[Surf Monkey]

I don't have the xDSD Gryphon, maybe someday?

I’ve seen it go on crazy sale for under $400 from time to time but those moments haven’t synched up with my budget yet.

 

[saldsald]

I just received this together with A CABLE (actually last Friday) and the OG and I am not sure if I am supposed to show any pictures of it?
Anyway, let me take a listen first.

https://hifigo.com/products/effect-audio-x-elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim

Ok I guess I am allowed to show the collab bundle.


Effect Audio x Elysian Acoustic Labs PILGRIM Noir, comes with a Effect Audio Eros S Noir Cable. I have all my EA cables terminated with ConX so...hey, Pen Ear is not a problem.

Note: PILGRIM is in caps.


And the PILGRIM OG.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Have you try ibasso DC Elite? "Said" it is "better" than dx300 in SQ (not the power), and have great soundstage and imaging. I read also that some prefer Elite than W4 or hiby FC6 or A&K HC4. I'm curious myself and even gonna break my own oath about dongle being hassle if it sounded that good

Not yet, unfortunately. I think I’m done with my sources for now. W4 + R3II for outdoor, DX300 for critical listening. I might upgrade the amp card of DX300.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I’ve seen it go on crazy sale for under $400 from time to time but those moments haven’t synched up with my budget yet.

I guess we just have to dream, really that retail sale price is crazy? Almost unbelievable? WOW!

https://penonaudio.com/penon-gs849.html
Here the GS849 aftermarket cable is in action with the ifi hip dac 3 and Penon Volt.........my favorite IEM combo here today!

 

[gadgetgod]

The ifi hip dac 3 has all the gas needed to make these two headphones totally shine. Involving well done imaging, just asking for mental participation. My first experience with a Burr-Brown DAC chipset, yet it is smooth, but still lets vocals through in contrast, which can be an issue (at times) with these two headphones. Believe it or not here the MDR-Z7 is harder to drive, where the MDR-Z1R can get over the top loud, way louder than any human could stand.

I like the cute hip flask kinda design of hip dac 3

 

[thaslaya]

Here's my latest review for the Fiio JH5 (Head-fi and blog). I haven't really seen this one talked about much which is a shame. It's an excellent mature tuning and has a good build quality. Hopefully some others can hear it too and weigh in.

 

[Rambone]

Last purchase before a three week seminar in New Mexico is the CCA Hydro. After extended listening while slaving away at work to afford this hobby, I can confirm it is everything I liked about the rhapsody and Trio rolled into one.

This was my first thoughts as well with the Hydro. I feel the Hydro is a love letter to both of those sets.

Lol, poor Vader High Resolution.

I like that these exists as a variant to the balanced version (they are not bad). I was cognizant of what I was buying for science however for this type of tuning after listening to the Vader High Res, I liked the Moondrop LAN and Kiwi Ears Forteza better.

 

[Rambone]

HipDAC is always lurking on my list. The xDSD Gryphon is at the top but I often consider springing for the HD 3 as an interim solution for full sized phones.

Don't sleep on the iDSD Signature either when on sale, an absolute killer.

 

[cobrabucket]

Don't sleep on the iDSD Signature either when on sale, an absolute killer.

Exactly this. I got mine for $299, an incredible value!
Purchase LINK.
Also would mention that a used Mojo can be had for $100 to $150.
And I also 2nd both the Cayin RU7 and Hiby FC6.
Lastly, a used LG V50 or V60 on ebay goes for ~$150.
All good options, IMO.

I'm kind of a psycho nerd and own all of these mentioned.

 

[Singaravelan]

Exactly this. I got mine for $299, an incredible value!
Purchase LINK.
Also would mention that a used Mojo can be had for $100 to $150.
And I also 2nd recommending both the Cayin RU7 and Hiby FC6.
And lastly, a used LG V50 or V60 on ebay goes for ~$150.
All good options.

I'm kind of a psycho nerd and own all of these mentioned.

Wow that does sound a great deal. Idsd, signature one. 450 dollars off.

Does this one have the xbass feature?

Have and love the fc6. And got rid of other dacs apart from ibasso dc03 pro for CSdac sound.

Never heard these burr brown dacs. How do they sound?

And will they be too much for iems and more suitable for headphones?

 

[cobrabucket]

Wow that does sound a great deal. Idsd, signature one. 450 dollars off.

Does this one have the xbass feature?

Have and love the fc6. And got rid of other dacs apart from ibasso dc03 pro for since CSdac sound.

Never heard these burr brown dacs. How do they sound?

And will they be too much for iems and more suitable for headphones?

It does indeed have XBass.
I am not great at describing DAC sound signatures, but I'd say that it's smooth and organic sounding. Decently detailed but more musical than analytical.
The iDSD Signature might be a bit much for really sensitive IEMs in normal operation, but it has IEMatch built in so can be adjusted to run basically anything by changing impedance.
Only downside is that she's a Chonky girl.
Definitely NOT pocketable....

 

[Singaravelan]

It does indeed have XBass.
I am not great at describing DAC sound signatures, but I'd say that it's smooth and organic sounding. Decently detailed but more musical than analytical.
The iDSD Signature might be a bit much for really sensitive IEMs in normal operation, but it has ieMatch built in so can be adjusted to run basically anything by changing impedance.
Only downside is that she's a Chonky girl.
Definitely NOT pocketable....

True, at that size I wish it worked like a DAP too, streaming stuff.

As things stand, I have more or less stopped using dacs and run iems straight off hibyM300 nifty lil dap.

 

[cobrabucket]

True, at that size I wish it worked like a DAP too, streaming stuff.

As things stand, I have more or less stopped using dacs and run iems straight off hibyM300 nifty lil dap.

TBH, I am using my Hiby R6 Pro II for 99% of my portable listening these days.
It sounds great and can do everything I need it to.
The battery life is awful, but it fits my requirements of listening for 2 to 3 hours total throughout my work day.
And I knew about that going in, obviously.
Still, I am really curious to hear the R8 II, but it is essentially 3x the price which is tough to rationalize.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Pulled out the CCA Trio once more, as it's been awhile since I truly gave them any play, due to the TRN ST7, CCA Polaris, and Simgot EA500LM.

Diving into the blues n roll of Slash - Orgy of the Damned. This thing has more fun bass than I remember. Excellent mids. Guitars are so clear and voices got the right amount of warmth.

 

[Jmop]

Pulled out the CCA Trio once more, as it's been awhile since I truly gave them any play, due to the TRN ST7, CCA Polaris, and Simgot EA500LM.

Diving into the blues n roll of Slash - Orgy of the Damned. This thing has more sun bass than I remember. Excellent mids. Guitars are so clear and voices got the right amount of warmth.

How’s the Polaris stacking up? Gonna try mine out tonight.