[trellus]

Unique for sure.
If you have other DAC that sounds cold as ice (which doesn't mean "sibilant" or "treble-forward"), there may be a similar effect, but I don't have such DACs.
I strongly suggest every Pro 82 and E06 owner to invest 9$ in EL-D01, even if you have to skip your morning cappuccino for that.

Any special hints on sellers you recommend buying from or avoiding?

The price is right on this one ( $9.02 ), and from an eBay seller with a high rating:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ELE-EL-D01...lvery-COLOR-/192331758854?hash=item2cc7ddbd06

But this one is about $5 more ( $13.93 ) but notes an "ELNA capacitor" (that means nothing to me but I suppose it's a differentiator?)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ELE-EL-D01...895371?hash=item1ea9ecec4b:g:w1MAAOSwKtlWlflh

 

[BenF]

Any special hints on sellers you recommend buying from or avoiding?

The price is right on this one ( $9.02 ), and from an eBay seller with a high rating:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ELE-EL-D01...lvery-COLOR-/192331758854?hash=item2cc7ddbd06

But this one is about $5 more ( $13.93 ) but notes an "ELNA capacitor" (that means nothing to me but I suppose it's a differentiator?)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ELE-EL-D01...895371?hash=item1ea9ecec4b:g:w1MAAOSwKtlWlflh

Any Ebay seller above 98.5% is good enough.

ELNA is a Japanese company that is famous for their capacitors.

I don't know if the 9$ one uses a different capacitor, and if it does - would you be able to hear the difference?
But it sure would make for an interesting post - so why not buy both

 

[BenF]

Sorry @BenF for the late answer, I was busy and so now , the only thing because I would not buy, for now, the Idea and the O2 it is because I have just purchased a new amp and a new dap. I have to say that I have listened for a very quick comparison my Nad Viso HP50 and the 82 Pro, well, I think I prefere the Takstar

Wow, few years ago HP50 was considered one of the best closed headphones around (at 300$), even made Tyll's WoF: https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50
Hope you'll find time to post a Pro 82 review and Pro 82/HP50 comparison.

 

[ticallista]

For those who have removed the pads, are they clip-ons like the Sony MDR-1?

 

[jellofund]

--

 

[ticallista]

Not familiar with the MDR-1A pads but the Takstar pads have a mounting ring fitted into the rear of them with 6 plastic tabs dotted around it. These clip into matching holes on the headphone earpieces.

Generally they pull off quite easily but on my pairs one of the pads is a bit stubborn and needs a bit more cajoling before it comes free.

I see, thanks. So the pads have matching holes to fit the mounting ring.

 

[jellofund]

--

 

[ticallista]

Awesome thanks.

 

[jellofund]

--

 

[BenF]

Here is what Takstar factory replied (through TakstarAudio) when asked about how to remove the pads safely:
"...it is better not to remove the pad, it is very difficult to remove the pad and if the pad has not been (re-)assembled well, the sound quality will be damaged "

So my advice remains the same as before - do not remove the pads.
They are not meant to be removed by end users.

 

[deathscthe]

Bought the Xduoo XP-1 today. Things are certainly much better especially the bass

 

[BenF]

Bought the Xduoo XP-1 today. Things are certainly much better especially the bass

Hopefully you bought it used and cheaply, because 250-300$ for a 48Khz device is too much.
https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-XP-1-portable-amp-WM8740/dp/B00KT5TH8M
https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/xduoo-xp-1-high-performance-usb-dac-portable-headphone-amplifier.html

 

[deathscthe]

Hopefully you bought it used and cheaply, because 250-300$ for a 48Khz device is too much.
https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-XP-1-portable-amp-WM8740/dp/B00KT5TH8M
https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/xduoo-xp-1-high-performance-usb-dac-portable-headphone-amplifier.html

Yea I got it locally for around 120usd brand new

 

[BenF]

Yea I got it locally for around 120usd brand new

Well done, I like WM8740, it's a really good DAC.

 

[BenF]

Big news about Pro 82 are coming in the next few hours, you may want to wait with the purchase until then.

Spoiler

It's good news, don't worry