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Thanks so much. Unfortunately, I don’t know what brand the table is. My parents bought it used when I was a kid. It came from a pool hall that closed down. We refinished the wood and changed the felt. It doesn’t have anything about a manufacturer on it anywhere. It just has a plaque that says”Custom made for The Corner Pocket.” It’s a ten foot table, inch thick slate, and solid oak.

Thanks for sharing your experience and for the feedback! I think the Topping D90 would probably be my pick. You may also check out the Gustard A26 MQA. It’s a bit more pricey but well worth the extra dollars. In my opinion, don’t trust what any idiot on RUclips tells you, myself included. Try to find an audio store where you can test it out for yourself. There is no substitute for a demo. It may sound great in my system/listening room, but be horrible in yours. Reviews are a great way of narrowing down a search, but you never know until you’ve listened for at least an hour. Otherwise, check the return policy carefully!

It sure does! I used it just the other day.

I certainly could have. Honestly, it probably would have made little to no difference, given that I ended up using RCA on the power amp in the end anyway. I always use XLR if given the opportunity because it has much better channel separation. Balanced will always have less interference between channels. If I can connect to balanced, I always do for that reason. Going from RCA to XLR, then back to RCA, surely has little to no benefit. I chose to use XLR in this case, and would again, simply because it gives me at least one step where the channels are balanced. Is it better that way, probably not. At that point it’s basically an exercise in futility. I would love it if Aegir had balanced input for stereo mode.

It’s running two Definitive Technology BP-9020 speakers that are on either side of an entertainment center. The room is about 40x50ft. From where I was standing that puts me almost directly in the middle of speakers that are almost 15 feet away from me. It is slightly underpowered for the way that I was using it, but I certainly wouldn’t say that it can’t be that powerful.

I was referring to the sound quality as the rest of that sentence clearly explained. I also said the explanation was for those unfamiliar with the term DAC. Thanks for the feedback. I may consider choosing my words more carefully next time.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi The first commenter was correct in the point he made. My concern is that you provided little information about this DAC generally and no technical details whatsoever. I don't feel any the wiser about it compared to many good basic reviews and especially some very comprehensive reviews that also include comparisons with other DACs.

I value the feedback so I certainly don’t want to sound like I’m making excuses. Perhaps I could have reviewed the specs that are on the website. Most reviews do that and nothing more. To me, reviewing specs that are on the website is just redundant. When I research a piece to purchase, I read over the website to get specs, then watch reviews to see it function. My goal is always to show what the websites don’t tell you. How does it make you feel? How does it sound to me? Does it function smoothly and effortlessly, etc. I went over a bit more in the unboxing video, but I still don’t harp on specs. I’ve listened to devices with great specs that sound horrible and some with bad specs that sound great. Look up the Heyser box. Unfortunately, I am not able to do a lot of A/B comparisons because I rarely get to keep a device beyond the initial review period. Most of the manufacturers give me a couple weeks before I have to ship it back. In the future, I will try to look over my notes on previous reviews to give an idea of the difference between models, but it is very hard to compare with a product that I haven’t heard in some time. I feel a comparison at that point might have too much room for error. Again, I really do appreciate the feedback, and I will work towards improving moving forward.

I suppose it might be if someone is constantly messing with it. I feel like the video makes it sound more prominent than it is in real life.

I did feel like it was a great pairing. Galion is also working on a new preamp to pair with it as well. Hopefully I can get my hands on one in the next couple of months. I did really like it with the Kara though. I didn’t need the extra gain for my Definitive Technology BP-9020’s, but they do have self powered subs. I wouldn’t think you would need it either, but it wouldn’t hurt to try it. I’m a bit jealous of those speakers!

@ thx for the feedback. I’m about to pull the trigger on that amp. Just double checking where I can. Thx again

Awesome! Let me know how you like it!

Thanks for the feedback. I think it’s a great little amp for what it’s designed for. Unfortunately there is no perfect setup. I’ll have to look into the ones you mentioned as well.

I always run the amps 20 hours before my reviews unless more time is specified by the manufacturer. This one got 20 hours, but was a demo unit so it could have any number of hours on it. I agree about the cable routing, but I could hear no difference. If I was setting it up permanently, I would certainly take more care when arranging them.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Thank you! Cheers!

Anytime!

Thanks so much! I’m glad you like it! I was honestly very impressed with it. To use the amp you will need a preamp as well to control volume for headphones or speakers.

Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

I love it! They do compliment each other well for sure! I spoke to Thomas Tan a minute ago. He designed the Galion amp. He is has designed a matching preamp for it and it is in production now. It should hit the market in 3-4 months.

Tell him to keep it streamlined in size. Remote volume.

I will certainly pass that along, it maybe too late to make a change of it doesn’t have that already. I have a picture of the inside, but I can’t tell anything about a remote from that. Size wise it looks like it’s probably half the size of the TS A75, or smaller.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi That's very interesting! I'll keep an eye out for that bit of gear. Subbed for the awesome data.

Thanks so much!

