The Apple v1 camera kit cable fits straight into the port so perfect for Apple users which you have to have anyway, just saying you need to amend this video
Ohh and 20 hrs burn in time for preamps etc, afterwards on normal sensitivity iems and all my headphines no noise floor on single ended haven't used balanced yet
Sorry should have added, excellent review BTW I haven't tried the firmware GTO filter, like you I have never heard a different with changing digital filters so I haven't great hopes.
The reason they don't use a USB C type on both ends is because the inverted USB A is much mode sturdier and less likely to bend, break, or get accidently pulled out. I've used USB C to USB C DAC Amps in the past and they tend to bend or break quite easily. It's common sense mate!
If you switch between the older (5.2b)Limoncello firmware and the new (5.3c) GTO filter you can actually here the difference. The older (5.2b) doesn't support MQA but has a slightly more natural and engaging sound with longer decay on snare drum beats and piano beats. The newest (5.3c) firmware at first appears to be clearer , but it has actually just brought the vocals forward while the music is pushed more to the rear. It has a faster decay but feels a bit unnatural. For newer models the firmware is (7.2b) and (7.2c)
I like your video, I would like to ask you a question: I recently bought the hifiman he400se and I want to know if this Earman TR-AMP can amplify the he400se to its maximum volume?
Is there not an apple cable that attaches straight to the DAC? I thought that’s the point of the female connection? Might be wrong but I have a cable that I think fits the purpose?
Well, this was a very complete review. One question please: would the hip dac be adequate for high sensitive IEM, such as the Campfires? Thanks and subscribed
Thanks for your support. Yes, the Andromeda will work fine. Just keep the PowerMatch off. The channel imbalance will cause you to have the Andromeda at fairly loud volume. I know a few people complained about the Andromeda picking up noise on the Hip Dac, but I have yet to hear that.
Another great review. On a side note, I assume the list of equipment below is there as NTR recommended products. Interested to know where the OLLO headphones went?
Yes that’s a floating list of products I use often. I probably accidentally deleted the OLLO link as I copy and paste the same list in multiple documents.
Another great review I really like this video, thank you, but I have a confusing question, only high quality, what do you choose only for the wonderful and beautiful soundt ifi hip dac 2 or TR-Amp USB DAC thx.
I prefer the Hip Dac. The TR-Amp has a slightly harsher sound and channel imbalance at low volumes. The TR-Amp is good for large planar headphones but low impedance IEMs and headphones get plenty of power from the Hip Dac.
I wouldn’t recommend it especially if you’re an iOS/Mac user. For one, it requires two ports to operate and charge, thus, occupying the only two ones that comes with my Macbook. Also, as NoThemeReviews stated that doesn’t come with a protective case, I would advise caution when having the DAC rest on top of your laptop, especially when moving it around.(*cracked my screen) The worst part is that you have to charge the device which means it’s prone to overcharging. It’s beyond idiocy to use it as a “portable” DAC unless one’s intend of having a mini telephone switchboard dangling from your phone. As a result, I would leave it connected to my computer and within 6 months, it’s dead.
Hi NTR, i just purchase the Sony MDR M2. Your reviews hit the nail on the head! Love these cans, they are clear and fun to listen to, especially with the Zen dac Topping A90 combo. My lotoo paw s1 THX 789 combo does not sound as enjoyable as the former set up. Now, when I try to use the Lotoo Paw S1 alone with my Note 20 ultra with the Sony Z7 M2 it sounds deflated/not as alive. I'm considering the hip dac as a portable alternative for the Sony Z7 M2 and possibly a replacement for the Paw S1 altogether. From your experience would you advise against or for this replacement?
The Sony drivers have obviously different performance with a lot more power, which is probably what you're experiencing. If that's the case (and if that's what you mean by "sounds deflated/not as alive" then the Hip Dac through balanced connection might make a difference. The HD also has a slightly warmer sound signature, so you might enjoy the combo for that reason as well.
@@NoThemeReviews thanks! Got a good deal on the HD for $120 tax & shipping included. I really can't go wrong. Greatly appreciate your honest perspective! 👍
You might be referring to the Apple adapter. I didn’t have that. I’ve been using the camera adapter for a few years as that was the recommended adapter for AQ stuff.
