Proving once and For All the new Geshelli J2 is the best DAC under $1000

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  • Опубликовано: 12 июл 2024
  • Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2-so...
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Комментарии • 253

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад +3

    Geshelli Labs J2 geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
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    • @markrichards562
      @markrichards562 9 месяцев назад

      Randy, your Amazon Music playlists seem to be broken or missing or no longer public?

    • @bstatmeister
      @bstatmeister 3 месяца назад

      @cheapaudioman how does this compare to the Schiit bifrost 2?

  • @AG-bp3ll
    @AG-bp3ll 9 месяцев назад +4

    I spent $129 for a Modi+ and its fine. It takes digital and converts it to analog and the music doesn't sound like trash. Anything more than that is setting money on fire to me.

  • @jimallen1485
    @jimallen1485 9 месяцев назад +5

    I recently purchased the Z8. I have a Modi 3 and a Bifrost. The Eversolo brings out things in the music that I haven't heard in years or maybe never heard at all. In my opinion, the Eversolo is outstanding value for money.

  • @michaela.6698
    @michaela.6698 9 месяцев назад +9

    I LOVE my new J2 with the Sparkos op amps!!!! It’s like a breath of fresh air has been infused into my system. Detail, 3D imaging, fullness, etc. I know the phrase “I’m hearing things I’ve never heard before” is used a lot, but in this case it’s very true. Listening to Heart’s Dog & Butterfly album, the acoustic guitars on Dog & Butterfly (the song) are crisp and lifelike, with subtle plucking notes I’ve never heard in my zillion times of hearing the song. A real ear-opener! I’m glad you are hearing what I am. Fantastic DAC, period.

    • @Artemis_Prix
      @Artemis_Prix 9 месяцев назад +2

      Fullness = not thin.
      Drop the mic moment. Anything else?
      Seriously though, I own the 4499ex J2S and can attest to this description. The increase in the depth of the soundstage is immediately apparent...I estimate about 1-1/2 to 2 feet deeper soundstage compared to the 4493 J2 which I also own.

    • @michaela.6698
      @michaela.6698 9 месяцев назад +2

      That’s all you took away from the description? You should get one, then you’ll understand. I apologize for not using proper audiophile terms, but that word was apt for my experience with this DAC. Instruments coming from everywhere, wide, deep and high. How about room filling? Compared to my Burr-Brown DAC, it’s absolutely fat. 😉

    • @michaela.6698
      @michaela.6698 9 месяцев назад

      @@crazyprayingmantis5596 I get that. I wrote what I did right after listening to one of my favorite albums, which I tried to describe my feelings about what I just heard. When describing the sound, that’s one of the words that struck me. I guess fuller meant simply more of everything compared to what I had been hearing through my previous DACs. You are correct, it is hard to describe sound in terms of size or textures. My experience with this piece of equipment was really a pleasure.

  • @ulises3113
    @ulises3113 9 месяцев назад +1

    Good morning,
    Thanks again for your work.
    These kinds of videos are complicated. We are all happy to know which of the two is better. Those who bought it will be even happier to hear you say it, others with the Eversolo will be less happy, hence their reactions.
    For me the real problem is the price, and I think it's too expensive, much too expensive especially when you know that in a DAC, from one range to another it's small steps for a price multiplied by 3, 4.
    I just ordered SMSL M300SE (new version), SMSL DL200 ES9039Q2M and the Fanmusic S.M.S.L SU-1. I have a zidoo neo s with 9068SA. So I'll keep you posted

  • @dtracy03ss
    @dtracy03ss 9 месяцев назад

    These Guys Customer Service is awesome too! Very Customer oriented USA built Product! Sent a Question at Midnight and received an Answer within 20 minutes from Sherri.
    Very Customer oriented!

  • @b30sail
    @b30sail 9 месяцев назад +9

    An observation about streaming source and the new J2EX. I have the J2 being fed optically from both a Wiim mini and from my TV. The sound quality between the two sources is big and potentially can effect whether or not the upgraded J2 is worth it. Streaming from the TV, either with Chromecast or Roku greatly reduces the difference from my old ESS J2 to my new 4499 + Sparkos J2. The 3 dimensionality and increased clarity is lost or greatly reduced. When streaming through the Wiim, the 3 dimensionality and increased clarity of the upgraded J2 is striking. The difference between the 2 sources when using the older J2 was subtle.
    My takeaway is that the streaming source will effect the performance of the better dac more than I would have guessed

    • @Artemis_Prix
      @Artemis_Prix 9 месяцев назад +3

      Interesting. Re the J2 4493, I too A/B tested sources between the WiiM mini and my Sony TV via optical. The Sony won hands down which I attribute to a much higher quality power supply in the TV compared to the cheap one that comes with the WiiM.
      Re the 4499ex J2S, I don't doubt your experience because the two DACs work on different principles...voltage vs current amplification. I have been told the current based DACs really benefit from the use of a LPS. I plan to buy one for my 4499ex J2S to test out, but that will take time. In the interim, I'll repeat the same WiiM vs Sony A/B test and see if I experience the same thing you did. Let's see.

