Unique Melody Maven II·Crescent--The New Flagship of Titanium Series

[mikaik]

Wait until NpAudio fully mods one of mine. I plan on setting up a tour with it so others can test it out and promote it for him. If you are willing to pay the expensive shipping ($100 US total likely) you could be on the list.

Wow. That sounds interesting. Not many people would send their own units on tour, you are very generous. With the current trade war going on, it might be risky, but let's see. I know NP does great things, so it sounds good. I am not gonna buy a new DAP in the next few months, as I unexpectedly made another purchase last weekend. I had a chance to try Nipo N2 and was shocked how good it is, so a small DAP might also be in the cards.

Do you own the AK SP3000T? I thought I saw somewhere that you did…if so, how do you like it?

Yes, I love it. The amp is not that powerful, so I add an external amp when needed. I like the sound and the interface, as I prefer to not have to deal with full Android on my DAPs. The tube/hybrid mode is really good, but there is a bit of hissing, some people are very sensitive to it. I can only hear it between the songs, so it's not a problem for me. Battery life is average, I get between 5-7h depending on the conditions.

Ibasso is revising DX260 because of parts not being available. I suggested that they use same DAC as 340 but without some of the extras and not in a SS case which I think would be a hot seller because it solves the weight issue of 340 and would be cheaper with amp max at 1 watt.

A dap the size of DX260 would be perfect. I'll always keep my DX170 as well, I just need to make sure to turn it on half an hour before, as it is very slow in the beginning. Let's see! I would c9nsider the DX260.

 

[Sweet2K]

Wow. That sounds interesting. Not many people would send their own units on tour, you are very generous. With the current trade war going on, it might be risky, but let's see. I know NP does great things, so it sounds good. I am not gonna buy a new DAP in the next few months, as I unexpectedly made another purchase last weekend. I had a chance to try Nipo N2 and was shocked how good it is, so a small DAP might also be in the cards.

Yes, I love it. The amp is not that powerful, so I add an external amp when needed. I like the sound and the interface, as I prefer to not have to deal with full Android on my DAPs. The tube/hybrid mode is really good, but there is a bit of hissing, some people are very sensitive to it. I can only hear it between the songs, so it's not a problem for me. Battery life is average, I get between 5-7h depending on the conditions.

A dap the size of DX260 would be perfect. I'll always keep my DX170 as well, I just need to make sure to turn it on half an hour before, as it is very slow in the beginning. Let's see! I would c9nsider the DX260.

Does the sp3000T have enough power to really drive the Maven II? Could you hear the hiss with the Maven? Does the SP3000T get really hot during long listening sessions? I think I’m going to be getting a new DAP due to the Cayin N6III running really hot. I don’t think I want a DAP that hits 126 degrees…I can’t imagine it will last very long at those temps. I wonder if the SP3000T has more power than the N6III.
I think it’s going to come down to the SP3000T or the DX340 or maybe DX320MAX TI. I think I’d really like the interface of the AK, too. I also wonder if the DX340 outperforms the DX320MAX. I can deal with the older hardware specs if it still beats the DX340 in SQ.

 

[mikaik]

Does the sp3000T have enough power to really drive the Maven II? Could you hear the hiss with the Maven? Does the SP3000T get really hot during long listening sessions? I think I’m going to be getting a new DAP due to the Cayin N6III running really hot. I don’t think I want a DAP that hits 126 degrees…I can’t imagine it will last very long at those temps. I wonder if the SP3000T has more power than the N6III.
I think it’s going to come down to the SP3000T or the DX340 or maybe DX320MAX TI. I think I’d really like the interface of the AK, too. I also wonder if the DX340 outperforms the DX320MAX. I can deal with the older hardware specs if it still beats the DX340 in SQ.

SP3000T had enough power for Maven 2. But not for things like Storm, Anni, Rhapsodio V3, etc.
Yes, there is a bit of hissing on Maven 2, in tube mode. It's not much and mostly between the songs, so from my point of view is ok.
The DAP does not get hot. It’s warm, but not hot. I haven't measured the temperature, but I can, if you want to know. It's a bit warmer when streaming, but not more than other DAPs that I had.
I haven't heard the N6 iii, so I cannot answer this question.
I think DX320MAX Ti still beats the 340, but I have not A/B them. Maybe DX340 with the external adapter reaches the same level as 320MT, but in battery mode, I don't think so. @mattclarke18 might throw some light here.

 

[Sweet2K]

SP3000T had enough power for Maven 2. But not for things like Storm, Anni, Rhapsodio V3, etc.
Yes, there is a bit of hissing on Maven 2, in tube mode. It's not much and mostly between the songs, so from my point of view is ok.
The DAP does not get hot. It’s warm, but not hot. I haven't measured the temperature, but I can, if you want to know. It's a bit warmer when streaming, but not more than other DAPs that I had.
I haven't heard the N6 iii, so I cannot answer this question.
I think DX320MAX Ti still beats the 340, but I have not A/B them. Maybe DX340 with the external adapter reaches the same level as 320MT, but in battery mode, I don't think so. @mattclarke18 might throw some light here.