After listening to these and a few others at a sound bar, I went with the-amp. It paired well with richer darker head phones, and imo was a more mature sound than the hipdac
Great video. Which is better hip dac or monolith thx portable? Recently launched the new hip dac2. Which portable dac do you recommend? Monolith Thx Hip dac2 or maybe a dongle like lotoo paw s1... or any one other. Please tell me what do you think?
The Hip Dac 2 is not a material change from the original. It's a blatant cash-grab product; in fact, I don't think iFi even addressed the battery issue on the original--ie, depending on your use, the Hip Dac may last 2-5 hours on a charge. The THX is a fine product and does have plenty of software functionality if you want to make EQ adjustments on-the-go. If you want something simple yet effective, the Paw S1 is a good option. If you don't need the additional power and EQ of the S1, then the Ikko Zerda ITM03 or ITM01, along with the recent Hidizs and Hilidac dongle dacs, are perfectly good options at much cheaper prices.
@@NoThemeReviews Thanks for the feedback. I don't use EQ functions. I like the fidelity, I wan't something with power with excelent sound, that i can use with overs and Iem's in my phone and computer. No care the price, I just wan't the best product. Does thx have software updates and support? Currently I have the btr5, so I wan't an "upgrade" I wan't more haha.
@@endshi3 I can't tell you what's the best option for you. There are more powerful portable amps than the THX. For example, the EarMen TR-Amp. If power is what you're really after, then there are other items you can look at.
Change filter on hip dac, also by transparent do you mean neutral as there is a little warmth to the ifi hip dac, what phone do u have unless it’s an LG ThinQ or other LG quad dac phone it won’t have the resolution of the hip dac
No. Connection via different USB versions doesn’t affect sound. Both USB versions have more than enough bandwidth to transmit every conceivable audio resolution.
How much did the Hip-Dac provide as battery backup(Will be using basic stuff like akg k52, moondrop aria and eventually a hifiman deva)? I want to get this device, but I was looking at the XD05 basic after hearing from a few people that hip dac gives around 2 hours of battery.
I usually got about 3 hours of continuous use with headphones. It’ll be different for IEMs, and it depends on how loud you listen and whether you use the filters.
@@NoThemeReviews i'm guessing with the deva, it will give around 3 hours playback. Seems way too low, probably the only thing that deters me from the hip dac. Will probably have to save up for xd05 plus(it has akm chip, unlike the xd05 basic which has ESS).
Hi, I have narrowed down to Hip Dac for my DT 1990 pros. Do you think that these 2 would be a good match since the Hip Dac has a bit of warmth to its sound signature and will complement the DT 1990s Treble peak? I generally listen to instrumental/Classical, pop, some rocks, OSTs, Retros and Epic Music. Please let me know as there are a few stocks online atm left.
No, no dac will tame the 1990's treble peak. If you want to do that, you'll have to use EQ. You may hear very little alteration to the 1990's sound signature, but nothing dramatic.
@@NoThemeReviews I ordered the color 7 of this, do you think It'll work? Is It risky to try It? m.aliexpress.com/item/1005002021784544.html?spm=a2g0n.orderlist-amp.item.1005002021784544&aff_trace_key=&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=9575amp-H85M0BhCL7N7sYc1Pwm61Q1621691647779&browser_id=40315be064cd4557bcd57d608be29ca3&is_c=Y
@@jimis3167 I don't know if they'll work. It's pretty risky to buy from an unknown brand, and converting balanced output to unbalanced can be dangerous. I wouldn't try it. You're better off buying a balanced cable for your headphones.
@@NoThemeReviews Is there balanced cable for hi-x55? I need to connect to balanced because using them with Waves NX head tracker through Spotify, connected to Hip Dac, I really need more power. It is dangerous for the headphones or the Hip Dac?
The cheapest option is a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle. If you have an iPhone, then the Apple Dongle is perfectly good. Otherwise, the Ikko ITM01 is the next best option I'm aware of--a bit bulky, but you have a few EQ presets on-board.
