[Ben86]

Some more photos under the hood...
Stock OP-AMPS are: opa 1612

 

[Mouseman]

So, this is an update to my first impressions review, that was made with HD650. Now I tried playing with Focal Clear and Audeze-X, both with balanced cables.

Well, HD650 with single ended cable made better match (sounded more musical and smooth) in my opinion with XD05PRO than these two cans with balanced cables (Clear and X).

I don't know how, but XD05PRO via 6.3mm (with Focal Clear) sounded to me better than when I was listening to it via 4.4mm balanced output. When tried 4.4mm ouptut it sounded not so musical and natural, started to reveal a bit of harshness and sibilance in highs and vocals, this reminded to me a lot of the "ESS house sound", when the sound emphasizes brightness in some tracks almost to danger levels of ear piercing... Well, I think that's partly because of Clear and X are more revealing headphones in comparicon to always lush and musical sounding of HD650.

Later will try to change stock (OP-AMPS) and will see how it affects overall sound...

Anyway, I think there are a lot of options to experiment with in the future...

Did you test out different gain levels? I have some cans that when I run on other amps balanced on high gain, it's not as musical, it's pretty much too much power since balanced is double (or more) vs single ended on these amps.

 

[Ferdinando1968]

I wouldn't necessarily say warmer. Both the V5iD and SS3602 op-amps seem to help improve note definition, stage, separation and tonality. Both seemed to add weight and impact to bass notes, particularly the SS3602s, but without any unnecessary bloat. Mids seemed cleaner and treble sounded more natural. I suspect the AKM DAC module might provide a warmer baseline tonality but we'll hopefully know more in a week or so. I haven't felt the XD05 Pro needs more warmth but it does depend on synergy, musical tastes, and overall preferences. I'm not keen on an overly warm tonality or warm IEMs.

For now I try the V5iD.
Below are the various stages of assembly and disassembly of the components.

 

[Ben86]

Did you test out different gain levels? I have some cans that when I run on other amps balanced on high gain, it's not as musical, it's pretty much too much power since balanced is double (or more) vs single ended on these amps.

I don't feel that there is a big difference Balanced 4.4 vs SE 6.3 on XD05PRO...tried all 3 gain levels and always stick to NORMAL, because with this one sound is the most natural and balanced to my ears.

I also have a desktop dac/amp on my table (Sabaj D5), and when I plug my cans with balanced cable to it - there is a huge difference in Bass response, scene depth and width and everything becomes much better in presentation. I could not say the same yet when I use balanced output ou of XD05PRO. But as I said before I'm quite happy with power output out of 6.3mm on XD05PRO, I was very pleasantly surprised by its power ouput.

 

[Ben86]

For now I try the V5iD.
Below are the various stages of assembly and disassembly of the components.

Will be waiting for your impressions Sparkos vs Burson

 

[Ben86]

Hi, will the extra adapter table allow sparkos without cutting the legs? (this is +4mm)

I would like to know the same

 

[Ferdinando1968]

Will be waiting for your impressions Sparkos vs Burson

I'll do what I can mate, but my hearing isn't that refined.

Also I mostly use ‘coloured’ and not neutral sounding IEMs, which makes it hard for me to distinguish subtle differences.
(if it's subtle differences)

Right now, for example, I'm listening to the Penon Turbo.
Maybe I could try the Blessing.

As headphones I only have the AKG K712-Pro, the Sundara and the Beyerdynamic Amiron Home. Do you have any suggestions about it?

What music tracks would you recommend for analytical listening?

 

[LoneFurrow]

I would like to know the same

I wasn't expecting this to work but you can indeed use an additional DIP8 adapter under the SS3602 and the op-amp cavity still closes.

 

[Alkamei]

I wasn't expecting this to work but you can indeed use an additional DIP8 adapter under the SS3602 and the op-amp cavity still closes.

That is genius!! ️

How is the sound, those are sparkos right?

 

[Ben86]

Is there a big difference in sound when using Sparkos vs Burson?

It would be great if someone could make a more detailed comparison of these

 

[LoneFurrow]

That is genius!! ️

How is the sound, those are sparkos right?

Yep, Sparkos SS3602s. I guess you could sit both on an additional adapter if you wanted, just so they're symmetrical. Personally, I'd do what I did originally and trim a couple of the legs to fit. Just 'cos I think it looks a little neater. Obviously there's no difference sonically.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

@nioh can you compare the r6 pro ii with the xduoo?

 

[LoneFurrow]

Is there a big difference in sound when using Sparkos vs Burson?

It would be great if someone could make a more detailed comparison of these

I don't think there's a big difference based on my initial testing. I find it really hard to provide a "detailed comparison" of op-amps in this situation. It takes a couple of minutes to swap between the V5iDs and SS3602s so my audio memory struggles to capture precise differences. It would be great to have two (or more) Pros side-by-side with different op-amps so you can quickly swap between them.

I'll try comparing later today but have a long day of work ahead.

 

[DarginMahkum]

For those of you who ordered from Amazon.de and shipped via FedEx.

If your package is stuck at customs, it’s because FedEx needs more than just proof of payment. I called them up today and they asked me to send them an email saying that I am aware of customs duties and taxes and that I will pay them in cash to the courier. They said they need this because people get confused about taxes and duties for packages from Amazon and so refuse to pay it.

It’s stupid that they didn’t tell me or send me an email asking for this. It was just lying there for a week now. After sending that email they said I will get the package in a day or two.

Duties and Taxes - approximately 160€

Looks like it is my lucky day...

 

[nioh]

@nioh can you compare the r6 pro ii with the xduoo?

Sure as soon as I get it lol. It’s taking forever, FedEx sucks !
Today it arrived at the local facility but still not out for delivery.