Jul 15, 2024 at 4:38 PM Post #111,978 of 145,033
Posted a review on the Truthear GATe Here on Head-Fi.

1000035630.jpg


TL;DR - neutral bright, good for those peeps, not as much bass as I'd like out the gate (whomp whomp) but managed to find some with tip rolling to the Azla Origin. Works well with the Onyx XI1.
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 4:48 PM Post #111,979 of 145,033
Posted a review on the Truthear GATe Here on Head-Fi.

1000035630.jpg

TL;DR - neutral bright, good for those peeps, not as much bass as I'd like out the gate (whomp whomp) but managed to find some with tip rolling to the Azla Origin. Works well with the Onyx XI1.
Nice write-up. Does it take EQ well?
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 4:51 PM Post #111,980 of 145,033
Nice write-up. Does it take EQ well?

It does, IMO. After all my testing for the write up, I did some EQ on my Element 3 and it responded super well to the bass boost (just a few DB really helps open it up). It's lively as is but lovely with just a bit more bass (especially with just a small mid-bass boost).
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:05 PM Post #111,982 of 145,033
The Sony WM1A with MrWalkman’s software, the OCC849 in 4.4mm and the ISN H60 with Velvet ear-tips. Perfect!
80A33F56-2BE6-4635-902A-9529D054EB81.jpeg
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:06 PM Post #111,983 of 145,033
I bought one two weeks back and paid $110. I am allergic to elevated lower mids and I love subbass rumble. It sounds great to me.
This has been on my radar for awhile to add something more relaxed and musical to my rotation.
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:09 PM Post #111,984 of 145,033
Quick question about H60, do they come with liquid eartips people talking about or you have to buy them separately?
Just checked Aliexpress and found out that they are available separately in Orange and Black color, do color makes any difference in sound?
No. Licquer tips do not come with the H60. I tried them with the blacks, and didn't dig it too much, and yes, the blacks and the orange have a slight difference in sound, as the blacks add some bass while maintaining the treble, while the orange provides a bit of treble harness while rounding the bass some. YMMV.
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:13 PM Post #111,985 of 145,033
No. Licquer tips do not come with the H60. I tried them with the blacks, and didn't dig it too much, and yes, the blacks and the orange have a slight difference in sound, as the blacks add some bass while maintaining the treble, while the orange provides a bit of treble harness while rounding the bass some. YMMV.
Thanks for the quick and informative explanation. I think I saw a combo so will try to get it
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:19 PM Post #111,986 of 145,033
My "new" rig. The one time retired Fiio Q3 was dug out of a box, and dusted off, and now tethered to the iBasso DX170 with a Tiandirenhe crystal copper type c to type c interconnect. Honestly, the DX170 does not need an amp, but the Q3 synergizes well with the DX, and it allows me one extra balanced connection, as the Q3 has single ended, as well as 2.5 and 4.4 balanced, vs just single and 4.4 on the DX170, and it also adds a bit of headroom and excitement, and so I'm all for this set up. Fun times in this household along with the pleasure of the Hiby R3 II. The Sony's are starting to feel neglected!! WHA?!

iBasso DX170 + Fiio Q3 + Tri i3 III.jpg
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 5:27 PM Post #111,987 of 145,033
My "new" rig. The one time retired Fiio Q3 was dug out of a box, and dusted off, and now tethered to the iBasso DX170 with a Tiandirenhe crystal copper type c to type c interconnect. Honestly, the DX170 does not need an amp, but the Q3 synergizes well with the DX, and it allows me one extra balanced connection, as the Q3 has single ended, as well as 2.5 and 4.4 balanced, vs just single and 4.4 on the DX170, and it also adds a bit of headroom and excitement, and so I'm all for this set up. Fun times in this household along with the pleasure of the Hiby R3 II. The Sony's are starting to feel neglected!! WHA?!

iBasso DX170 + Fiio Q3 + Tri i3 III.jpg
I don't really understand adding additional amplification to a DAP. Isn't the point of a DAP to have a music player and quality DAC/amp all in one unit? Is it really necessary, especially in the case of IEMs that are for the most part pretty easy to drive?

Not trying to argue, I'm genuinely curious what the rationale is. I personally just run my phone or PC to my Qudelix 5k in either wired or Bluetooth mode for 99.9% of my listening, and I don't feel like I need anything more than that. I see a few people running setups like this so I'm just curious what that's about.

Although I have been thinking about maybe picking up an audiophile dongle. I kinda like the simplicity and look of the EPZ TP30 so it's sitting in my cart until their new stuff is out and I place an order with them lol.
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 6:12 PM Post #111,988 of 145,033
R4 is such a great value DAP. So glad you are enjoying yours like I am.
R4 is really great, checked all my boxes, especially being a capable transport to my DAc stable.
With R4, M300 and R3 II, Hiby essentially single handedly resurrected budget DAPs and with great options and capabilities!
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 6:22 PM Post #111,989 of 145,033
I don't really understand adding additional amplification to a DAP. Isn't the point of a DAP to have a music player and quality DAC/amp all in one unit? Is it really necessary, especially in the case of IEMs that are for the most part pretty easy to drive?

Not trying to argue, I'm genuinely curious what the rationale is. I personally just run my phone or PC to my Qudelix 5k in either wired or Bluetooth mode for 99.9% of my listening, and I don't feel like I need anything more than that. I see a few people running setups like this so I'm just curious what that's about.

Although I have been thinking about maybe picking up an audiophile dongle. I kinda like the simplicity and look of the EPZ TP30 so it's sitting in my cart until their new stuff is out and I place an order with them lol.
Added headroom, a slightly different and more open tuning. That's pretty much it. Oh and the battery lasts longer. Maybe adding 2 hours to the total life of the dap before need to recharge. In my case, getting an extra balanced port. But really, it's the added headroom, battery life, and extra port. For others, it's whatever they are seeking from tethering. I don't use this for mobile use, so I'm fine with it. Now the R3 II is for mobile use, so it's untethered to any amp, and will remain that way.
 
Jul 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM Post #111,990 of 145,033
Added headroom, a slightly different and more open tuning. That's pretty much it. Oh and the battery lasts longer. Maybe adding 2 hours to the total life of the dap before need to recharge. In my case, getting an extra balanced port. But really, it's the added headroom, battery life, and extra port. For others, it's whatever they are seeking from tethering. I don't use this for mobile use, so I'm fine with it. Now the R3 II is for mobile use, so it's untethered to any amp, and will remain that way.
@FastGecko5

To add on to what FreeWheelin said about battery life, the iBasso DX180 advertises 30hrs of battery life if used with line out to another amp. That's twice the battery life just by bypassing the DAP's amp.

Some people add amplification to alter the sound as well (Eg. tube amps).

Some people even bypass the DAP's DAC/amp altogether and go USB-C out to a dongle DAC/amp that has better synergy with their earphone.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top