@@NoThemeReviews i have the apple dongle (mids are loud enough at 30%) but i notice that i get same loudness in the mids (i match loudness for the mids) but more bass with a more powerfull (90mw) source, so i was looking for a cheap source with more power than 90mw, do you have somthing in mind ?
@@amanieux Sure, there are lots of options, depending on your budget: Lotto Paw S1/S2, Shanling UP4/UP5, Moondrop Dawn 4.4mm version, Creative SFXI Amp, iFi xCan, Monolith THX Portable, Fiio Q3, and Hidizs S9 Pro should give you plenty of power.
Except for the UP5 and S2, yes I’ve used them all. No, I don’t have a single recommendation. There is no difference in sound quality, so it comes down to features and budget.
They don’t sound the same nor does the TR-Amp have the features of the iDSD. It’s not a matter of “upgrade” but whether you want a more analytical sound.
It’s all a personal preference. BB has its detractors, so it’s not for everyone. Plus, the THX Portable is a more analytical sounding Dac. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great device.
@@NoThemeReviews I recall you saying that the THX monolith monoprice portable sounded basically the same as the desktop version. do you still think the hip dac is preferable sonically compared with the desktop monoprice dac/amp? In any case, I’ll probably pick up both to try.
I don’t see why not. The Starfield is a bit warm sounding, so the combo might result in too much bass for your tastes, but only you can say if that would bother you.
@@kevintejalaksana437 I wouldn't say it's "better" or "worse" since it comes down to your listening preferences. The general idea is that if you pair warm IEMs or headphones to a warm dac/amp, then you may end up with boomy bass and less detail. I think people are simply suggesting that if you pair with a "brighter" dac/amp then you'll eek out a bit more clarity from your warm sounding IEM or headphone.
i didn't really like the GTO filter... it just felt too grainy and something in my brain felt off listening to it.. like the music just didn't sound right
There's no such thing as an objective "better" when it comes to sound signature. Either you like it or you don't, and there's inevitably someone else who totally disagrees with you. As far as general comparisons are concerned, the Mojo is a slightly warmer-sounding dac with a bit less clarity.
@@NoThemeReviews thank you , how is the soundstage different between them, and details separation / i have Beyerdynamic t5 3rd gen i can’t test any of them , i should order online, thank you for helping me 🙏🏻
@@pashaharrison230 Dacs and amps do not affect soundstage. Soundstage is the perception you get through the combination of the original recording and your headphones/IEMs/speakers. The Mojo has a slightly warmer sound signature than the Hip Dac, and the increased bass does tend to hide details on the Mojo. Neither of these products is analytical, and you're not going to suddenly hear more clarity between them.
The Q3 is a good recommendation. However, among the 3 you mentioned, I’d steer you away from the BTR5. It has inconsistent build and pretty useless mobile application. The 5K has nearly the same performance but a far superior app, and I haven’t seen any complaints about its build. The A55 is a very different product. If you want a DAP, then it does have a lot of features.
Would this be a great amplifier for the dt990 pro 250 Ohms? What would be your preferred amp for this headphones under or around 120€ (portable and not-portable)? I would be eventually modding the headphones to balanced, so it would be nice if the amp also had both balanced and unbalanced connections. My audio sources are an IPhone and a MacBook Pro and I would be using for now Spotify and next month will be trying Apple Music lossless (hopping this works with the Spatial-Audio feature too). Thanks a lot :)
Yeah, the Hip Dac is a good option. It has sufficient power for the DT990. The Zen Dac is another good alternative. The Fiio Q3, Shanling UP4, and Qudelix 5K are other products you may want to research.
Had for a couple of weeks now, started off with cookies and cream and then GTO, did notice in Mac it was easy for the update not to actually happen, unless you get the banner and hear a click from Hipdac it's not happened. To my great surprise I did notice a difference more with Amazon HD than with Tidal masters for some reason. Just a note I am dropping tidal as I can't tell any real difference and it's 12.50 a month more. So for sound I noticed a slight decrease in the warmness of the sound and a little more detail in upper mids and treble. First time I have noticed a difference with filters, it's not something to jump around over though.