@mikaik thank you so much for the info.
Based on what I’ve read about the SP3000T I’d most likely use a certain level of hybrid mode, not full tube. Do you hear any hissing in the Maven while in hybrid mode or just full tube mode.

@mattclarke18 regarding the DX340, do both batteries need charged independently, or can both be charged together using a single cable?

I think for the price difference, it might be hard to justify paying the price for the DX320MT over the DX340 unless it sounds substantially better.

I do love the black background of the Cayin…If I could replace the battery, I might be inclined to keep it because of all the options it provides…but there’s no way this thing will last long term…at least not the way I’m using it.

 

[mattclarke18]

I am taking a chance with the tarrifs. As we are not allowed to talk politics I won't comment. I will carefully check each person before they are on tour list. I think Steve deserves to have his final product promoted. He has not heard the 340 yet so don't know what can be done to mod except for sure the Amp card. Ibasso may have done a perfect job with rest of unit. Steve will know when he gets mine. If the improvement is very small I agree not worth the extra costs. I am going to see if he can mod all but Amp card first and determine the improvements just from that. If minor then not going to make it to his future 340 mod list. Amp card mod has a lot of potential and that will be worth doing. There is already a mod Amp15 that those who have it love.

Battery is all one. It's 2 attached to each other and uses 1 charger. Only one connector to board so not sure how ibasso is separated Amp vs DAP battery supply. The Max has completely separate battery and even chargers. I want that dark background on the 340 and it is going to be on my mod goal list. If it can be done Steve will do it. Could be as simple as adding shielding. Amp section is not shielded at all in stock.

Now super gain is where the 340 comes alive. This is only mode I use with stock card even with Maven and Super gain is able to be used on the go too wirh power pack. Steve can make something either plug in battery pack that goes right into Amp card - my idea or make new chassis for entire 340 putting 12V DC in battery in chassis. Much more expensive but possible.

The 340 DAC is better than Rohm. The Max has maybe better Amp section which could give it a slight edge. Modded 340 Amp card could change that. @mikaik if you did not try 340 with super gain and a LPSU then you did not hear it's full potential. If you used plug it came with that uses pure grid power then that will introduce noise and impact SQ. 340 is a very sensitive device. SQ is improved just with software tweaks and microSd cards. With some luck the tuning files will be found and that will allow custom tuning. It is my goal to max out what is possible on 340 while keeping costs reasonable as possible. I will be able to give a lot of input to Steve in this process. He is busy with other matters right now so it could be some months before it's all done.

@mikaik don't waste your money on Dx260 with CS dacs. It is not worth the double price charged. Dx180 is best value for money and would give you replacement for DX170. My guess is I could tweak 170 so it runs faster but would need a 170 to develop guides. It's android 11 so I know there is crap that can be removed. DX320 and Dx260 have lots of crap that can be removed. Replace stock launcher and keyboard alone would free Ram. Also Google play replacement would help too. If you lived in US I would do all this for you. If I can get img FW I could root it and control SOC to improve performance. I could do some of this remotely if you have PC and the time. I have to see all the modules etc and access DAP while connected to PC.

 

[mikaik]

@mikaik don't waste your money on Dx260 with CS dacs. It is not worth the double price charged. Dx180 is best value for money and would give you replacement for DX170. My guess is I could tweak 170 so it runs faster but would need a 170 to develop guides.

Thanks, I'll take your advice . Tbh, my plan is to wait for iBasso to release a supped up version of DX340. Or get the DX340 and go the modding route. I am not in a hurry though, my SP3000T is more than enough for the time being.
The DX170 is ok once it's done its startup routine. No point wasting more time with it. It's been relegated to "ballpark player" duties since last year, so throughout the summer I hardly touch it. I regain access to it off-season, so in a couple of weeks it'll resume its duties.
I have to admit though, this DAP is amazing. Spent the whole summer lugged around, in the sun, bad weather, whatever. Apart from a tiny scratch on the screen, no issues whatsoever. The battery lasts quite well in standby, not like my Cayin N3U. Brilliant player.

And now, a bit on topic. Time to show Maven 2 some love
Silver cable attached to my Maven 2

This was before...the Cobalt Blue cable that came standard with Mest 3

The extended family...

 

[HaliHarry]

Which after-market cable for Maven2 is best for bass slam, deep sub bass and rich midrange? Brise Yatono Rh2+ or Liquid Links Venom?

 

[mikaik]

Which after-market cable for Maven2 is best for bass slam, deep sub bass and rich midrange? Brise Yatono Rh2+ or Liquid Links Venom?

Haven't heard the Brise, but the Venom is very good, indeed. I'm not sure it adds much more sub bass, though. My advice would be to first try tips rolling for that. I remember it shifted the delicate balance and I've settled for FA Ultron instead.
I'll check...

 

[mattclarke18]

Haven't heard the Brise, but the Venom is very good, indeed. I'm not sure it adds much more sub bass, though. My advice would be to first try tips rolling for that. I remember it shifted the delicate balance and I've settled for FA Ultron instead.
I'll check...

