for the Ak120. I'll be sending mine in to Vinnie for the "B" mod soon. Fully balanced! The broccoli rubber band will be replaced by the alo bands today as well.

 

[attilahun]

Great info, thanks!

 

[attilahun]

It's the perfect size for the Ak120. I'll be sending mine in to Vinnie for the "B" mod soon. Fully balanced! The broccoli rubber band will be replaced by the alo bands today as well.

Man that rug really ties the system together.
-J. Lebowski

 

[onlychild]

Couple more pics.

The rug in the previous pic helps tighten up the bass and extend the highs. ; )

 

[castleofargh]

kudos to both the mini-rug and Attila's homage to the dude.
I'm glad I came here today.
 
 
 
 
about X3+F-35, wouldn't it be loud for most iems?  as X3's LO is about 1.7v and the low gain already at 3 (values coming from my aging memory so correct me if I'm wrong).
I don't like using the first 1/4 of a volume knob for usual balance issues in that zone. not a critic against RSA, just the usual misbehavior of knobs. 
 
I realize the F-35 was really made as a portable powerhouse for something like an ortho, but I imagine people planning on using it for both low sensi cans and high sensi IEMs. the X3 might be a great idea for the first part, but not so great for the second one.
suspicions only, I didn't try the F-35.

 

[tsvo614]

Only good thing alo audio makes are bands ... Lol.. They fit tighter than any other band.

 

[onlychild]

I'm currently using the f-35 with my JH16 and only get a quarter travel on the volume knob before it's too loud for my ears but it's so good I can dial it in to any volume level I'm looking for just on the 1st quarter turn. Also, the amp is dead silent with the jh16s.

Waiting on an adapter from forza audioworks to use my LCD-2s with the amp. I'm really curious on how well it will drive them, but with the 16s, I'm loving the ak120-lightning combo.