[ChavaC]

I wonder how significant an upgrade this flexible bluetooth antenna will be compared to the ES100's. My only complaint with the radsone is the range on the bluetooth isn't amazing. Otherwise this looks pretty exciting.

 

[PMAismycity]

Well, I was going to wait for this mostly because it used a dual AK DAC but they just changed it to ES9218p just like the other 2 direct competitors ( Shanling UP4, Fiio BTR5) which will be released earlier than the 5k. I'm likely not going to wait for an extra month unless they make an app that is comparable to the ES100's one.

 

[Lurk650]

Wow, what a disappointment

 

[monsieurfromag3]

Well, I was going to wait for this mostly because it used a dual AK DAC but they just changed it to ES9218p just like the other 2 direct competitors ( Shanling UP4, Fiio BTR5) which will be released earlier than the 5k. I'm likely not going to wait for an extra month unless they make an app that is comparable to the ES100's one.

Oops! That’s too bad - although the 9218p in my LG V30 is doing a fine, fine job. Just would have liked a change.

Oh well, it still has the newest QCC5124 Qualcomm chip, huge power in balanced mode, aptX Adaptive, a novel antenna implementation, and I’m pretty confident about the app.
Fiio are just hopeless at software, and the Shanling up4 I auditioned and it didn’t impress.
Edit: what I auditioned was the up2, not the up4 - maybe that one will turn out great.

 

[kukkurovaca]

The app and EQ are the main points of interest for me. Specific DAC chip used matters much less than how it's implemented.

 

[ClieOS]

Well, I was going to wait for this mostly because it used a dual AK DAC but they just changed it to ES9218p just like the other 2 direct competitors ( Shanling UP4, Fiio BTR5) which will be released earlier than the 5k. I'm likely not going to wait for an extra month unless they make an app that is comparable to the ES100's one.

Not just DAC change, but OPA1622 is gone as well.

Now the only interesting bits left for me are the Qualcomm QCC5124 with its aptX adaptive support, as well as the app.

 

[redrol]

How you know that?
If true, im out. Ill get another es100 when/if mine breaks.

 

[veraideishal]

How you know that?
If true, im out. Ill get another es100 when/if mine breaks.

Their website has been updated, and there is a comment asking about the change by on their Facebook page. Apparently the Dual AK+OPA design had too high heat output (when trying to put out 4.4V RMS) and power draw (even at lower output levels).

 

[fsi22]

Unbalanced @ 2v & Balanced @ 4v, is higher than btr5 which is 1,8v & 3,6v respectively.

 

[Cevisi]

how is the sq compared to ak 4377a

 

[ClieOS]

Unbalanced @ 2v & Balanced @ 4v, is higher than btr5 which is 1,8v & 3,6v respectively.

Actual output power under load will be much more important than simple max output voltage. Those number above don't really tell us anything performance wise.

 

[Nolbert0]

I too am far less excited about this now... It really boils down to the app now. And at the kickstarter pledge stage, is going to be a massive gamble against the BTR5.

 

[Cevisi]

My driam is over.....

..... But maybe it is really better then the ak4377

 

[moisespr123]

Honestly I don't mind about the DAC change. Personally, I've enjoyed the sound of ESS chips better. AKM may be sometimes too warm to my ears.

 

[monsieurfromag3]

It was a much more unique and intriguing architecture with the AKM DAC/amp and Texas Instruments op-amp for sure.

I liked the possibility of switching amplification depending on power need, whim (!) and headphones or iem signature. I imagined the softer AKM sound would continue to complement balanced armatures well, while the TI op-amp would maybe sound brighter and kick things up with large or slower drivers.
Not that I’ve heard either of these, this was pure speculation based on my experience with other AKM- or TI-powered gear.