[nmatheis]

I should be getting PAW Gold in soon for testing. Major price difference, though!

 

[system11]

Yeah, I'm not too worried about the price - I just want something that sounds nice, I'd keep the 901 if it didn't keep breaking....

 

[soundaware]

Thanks guys suggestion, have received. 

 

[soundaware]

And Merry Christmas! 
Wish you a song in your heart at Christmas and bless sings all year long.
 

 

[Dagnatos]

soundaware: Hello, I wonder what is the difference the Pro version from of analog and vitality?

 

[nmatheis]

Merry Christmas soundaware and SOUNDAWARE fans!!!

 

[soundaware]

  soundaware: Hello, I wonder what is the difference the Pro version from of analog and vitality?

The main difference between them is about the clock quality. M1PRO used the femto-second clock, which devote much to the better sound quality. Besides, capacitance is also different.
Anyway, the sound quality has obvious distinguish.

 

[Dagnatos]

soundaware: Thanks for the reply)

 

[mrinspire]

Merry Christmas!!

 

[nmatheis]

@mrinspire: Merry Christmas to you, too! 
 
Nice review! I need to review the Esther Analog, as well. I think I will make it a New Year's present to SOUNDAWARE. There, I've set a deadline for myself, so I'd better stick to it!
 
One thing I'd take exception to is dismissing Low and Medium Gain. SOUNDAWARE advises users to use as high a volume setting as practical to make best use of their DAC programming. As an IEM user, I routinely use Low Gain to my advantage. With some of my lower sensitivity IEM, I'm even able to achieve 80-90 out of 100 volume.
 
In fact, one of the strengths of the Esther (and iBasso DAPs) is this L, M, H Gain philosophy, IMHO. It allows user of very sensitive, medium sensitive, and low sensitive gear to choose he best Gain Setting to fine tune volume. I really, really appreciate this.
 
I've actually had arguments before over 60 vs.120 volume steps for DAPs because I'm primarily an IEM user, and the other was a low-sensitivity headphone user. I strongly believe the L, M, H Gain approach is the best compromise to satisfy all user and applaud SOUNDAWARE for accommodating us. Good job @soundaware!!! 

 

[Currawong]

  Has anyone who has this player (analogue version) compared it to HM-901 or Lotto Paw Gold?
 
I see people describing Esther as warm, it seems like something I might like - I have the HM901 at the moment with 'classic' amp card, but it's so unreliable and I'm tired of having it repaired.

 
I borrows a HM901 with the balanced card, a combo I really liked as it was slightly warm and musical. The Analog version of the Esther is quite forgiving, without seeming to lose detail, so I reckon you might like indeed like it.

 

[nmatheis]

Currawong: How do you find Esther with multi-BA IEM? I've been demoing the Empire Ears lineup and found it sounds much warmer with the high-driver IEM. Besides those pairings, I absolutely love Esther Analog's sound warm, glowing sound signature. I find myself reaching for it more than other DAPs.

 

[nmatheis]

Time for some Christmas relaxation...

 

[Luvdac]

Hi All, came across this thread on my search for an upgrade to the fiio x5ii. Pls tell me that The genre tab in the UI drills down to albums and then songs! Also is the pro version available and where? Thanks!

 

[Dagnatos]

I wonder what the price of the Pro version, and now it wants? I feel I will sell its vitality and to save money for higher level))