@@blanchbacker Thanks! Indeed sounds good although It's lossy. Do you know any online streaming music app that is lossless or doesn't exist something like that?
@@jimis3167 Amazon Music HD is the music streaming service that offers the highest lossless quality (FLAC music up to 24bit 192Khz/3730Kbps). Its issue compared to Spotify is that its music database isn't as large as the Spotify one that is still the most popular music streaming service in 2021 despite being the one offering the 'worst' sound quality. Other than Amazon Music HD you got Tdial that offers a HiFi subscription for about 19$/month for lossless quality files at 1411Kbps (but only for files tagged as HiFi ones meaning that the whole Tidal catalog won't be available in HiFi quality). Note that to benefit from any lossless service you ll have to use the service application not the browser based one.
@@GolgothFR Do you use tidal? Does It worth in your opinion the 19$ subscription? I didn't ever use It cause of that.. It has bigger music library than Spotify or about the same?
@@jimis3167 Nope i m using Amazon Music HD/Unlimited (this is the same service). This is the service offering the best sound quality and this is also the cheapest at about 9$/€ per month. As said before its only downfall compared to Spotify is that its catalog isn't as large as the Spotify one. That being said Amazon Music HD/Unlimited still has a music catalog of 70 millions songs. So all in all this should be good enough for most people needs.
Great review. Hip dac got very good sound but got 2 major flaw IMO, the volume wheel would go up without even touching it, and 2nd, the battery life is god awful.
I like the increase in production quality in this one! Cool camera shots :)
I watch netflix with my phone only with the hip dac. I'm no audiophile but there's something with this guy that sounds good to me.
The Apple v1 camera kit cable fits straight into the port so perfect for Apple users which you have to have anyway, just saying you need to amend this video
Ohh and 20 hrs burn in time for preamps etc, afterwards on normal sensitivity iems and all my headphines no noise floor on single ended haven't used balanced yet
Sorry should have added, excellent review BTW I haven't tried the firmware GTO filter, like you I have never heard a different with changing digital filters so I haven't great hopes.
The reviewer seems to have missed this point. It's a great feature: 1 cable connection for Apple users. If you use the correct cable.
Got a link to it?
@@jasonbhatnagar7134 there is also a usb c version instead of lightening, depending on what apple device you have
Great video and thanks for the Amazon HD tip. I'm doing a 3 month free trial and loving it. Waiting for Spotify to join the party
The reason they don't use a USB C type on both ends is because the inverted USB A is much mode sturdier and less likely to bend, break, or get accidently pulled out. I've used USB C to USB C DAC Amps in the past and they tend to bend or break quite easily. It's common sense mate!
I dunno, man. I've never once had a USB-C port break with reasonable care applied.
Best review so far for the ifi hip-dac. 👍
If you switch between the older (5.2b)Limoncello firmware and the new (5.3c) GTO filter you can actually here the difference.
The older (5.2b) doesn't support MQA but has a slightly more natural and engaging sound with longer decay on snare drum beats and piano beats.
The newest (5.3c) firmware at first appears to be clearer , but it has actually just brought the vocals forward while the music is pushed more to the rear. It has a faster decay but feels a bit unnatural.
For newer models the firmware is (7.2b) and (7.2c)
You should add & great sounding in the title.. I upgraded to It from Topping NX4 and It's quite a difference in sound quality If you ask me..
Love the MQA opinion!!
I like your video, I would like to ask you a question: I recently bought the hifiman he400se and I want to know if this Earman TR-AMP can amplify the he400se to its maximum volume?
Missed FiiO Q3 in the comparisons. Cool video though. Thanks!
The Q3 was a loaner from Apos that returned quite a while ago.
Is there not an apple cable that attaches straight to the DAC? I thought that’s the point of the female connection? Might be wrong but I have a cable that I think fits the purpose?
A couple of people pointed out that Apple does have its own female USB-A to Lightning adapter. It's $30.
