[nmatheis]

FYI: RUNABOUT thread is live 

 

 

[RedJohn456]

Geek Out V2 => Duke is one fantastic combo loving it  Treble is far more articulated to my ears. 

 

[nmatheis]

For those of you with Duke + RA...
 
If you've got a source with variable line out, try RA on High Gain and see if you like it better than Low Gain with Duke. Report back either way and let us know what you think.
 
*** I'm betting you'll like it! ***
 
P.S., Please turn variable LO volume down so you don't blast your ears out.

 

[peter123]

My review on the Duke is up
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/venture-electronics-ve-the-duke/reviews/13986

 

[RedJohn456]

  My review on the Duke is up
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/venture-electronics-ve-the-duke/reviews/13986

Fantastic review Peter, glad you loved it!
 
My current set up is simply Amazeballs^TM
 
Macbook ==> LH GeekOut V2 (line out) ==> VE RunABOUT ==> VE Zen (doughnut foam). This amp definitely brings out the best in the Zen, but imo you also need a really good dac to get the most out of the Zen. This sounds so good its not even funny as I doubt any of my other gear will get any listening time. Sounds like I am wearing full size not cans not earbuds!
 
The RunABOUT is a more neutral and transparent amp compared to the something like that 400 dollar groove. Sure it might not be as powerful, but power is nothing if it doesn't sound good. The RA is good enough that I prefer to use it Line out from the V2 but make no mistake the V2 amp is no slouch, but the Zen sounds better with the RA to my ears.
 
I have had the amp for some time and I wanted to wait before posting any impressions. This amp has a PITCH BLACK background. Seriously, like pitch black, no hissing or anything. And very little EMI if any when used with my phone (blasphemy I know ).
 
If someone wants to hear music as it was intended by the artist (clean and transparent set up) this set up will keep you going for a LONG time:
 
Computer ==>SMSL M2 Line out ==> RunABOUT ==> Duke.  
                            ($50)            +          ($98)     +     ($198)  = ~$350
 
For less than the cost of some mid tier iems (that sound only half as good as the duke lol) you can get a very capable rig. I have had the SMSL M2 amp/dac since I began this hobby and it is still one of the most neutral and transparent dacs I have heard, second only to the V2 in my collection. just my 2 cents

 

[nmatheis]

Nice post RedJohn456!

Are you able to use RA on HG with this setup? If so, just do it!!!

 

[RedJohn456]

Nice post @RedJohn456!

Are you able to use RA on HG with this setup? If so, just do it!!!

Fo shizzle ma dizzle. I was able to max out the V2 and the RA on Low gain with the Zen. Damn thats one tough son of a gun to drive. It might have been HG not sure. Will check! Any other iem I would have dead LOL  

 

[nmatheis]

Just published my review for the DUKE: LINK.

 

[zhibli06]

@nmatheis  hey bro , great review, sorry has been busy with stuff.
 
btw 
 
the fiio x7 is really good with the duke lol and I don't think they will be allowing 3rd party amp modules.
 
 

 

 

 

[Hisoundfi]

@nmatheis
  hey bro , great review, sorry has been busy with stuff.

btw 

the fiio x7 is really good with the duke lol and I don't think they will be allowing 3rd party amp modules.

Damn Lee, I just got instantly jealous of you and your X7 lol.

Is that a beta model or is it already released in your neck of the woods?

 

[zhibli06]

 

@nmatheis
  hey bro , great review, sorry has been busy with stuff.

btw 

the fiio x7 is really good with the duke lol and I don't think they will be allowing 3rd party amp modules.

Damn Lee, I just got instantly jealous of you and your X7 lol.

Is that a beta model or is it already released in your neck of the woods?

Since we paid good money for it!!! It'd better be the retail version lol

 
 
ZX100 is not bad, but u r paying extra for the brand tag like always~ 
 
X7 is something else brother. if anyone can get a chance to try them out, do not miss it!
 
 
 
Cheers 
 
Lee

 

[hakushondaimao]

For those of you with Duke + RA...

If you've got a source with variable line out, try RA on High Gain and see if you like it better than Low Gain with Duke. Report back either way and let us know what you think.

[COLOR=696969]*** I'm betting you'll like it! ***[/COLOR]

P.S., Please turn variable LO volume down so you don't blast your ears out.

Will give it a how with my Hidizs when I'm home from my Biz trip.

 

[Hisoundfi]

Since we paid good money for it!!! It'd better be the retail version lol


ZX100 is not bad, but u r paying extra for the brand tag like always~ 

X7 is something else brother. if anyone can get a chance to try them out, do not miss it!



Cheers 

Lee

Hey man, does it support Google Music and most streaming apps via WiFi?

 

[zhibli06]

 

Since we paid good money for it!!! It'd better be the retail version lol


ZX100 is not bad, but u r paying extra for the brand tag like always~ 

X7 is something else brother. if anyone can get a chance to try them out, do not miss it!



Cheers 

Lee

Hey man, does it support Google Music and most streaming apps via WiFi?

It should be able to ~ we will be making a simple video intro tmr hopefully~
 
Cheers 
 
Lee

 

[nmatheis]

zhibli06

Thanks for sharing, Lee. Will you post a link to the video here?

Too bad it looks like you won't be able to make a VE RA-mini amp module for the X7/Q5, though