  • @ChrisWilliams-hv6on
    @ChrisWilliams-hv6on 9 месяцев назад

    I have the 4499 and McIntosh 752 amp and klipsch forte1 the most simple best sounding quietest combo I have listened to in a long time. J2 is amazing with right combo. Great review.

  • @Scrufboy
    @Scrufboy 9 месяцев назад +2

    It will have to be listened to... But I think the onky delta sigma DAC that will top the J2 now is the Gustard A26. Two AKM4499EX and one AKM4191EQ, two linear supplies - one for each 4499EX. Top notch components and a really great circuit layout.

  • @bengleason508
    @bengleason508 9 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you Randy

  • @danielcaswell9945
    @danielcaswell9945 9 месяцев назад +15

    Friends and I recently a-b'd an original J2 akm to a denifrips Ares 2. Unanimously agreed the J2 was very good but Ares was a major level up. I'm curious how close the upgraded new J2 would get especially with the price gap being closed. We were running both DACs to KLH model 5's on a Yamaha AS-2200.

    • @lazzzzze1
      @lazzzzze1 9 месяцев назад +1

      Would love to know this as well. There are also 2 updates for the ares II, which have different sound signatures depending on what you like.

    • @danielcaswell9945
      @danielcaswell9945 9 месяцев назад

      @@lazzzzze1 I haven't updated yet but will likely soon. An updated review after update would be good content for Randy.

    • @Mark198d
      @Mark198d 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@danielcaswell9945 Don't think that will happen as Randy gave away his Ares II when he got the AK4493 J2.

    • @alvidrez7956
      @alvidrez7956 6 месяцев назад +3

      R2R dacs can't be touched . They just are in a different class

  • @Feliciano12v
    @Feliciano12v 9 месяцев назад +6

    I'm tempted to try that new J2 with sparco op amps. It'd be a J2 V Ares II showdown. 🤔

  • @nacarp2000
    @nacarp2000 9 месяцев назад +5

    Nope, I think you did great. I had the J2 AKM 4493 and sold it to a friend as I'm looking to get the 4499EX. The 4493 was amazing and as good as my Denafrips Pontus II that only back to back testing could tell them apart. J2 slightly punchier bass, Pontus II slightly better air.

  • @markbessert1883
    @markbessert1883 9 месяцев назад +5

    I’m happy with my current J2.

  • @Ian-wh8ut
    @Ian-wh8ut 9 месяцев назад

    it feels like ther was a months worth of humor and info in this single vid.thanks!

  • @lexiconthx1
    @lexiconthx1 9 месяцев назад +2

    Geshelli has been making really great sounding stuff. I was really impressed with their setup at axpona. Their stuff is a great value for sure. Most dacs with a volume control are digital volume that hurts sound quality. Not sure how the ever solo handles volume so I will not comment on that dac. Glad to hear great things about the geshelli. Also thanks for testing with real music.

    • @Scrufboy
      @Scrufboy 9 месяцев назад

      This csn definitely be true if the volume control isn't lossless

  • @brianjones8938
    @brianjones8938 9 месяцев назад

    You're The Man Randy! Thanks for sticking up for the common man!

  • @MrKendemang
    @MrKendemang 9 месяцев назад

    I ordered the new AKM 4499 J2S with sparkos as well as the 3.0 Headphone amp (matching wood of course), your video's convinced me!!! thank you for sharing, Im super pumped up!

  • @JTB--
    @JTB-- 9 месяцев назад +5

    I ordered a 4499 yesterday. Sparkos on the XLR only with USB. I went with 100% Zebra Wood. Will stack with A3 Pro amp

    • @robinkleinsteuber5217
      @robinkleinsteuber5217 9 месяцев назад

      👍 I'm thinking of the same thing. Already have the Archel 3 Pro 😊. I'll probably get the J2 (AK)4499 with Sparkos op amps throughout. I'm still deciding about the USB option for possible versatility with my Mac G5 tower. Great stuff! 👍

    • @JTB--
      @JTB-- 9 месяцев назад

      @@robinkleinsteuber5217 Nice. After taking a leap of faith on the A3 Pro and being very happy with it(tremendous bang for the buck) I was very confident ordering the AK4499 DAC. Building this Geshelli stack is the way to go. "This is THE WAY"

  • @jaredpmoser
    @jaredpmoser 9 месяцев назад +5

    How does the J2 fair against Denafrips Ares

  • @Oldcrow77
    @Oldcrow77 9 месяцев назад +2

    I’m needing a new chair too.
    Looking forward to your A/B comparison on desk chairs under 300.00

  • @Spierdalajyoutube
    @Spierdalajyoutube 9 месяцев назад +2

    I have compared eversolo, schiit, node and few more with chord qutest and I can say...
    Chord is a different league.
    I bought chord for 699 and I can't be happier.