Well, this was a very complete review. One question please: would the hip dac be adequate for high sensitive IEM, such as the Campfires? Thanks and subscribed
Thanks for your support. Yes, the Andromeda will work fine. Just keep the PowerMatch off. The channel imbalance will cause you to have the Andromeda at fairly loud volume. I know a few people complained about the Andromeda picking up noise on the Hip Dac, but I have yet to hear that.
@@NoThemeReviews great, thanks!
Another great review. On a side note, I assume the list of equipment below is there as NTR recommended products. Interested to know where the OLLO headphones went?
Yes that’s a floating list of products I use often. I probably accidentally deleted the OLLO link as I copy and paste the same list in multiple documents.
Another great review I really like this video, thank you, but I have a confusing question, only high quality, what do you choose only for the wonderful and beautiful soundt ifi hip dac 2 or TR-Amp USB DAC thx.
I prefer the Hip Dac. The TR-Amp has a slightly harsher sound and channel imbalance at low volumes. The TR-Amp is good for large planar headphones but low impedance IEMs and headphones get plenty of power from the Hip Dac.
I wouldn’t recommend it especially if you’re an iOS/Mac user. For one, it requires two ports to operate and charge, thus, occupying the only two ones that comes with my Macbook. Also, as NoThemeReviews stated that doesn’t come with a protective case, I would advise caution when having the DAC rest on top of your laptop, especially when moving it around.(*cracked my screen)
The worst part is that you have to charge the device which means it’s prone to overcharging. It’s beyond idiocy to use it as a “portable” DAC unless one’s intend of having a mini telephone switchboard dangling from your phone. As a result, I would leave it connected to my computer and within 6 months, it’s dead.
1 cable connection for Apple users if you use the V1 Apple camera kit cable. The Hip Dac's male USB A makes this possible.
Hi NTR, i just purchase the Sony MDR M2. Your reviews hit the nail on the head! Love these cans, they are clear and fun to listen to, especially with the Zen dac Topping A90 combo. My lotoo paw s1 THX 789 combo does not sound as enjoyable as the former set up.
Now, when I try to use the Lotoo Paw S1 alone with my Note 20 ultra with the Sony Z7 M2 it sounds deflated/not as alive.
I'm considering the hip dac as a portable alternative for the Sony Z7 M2 and possibly a replacement for the Paw S1 altogether.
From your experience would you advise against or for this replacement?
The Sony drivers have obviously different performance with a lot more power, which is probably what you're experiencing. If that's the case (and if that's what you mean by "sounds deflated/not as alive" then the Hip Dac through balanced connection might make a difference. The HD also has a slightly warmer sound signature, so you might enjoy the combo for that reason as well.
@@NoThemeReviews thanks! Got a good deal on the HD for $120 tax & shipping included. I really can't go wrong. Greatly appreciate your honest perspective! 👍
Why didn’t you use the smaller usb to lightning connector? This one would hook up directly to the hip dac.
You might be referring to the Apple adapter. I didn’t have that. I’ve been using the camera adapter for a few years as that was the recommended adapter for AQ stuff.
How does this compare to the Dragonfly Cobalt, for overall sound quality and soundstage width?
After listening to these and a few others at a sound bar, I went with the-amp. It paired well with richer darker head phones, and imo was a more mature sound than the hipdac
Wow waited for this one!
How would this compare against the FiiO q3?
I'm looking for a dac and they both look like a solid choice with the Q3 having longer battery life
The Q3 is more neutral. However, like other Fiio devices, the Q3 does have build issues. There's audible noise when turning the volume knob.
Great video. Which is better hip dac or monolith thx portable? Recently launched the new hip dac2.
Which portable dac do you recommend? Monolith Thx
Hip dac2 or maybe a dongle like lotoo paw s1... or any one other. Please tell me what do you think?
The Hip Dac 2 is not a material change from the original. It's a blatant cash-grab product; in fact, I don't think iFi even addressed the battery issue on the original--ie, depending on your use, the Hip Dac may last 2-5 hours on a charge. The THX is a fine product and does have plenty of software functionality if you want to make EQ adjustments on-the-go. If you want something simple yet effective, the Paw S1 is a good option. If you don't need the additional power and EQ of the S1, then the Ikko Zerda ITM03 or ITM01, along with the recent Hidizs and Hilidac dongle dacs, are perfectly good options at much cheaper prices.