The European models only come with 7. I think it’s because the case isn’t tall enough to do two rows. It’s really a shame to have so few in comparison though.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Yeah, I have two of the way cheaper Powerquest 3's and they come with 8. Happy with them, so I'm guessing I'll pass on this one. Thanks for the reply though!

Anytime!

To be completely honest, I am not terribly familiar with all of the different models. As far as I am aware it was the n132 as I was told the model that I reviewed had just recently been released. I wouldn’t swear to it though. I will see if I can dig a bit deeper and find out for sure.

@NoFrillsHi-Fi as i see on the specs ,the new one has a quarter inch headphone jack and i think you said that yours hasn't. So i believe you have an older one..

Ah, good catch! I got it from Sbooster so maybe they meant they had just gotten it.

​@@NoFrillsHi-Fi thanks

Anytime!

Yes, so far as I know, it would only be balanced in mono mode, using two separate units. I would highly doubt the use of a balun.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I’m so glad you liked it! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

That’s awesome! Let me know how it goes!

@ my first impression is really good after 2 hours of listening. The highs en lows are a great really improvement in the soundstage.

I’m so glad you like it! I do worry sometimes that someone else’s experience will be the opposite of mine. There are so many variables in systems and in each individual’s hearing and taste. I would hate to think I steered someone wrong! In this case, I can’t imagine anyone not liking the difference. Hopefully the install went well!

@ I know what you meant. So happy with this upgrade it is really worth it!

That would make a great pairing for sure!

I wish I could keep them that long!

I have been using it for quite some time and I’ve seen no alteration in sound at all. If it does, my ears can’t detect it. No protection unfortunately though. Just a switch with meters. I really do like it though.

I feel like it is a little bit warmer and more detailed than the Aegir 2. The highs are a bit more rolled off on the Aegir. The mids are pretty comparable. Bass is a bit tighter on the Aegir. I feel like the soundstage presents a little better on the Galion. Both are exceptional amps though so I don’t want to take anything away from the either one.

It’s called No Frills Hi-Fi for a reason. 😂Thanks for watching though! I have a lot of fun with it, but the day I take it too seriously will be my last day.

Yeah, I figured that out afterwards. I still call it rumble filter. Probably too old to change!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi no need to change. That's its original name.

I had no intentions of it!😂

That's not really what a RUMBLE filter is for. It's meant for turntables with noisy bearings or bad vinyl. Most old amps didn't go much below 20 Hz anyway so record warp LF was never the issue.

Thank you so much! Wish the timing would have worked out better. I love The Band! I get a lot of crap on here about it though! 😂

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi no idea why. Geniuses!

To each their own I guess.

Unfortunately I have not. Like you said, the reviews do look good though.

That’s awesome. I hope you like it!

I agree. I’d much rather have 1 good clean watt than 1,000 garbage watts!

I’m thinking about it. Of course they are different. What do you mean “before the vinyl music source?” It’s the source, there is nothing before it. Phono preamps, preamps, and amps can all have potentiometers. I’m not sure exactly what you are trying to say.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I'm say that there is no such thing as a phono "pre-amp". it's a phono amp. look it up

The Fosi that you are using in the video is a pre-amp because it has volume control and not enough power to run speakers on it's own. Your Fosi contains a phono amp build in. Schiit phono amps don't have volume control because they are phono amps and not pre-amps. I'm telling you this because you should lean this if you're going to make videos on the subjects.

Ok, now I understand what you are saying. You’re trying to start a semantics argument. I think maybe it’s you who should look a few things up. I do value and appreciate feedback, however, I do believe there are a hell of a lot of “phono preamps.” Seems strange considering that they don’t exist. I get what you are saying, but it would seem that maybe the industry terminology has changed. It’s less confusing to call it a phono stage perhaps? At any rate, I do believe I will keep referring to them as the manufacturer has labeled them.

Thank so much for the tip. I knew it would be good but I didn’t expect that level of detail from a spherical stylus!

I haven’t tried out the Reva MK5 but everything they make is pretty solid. As far as break in periods go, it’s hard for me to tell. They send loaner units to review, so I have no way of knowing how many hours that they have been run. I’d be interested to find out though. I would assume there is some kind of break in period.

Correct. I have a Phono Preamp going to a Preamp, then going to the amps.

This is not a pre-amp it's a phonostage.

Absolutely! 1-2 amps can feed to 1-2 speakers.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi if one amp is a av receiver when I run it through there will is still be 5.1 for movies

Yes. I have a receiver using 11.4.2 surround sound with only the front speakers going through the LC30. Then my turntable also goes to the LC30. Then I can use my receiver in surround sound or my turntable with the front speakers.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi thanks for answering my questions.

Anytime!

Oh my god yes really? lol

I agree. I do prefer an internal power supply. They use that same power supply for multiple models so I’m sure it cuts costs down, plus it allows for a smaller footprint.

I have looked at them but I didn’t purchase the V3. Fosi sends items to me for free so I can review them. I don’t currently have a relationship with Emotiva so I would have to buy that myself. I am not really in the market for an amp as I get them for free. I do like Emotiva products though.

