[shyamelge]

Thank you. I am buying it. 

 

[ErnestPoland]

Package came-in today. Gonna see what this thing can do.

 

[shyamelge]

Placed an order with a seller at aliexpress. The expected delivery time is 3-5 weeks. 

 

[ErnestPoland]

So my first thought is, it's actually a bit warm. But the higher the volume, the sound is becoming cleaner, brighter. It's loud! 

 

[Sonic Defender]

  So my first thought is, it's actually a bit warm. But the higher the volume, the sound is becoming cleaner, brighter. It's loud! 

Not surprising, the original E12 was a tad warm and certainly powerful.

 

[Hijodelbrx]

Really looking for a detailed comparison between the A5 and the original E12.  So far in this thread I've read totally opposite impressions of the E12; strident vs. warm, so I'd like to see more info.  I use my E12 with UE TF10's and HD600's and am very happy with what I hear.  I'll keep a lookout, I'm sure the answers are forthcoming!

 

[Townyj]

Got an A5 on the way this week including some HD600's, looking forward to them both

 

[l00l]

Does the A5 have any disadvantages compared to the E12?
I was going to get the E12, but now I guess I am better off with the A5?!
I will be using it mainly with my Beyerdynamic DT990 pro for gaming, movies and music, on occasions with IEMs maybe.

 

[ceemsc]

Does the A5 have any disadvantages compared to the E12?
I was going to get the E12, but now I guess I am better off with the A5?!
I will be using it mainly with my Beyerdynamic DT990 pro for gaming, movies and music, on occasions with IEMs maybe.

As an E12 owner ; top of mind thoughts :-
- Rolled off treble based on others 1st impressions?
- Power indicators on the side instead of on top. Would that be blocked by your stack layout?
- No Crossfeed.
- Hi-Gain switch no longer recessed leading a potential volume safety issue?

 

[ClieOS]

As an E12 owner ; top of mind thoughts :-
- Rolled off treble based on others 1st impressions?
- Power indicators on the side instead of on top. Would that be blocked by your stack layout?
- No Crossfeed.
- Hi-Gain switch no longer recessed leading a potential volume safety issue?

 
There isn't any actual treble roll-off on A5. You can hear the treble just fine on A5, just that it has a smooth presentation that doesn't necessarily will put treble right in your face. In contrast, E12 can sound a bit too forward at time.
 
Also, I have not heard of any one ever accidentally flipped the gain switch on either E12DIY or E12A since their release, and A5 shares the same design. I don't think that should be a concern.

 

[shyamelge]

Can anyone inform me in which sections of the amp - Muses 02 and LME 496700 have been put? 
 
In Asus Essence One, there are various sections (I/V, LPF) where op amps are placed. Are there similar sections in A5? 

 

[ClieOS]

  Can anyone inform me in which sections of the amp - Muses 02 and LME 496700 have been put? 
 
In Asus Essence One, there are various sections (I/V, LPF) where op amps are placed. Are there similar sections in A5? 

 
I/V (current to voltage conversion) and LPF (low pass filter) only apply to a DAC circuit. A5 doesn't have a DAC inside, and therefore has no need for an I/V or LPF stage.
 
In A5, MUSES02, which is an opamp, is used for gain stage - that is to boost the incoming signal (in voltage). Then the signal goes to LME49600, which is a current buffer, to increase the current output in order to drive the headphone.

 

[shyamelge]

Many thanks ClieOS for explaining me this technical stuff in a layman's language. Now I understand it.  

 

[flognarde]

Reading some of the comments quite confuses me...
I have a simple question, as I was thinking about replacing my X5II with some more refined DAP. But why not adding an amp ?
So can I expect some sort of improvement stacking the A5 to my X5II ?
I only listen to classical music and don't use hard to drive IEM's 

 

[blazinblazin]

  Reading some of the comments quite confuses me...
I have a simple question, as I was thinking about replacing my X5II with some more refined DAP. But why not adding an amp ?
So can I expect some sort of improvement stacking the A5 to my X5II ?
I only listen to classical music and don't use hard to drive IEM's 

To me yes adding E12A to X5II do have improvements. A5 will be more powerful but using same chip as E12A so will be quite similar sound wise.
 
You might want to try out first before buying.