[Pretardo]

This is great, thank you. The comparisons are helpful. Have you tried using the Hugo 2 as a DAC and using the ta-22 as just an amp? Also, how did the btr7 compare to the ta-22 on detail retrieval?

I haven’t had the time or interconnects to do that properly yet. But I will, mostly to compare them. In practical terms, it seems like a lot bit of a mess to connect everything because you have a TA-22, a Hugo 2 next to it with an LG v40 on the side of it. It almost makes me want to get a 2go and set up a Roon server. The more practical solution is to just use the DAC and have a simpler setup, which makes it easier to just get on with the listening.

 

[Pretardo]

Continued initial impressions: TA-22 vs. BTR7

The first thing that I noticed, sadly, was the noise floor on the TA-22. Using Fearless S8F customs, I used both the single-ended and balanced connections to listen to the S8F's. SE is twice as noisy as the balanced connection. The S8F's work best at very low volume levels and as a result are incredibly sensitive, though probably not as high as CA Andromeda's. While the noise floor was a little disappointing, once I pressed play I found that the highs on the TA-22 were clearer, more spacious, yet not as fatiguing as on the BTR7. The mids came in again more forward and a bit smoothed, but retaining good detail. The bass was extended and bigger, but less precise too. The TA-22 had a bit too much power and dynamics for the BA's and on some tracks like Against All Logic's "If you can't do good, do it hard" but I think that was more an issue of the BA's vs DD's than the TA-22 vs the BTR7
The powerhouse that is the BTR7 doesn't have the power to be as authoritative as the TA-22 and the tubes probably give a great sense of depth and width on the S8F. I also consider the S8F's to be imaging monsters and the TA-22 did not disappoint in taking advantage of this feature. Though they are a bit more intimate compared to some of my other IEMs, they did better with the TA-22 than the BTR7 in soundstage and depth. The TA-22 does a good job of opening up the soundstage and the S8F is good at putting things in their place and holding them there.
Regarding many of the other features such as the mids and instruments, this comparison seems to reinforce the previous impressions. The mids were more forward and instruments are detailed yet smoothed, but ultimately the noise floor on very sensitive IEMs seems to detract from these obvious benefits. In the end the TA-22 makes music more engaging than solid-states and up's the fun factor.
I find the BTR7 an excellent mobile option for music, but when it comes to sitting down, I think the TA-22 takes the win here for a better listening experience when not on the go.

 

[Bob Ley]

Continued initial impressions: TA-22 vs. BTR7

The first thing that I noticed, sadly, was the noise floor on the TA-22. Using Fearless S8F customs, I used both the single-ended and balanced connections to listen to the S8F's. SE is twice as noisy as the balanced connection. The S8F's work best at very low volume levels and as a result are incredibly sensitive, though probably not as high as CA Andromeda's. While the noise floor was a little disappointing, once I pressed play I found that the highs on the TA-22 were clearer, more spacious, yet not as fatiguing as on the BTR7. The mids came in again more forward and a bit smoothed, but retaining good detail. The bass was extended and bigger, but less precise too. The TA-22 had a bit too much power and dynamics for the BA's and on some tracks like Against All Logic's "If you can't do good, do it hard" but I think that was more an issue of the BA's vs DD's than the TA-22 vs the BTR7
The powerhouse that is the BTR7 doesn't have the power to be as authoritative as the TA-22 and the tubes probably give a great sense of depth and width on the S8F. I also consider the S8F's to be imaging monsters and the TA-22 did not disappoint in taking advantage of this feature. Though they are a bit more intimate compared to some of my other IEMs, they did better with the TA-22 than the BTR7 in soundstage and depth. The TA-22 does a good job of opening up the soundstage and the S8F is good at putting things in their place and holding them there.
Regarding many of the other features such as the mids and instruments, this comparison seems to reinforce the previous impressions. The mids were more forward and instruments are detailed yet smoothed, but ultimately the noise floor on very sensitive IEMs seems to detract from these obvious benefits. In the end the TA-22 makes music more engaging than solid-states and up's the fun factor.
I find the BTR7 an excellent mobile option for music, but when it comes to sitting down, I think the TA-22 takes the win here for a better listening experience when not on the go.

Do you have Viper4Android installed on your LG v40

 

[Bob Ley]

With the TA-22, would anyone know I can get this working with it? It's a Douk Audio eq

 

[Pretardo]

Do you have Viper4Android installed on your LG v40

Nope I just use UAPP

 

[Ieonasj]

With the TA-22, would anyone know I can get this working with it? It's a Douk Audio eq

works

 

[Quarzer]

Seems to fit very well on my desk, now we have to see how it sounds compared to a Burson Conductor 3X Reference which is 5 times the price.

 

[Ieonasj]

Seems to fit very well on my desk, now we have to see how it sounds compare to a Burson Conductor 3X Reference which is 5 times the price.

good job,man

 

[Efgp]

Seems to fit very well on my desk, now we have to see how it sounds compare to a Burson Conductor 3X Reference which is 5 times the price.

Looks so nice ! Hope to read the comparison soon~

 

[Bob Ley]

works

?? What did you mean by that?

 

[CADCAM]

Quick question for you guys~
Better to buy directly from Xduoo or Apos?
Any advise appreciated.

 

[Bob Ley]

Quick question for you guys~
Better to buy directly from Xduoo or Apos?
Any advise appreciated.

I just got mine from Apos. I have used them in the past pretty frequently with no complaints. Things have changed though. Customer service is basically non existent now and you have to just wait for the website for updates as no one there will answer any questions. Having said that, I ordered mine February 27 and received (from China) March 08.

 

[LakeOfTheWyles]

Quick question for you guys~
Better to buy directly from Xduoo or Apos?
Any advise appreciated.

Yeah, in the past Apos has been good. They have a 45 day return window, though they keep 20% after 15 days. They’ve shipped quickly for me. I can’t imagine xduoo direct would be any better. I wouldn’t buy Apos certified, just new.

 

[Quarzer]

Is it normal that the unit TA-22 is creating a hum noise by itself? Event without a headphone cable connecting there is a little hum out of the device.

 

[Ieonasj]

unbelievable combostock tubes.

Is it normal that the unit TA-22 is creating a hum noise by itself? Event without a headphone cable connecting there is a little hum out of the device.

all electronic with transformators has noise. its normal.