  • @tallpaull9367
    @tallpaull9367 9 месяцев назад +6

    Gashelli J2 AKM4499 vs Topping E70 AKM4499 would be the best shootout.

    • @mattrismatt
      @mattrismatt 9 месяцев назад

      The Topping D70 Octo is the same price as Geshelli's top-spec'd DAC... and has a menu, UI, physical knob, and buttons that destroy the J2... but is made in China and no wood case option.

  • @christian2123
    @christian2123 9 месяцев назад

    Loved the comparison!! The screen and the casework on the Z8 do it for me. Would love it if the J2 had an option to have the 2nd coax and optical on the back instead of the front. That and even just and backlit led number panel that shows 1, 2,3,4...instead of the light pattern.

  • @chuckmaddison2924
    @chuckmaddison2924 9 месяцев назад

    I just had to go and check out Bruce and the cowbell.
    Reminds me of the company i was with, give us more batteries. If we went to a customer with any problem the answer was always sell them more batteries, we have KPI's to achieve.

  • @Mark198d
    @Mark198d 9 месяцев назад +21

    I think your intentions are good, but personally it's difficult for me to take what you say re: the J2 without some reservations because I don't know if you can be totally impartial/unbiased in your assessments of the sound vs. other products because of your friendship with the company. There's nothing wrong with being friends with these manufacturers, but when you make grand statements like "The J2 destroys high end audio" and "walks all over DACs costing multiple times what the J2 costs" you are going to receive some push back. And none of your sound comparisons are done blind so it's impossible to remove bias. Also Geshelli Labs has outstanding customer service and seem like great people so I can see why you would be rooting for them to succeed.
    But there is nothing engineering wise that Geshelli Labs is doing with the J2 that is radically different from what Topping, SMSL, or Gustard are doing with their delta-sigma chip based DACs. They're all using top of the line AKM or ESS Sabre chips with op-amp output stages and switching mode power supplies. Actually Gustard and SMSL use two AK4499EX chips in dual mono configuration and Gustard's A26 even has a linear power supply with two separate toroidal transformers, so if anything they are operating at a higher level engineering wise.
    Now I haven't heard this specific J2 spec'd with the AKM4499EX and Sparkos op-amps, but I have owned the J2 with the ESS Sabre chip, and it was just okay IMO. But nothing that made it stand out from the other capable delta-sigma chip DACs I've owned from Topping, Schiit, and SMSL. So I'm a bit skeptical about this new J2 blowing everything else away under $1k or even more. You've said it yourself that a DAC chip is not what makes a DAC great, so why should I expect this new AKM4499EX J2 to be so much better than the ESS Sabre version that I owned?
    Not hating on you, just my viewpoint.

    • @carsten8111
      @carsten8111 9 месяцев назад +3

      Your second paragraph made me think of something…. if Randy does go ahead with the podcast idea and interviews some of the smaller builders (ie: schitt, geshelli), it would be interesting to have them explain how they tune the output stage, after the common op-amp. Like, do they just swap out resistors and capacitors randomly to see what sounds best, or do they target a specific component? (“Hmmm… this capacitor needs a few more microfarads.”)
      Also, assuming it would be a similar situation, but in the guitar pedal building community, even the way the PCB is laid out (despite having the exact same components and signal path) can have a pretty large impact on the sound, due to issues like crosstalk, etc.

    • @topspin4hand
      @topspin4hand 9 месяцев назад +2

      To summarize what you wrote then, the J2 has a worse power supply than many other DACs but can use more expensive op amps from Sparkos. Perhaps this combo can make it the best DAC under $1000? I myself doubt it, but it reminds me of a review on the iwii channel of the Aune X8 DAC that allows swapping of opamps too. That review says the X8 can be turned into one of the best DACs under $1000 with similar upgrades, but it still has some weaknesses. This channel isn't the best at comparisons...the J2 is probably a good at under $1k, but the best? Probably not.

    • @Mark198d
      @Mark198d 9 месяцев назад

      @@topspin4hand A summary of what I wrote is that Randy thinks the new J2 "destroys" every DAC up to $1k, but I am skeptical because on paper, I don't think it's much different than similar AK4499EX based offerings from Topping (E70V) and SMSL (D0300EX, D400EX, D400PRO). And I think much of his enthusiasm may be (even subconsciously) due to bias from his friendship with Geshelli Labs. And I'm not accusing him or them of shilling or paying for reviews, I just think it's natural to want your friends to be successful.
      And I would have no problems with him stating "this is my favorite DAC", but hyperbolic statements like the title of this video just kind of irk me. Especially when Randy has demonstrated that he's not up-to-date on the latest DACs in this price segment to declare this. In the live chat, someone tried to inform him that this J2 was not the first AK4499EX based DAC, and he seemed to think that person was incorrect until he googled the Topping E70 Velvet, which has been out for almost a year.
      There is a video on this channel from 5 months ago titled "Geshelli Labs Shocks Axpona with First AK4499 DAC", which is just patently false. SMSL and Topping have had these DACs out for 10+ months. It's odd that he would think that Geshelli would beat SMSL or Topping to market with a new AK4499EX DAC when those companies are way bigger than Geshelli. More evidence that he is biased towards them because that seems illogical to believe that.