I do prefer individual power supplies because it helps with heat and if one fails it doesn’t destroy both amps. It’s mostly personal preference. I can’t think of any scientific reason to opt for two over one. To be totally transparent though, they send them to me to review so I don’t get a lot of choice. I suppose I could have requested a single power supply. I just didn’t.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Much appreciated. Maybe it's instructive that that's what they sent you.

Possibly. It could also just be what they had available. It’s hard to say.

I am looking at several MC carts. As soon as I get one, I will make an updated video.

What? I’ve never heard anyone say that Moving Coil Cartridges are bad.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I mean using MC mode on this device

You have to use MC mode on MC cartridges. I still don’t understand what you are asking.

Thanks so much!

That’s awesome! Thanks for the feedback!

According to www.galion-audio.com/pages/ts-a75 it is 75 at 8 and 100 at 4 unless I’m missing something.

Thanks so much! I guess it would depend on the rest of your system. Both are very good amps. I would suggest trying to find a place to listen to listen to them to compare if at all possible. There is no substitute for that. It’s definitely a touch choice between those models!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I ended up getting a Musical Fidelity A1 on eBay for $800, new/open box. It’s fantastic. Although only 25 watts, it pushes enough sweet class A power to get a satisfying full sound at a volume loud enough to shake windows. I’m running my KEF LS50 Meta’s with an SVS SB3000 sub.

That’s awesome! Congratulations!

@@jmsboisclair How hot to the touch does the A1 get at medium volumes? I'm curious to try class A but live in hot TX and don't want a space heater.

Thanks so much. To be fair, I won’t turn down a $3,000 amp but I like the idea of showing all of them. You have to start somewhere and not everyone can afford that or even wants it if they can.

I used the DAC in the node. I try not to add extra stuff when testing if I don’t have to.

I agree. I hate stacking any components, for any reason. Unfortunately, I simply ran out of space in my test spot. It was crystal clear, or I would have moved it. If I was setting it up permanently, I would certainly move it.

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Understood, thanks!

Thanks so much for the feedback!

Wow, thank you so much for advice. Very detailed. I haven’t messed with op amp swapping before but I may get into it at some point. Right now I rely on manufactures to send samples to me so maybe I can get some from one of the op amp manufactures. My goal is to not spend any money on this hobby, but that is a pretty small investment.

I agree. I think it sounds really good. I did a video where I relaxed the power supply with one from Sbooster and it made a huge difference!

I believe so. Obviously every component has a different sound signature and will either add or subtract from the sound, but I think the Kara does a really good job of being mostly transparent. The Aegir2 seems to steal the show in terms of power and definition, but it couldn’t do that without a very good preamp. I’ve had more time to play with it now. I recently used it to test a Galion amp in another video. The Kara sounds just a little bright, maybe tinny to a small degree, but is super clear. Very detailed. Did you try the different gain settings on the Kara? Yes, I did. If so which did you like, and why? The Kara has three gain settings, passive, low, and high. I didn’t notice any difference in any setting other than the intensity and power that gain itself provides. Same clarity and transparentness, same very minor brightness. I found with the Schiit Vidar and Aegir, I preferred low. They simply don’t need that much power. with the Galion, I preferred high gain mode. Passive mode was ok too, but I found myself cranking up the volume a bit too much on all three amps. I will note that the Fosi phono preamp I use requires a bit more boost than if I was using a Schiit phono preamp. It is the only one I have right now though. Plus passive gain mode cannot convert between SE and Balanced. The other modes can. As a viewer, might be good if just one component changes at a time? I agree. I am working towards that. Unfortunately most of the higher end stuff I get are only loaners. Some I can keep for two weeks, some for 90 days. Once I get bigger they may let me keep them. I don’t make any money from this, maybe one day I will. I try to pick out the stuff that I buy very carefully because I would end up buying everything and getting divorced. In the Freya + video, you seemed to really be impressed right away. Have you ever just gotten your setup dialed in perfectly? It almost gives you chills. That’s what happened to me. Obviously, it’s all subjective. I use a tube phono preamp because I prefer the warmth and openness of tubes. When I paired that with the preamp, Freya+, it was awesome. I really wish Schiit made a tube power amp and tube phono preamp. Did you try the passive stage on that preamp too? Yes, I did. Mostly the same reactions that I had to the Kara. The passive setting was a little light on power for my phono preamp. Instead of low and high it has Differential Buffer and Differential Tube gain settings. Differential Buffer also has no gain. I much prefer the Differential Tube Gain setting because I prefer the warmth of tube amps and it has 12-13.5db of gain. I've got the og Saga, and hoping to get more impressions of the benefits of what moving up may offer. Hopefully that cleared some things up a bit. If you have any more questions just let me know!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi Thanks for kindly answering all my questions! That is very helpful! Good luck with your promising channel!

Thank you so much! Anytime!

@@NoFrillsHi-Fi I believe Jason Stoddard said in Schiits video in the last 2days that they are working on a tubed phono pre? Also Lounge Audio makes a killer mm phono pre, that far exceeded my old Project tube box phono pre. You can get it with a headphone output that is like a magnifying glass for your turntable. Or stethoscope :) It sounds pretty great for a solid state. LCR Gold with silver.

Thanks, I'll look into those!