Recent content by virtua

Using a FLAC rip will be functionally the same as the audio data is the same, the difference will be in the DAC. As @mc.god said it's possible that the computers output is providing half of the voltage that the CD player is, which would cause it to be 3db less in volume. Even if you change it...

In this case, they would be playing the CD on their Macbook in an audio player, then outputting the signal from the line out/headphone out via 3.5mm to RCA to their tube amp, then comparing that to their CD Player output (through RCA). Provided there is no signal processing on either and the...

Usually a proper test with an analyser will give us more reliable information than specs, but if we are to trust the specs sheet - converting the THD 0.12% at 1 watt (which provides the lowest distortion) to decibels gives us -58 db. I'm guessing hum will be 78db as per the specs which...

Sorry, I had no idea about these reported issues. If that's the case, then it might be safer to go with another option. Honestly, most everything that comes from a decent brand is good these days performance wise, you're better off vetting for reliability. We are well above 100db SINAD now...

I would go for the SMSL SU-1 personally, should do everything you ask and has performance well beyond enough to be transparent sounding.

Personally I really like the KZ Castor (Silver/Harman version), specifically UUDD setting. Close compliance with Harman and sounds great for very little money.

What a great time to be an audio enthusiast

The average install for this amplifier will be someone running a 1ohm sub (900w) and probably either 4x 4 ohm speakers (120w each) or 2x 4 ohm bridged (400w each), in any case when listening at lower volume on the road I think amplifier noise will be a non issue, but the kind of people (car...

Try the Apple Type C to 3.5mm dongle adapter first, it's cheap enough to give it a shot and gives a much cleaner output than the Dragonfly's.

Have a look at the Focusrite Clarett+ range.

I'm guessing the better graphed bass has to do either with 1. the new Ananda being less picky about seal (which would indeed be an important upgrade). or 2. Might have been seated on the fixture for better seal this time. (Didn't want to mention it and beat the dead horse about it though...

The only reason for you to upgrade will be if you need more volume or features. An amp or DAC can't scale or blossom with different headphones, if something meets the requirements of being audibly transparent, it will sound exactly the same as anything else which is audibly transparent. Going...

It's quite annoying to be honest. A little while ago their lineup made a little bit of sense. You had the Ananda using a similar diaphragm to the Sundara - but it got you the 'egg-shaped' form factor and the bigger drivers, the Arya was using the diaphragm from the HE1000 series and had a better...

I've had the SR60 and SR225e before, and subjectively the SR225e was much worse to me. It was brighter and had absolutely no bass extension, and it didn't even give any impression that the sound quality was better in any way either.