    • @davidmeyer1054
      @davidmeyer1054 9 месяцев назад +1

      Is there an audiobook version of this rambling mess?

    • @ChrisStoneinator
      @ChrisStoneinator 6 месяцев назад

      @@davidmeyer1054 You want some Subway Surfers with that buddy? Thought we were adults around here.

  • @jamesminotto8036
    @jamesminotto8036 9 месяцев назад +6

    I like the Geshelli and I do not like the front inputs. Too bad they don't offer an option for no front inputs. It just does not please me aesthetically. Thanks again, Randy.

    • @tikilord66
      @tikilord66 9 месяцев назад +1

      This and some people may need them but an option for no xlr my gear cant use it and may save a few bucks.

    • @HarakiriRokku
      @HarakiriRokku 9 месяцев назад

      @@tikilord66 This. Yes please.

  • @ginom407
    @ginom407 9 месяцев назад +1

    I love my Sabre DAC J2!!! Should I ever want an upgrade I'd go with the 4499 Sparkos J2S. Why Not...!

  • @timomy8
    @timomy8 9 месяцев назад +1

    Hey Randy thanks for taking the time to dig into the weeds a little more 😊
    Do you think the poorer recordings would hamper performance of both DACs?

  • @user-sh5jw5oq5s
    @user-sh5jw5oq5s 8 месяцев назад

    I'm one of those that need the volume control (and remote)... for now anyway. I just so happened to see that there was 1 Ever Solo left on Amazon and I jumped on it. I'll try to comment again on what I think. I need a dedicated amp though but I'm sure it will be a big upgrade from DAC in my old HK home theatre amp that I'm currently using. Thanks again audio man for all the reviews and videos! Next up is the Emotiva stereo amp. Probably the big one cause they are only powering the Uni-Fi 2.0's but those little speakers are power hungry and it gives me room for improvement if I want to upgrade speakers down the road. I tend to follow Andrew Jones and I'd love to hear his new MoFi's!

  • @Superman54
    @Superman54 9 месяцев назад +5

    The real question is… how does the j2 compare with the bifrost and the ares 2. Like seriously why isn’t someone doing this video?

    • @JMJM75257
      @JMJM75257 9 месяцев назад

      Agreed and also the other ak4499ex dacs such as smsl ao300ex, sabaj a20d 2023 and topping e70 velvet.

  • @DoctorPoo
    @DoctorPoo 9 месяцев назад

    Got the akm j2 with sparkos on the RCA for my headphone setup earlier this year and I’m good with it. Seems like your review put more emphasis on speaker improvements with these so that helps me avoid the fomo.

  • @tedthomas9809
    @tedthomas9809 7 месяцев назад

    Iwould still deck out the Geshelli to the max and be happy with the price and outcome. Great equipment-- never let down by Geshelli.😂

  • @pdcragin33
    @pdcragin33 9 месяцев назад +2

    Geez, I was all stoked for Emotiva XDA-3 when you were clearly taken with the G J2 4499 Sparkos. I don’t actually need all the XDA preamp functions so on sound quality alone I’m guessing you’d lean J2, Randy?

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix 9 месяцев назад +2

    You can buy a replacement gas strut for your chair instead of buying a new chair. Just need to know size of strut.
    Contact manufacturer to see if they'll send you a replacement strut under warranty.

  • @stevenkruger587
    @stevenkruger587 9 месяцев назад +1

    Love the review.. few questions:
    1. Wondering if you or anyone has tried an upgraded external linear power supply with the Geshelli.
    2. Have you tested the sound quality on the J2 between USB and SPDIF?
    3. Last, would love to see a comparison of the new 4499 J2 decked out with Sparkos against the Schiit Bifrost 2/64, which I personally use and think is the best DAC right now for the price

  • @christopherbusby2243
    @christopherbusby2243 5 месяцев назад

    Get you a steelcase chair my dude. Best buy I ever made.

  • @tallpaull9367
    @tallpaull9367 9 месяцев назад +2

    Wiim with Gashelli Labs J2 vs. Orchard Audio PeanPi Plus (also AKM4499) would be a great shootout

  • @lazzzzze1
    @lazzzzze1 9 месяцев назад +3

    Until we see a blind test, all bets are off. Remember the audioquest power cable video?

  • @dtracy03ss
    @dtracy03ss 9 месяцев назад +2

    I'm looking for American built quality and most importantly Soundstage And Quality of Sound , not so much what Eveyone Else says, but I'm glad this video was done!!