@@NoThemeReviews Thanks for the feedback. I don't use EQ functions. I like the fidelity, I wan't something with power with excelent sound, that i can use with overs and Iem's in my phone and computer. No care the price, I just wan't the best product. Does thx have software updates and support? Currently I have the btr5, so I wan't an "upgrade" I wan't more haha.
@@endshi3 No the THX doesn't have upgradeable software or firmware.
@@NoThemeReviews I see. With that fact. Do you think it is still the best option?
@@endshi3 I can't tell you what's the best option for you. There are more powerful portable amps than the THX. For example, the EarMen TR-Amp. If power is what you're really after, then there are other items you can look at.
I find the hip dac less transparent than my phone's dac. If I upgrade this to the topping nx4 will I yield better results or worse?
Change filter on hip dac, also by transparent do you mean neutral as there is a little warmth to the ifi hip dac, what phone do u have unless it’s an LG ThinQ or other LG quad dac phone it won’t have the resolution of the hip dac
IFI Zen Dac V2 o Earmen TR-amp?
Soundwise, hip dac has any difference between connecting to usb 3.0 or 2.0? I compared and I don't think It has, I ask just to confirm.
No. Connection via different USB versions doesn’t affect sound. Both USB versions have more than enough bandwidth to transmit every conceivable audio resolution.
@@NoThemeReviews That's what I thought too..
How much did the Hip-Dac provide as battery backup(Will be using basic stuff like akg k52, moondrop aria and eventually a hifiman deva)? I want to get this device, but I was looking at the XD05 basic after hearing from a few people that hip dac gives around 2 hours of battery.
I usually got about 3 hours of continuous use with headphones. It’ll be different for IEMs, and it depends on how loud you listen and whether you use the filters.
@@NoThemeReviews i'm guessing with the deva, it will give around 3 hours playback. Seems way too low, probably the only thing that deters me from the hip dac. Will probably have to save up for xd05 plus(it has akm chip, unlike the xd05 basic which has ESS).
Hi, I have narrowed down to Hip Dac for my DT 1990 pros. Do you think that these 2 would be a good match since the Hip Dac has a bit of warmth to its sound signature and will complement the DT 1990s Treble peak? I generally listen to instrumental/Classical, pop, some rocks, OSTs, Retros and Epic Music. Please let me know as there are a few stocks online atm left.
No, no dac will tame the 1990's treble peak. If you want to do that, you'll have to use EQ. You may hear very little alteration to the 1990's sound signature, but nothing dramatic.
@@NoThemeReviews Thanks for reply.
@@Satyajit_Dey Yes.
Is It possible somehow to use balanced output on non-balanced headphones cable?
Short answer to that will be a no.
With an adapter, yes. But I wouldn’t.
@@NoThemeReviews I ordered the color 7 of this, do you think It'll work? Is It risky to try It? m.aliexpress.com/item/1005002021784544.html?spm=a2g0n.orderlist-amp.item.1005002021784544&aff_trace_key=&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=9575amp-H85M0BhCL7N7sYc1Pwm61Q1621691647779&browser_id=40315be064cd4557bcd57d608be29ca3&is_c=Y
@@jimis3167 I don't know if they'll work. It's pretty risky to buy from an unknown brand, and converting balanced output to unbalanced can be dangerous. I wouldn't try it. You're better off buying a balanced cable for your headphones.
@@NoThemeReviews Is there balanced cable for hi-x55? I need to connect to balanced because using them with Waves NX head tracker through Spotify, connected to Hip Dac, I really need more power. It is dangerous for the headphones or the Hip Dac?
you don't need adapters for the hip dac on iphone, just get a camerakit usba to lighnting adapter 💁🏼
what is your cheapest dac recommendation (any form factor) with good enough sound quality for iem exclusively, thanks
The cheapest option is a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle. If you have an iPhone, then the Apple Dongle is perfectly good. Otherwise, the Ikko ITM01 is the next best option I'm aware of--a bit bulky, but you have a few EQ presets on-board.
