[vcmusik]

That’s great you like the pairing. The Clear is on a different level of headphone sonically for sure but it’s always nice to hear that people acknowledge the TA as a good choice of amplifiers.

Great point, I've read that the Elex was positioned to be in between the Clear and Elear.

 

[TSAVJason]

Great point, I've read that the Elex was positioned to be in between the Clear and Elear.

Being that massdrop is the only reseller of that product I am not allowed to comment either way good or bad. If you’re happy with them, that’s all that matters

 

[Soundizer]

It works great! It was the first pairing I did when the Clear was getting ready for launch. Any particular question you have feel free to ask and I’ll try to give you an informative answer. ...cheers

Thank you kindly Jason.

I purchased the Sony MDR-Z1R.

I am saving up monthly now to buy the TA, hopefully can purchase in November.
In addition I really like the Focal Clear and they sound so clear, quite a contrast to the Sony MDRZ1R..

So I hope to also buy the Clear next year some time.

Then after that I am done with purchasing Audio equipment for a few years.

What do you think of the above package.
My source is Tidal on a Mac and I am thinking about trying Aurdivana Plus if it is an improvement, but I do like the Tidal interface.

Any advice or pointers, I really appreciate it

 

[TSAVJason]

I’m going to say the TA and Clear might very well be the right combo for you. The TA tends to be warm. The Clear tends to be forward. That kind of rig is a rig to be not just happy with but proud to own as well. Of course that’s just me opinion I’m sure there are orhers with different opinions.


Addendum: I’d suggest a neutral cable like WyWires, WireWorld or Cobra Cables. This will enhance the nice linear presentation that the cans & amp do between each other.

 

[Soundizer]

I’m going to say the TA and Clear might very well be the right combo for you. The TA tends to be warm. The Clear tends to be forward. That kind of rig is a rig to be not just happy with but proud to own as well. Of course that’s just me opinion I’m sure there are orhers with different opinions.


Addendum: I’d suggest a neutral cable like WyWires, WireWorld or Cobra Cables. This will enhance the nice linear presentation that the cans & amp do between each other.

Thank you for those points, much appreciated.

Those cables are for which headphones - MDRZ1R and/or the Clears? Or are they TA DAC to Computer?

 

[Soundizer]

Does the TA have enough kick - slam - punch, in general.

 

[purk]

Does the TA have enough kick - slam - punch, in general.

It has plenty of punch and slam but it may be too smooth to some headphones. A dedicated amp such as the GS-X MKII will edge out the TA, but as a package it is a great piece of gear if you prefer warm & smooth sound signature with very wide and deep soundstage. I have auditioned amp that slam harder and have better resolution but none is as pretty as the TA.

 

[LouisL]

What do you mean that you are not there yet? Does it sound different to another youhave listened to?

What I meant was this is my first hi-end amp (my previous one is budget O2, which was sold after a few months), maybe I am expecting too much (eargasm) from it after when through 100 pgs of this thread. Feeling about 20% better than the Objective!? Just a few days listening, burn-in has not taken into account or cable upgrade is a must?

Listening with HD800S with balanced stock cable now, definitely better than HDVD800 that I have tried on my local store earlier today. Warmer in a good way and harsh treble is gone. Perhaps my mood is better today. Another note is in some epic songs, bass is a bit slow on both cans

Btw, mine is made in Malaysia. Anyone got made in Japan one?

 

[Whitigir]

I don’t think any of the latest Sony gears is made in Japan, except headphones Z7 and Z1R

 

[LouisL]

I don’t think any of the latest Sony gears is made in Japan, except headphones Z7 and Z1R

Tks for your info. just assume so

 

[LouisL]

It has plenty of punch and slam but it may be too smooth to some headphones. A dedicated amp such as the GS-X MKII will edge out the TA, but as a package it is a great piece of gear if you prefer warm & smooth sound signature with very wide and deep soundstage. I have auditioned amp that slam harder and have better resolution but none is as pretty as the TA.

"warm & smooth sound signature with very wide and deep soundstage" i second that

 

[Soundizer]

"warm & smooth sound signature with very wide and deep soundstage" i second that

Thank you and your description is providing a consistent impression to me based on others that own or spent allot of time with it. I have listened to DAC/AMPS with plenty of punch/kick/speed, but they often compromise smoothness/resolution/soundstage.