  • @broom150
    @broom150 9 месяцев назад +5

    I've had a 4493 j2 for years now and time to retire it to my secondary system. I had been eyeing the Z8 but really had no use for screen(even though it's kind of cool), using as pre amp or bluetooth so never pulled the trigger on one. In comes the 4499 J2. I love that Geshelli gave me the option to get exactly what I wanted just the 4499 chip set and sparkos SS3602 for the RCAs with the option to update the balanced output if one day i have another amp with XLR.

    • @TheEchelon
      @TheEchelon 9 месяцев назад

      You experienced any difference between the 4493 and the 4499?

    • @broom150
      @broom150 9 месяцев назад

      @TheEchelon can't say yet order a couple weeks ago and haven't received just yet.

  • @tobyweisz
    @tobyweisz 9 месяцев назад +1

    Have you heard the j2 akm4493 socketed with the sparcos opamps? Looking to upgrade from Emotiva pt2 dac but $170 extra for the 4499 chip feels like more than I want to spend.

  • @welderfixer
    @welderfixer 9 месяцев назад

    G Labs - best of the best!! Wish I could get one.

  • @BostonMike68
    @BostonMike68 9 месяцев назад +2

    I'm happy with my smsl su 1 for $80 it's tough to beat my speakers are where all my money is

  • @neilhutchison222
    @neilhutchison222 9 месяцев назад +3

    Randy’s a G-Labs fan boy

  • @naastradamus
    @naastradamus 8 месяцев назад +1

    I've just upgraded to a Pine Tree Audio linear PSU for my basic J2 with AKM4493. The difference is not small. Bigger soundstage . More 3D. "Smoother" sound, if that makes sense. Similar to Ares ii (which I just sold) but with added detail/resolution. The music is more immersive. From what I'm seeing reported about the new 4499EX version with Sparkos upgrades, this is a similar effect. So of course, now I'm wondering how the new 4499EX J2, fully-upgraded, would perform with the linear PSU, when compared to what I already have. The fomo is real. Where's Neil? He's probably got the answer.

  • @KPG9999
    @KPG9999 9 месяцев назад +11

    I’m not sure if I would call $500-700 a “tremendous value” for a DAC. Something like a SMSL SU-1 with the remaining $420-620 towards a speaker upgrade would go much further in my opinion. Sure if your speakers are already worth thousands of dollars and you already have an extremely expensive amp it could be a worthwhile investment… but I don’t think that’s most of us. And I’m still not sure it’s a tremendous value if you’re in that position anyways.

    • @ChrisStoneinator
      @ChrisStoneinator 6 месяцев назад

      You can't just say "in my opinion" after spouting uninformed nonsense, circumvent the meaning of the term "value", and slip under the radar. How much have you experimented with allocating system budgets proportionally to different components? Have you actually tried taking money out of the DAC and putting it in the speaker? Have you paired this with a well matched $600 speaker and compared that against the SU-1 with a well matched $1200 speaker? Would love to hear your findings.

  • @yuvalfledel1922
    @yuvalfledel1922 9 месяцев назад +1

    Can't wait for your chair reviews! (Timestamp 5:00)

  • @riffraff9000
    @riffraff9000 9 месяцев назад +1

    I think I'll stick with my Bifrost 2/64. It's not nearly as fugly as the J2. 🤣 🤘🤘

  • @curtiswagner951
    @curtiswagner951 Месяц назад

    I just got a WiiM pro plus not too long ago, love it. However, can I run it through the Geshelli labs j2 via coax for EVEN BETTER SOUND????
    My worry of course is that I won’t see a difference because it’s already running through the DAC onboard the WIIM. Any help would be appreciated.

  • @JR-ho5qm
    @JR-ho5qm 9 месяцев назад +3

    Unfortunately with the lack of comparisons I’m starting to get worried that the new Emotiva XDA Gen3 DAC is not in the same ballpark as some of the better DACs on the market. Dam I was really looking forward to Emotiva having something to bring to the table in this area. Does anyone know how the DAC in the new XDA Gen3 compares to the DAC in the PT100?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад +5

      I need to do that comparison. No reason I haven’t other than forgetting.

    • @JR-ho5qm
      @JR-ho5qm 9 месяцев назад

      @@cheapaudioman thanks pal! Your great at what you do, and cover more equipment than anyone else. Thanks for your contribution

    • @gregoryfrassetti1276
      @gregoryfrassetti1276 9 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@cheapaudiomanyes please do. I like the HDMI ARC that the Emotiva has while non other do. Let's hear about this comparison next.

    • @Qurph1
      @Qurph1 7 месяцев назад +1

      Have a PT2 preamp & a J2 (J2S on backorder!). The PT2 was a stark improvement over my Sony cd player & laptop DACs, but well outclassed by the J2. This is what got me going on my DAC journey...