@@NoThemeReviews i have the apple dongle (mids are loud enough at 30%) but i notice that i get same loudness in the mids (i match loudness for the mids) but more bass with a more powerfull (90mw) source, so i was looking for a cheap source with more power than 90mw, do you have somthing in mind ?
@@amanieux Sure, there are lots of options, depending on your budget: Lotto Paw S1/S2, Shanling UP4/UP5, Moondrop Dawn 4.4mm version, Creative SFXI Amp, iFi xCan, Monolith THX Portable, Fiio Q3, and Hidizs S9 Pro should give you plenty of power.
@@NoThemeReviews wow, that's a lot, you have tried all these ? you don't have a single one to recommend with a high sound quality/price ratio ?
Except for the UP5 and S2, yes I’ve used them all. No, I don’t have a single recommendation. There is no difference in sound quality, so it comes down to features and budget.
I am going for earmen tr amp. Will it be sufficient for 600 ohm headphone?
Yes
Hi, I have the earman tr amp worth upgrading to ifi dsd signure?
They don’t sound the same nor does the TR-Amp have the features of the iDSD. It’s not a matter of “upgrade” but whether you want a more analytical sound.
xduoo xd 05 plus, do you think has sufficient power for t60rp?
Which did you personally prefer sonically between the Hip Dac and the Monolith THX Portable?
Hip Dac
@@NoThemeReviews 😮 😯 Wow I kinda thought the dual AKM / THX unit would sound better. I guess burr brown is as good as they say.
It’s all a personal preference. BB has its detractors, so it’s not for everyone. Plus, the THX Portable is a more analytical sounding Dac. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great device.
@@NoThemeReviews I recall you saying that the THX monolith monoprice portable sounded basically the same as the desktop version. do you still think the hip dac is preferable sonically compared with the desktop monoprice dac/amp? In any case, I’ll probably pick up both to try.
Can the Hip-DAC drive 600 ohm headphones (like the Beyerdynamic DT 880)?
No
Would this be paired well with starfield and HD58x?
I don’t see why not. The Starfield is a bit warm sounding, so the combo might result in too much bass for your tastes, but only you can say if that would bother you.
@@NoThemeReviews i've heard some people say that its better to pair warm iem/headphone with brighter dac. Is it not true?
@@kevintejalaksana437 I wouldn't say it's "better" or "worse" since it comes down to your listening preferences. The general idea is that if you pair warm IEMs or headphones to a warm dac/amp, then you may end up with boomy bass and less detail. I think people are simply suggesting that if you pair with a "brighter" dac/amp then you'll eek out a bit more clarity from your warm sounding IEM or headphone.
Is xbass the same as their previous true bass filter? Asking for a Hifiman.
It’s similar. They both bump mid-bass, but I think xBass is slightly higher. Eh...it’s really too close.
i didn't really like the GTO filter... it just felt too grainy and something in my brain felt off listening to it.. like the music just didn't sound right
How's bass shelf of thx aaa portable?
how is compare to mojo ? ( in sound aspect ) and how much they are better?
There's no such thing as an objective "better" when it comes to sound signature. Either you like it or you don't, and there's inevitably someone else who totally disagrees with you. As far as general comparisons are concerned, the Mojo is a slightly warmer-sounding dac with a bit less clarity.
@@NoThemeReviews thank you , how is the soundstage different between them, and details separation / i have Beyerdynamic t5 3rd gen i can’t test any of them , i should order online, thank you for helping me 🙏🏻
@@pashaharrison230 Dacs and amps do not affect soundstage. Soundstage is the perception you get through the combination of the original recording and your headphones/IEMs/speakers. The Mojo has a slightly warmer sound signature than the Hip Dac, and the increased bass does tend to hide details on the Mojo. Neither of these products is analytical, and you're not going to suddenly hear more clarity between them.
what is your view on earman sparrow or eagle .
I don't have either, so I can't comment on their performance. But, it just seems to me they're not competitively for the features they offer.