A friend is sending me LL Venom cable to try with Maven II along with Brise audio V2 Amp to try with Dx340 with both amp15 and amp14. Going to be a fun weekend

 

[Sweet2K]

Thank you @mikaik and @mattclarke18 for the feedback on your DAPs.

I decided to ditch the N6iii, as great as it sounds, for the DX320MAX. It is a beast, but I love it, so far. I thought the N6iii was well built, but dang the build quality on the 320MAX is truly next level. I love the attenuator knob!

I used the 320MAX for 9 hours today in USB DAC mode and it still had 53% analog battery remaining. Also, it was barely warm after all that…the Cayin would hit over 130 degrees at that point.

Sound quality…the Cayin actually is really close in my opinion, but it’s not a fair comparison as the DX320MAX is nowhere near its full potential, yet, without a proper burn-in period. Right out of the box it did have better bass than the Cayin.

Based on all the hype regarding spaciousness and stage, the Cayin is pretty darn close.

I’m 100% happy with the upgrade. Now, I’ve got a lot to learn regarding the usage of PowerAmp EQ. I guess I’ll have to live without a built-in, system-wide PEQ…but small price to pay. Poweramp EQ seems great so far, it just seems a little less sensitive to adjustments. It seems like the gains for each FR adjustment need bumped higher in Poweramp EQ to get the same results in that I’d get in Cayin’s system-wide PEQ.

Well @mattclarke18 , I’m at least in the iBasso club now

 

[mattclarke18]

Thank you @mikaik and @mattclarke18 for the feedback on your DAPs.

I decided to ditch the N6iii, as great as it sounds, for the DX320MAX. It is a beast, but I love it, so far. I thought the N6iii was well built, but dang the build quality on the 320MAX is truly next level. I love the attenuator knob!

I used the 320MAX for 9 hours today in USB DAC mode and it still had 53% analog battery remaining. Also, it was barely warm after all that…the Cayin would hit over 130 degrees at that point.

Sound quality…the Cayin actually is really close in my opinion, but it’s not a fair comparison as the DX320MAX is nowhere near its full potential, yet, without a proper burn-in period. Right out of the box it did have better bass than the Cayin.

Based on all the hype regarding spaciousness and stage, the Cayin is pretty darn close.

I’m 100% happy with the upgrade. Now, I’ve got a lot to learn regarding the usage of PowerAmp EQ. I guess I’ll have to live without a built-in, system-wide PEQ…but small price to pay. Poweramp EQ seems great so far, it just seems a little less sensitive to adjustments. It seems like the gains for each FR adjustment need bumped higher in Poweramp EQ to get the same results in that I’d get in Cayin’s system-wide PEQ.

Well @mattclarke18 , I’m at least in the iBasso club now

Give Wavelet a try system wide EQ etc. Still in love with Fir M5 tuning with Maven II. Nuetron will eventually support streaming I have been told. Now you have to save up to get the Max modded You should Root and optimize it once you burned it in. I am interested in feedback on any SQ improvements on the Max with it. DX340 is pretty sensitive to just changing OS stuff, for the better. I am revising the optimization guide right now. Hope to have it done by Monday. The Max looks really well built just like the DX340 vs DX320.

 

[GRIFONE1973]

Hi guys,
Has anyone lately tried Maven 2 and Noble KK in parallel?
It has been too long for me and I would like fresher impressions.
I have a very good memory of KK and would like to listen to it again.
Thanks

 

[mattclarke18]

Trying UM Mason Fable Sound a friend sent me. Sounds really good on DX340 with Super Gain. Finally something that in some ways can beat the Maven II. If the taxes continue on China imports soon DX340 and many other things will not be available as Bloom is not going to import anything else while these remain in place. IF you want to buy new gear better do it now.

 

[Sweet2K]

Trying UM Mason Fable Sound a friend sent me. Sounds really good on DX340 with Super Gain. Finally something that in some ways can beat the Maven II. If the taxes continue on China imports soon DX340 and many other things will not be available as Bloom is not going to import anything else while these remain in place. IF you want to buy new gear better do it now.

They just mentioned a no tariff on tech goods…calling out phones, laptops, etc…I wonder if audio gear might be included as a “tech good.”

If not, this talk of 140% tariffs will make all of this stuff highly unaffordable.

 

[mattclarke18]

They just mentioned a no tariff on tech goods…calling out phones, laptops, etc…I wonder if audio gear might be included as a “tech good.”

If not, this talk of 140% tariffs will make all of this stuff highly unaffordable.

Bloom has posted in DX340 thread that the tax applies to everything they sell including IEMs and DAPs. They just got an Ibasso shipment and had to pay the insane tax and are going to loose a ton of money on those products as they refuse to mark up everything to cover the cost of this tax. They will not be importing anything more from China until this crazy tax is removed. I expect others will follow them like MusicTeck. This could kill this industry if it continues long term. I can't comment more as I would be violating site rules.

You can read Bloom's post yourself:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/dx3...1st-page-4-6-25.974099/page-365#post-18651928