  • @kraig7777
    @kraig7777 9 месяцев назад

    0:18 My dog barked long with your dog. Her name is Phoebe, I like to call her Anyone But Korn! ;)

  • @ren67s2
    @ren67s2 9 месяцев назад +3

    how dose the emotive xda-3 compare to these 2 dacs

    • @jessewebber9245
      @jessewebber9245 9 месяцев назад +1

      I would have liked that thrown in too. Similar price.

  • @JMJM75257
    @JMJM75257 9 месяцев назад

    You need to get a hold of the smsl ao300ex, sabaj a20d 2023 edition and the topping e70 velvet and do some comparisons to the j2. All have ak4499ex chip.

  • @greatpix
    @greatpix 9 месяцев назад +1

    If there's a Sparkos upgrade available for the Fosi Audio V3 how about a review of that?

  • @dentman67
    @dentman67 9 месяцев назад

    Great play list. Yes all are bad sounding, but great music.

  • @gavelsen8493
    @gavelsen8493 9 месяцев назад

    Wish I could find a place near me to listen to these. But it seems hard to find. And with customs, big bet.

  • @gregoryfrassetti1276
    @gregoryfrassetti1276 9 месяцев назад +1

    I'm surprised that you went with the Z8 for the comparison. Would have rather liked to hear the comparison with the Emotiva Reference Dac, the XDA i believe, instead. Make it so please.

  • @2shoestoo
    @2shoestoo 9 месяцев назад

    You need to get a jack stand to support your chair I might have an extra in the garage you can have 😀

  • @soundhead18
    @soundhead18 21 день назад

    Fortunate Son isn’t recorded bad. 😂 It’s probably a different sound than you’re used to, but it’s not a bad recording. The album released in 1969, keep in mind. Also, if I remember correctly, it sounds quite a bit better on vinyl.

  • @user-fq6fi1qt6i
    @user-fq6fi1qt6i 9 месяцев назад +3

    Randy I enjoy your reviews but on this one have one issue. I don’t question your evaluation of the sound quality or the outcome of the review. My issue is that your J2 was custom made for you. They created a special unit just for you. It has a cheapaudio man label. This could create a contextual bias. The bottom line is that heard what you heard and I respect that.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад +4

      if you watch the dedicated video I talked about the differences with the stock op amps and the burson. as the dac can be configured differently I chose my favorite combo with the sparkos. with the stock TI chips or the burson op amps this would have been a different outcome. I'll be the first one to say that I'm biased towards Geshelli labs, schiit, and emotiva. I love all of their products. I report what I hear but I can't help liking people at the companies. Ultimately it's up to the viewer to believe if I"m being honest or being a shill or marketer. I can't control what people think. I can only control what I do. If my enthusiasm towards a product or company calls my integrity into question then I accept that. But I"m either a lying shill or I'm not and I can sleep just fine at night. I get excited about a lot of products. It's interesting... when I give negative reviews people call my opinions into question. When I get very positive reviews people call my opinion into questions. I've been doing this long enough to realize that someone is going to have a problem if I say that the sky is blue during the day. So... I do my thing. I listen and report what I hear. Am I biased? Absolutely.

    • @Can_Of_Beans42
      @Can_Of_Beans42 9 месяцев назад

      Now you listen to me, young man! You really turned me off when you gave Emotiva a pass on their outdated hdmi horseshit. Then did a video saying you don't need hdmi 2.1. It was pandering and I hated it. Still watched the videos cuz I'm always entertained. No, really. But I still kinda thought negatively of you. You know why. And then you write this. So honest and frank and succinct and I applaud you good sir. Well spoken, and well played. That paragraph is the best thing you've done. Take care now, ya hear?@@cheapaudioman

  • @donewert1678
    @donewert1678 9 месяцев назад

    I got a fever, and the only prescription is....more cowbell! (well and maybe one of those J2 DACs)

  • @Norman-bone13
    @Norman-bone13 2 дня назад

    More Cowbell! 🎵

  • @Paul-tw3yi
    @Paul-tw3yi 9 месяцев назад

    I'm thinking about buying the Eversolo to play it on my 5.1 system and the J2 on my desk computer

  • @ltlai9465
    @ltlai9465 9 месяцев назад

    How about the SMSL SU-10 (dual ES90038PRO chips), D400EX (dual AK4499EX chips) and their newly launch VMV series D2R (single BD34301EKV chip from ROHM)? All of them are sub $1,000 product, just curious to know. Any chance to review them? Have compared the new SU-10 with their previous old flagship D1 (also with dual ES90038PRO CHIPS too), quite some diffrences and improvements on the SU-10, maybe due the new circuit design and deployments.

  • @johnnyr7791
    @johnnyr7791 9 месяцев назад

    The Eversolo Z-8 was $699 on Amazon when I bought one. I compared the Z-8, Schiit modi + & Geshelli J2s 4493 with Sparkos about a month or so ago and ended up returning the Z-8 & J2s. Between the Schiit Modi + & J2s the Modi + easily sounded better to my ears. The Z-8 & modi + was really close in sound comparison, but with the price difference I returned the Z-8.

