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Showing 1 of 1590 conversations about:
Hottyson
32
Apr 20, 2019
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Spending more than $300 on an amp is wasting money. With this going to $400, it is definitely a no go for me. Yes, this amp will sound good, but in the mean time I just ordered a Liquid Spark from Monoprice for $100 AND I ordered a JDS Labs Atom for $100. Think about it. I have TWO amps for $200 which leaves me $200 cash in my pocket to put towards more equipment. Heck, I could even purchase a THX AAA amp that has a DAC for $250 at Monoprice.
So do yourself a favor and just wait for the hype to die down. This amp should be selling for under $300 as THX AAA technology spreads to other devices.
(Edited)
tt_morgan
0
Apr 20, 2019
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Hottysonwait isn't one good amp better than two 100$ amps? what you said makes no sense other than the 200$ you'll be saving, which some people are ready to spend on an amp that you won't ever need to upgrade.
Hottyson
32
Apr 21, 2019
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tt_morganTHX AAA is supposed to bring high end audio down to the budget minded consumer. A budget minded price would be under $300. The demand is high right now so Massdrop can raise the price right now because of the hype. What I am saying is that no one should buy the 789 because the price is inflated. Just be patient for other products to carry THX AAA.
Hottyson
32
Apr 21, 2019
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RathsWhich is exactly why I stated that everyone else should just wait. THX AAA tech will be in other products at lower prices once other manufactures get on the ball.
serg_verg
17
Apr 21, 2019
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HottysonAtom is excelent choice but it deliver less power and can be weak for "hard" headphones.
>> as THX AAA technology spreads to other devices.
But it does not.
Hottyson
32
Apr 21, 2019
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RathsTHX portable is only $250 on sale right now. Plus, it has an onboard dac.
Hottyson
32
Apr 21, 2019
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serg_vergAccording to Amirm the $99 Atom is not weaker than the THX AAA 789, but actually stronger.
.
"The Atom actually has more than THX in its unbalanced headphone connection. The advantage of THX is balanced input if you pair it with a balanced output DAC to avoid ground loops. If you don't have ground loops then that doesn't matter."
.
So if you are not going balanced, (most budget consumers), then the Atom is a better choice and a savings of $300 over the Massdrop.
(Edited)
sjx007
26
Apr 21, 2019
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HottysonI am driving my headphones using Atom amp + SU-8 DAC. Has ample power and drives very good. All my headphones (HD600, HD6XX, HD58X, HE400i, AKG 702) really comes alive. Prior to Atom, I was driving them using NFB 11.28 and SMSL M6. But the Atom and SU-8 combo has really made my headphones perform at an elevated level.
Raths
168
Apr 21, 2019
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sjx007DT 1990 pros are fantastic. I would wait if you wanted a pair since beyer/MD did the 177X collab they did say if enough attention etc they would do the 1990s for the 199X collab.
The elex are my next set for definite, actually like them more than the utopias as the sound stage is 👌🏻
sjx007
26
Apr 21, 2019
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RathsThanks. That is good to know. Perhaps will wait on MD to potentially drop 1990. Last year in Axpona show I auditioned Focal Clear and Utopia and was absolutely floored. Never tried Elear / Elex. I wish there was a way to audition Elex. For sure Elex is my near term list 👌
(Edited)
donnyb99
11
Apr 23, 2019
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RathsYou've heard both the utopias and the elear and prefer the elear? A part of me envies you. A part of me thinks your ears might not work properly. Either way your wallet will thank you
Raths
168
Apr 23, 2019
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donnyb99The elex are basically the elears but better pads & also part clears. & Nope zeos agrees watch his review, the elex has a much better sound stage than the utopias. Having listened to them & on a qes labs reference amp which is just 🔥 i had to agree with him. & My ears work perfectly good thanks, can just appreciate that cost doesn't always mean better *cough* Chord.
Raths
168
Apr 23, 2019
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donnyb99Been waiting to grab a pair of these since it ovbs wasn't mine i was listening too since sadly which is still funny too me they dont ship to the UK. Soon coming to the EU drop, i am interested in what they will sound like on my 789. I think incredible tbh. Might have to see if i can borrow some elears to try on the 789 even tho they do have different signatures will be nice to compare tbh from a different amp
donnyb99
11
Apr 23, 2019
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RathsI have a pair of Utopias and had a pair of Elears. Both have gotten a ton of head time (100hrs+) Soundstage or no soundstage the Utopias are simply MILES ahead on everything from attack to transients to musicality. They are one of the most realistic sounding cans out there. I only prefer the Susvara to them and just can't see the Elears being considered relevant in that conversation. To each his own I guess.
MatthewHillman
30
Apr 23, 2019
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HottysonClearly not that expensive if the drop sold out of 500 units in less than an hour.
Raths
168
Apr 23, 2019
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MatthewHillmanDefinitely! Im waiting for the EU drop of the Elex which talking to MD the other day said that its coming fairly soon.
(Edited)
Raths
168
Apr 23, 2019
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MatthewHillmanOh nvm, thought you replied about the headphones. No EU drop on the SU-8. i bought my SU-8 from Amazon
(Edited)
MatthewHillman
30
Apr 23, 2019
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RathsWas going to say I was going to get it on amazon given it's only £189.99 :) Bit late for the EU drop on the CXs as i'm currently listening to music on them. lol
Raths
168
Apr 23, 2019
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MatthewHillmanYup! & Yeah EU drops are new but hopefully soon more things will be added like the focal Elex etc
Fabiosantos25
1
Apr 25, 2019
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HottysonYou can use rca input and balanced output with four times more power. Not truly balanced circuit but very well worth.
Usehername
107
Apr 28, 2019
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HottysonPlease let us know which of those two amps that you prefer after getting to know them.
Hottyson
32
Dec 15, 2019
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UsehernameBetween the Liquid Spark from Monoprice and JDS Labs Atom for $100, they are both good. At first the Atom will appear to sound better because the sound is bright and non-colored. However, after extensive listening to both with many headphones, the Liquid Spark is the better of the two. The sound is colored in a way that I like. Textures come through clearly in stringed instruments and also in some voices. I bought another Liquid Spark because I like it that much. Afterall, it was only $100.
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