I have also considered HUGO 2 which is only £200 more than TA in the UK. I can’t find a a dealer that has both here in London and I don’t have a good listening memory.

 

[S-O8]

Thank you and your description is providing a consistent impression to me based on others that own or spent allot of time with it. I have listened to DAC/AMPS with plenty of punch/kick/speed, but they often compromise smoothness/resolution/soundstage.

I have also considered HUGO 2 which is only £200 more than TA in the UK. I can’t find a a dealer that has both here in London and I don’t have a good listening memory.

I have the Sony amp and love it ! So detailed and well, just superb ! No regrets at all. It manages my Focal Utopia's superbly and they are not bright at all. I have said elsewhere the Utopia's were too bright on my Pioneer amp - which I otherwise loved. The Clears were fine on it but the Utopia's could not perform as they should. This amp sorted that ! It is such an easy listen without being, IMO, warm.

By chance I have seen your comment mentioning the Hugo2 which I have this weekend to demo ... not to replace my Sony but to see if it is worth upgrading my Mojo.

I have compared the Sony to the Hugo and would not part with it for a Hugo 2. I prefer the Sony which, to me, feels more controlled and musical. The Hugo2 is great (and as I am considering it for outside use maybe a comparison with the Sony is unfair). The Hugo2 compared to the Sony seems far more bass heavy and in your face whilst still being detailed. It almost makes the Sony seem bright, which it isn't !! This was with Utopia's and Sony Z1R; so quality open and quality closed to compare. I tried a variety of stuff from Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, Adele, Dido, Muse and Linkin Park.

I loved the Hugo2 but not enough to buy as a replacement for the Mojo - the difference is, to my ears anyway, minimal. As to Sony vs Hugo2, sorry Chord, no contest !!

If you want to try the Sony and Hugo2 give Unilet / Sound Sanctuary in New Malden, SW London a ring. Their Hugo2 is with me at the moment but they are great easy going guys.

 

[TSAVJason]

Thank you for those points, much appreciated.

Those cables are for which headphones - MDRZ1R and/or the Clears? Or are they TA DAC to Computer?

I’m sorry you’re right I wasn’t real clear on the wire comment. I meant on the Z1R if you use one of those brands you’ll get the Z1R sounding a bit more detailed.

 

[Soundizer]

I have the Sony amp and love it ! So detailed and well, just superb ! No regrets at all. It manages my Focal Utopia's superbly and they are not bright at all. I have said elsewhere the Utopia's were too bright on my Pioneer amp - which I otherwise loved. The Clears were fine on it but the Utopia's could not perform as they should. This amp sorted that ! It is such an easy listen without being, IMO, warm.

By chance I have seen your comment mentioning the Hugo2 which I have this weekend to demo ... not to replace my Sony but to see if it is worth upgrading my Mojo.

I have compared the Sony to the Hugo and would not part with it for a Hugo 2. I prefer the Sony which, to me, feels more controlled and musical. The Hugo2 is great (and as I am considering it for outside use maybe a comparison with the Sony is unfair). The Hugo2 compared to the Sony seems far more bass heavy and in your face whilst still being detailed. It almost makes the Sony seem bright, which it isn't !! This was with Utopia's and Sony Z1R; so quality open and quality closed to compare. I tried a variety of stuff from Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, Adele, Dido, Muse and Linkin Park.

I loved the Hugo2 but not enough to buy as a replacement for the Mojo - the difference is, to my ears anyway, minimal. As to Sony vs Hugo2, sorry Chord, no contest !!

If you want to try the Sony and Hugo2 give Unilet / Sound Sanctuary in New Malden, SW London a ring. Their Hugo2 is with me at the moment but they are great easy going guys.

Many, many thanks for your detailed reply. I also have the Mojo which i used with my Nighthawks at home in and around the home.
Your post has inspired confidence and reassurance that the TA is a winner over the Hugo 2.

I am guessing the TA is not as popular in Europe/USA due to lack of marketing and general audio dealer demo stock availability. Even in Sony Centers you will struggle to find the TA or MDRZ1R on demo in the UK.
The above points can be realised by a lack of English speaking YOUTUBE Reviews for the TA. i have only seen 3 in total on YouTube. However HUGO 2 is reviewed like crazy.