    • @waltergist8923
      @waltergist8923 9 месяцев назад

      maybe i'm not reading your comment correctly but I don't understand "but with the price difference I returned to the Z-8.) Isn't the Z-8 the most expensive?

    • @johnnyr7791
      @johnnyr7791 9 месяцев назад

      Yes, in the second sentence I put I returned the Z-8 & J2s. So between the Schiit Modi + price of $130 to the Z-8 $699 I returned the Z-8 since sound comparison was so close. @@waltergist8923

    • @ii1825
      @ii1825 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@waltergist8923 I think they mean the performance difference didn't justify the price difference. So they went with the cheaper but almost as good option. At least that's how I read it.

    • @lsaideOK
      @lsaideOK 9 месяцев назад

      ​@@waltergist8923what I'm reading is that the small difference in audio quality that might favor the Z8 over the modi + is not worth the very large price difference. The modi+ is $129

    • @waltergist8923
      @waltergist8923 9 месяцев назад

      yes, i misread the comment, sorry@@ii1825

  • @NosEL34
    @NosEL34 9 месяцев назад +1

    Rat tailed Jimmy is a second hand hood, he deals out in Hollywood.

  • @ionutsborbe6405
    @ionutsborbe6405 9 месяцев назад

    First thanks a lot for your amazing content ! Can you help me pls with an advise?
    I’m looking for a streamer to change my audiolab 6000n , i,m in between buy Eversolo dmp a6 master use it as a dac and streamer
    …….or keep my audiolab 6000n and combine it with ever solo dac z8 !t thanks a lot for your time 🙏

  • @cbayardelle
    @cbayardelle 9 месяцев назад +7

    You will get more difference in sound by moving you’re speakers 6” in any direction
    Instead of comparing differences in dacs.

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад

      Good info

    • @b30sail
      @b30sail 9 месяцев назад +1

      I've been doing both over the last few days, and my experience differs. Regardless of the speakers position, the difference in dacs is quite noticeable

    • @mikelanier5617
      @mikelanier5617 9 месяцев назад +1

      You could take the speakers outside as well, and they will certainly sound different ! Zero to do with evaluating dacs, but so was your original comment 😂

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 9 месяцев назад +1

    This comes as no surprise to me.

  • @scottbaylor6215
    @scottbaylor6215 9 месяцев назад

    Yeah, I have a sinker chair too, I need to fix it.

  • @danieljung2810
    @danieljung2810 9 месяцев назад +2

    Gonna stick with the Topping E50, which has been measured through it's balanced outs to be one of the best price vs. performance values. I have a Bottlehead tube amp if I want to add any flavor to my sound. However, if you like the Geshelli sound then I agree this is the best DAC for you.

  • @jamesheenan648
    @jamesheenan648 9 месяцев назад +2

    You should get a sith audio chair.

  • @PhillioDoede
    @PhillioDoede 9 месяцев назад +1

    Z8 looks nice and all, and it "looks" really nice but all these features on a DAC are pretty useless to me. I think a better comparison would be the top J2 compared to the Bifrost 2/64, its purely a DAC and the I/O is very similar.

  • @MrPINKFL0YD
    @MrPINKFL0YD 9 месяцев назад +1

    That lil thing looks like a realistic reject from the 80's I could not own something that looks like that... No matter how good.

  • @RobertGerman
    @RobertGerman 9 месяцев назад

    Sith Audio office chairs? Boomshakalaka

  • @db029936
    @db029936 9 месяцев назад

    Cowbell !,! The best is by April Wine...Oowatanite play it!

  • @tonym8358
    @tonym8358 9 месяцев назад

    The question is J2 Ak4493 with sparkos opam vs Akm4499 with stock opamp...which one sounds better

    • @Artemis_Prix
      @Artemis_Prix 9 месяцев назад +3

      Don't know if getting the Sparkos within the J2 4493 is possible without DIY soldering. But, that is available via the J2S version...just not the J2 version.
      But, with that said, I'll refer you to Passion for Sounds review / comparison between the 4493 J2 and the 4499ex with and without the Sparkos op-amps.
      Not exactly what you're looking for, but close enough.
      Good luck.

  • @HomeTheatre101
    @HomeTheatre101 9 месяцев назад +2

    Was interested until I saw the Opitcal and Coaxial Inputs on the front, my OCD can’t handle that lol. Nice otherwise ✅🍿

    • @Artemis_Prix
      @Artemis_Prix 9 месяцев назад +1

      Admittedly, I also had the same thought...until I had a need for the front optical input.
      Then, my perspective changed entirely and now I love that feature...unique as it may be amongst virtually all of the DACs.

    • @davidmeyer1054
      @davidmeyer1054 9 месяцев назад

      Grow up.

