AnalogSteph
Major Contributor
Given that even a 12 ohm load does not seem to drag output level down, it has to be very small.
Seems like I forgot. Given the performance with low impedance though, I suspect it is low.Amir, did you measure the output impedance?
Helm does in fact sell a $199 amplifier featuring THX AAA circuitry. However, it is curiously designed to be an “in-line“ amplifier fed through a cellphone‘s (or DAP’s) headphone output. So, however good/bad the performance is of the cellphone’s analog output circuitry will be a limiting factor.So who is it for really? Maybe some business deal, THX willing to get their brand out there, and Helm willing to try a AAA amp module on future products, and trying to get some « partnership, one stop, we not only provide amplification circuitry, but also stamp and measure your other products, or something like that. The THX new business model is hard to follow. I don’t know if it’s evolving, but before the first THX head amps where out, I know their licences and royalties where out of control expensive. I see it now on relatively inexpensive gear so it may have changed.
I believe WolfX measured them, check out l7audiolabs.
You have to be a little more specific! The US-spec Apple dongle is decent, and when the price is taken into account, very good. On the other hand, the EU-spec Apple dongle is mediocre no matter which way you cut it.
The specs are likely based on best-case numbers in a desktop environment with clean/filtered power with much more power and short/minimized leads.Guys, I've no idea what JohnYang1997 talking about, and we have no any confrontation as I know I said that ESS cheating with specs, and this case isn't first.
The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, which I think is the same as the S8, is only $40 for the Android and $60 for the Android/iOS!At $80 you have the S8 which squeezes out a minuscule amount of more power with the 2V SINAD being over 10dB better.
I guess this premium is for MQA.
Well it got to 36~40$ at it's lowest and yes it's the same (same PCB and all on it).The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, which I think is the same as the S8, is only $40 for the Android and $60 for the Android/iOS!
It’s been discussed on this forum as well as elsewhere on the web. The EU models of the Apple Lightning and USB-C dongles are limited to 0.5Vrms, as opposed to the US 1.0Vrms output. Plus, see the measurements on this page:Do you have any link for this? Thanks
I've heard it's a decent device.The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, which I think is the same as the S8, is only $40 for the Android and $60 for the Android/iOS!
That bt control thing is actually a good idea, since I can't get a stable 990kbps signal from too many 2,4ghz routers around me, but using it only for controlling is brilliant. Yeah , IVX's post are brilliant , providing slot of technical background from a manufactures view is invaluable .Well @Palfim guess what? The @IVX is a E1DA designer. Even R3Pro uses old CPU and USB it's one of the better SoM's for such. I find a BT control of playback of content streamed or on device's storage as the most useful, practical you can leave it laying in your pocket and do it all on the mobile when it comes to HiBy Music (with DAP or any device with the app).
Best regards.
I bought a Hidizs 8 and it was very good, but the physical quality was poor. There was some kind of problem with the connection between the telephone and the dongle, sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not, and the supplied cables and connectors were lousy. I sent it back and ordered a Hidizs 9 instead. It has even better specifications, and it is better built, but too late I realized that it also drains the battery in a smartphone very quickly. Now I use Hidizs 9 only for my desktop computer, but am thinking of giving Hidizs 8 a second chance.