If i want ony one product what you recommend
1) fiio btr5
2) Qudilex 5K
3) sony nw a55/45
I use iphone
Mostly iem some time hd6xx
Get fiio q3 If you’re using with iPhone
The Q3 is a good recommendation. However, among the 3 you mentioned, I’d steer you away from the BTR5. It has inconsistent build and pretty useless mobile application. The 5K has nearly the same performance but a far superior app, and I haven’t seen any complaints about its build. The A55 is a very different product. If you want a DAP, then it does have a lot of features.
iphone to hipdac requires 1 cable, the lightning to usb-a which fits perfectly and is only a few inches long.
Would this be a great amplifier for the dt990 pro 250 Ohms?
What would be your preferred amp for this headphones under or around 120€ (portable and not-portable)?
I would be eventually modding the headphones to balanced, so it would be nice if the amp also had both balanced and unbalanced connections.
My audio sources are an IPhone and a MacBook Pro and I would be using for now Spotify and next month will be trying Apple Music lossless (hopping this works with the Spatial-Audio feature too).
Thanks a lot :)
Yeah, the Hip Dac is a good option. It has sufficient power for the DT990. The Zen Dac is another good alternative. The Fiio Q3, Shanling UP4, and Qudelix 5K are other products you may want to research.
can it drive the dt990 pro 250 ohm?
Yes
Are there any portable dac which supports taking phone calls?? Apple's iphone
try the fiio i1
can it drives Tin hifi P1 to maximum potential?
Yes
Had for a couple of weeks now, started off with cookies and cream and then GTO, did notice in Mac it was easy for the update not to actually happen, unless you get the banner and hear a click from Hipdac it's not happened. To my great surprise I did notice a difference more with Amazon HD than with Tidal masters for some reason. Just a note I am dropping tidal as I can't tell any real difference and it's 12.50 a month more. So for sound I noticed a slight decrease in the warmness of the sound and a little more detail in upper mids and treble. First time I have noticed a difference with filters, it's not something to jump around over though.
Clarity not detail I meant to say
Spotify is lossless sound quality?
No it’s lossy but sounds good enough for most
@@blanchbacker Thanks! Indeed sounds good although It's lossy. Do you know any online streaming music app that is lossless or doesn't exist something like that?
@@jimis3167 Amazon Music HD is the music streaming service that offers the highest lossless quality (FLAC music up to 24bit 192Khz/3730Kbps). Its issue compared to Spotify is that its music database isn't as large as the Spotify one that is still the most popular music streaming service in 2021 despite being the one offering the 'worst' sound quality. Other than Amazon Music HD you got Tdial that offers a HiFi subscription for about 19$/month for lossless quality files at 1411Kbps (but only for files tagged as HiFi ones meaning that the whole Tidal catalog won't be available in HiFi quality). Note that to benefit from any lossless service you ll have to use the service application not the browser based one.
@@GolgothFR Do you use tidal? Does It worth in your opinion the 19$ subscription? I didn't ever use It cause of that.. It has bigger music library than Spotify or about the same?
@@jimis3167 Nope i m using Amazon Music HD/Unlimited (this is the same service). This is the service offering the best sound quality and this is also the cheapest at about 9$/€ per month. As said before its only downfall compared to Spotify is that its catalog isn't as large as the Spotify one. That being said Amazon Music HD/Unlimited still has a music catalog of 70 millions songs. So all in all this should be good enough for most people needs.
I went for one of these last summer sadly mine arrived dead on arrival so went for the xduoo x05 plus instead. Never looked back
Great review. Hip dac got very good sound but got 2 major flaw IMO, the volume wheel would go up without even touching it, and 2nd, the battery life is god awful.
How long are you getting and at what gain settings?
@@Satyajit_Dey always low gain, using Tidal mostly and was gettin about 6 hours or so.
@@TanoBeas what? now that's low. Low gain and only 6 hrs?
@@Satyajit_Dey Yeah. I sent it back after 15 days. Was pretty dissapointed.
Is It possible to choose filters on Android?
Also, xbass is best bass boost for clinical, analytical headphones in my opinion..