• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

The DX9 or A70/D70 Stack

jam1988

Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2020
Messages
7
Likes
0
Hello all,

As I am typing this my Schiit Modi/Magni stack has been collecting dust for the last 6 months (Magni is busted) and it is more than time for a DAC/AMP upgrade that would
pair great with something like an Audeze LCD-X, Hifiman Arya Organic, or Focal Clear MG!

I had been looking at the A70/D70 Pro and almost pulled the trigger, then got cold feet due to some negative reviews. It is still in the running (thinking maybe Pro Sabre over Octo), but I also learned about the DX9 and it looks like a cool little unit. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be as many reviews of it, but the reviews that are out there seem to like how it sounds over the A70/D70 Pro.

So from what you have experienced/know/heard which sounds better? Would a DX9 be a better investment than the A70/D70 Pro with the above headphones for someone who mainly listens to rock/metal? This would be a long term investment so I also have to consider something that would pair well with even more expensive headphones.

Or should I save my money and just go with a Schiit Modius/Midgard? The brand new Geshelli Erish 3 Pro also looks good (although not as powerful as the others).

I'm pulling my hair trying to decide what is best with a budget of around $1500. I know sound can be subjective, but I think this is a good place to hash out these options with their different pros/cons.

Thank you from a somewhat newbie Audiophile!
 
Mods feel free to delete this erroneous duplicate.
 
Hello all,

As I am typing this my Schiit Modi/Magni stack has been collecting dust for the last 6 months (Magni is busted) and it is more than time for a DAC/AMP upgrade that would
pair great with something like an Audeze LCD-X, Hifiman Arya Organic, or Focal Clear MG!

I had been looking at the A70/D70 Pro and almost pulled the trigger, then got cold feet due to some negative reviews. It is still in the running (thinking maybe Pro Sabre over Octo), but I also learned about the DX9 and it looks like a cool little unit. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be as many reviews of it, but the reviews that are out there seem to like how it sounds over the A70/D70 Pro.

So from what you have experienced/know/heard which sounds better? Would a DX9 be a better investment than the A70/D70 Pro with the above headphones for someone who mainly listens to rock/metal? This would be a long term investment so I also have to consider something that would pair well with even more expensive headphones.

Or should I save my money and just go with a Schiit Modius/Midgard? The brand new Geshelli Erish 3 Pro also looks good (although not as powerful as the others).

I'm pulling my hair trying to decide what is best with a budget of around $1500. I know sound can be subjective, but I think this is a good place to hash out these options with their different pros/cons.

Thank you from a somewhat newbie Audiophile!
I got my unit 2 weeks ago. Until then, I used IFI Zen Dac V2 with Hifiman Edition XS headphones.
Tonally speaking, there isn't a lot of difference and I'm not sure I could distinguish between them in a blind test. The main difference is in the soundstage. The soundstage is bigger, especially the soundstage depth which is much deeper.
I haven't tried a lot of headphone amps before since I am mainly a speakers guy, but if the Tooping dx9 is considered to be a good DAC/AMP combo, it shows how good is the much cheaper IFI zen Dac v2 (6th of the price) which produces the same hefty sound and same punch and slam.
Another thing to note is the volume. Because the IFI Zen Dac has only 380 milliwatts, using high volumes causes the headphones to become very much distorted due to lack of power to control the drivers. Topping DX9 enables you to use very high volumes without a hint of distortion.
 
That is good that you are enjoying it! I think for me now its down to either the DX9 or the Schitt Midgard/Modius stack. Both would be great setups. The Midgard/Modius combo is cheaper and that is the major pro, with the DX9 being better spec wise and having more features. I guess I have to decide if the DX9 is $500 better (I do like how the DX9 looks as well).
 
That is good that you are enjoying it! I think for me now its down to either the DX9 or the Schitt Midgard/Modius stack. Both would be great setups. The Midgard/Modius combo is cheaper and that is the major pro, with the DX9 being better spec wise and having more features. I guess I have to decide if the DX9 is $500 better (I do like how the DX9 looks as well).
Forgot to mention the dac. I connected the DX9 to my stereo setup and it sounded good as well. Maybe a bit better than the dac inside the Eversolo DMP A6 Master Edition (I am not sure I would differentiate between them in a blind test though). But still, Gustard R26 sounds a bit fuller (Voices are more dense and palpable) and the punch and slam are a bit better.
 
Back
Top Bottom