Back again, having spent a little bit of time with BTR7 and Storm. This was by no means been a fair comparison as I compared BTR7 to a couple of things I have to hand - xDuoo XD-05 BAL (as a DAC/amp, and just as a DAC into the Cayin C9), and my Sony TA-ZH1ES. I was using Qobuz from my laptop, connected via USB to any of the outputs. I didn't want to use Bluetooth / LDAC although I realise that's a more likely use case when on the go.
BTR7 drives Storm to sufficient volume with plenty to spare, so there's no lack of power. In isolation, it's an acceptable option and perhaps delivers 60-70% of what Storm can do. BTR7 comes across as a relatively neutral to warm DAC/amp, which suits Storm's natural character. The stage feels quite narrow, shallow, and congested. There isn't a great deal of air and space around the notes. Equally, the edges of the soundstage feel hollow and somewhat empty. It's almost like going to see a movie where the screen is too small to give you the full experience as the film was shot.
Sub-bass carries decent weight and bass notes are generally punchy, if a little soft-edged. Vocals are nicely rendered, quite rich and smooth. Treble comes across a little metallic and can be splashy, lacking some control and precision. I think BTR7 suits a less challenging IEM more appropriately - it works better with V16 based on my testing today.
Personally, I don't use Storm on the go so am happy to throw different combinations of portable and desktop gear at it to see how it performs. Although I haven't tried Mojo2, I suspect this will be a better portable option than BTR7. I don't have my HiBy RS6 to hand at present but that would be my default on-the-go option. Hope that helps a bit.
but good to know at least that it works and can drive it loud enough. I'm sure even at 60-70% it will still be crazy to listen to. Needless to say Mojo2 will do it more justice, and if I must then Hugo2 it will be later down the road, or add an amp to the Mojo2 chain.
