Massdrop x Grace Design m9XX DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x Grace Design m9XX DAC/Amp

Oct 29, 2015

I won't compare this to the Odac/O2 stack, nor the Schiit stack, since I believe that the Aune X1S trumps them both at the same price (YMMV though). First sound impressions:
- Lots of detail, much more than any budget alternatives I heard. The best way I could explain it is it's sort of like the difference between no dac/amp to the first dac/amp you've had. Resolution here is outstanding, and definitely sets itself apart for the X1S in this regard. - Since I've only used it with the T90 so far, I can't have a definite result about the soundstage yet, but it's very good too. I think the X1S maybe has a a bigger soundstage with the T90, but to me that was the best thing about the X1S by far, and I can't confirm it without a direct A/B comparison. Compared to the ODAC/O2 and Schiit stack, I believe the m9XX has a larger soundstage. - Bass is not overly tight like the X1S, and it extends very low, which I'm really happy about. I'll talk about the X1S's bass a little later and other reasons why I prefer the m9XX in that regard, but I'll just say here that the m9XX is a lot more natural sounding in the lower regions, AFAIK. - Mids are also better on the m9XX, and should satisfy vocal lovers quite well. The X1S sounded flat in comparison. - Paired with the T90, it is very resolving, and recordings that aren't up to par will feel pretty lifeless and stringy. The X1S, while also resolving, makes youtube videos and non-high quality music more enjoyable.
This is only talking about the sound quality; in terms of features and build there is no question the m9XX takes the cake in regard to all the "budget" dac/amps I've seen, with multiple options for.... really everything. More will follow, and I'll try to post in the review multiple pairings so I can give a clearer explanation than "it sounds analytical and musical as well".
In regard to the bass of the X1S, it's very finnicky with planar magnetic's (giving the illusion that it doesn't have enough output power) such as HifiMan's offerings. I also wasn't too much of a fan of it paired with the AKG K7XX (for all you who joined in that drop). It sounds great with the T90, but I feel that it's a riskier investment compared to the m9XX (which should be a better all-rounder, will get back to you guys on that). If there's any specific questions, and I have time to answer them (I have a review to do by tomorrow xD), feel free to ask, and I'll answer if I can. My current headphones are the AKG K7XX, HifiMan HE400S, Beyer T90, Dunu Titan 1 and DN-2000J. Don't worry, I'll have access to demo'ing a lot more tomorrow, and I'll try to give impressions with as many as I can :)

Oct 29, 2015

Jedi

881

Oct 30, 2015

avitron142Fantastic. Do tell whether you come across some IEM headphones. I am interested in whether hiss is quieted or eliminated. I find that the Sound Blaster E5 has hiss when you first plug in the headphones but seems to eliminate once music is played using the Groove App on my Surface Pro 3 with Windows 10.
Also would like to know whether you have a windows 10 computer and have installed the drivers. Grace Audio said something previously about new drivers upcoming.
Also would like to clarify if you would what was meant by bass is not overly tight.
Also would like to know whether the m9xxx gets hot if plugged in for more than 8 hours.
Thanks again for the reviews. These really help.

Oct 30, 2015

avitron142

134

Oct 30, 2015

JediI will test it with the two IEM's (and maybe the W40's, if I can get my hands on them) tonight/tomorrow, and will talk answer the question about hiss.
I have a windows 10 computer, and it plays just fine with and without the driver. Driverless, it goes up to 24bit/96khz, which will be fine for anyone but the technical audiophile. So yes, as far as I know, it is plug and play.
The bass being overly tight is something people might find with the X1S, as it really cuts down on the bass bloat (maybe even a little too much with some headphones). The m9XX doesn't have that, is all I meant. It's cleaner and a lot more natural sounding.
I'll keep it plugged in overnight, and let you know about heat tomorrow. As of the last two hours, it's as cool as a cucumber.

Oct 30, 2015

JeffHu

Oct 30, 2015

avitron142Avitron142 do you have access to Sennheiser HD8 DJ headphones and would you be able to take a quick listen with some closed back headphones?
Thanks, Jeff

Oct 30, 2015

Vote

avitron142

134

Oct 30, 2015

JeffHuI do not, I only have the MH40 as a closed back. I will be focusing on open-back's and IEM's, but if I see that headphone, I will try to get a listen as well.

Oct 30, 2015

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