CharlyBrown
1000+ Head-Fier
I went all out on this one and spent big bucks on this --- $22.50 USD during the last aliexpress sale.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mr2TpWm
I can’t believe all the crazy money you cable guys spend. Others buy cars for that amount of money!
I would definitely put it on the warmer side, but I have not tried the Woo Mini. The only Woo I've owned is the WA7 Fireflies.
Because the PB5 has a bass boost (measurable!!), and to me, it sounds more vocal forward and holographic, I put this amp on the more warmer side, but it does not lose treble presence or air either. It does sound more intimate and lush but not overly rounded so I don't feel like I lose any technical performance going to this on the Storm. With already darker or bassier IEMs, I may not prefer the PB5 -- I think it pairs well with neutral/brighter IEMs.
See graph below of the measurable bass response difference with Storm on a normal dac/amp and Storm with the PB5 in the chain (green).
On the flip side, I also have the Oriolus BA300S MK2 portable tube amp and it's more neutral sounding than the PB5, as it doesn't have an exaggerated bass boost. People do find it warmer, but in comparison to the PB5, it's less so, although still smooths out a lot of the mids and treble like a warmer tube amp does.
I also tried the Cayin C9 Nutube and reviewed it back when it first released, but I don't own one to compare. From memory, it was definitely more neutral sounding compared to PB5.
Agreed. I think the PB5 can still sound great with bassy IEMs. I love it with the Grand Maestro (vocal switch on, which is lowering sub bass a little). But I don’t like it with the Annihilator, for example. Much too warm for my tastes. With the Mentor, It’s pure gold and I’m sure it will be great with Storm!