  • @MCMTL
    @MCMTL 9 месяцев назад

    Get yourself a Herman Miller Embody. It's pricey but it comes with a 12 year warranty and your back will thank you. You're welcome. Cheers from Montreal.

  • @dero9115
    @dero9115 9 месяцев назад +1

    Please compare emotiva differential to the j2

  • @lamarw9901
    @lamarw9901 9 месяцев назад +1

    Time to start up cheep chair guy. Working from home, I'd watch some reviews.

  • @tmc28
    @tmc28 9 месяцев назад

    Your off the cuff Walken was pretty good. When you become self conscious about it, you lost the vibe. That J2 is looking pretty sweet😎

  • @schweatty
    @schweatty 9 месяцев назад

    So if i run a geshelli dac with sparkos lab op amps into my sansui 9090db with sparkos labs op amps, will my house implodelike the ending of poltergeist?

  • @SyzygyNoon
    @SyzygyNoon 9 месяцев назад

    You’ve either got an axe to grind or a not axe that you aren’t at all grinding. I just know you have something to say, here, that deserves to be heard.
    (Also, I’m not aware of a circumstance wherein more cowbell is in any way not the cure for one’s ills.)
    I’m just going to keep adding on to this reply because it’s going to, most likely, get your attention. Randy, would you, in your advanced wisdom and grace, be willing to review the Arylic BP50 pre-amp? It’s what you asked for in your review of the B50 amp. It’s way cheaper, and has funny little DAC outputs, plus standard RCA. You asked for it. What say you, kind sir?

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад

      I'll have to get one in. they're not talking to me anymore so I'll have to buy it

  • @m4nc1n1
    @m4nc1n1 9 месяцев назад +1

    Summit Hi-Fi has the Z8 for $699

  • @robertsc1
    @robertsc1 9 месяцев назад

    I would argue that for the kind of money you are talking about once options are added, the RME ADI-2 Dac would be a far better choice. Personally i wouldn't spend $1000 without support from a company who are likely to be around in 5 years

  • @ferchur4833
    @ferchur4833 9 месяцев назад +3

    Nice comparison. However I think that the DAC to beat at USD800 would be the ARES 2.

  • @upitshak
    @upitshak 24 дня назад

    Hi, is worthwhile to connect geshelli j2 to a class d chinese amp (300$)

  • @kevindillinger3699
    @kevindillinger3699 9 месяцев назад

    On the J2 what is the USB used for.

    • @Brian_Romska
      @Brian_Romska 9 месяцев назад +2

      It’s the dac input from your pc or phone or whatever, just need that usb b or whatever that printer style connection is called

    • @jayem1826
      @jayem1826 8 месяцев назад

      @@Brian_Romskait’s called usb b

  • @Scrufboy
    @Scrufboy 9 месяцев назад

    You cannot put Bursons in the J2 without using extenders. The case is too short for them to stand up.

  • @tonymolina7744
    @tonymolina7744 9 месяцев назад

    Like like like like like like and subscribe! Nice job Mr Randy.🙃

    • @stevezeidman7224
      @stevezeidman7224 9 месяцев назад

      Are you saying they don’t all do that?

    • @tonymolina7744
      @tonymolina7744 9 месяцев назад

      @@stevezeidman7224 errr, they should IMO. Just sayin'

  • @Andy.Garcia
    @Andy.Garcia 9 месяцев назад +1

    Yes, you did.

  • @tice2229
    @tice2229 9 месяцев назад

    Just found out I wasn’t even subscribed 😱 fixed that. Hopefully it helps towards 200k

  • @BostonMike68
    @BostonMike68 9 месяцев назад +2

    I get suspect when I see the company putting the reviewers name and making him his own customized dac .Js

    • @cheapaudioman
      @cheapaudioman  9 месяцев назад +1

      you should be. they've paid me in burritos and wooden boxes before.

    • @ordinaryjoe2247
      @ordinaryjoe2247 9 месяцев назад

      ​@@cheapaudiomanFor the next one, it would be GREAT if they'd put a Sith Audio badge on it!

  • @georgeschulte5581
    @georgeschulte5581 8 месяцев назад

    THIS IS NEW !! Pro-Ject Pre box s2 digital - edition 23

  • @JohnScheppler
    @JohnScheppler 9 месяцев назад

    Geshelli Labs Burritos All Day! GAME OVER! 🌯

  • @bruceandt
    @bruceandt 9 месяцев назад

    I have to go to DAC school.
    Is the creating of listening bits getting to a point beyond average hearing perspective?
    Do I need to be 20 years old again to hear these differences.

  • @JoseFerreira-zb7wh
    @JoseFerreira-zb7wh 9 месяцев назад +1

    You need to review the Arylic BP50! Seems like the perfect partner for all those cheaper (good) amps from Fosi, Aiyima and the sorts.

  • @middleearthltd
    @middleearthltd 5 месяцев назад

    The 4499 with Sparkos is the best DAC up to $1k
    I was a doubter but too many reviewers have come to that same conclusion.