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Showing 1 of 1589 conversations about:
terrandabo
14
May 31, 2019
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"Since we’ve moved this up from our Q4 2019 delivery schedule, these are currently the last production units scheduled for the year. We’re looking into increasing this, but this may be the last we see of the THX for a while."
This does not bode well for another run anytime soon. Perhaps a next gen item is in the works and will come out instead? Lesson learned. The next time I get the notice and it's in stock, I'm pressing Buy right away.
However, I'm also curious about an alternative. Something in a similar price range, with similar performance. I know I know... if it existed we wouldn't all be like crack fiends all over this thing.
postwarscars
1367
May 31, 2019
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terrandaboI got in today, but I could've bought them in the first few drops and didn't (big mistake on my part). I missed the 500 drop because I didn't see the notification, and got lucky to see the one today because I was extremely busy when it dropped. Didn't even hesitate this time.
But a serious alternative, minus balanced, is the JDS Atom. The biggest drawback is the cheap feel, but at $100 it's an amazing piece of technology. It's also from a company in my dad's home town, so I like supporting them.
Emix
53
May 31, 2019
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postwarscarsThe JDS Labs Atom is a very good little amp. It lets headphones come through with their distinct signatures, and that supports the impression it’s quite neutral. It handles the 600 Ohms DT 880 without any hint of strain, and planars like the HE4xx. Its small build makes it convenient to keep close, however you set up your listening environment. It is light, and it will follow you if you move about.
terrandabo
14
May 31, 2019
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postwarscarsJDS Labs is great... I have The Element. I'm happy with it, I just want to go balanced because... balanced! My dad's from MS, so MO's not far and I also like supporting cool upstart American companies.
Alas, I got the SMSL SU-8 balanced DAC, so I might just get their balanced headphone amp, the SH-8, for about 200 bucks. Z Reviews on YT gave it a good review and at that price, it's not a heavy plunge.
ipiipi
4
May 31, 2019
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postwarscarsIf you don't need an XLR output, the RNHP headphone amp is a good alternative with clean and precise sound.
Kad998
27
May 31, 2019
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terrandaboMonoprice Thx 788 Desktop Amp/DAC . You won’t be disappointed. And you’ll get it in two days. Treat yourself
minty1
39
May 31, 2019
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postwarscarsI was lucky enough to get into this drop after watching Joshua V's youtube video on the drop. I love JDS products, currently running an EL AMP & EL DAC stack.
postwarscars
1367
May 31, 2019
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minty1I came incredibly close to getting the EL AMP, but I decided I'd hold out on price and get the Atom instead, and if I got the 789 (which I got into the drop, finally) I'd take the Atom to work. It worked out, I don't really need more than the Atom at my job, and the EL would've just sort of been a pricier version (though I prefer the look).
Still, imagine my shock when I found out JDS was from the horseradish capital of the world. No one even knows that place exists, expect maybe people in St. Louis.
DiMora
263
May 31, 2019
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Kad998I did that too; it sounds great. Plus it has a built-in dual channel DAC and parametric as well as shelf EQ, and it also has DIRAC sensaround. It doesn't test as well as the 789 on the bench, but it still sounds amazing to my ears with my Mr. Speaker closed Ether CX cans.
(Edited)
Kad998
27
Jun 1, 2019
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DiMoraYou're right! The EQ's are great and the DIRAC is absolutely wonderful when it's compatible with the recordings! Sometimes some music sounds better without it, but when it's good, it's GOOD. And I saw the measurement comparisons. The great thing (that wont resonate with some) is that just about everybody who compared them said the differences were inaudible. So I feel victorious with receiving this in 2 days instead of a 4 month minimum. Completely happy. This has actually stopped me from looking at Amps and Dacs. I'm finally back to looking at headphones again. Ready to keep extending the collection! How do you like the Ether CXs? I'm really looking into my first pair of Hifiman. The XX on here look tempting to me at the moment, as well as the Arya and the Ananda. I'm also in the middle of closing on a home and doing some renovations so I may have to grab the XX's for the time being. lol
Kad998
27
Jun 2, 2019
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petukcheleI wanted an RNHP so badly but went with the 788 solely due to the balanced output. I still go back and look at the RNHP weekly lol
petukchele
43
Jun 3, 2019
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Kad998RNHP makes every headphone you throw at it sing effortlessly. I have no idea how but it makes everything sound so wonderful. Uncanny.
A balanced connection throughout only helps if you are running into ground loops. Are you? The other reason could be power. RNHP has plenty power to drive anything. So, unless you are running into ground loops and will also be running balanced DACs , there is not reason you should wait for the THX.
(Edited)
ipiipi
4
Jun 3, 2019
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petukcheleprobably except for those headphones with high impedance (like 600 omh). Lack the power / punch when driving the likes of DT990 / vintage Sennheiser HD540 (which I own), otherwise it's good for most headphones.
Kad998
27
Jun 3, 2019
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petukcheleI got the balanced option for power moreso than anything. I also thought I’d run the 788 with a balanced DAC but the internal DAC sounded better than when I hooked up anything externally.
So I’m still eyeing the RNHP but I’d love to compare it. If it’s extremely clinical then it’ll probably be a little too similar to the 788 to justify me getting it. But I love everything about it, the look, the pedigree, etc, etc
petukchele
43
Jun 3, 2019
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Kad998Ok to run the 788 with it's internal DAC - you don't really need a separate balanced DAC.
Kad998
27
Jun 3, 2019
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petukcheleOh absolutely! I gave up on that after about 15 minutes. Lol no regrets.
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