[jb001e9634]

I'd be grateful of thoughts on the following and if (and what) improvements I can expect.
 
Current setup Macbook Pro (Optical) or Galaxy S6/ USB Audio Pro>Mojo>Focal Elear
 
Considering replacing the Mojo with (1) a combined DAC/AMP or (2) using the Mojo in line-out mode with a dedicated AMP. I've tried a Deckard and it didn't give any improvement over the Mojo.
 
Option 1
Moon Audio 230HAD
Burson Conductor
 
Option 2
Pathos Aurium
Burson Soloist
Sugden HA-4
Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear Diamond with PSU
 
Any other options I should consider?
 
I should add that if the Mojo can be paired with an Amp that will give a noticeable improvement in SQ I'd still be able to use the Mojo Laptop/Phone elsewhere in the house. If I get a bigger combined DAC/Amp that would be in one place and the Mojo would probably go. Option 2 is more flexible overall, but will the Mojo DAC be a match for a better Amp? I am not changing cans.
 
Thanks

 

[Nitreb]

  I'd be grateful of thoughts on the following and if (and what) improvements I can expect.
 
Current setup Macbook Pro (Optical) or Galaxy S6/ USB Audio Pro>Mojo>Focal Elear
 
Considering replacing the Mojo with (1) a combined DAC/AMP or (2) using the Mojo in line-out mode with a dedicated AMP. I've tried a Deckard and it didn't give any improvement over the Mojo.
 
Option 1
Moon Audio 230HAD
Burson Conductor
 
Option 2
Pathos Aurium
Burson Solpist
Sugden HA-4
Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear Diamond with PSU
 
Any other options I should consider?
 
Thanks

If I had the money, I would definitely get the Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear Diamond with its PSU. I've heard some piano, string quartet and orchestral music a few years ago with a pair of Grado GS1000i and it was excellent.

 

[jb001e9634]

Probably a long shot but has anyone used a Focal Elear with a RME Adi-2 (https://www.rme-audio.de/en/products/adi_2-pro.php)?

 

[cskippy]

An audio interface isn't gong to give you the best sound quality compared to a separate amp and dac.  You're paying for the additional features including AD conversion that may or may not be needed.  RME does make excellent products though.  
 
For that kind of money, a Gungnir Multibit and Jotunheim would destroy most any other setup for the money.  Maybe spring for a Mjolnir 2 if you like tubes.  Full disclosure I am a fan of Schiit since their price to performance ration is off the charts.  
 
Good luck and happy listening with whatever you choose!

 

[jb001e9634]

It's here.



Plug and play, so far so good. Hi Res files only so far, more (almost like another layer all together) detail, space, separation, better placement/imaging and no (very little) sibilance compared to Mojo.

Smooth/ musical, not fatiguing. Everything sounds more real/life like.

Less (more correct?) Bass perhaps.

No setting changes yet, big manual to read.

Fair to say the Mojo is small but this little box is very impressive and making the Elear sing.

 

[jb001e9634]

I've returned the RME today. There's nothing wrong with it, very good DAC and the amp was OK, but I couldn't resolve the cost difference to the Mojo. Definitely 'better' but in little ways and not significant enough overall.

Plus whilst some of the functionality was cool I think I need a simpler amp for in the house.

I've opted for a Nuforce HA200 which seems to have the grunt to go with the Mojo DAC. The Mojo can drive my cans volume wise but there's no comparison control and impact wise.

I spoke to a nice guy at a specialist retailer last week who advised a separate amp wouldn't make a lot of difference and that introducing another piece of equipment wasn't preferable. To be fair to him he could've tried to sell me an amp but didn't but I've got to say so far replacing the RME with this amp has significantly improved sound, particularly bottom end, overall.

 

[cskippy]

Good choice on the HA200.  There are two listed in the classifieds that can be used dual mono with a balanced DAC which will drive pretty much anything.  I'm kinda tempted lol.  
 
You've also seen the benefits of matching components for system synergy and personal tastes.  It's all about finding the sound you like and then tweaking it in the areas that can be improved, while hopefully not going broke.  
 
Enjoy the Elears.  Also, look into different pads if you want to tweak the sound of the headphones as pads will have the biggest effect on sound, more so than any amp or DAC.  I highly recommend Dekoni Audio Elite Sheepskin Pads for either DT series or Fostex headphones.  I haven't tried them with the Elear but they are the best pad I have used on the HE-6 by far.

 

[jb001e9634]

Using the amp with some ATH-E70 iem at the moment and its made similar improvements. They had a habit of sometimes sounding a bit too analytical. They don't now it's making them rock.

 

[jb001e9634]

Enjoy the Elears.  Also, look into different pads if you want to tweak the sound of the headphones as pads will have the biggest effect on sound, more so than any amp or DAC.  I highly recommend Dekoni Audio Elite Sheepskin Pads for either DT series or Fostex headphones.  I haven't tried them with the Elear but they are the best pad I have used on the HE-6 by far.

Will the DT or Foster Dekoni pads fit the Elear?

Cheers

 

[cskippy]

They should. I know people have used the Brainwavz pads for modding the Elear and those are smaller and oval but still work. Buy them from Amazon and just return if they don't work out, which I doubt.

https://www.amazon.com/Dekoni-Audio-Sheepskin-Beyerdynamic-Headhones/dp/B01N02FMFC

 

[anuenlil]

If I had the money, I would definitely get the Graham Slee Solo Ultra Linear Diamond with its PSU. I've heard some piano, string quartet and orchestral music a few years ago with a pair of Grado GS1000i and it was excellent.

Agree. I just got the standard UL with PSU1 and it is extremely refined with Sennheiser and AKG.