Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier Discussions | Drop

Drop + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amplifier

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Apr 20, 2019

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

Apr 20, 2019

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.

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Apr 21, 2019

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.

Apr 21, 2019

HottysonThe price will stay at $400 btw because all Massdrop made items have gone up in price Steve made a post about this back in march

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Apr 21, 2019

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.

Apr 21, 2019

HottysonWill be way into next year sadly theres the Monoprice 788 or the THX portable amp. But seems with how hard its been getting THX AAA tech, gonna be awhile before others will get it at a lower cost.

(Edited)

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serg_verg

Apr 21, 2019

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.

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Apr 21, 2019

RathsTHX portable is only $250 on sale right now. Plus, it has an onboard dac.

Apr 21, 2019

HottysonI already have a 789 lol but actually thats a good deal. May grab one for on the go stuff

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Apr 21, 2019

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)

Apr 21, 2019

Hottysonyeah i have and SU-8 for the 789. now just need to save for the focals lmao

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Apr 21, 2019

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.

Apr 21, 2019

sjx007SU-8 is a fantastic DAC

Apr 21, 2019

RathsTotally agree. I never thought a DAC could make such a difference. It was an eye opener for me.

Apr 21, 2019

sjx007100%. Changed the game for me tbh, just waiting on my 789 & we Golden.

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Apr 21, 2019

RathsMe too. Waiting on 789 😊

Apr 21, 2019

sjx007✋🏻 xD while waiting on it saving for the Focal Elexs

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Apr 21, 2019

RathsI am kind of in the same boat as well. Have been saving up for Elex. Also, debating on LCD2 Classic and DT 1990 pro. Not sure where I may land.

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Apr 21, 2019

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 👌🏻

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Apr 21, 2019

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

Apr 23, 2019

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

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Apr 23, 2019

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.

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Apr 23, 2019

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

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donnyb99

Apr 23, 2019

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.

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FatDoi

193

Apr 23, 2019

Hottysonthe balanced HP cables i got and will get will be on the ballpark figures with this amplifier....

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Apr 23, 2019

HottysonClearly not that expensive if the drop sold out of 500 units in less than an hour.

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Apr 23, 2019

RathsWill be my next purchase once they ship the 789.

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Apr 23, 2019

MatthewHillmanDefinitely! Im waiting for the EU drop of the Elex which talking to MD the other day said that its coming fairly soon.

(Edited)

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Apr 23, 2019

RathsEU drop for the Su-8? Interesting...

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Apr 23, 2019

MatthewHillmanOh nvm, thought you replied about the headphones. No EU drop on the SU-8. i bought my SU-8 from Amazon

(Edited)

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Apr 23, 2019

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

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Apr 23, 2019

MatthewHillmanYup! & Yeah EU drops are new but hopefully soon more things will be added like the focal Elex etc

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Fabiosantos25

Apr 25, 2019

HottysonYou can use rca input and balanced output with four times more power. Not truly balanced circuit but very well worth.

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Usehername

107

Apr 28, 2019

HottysonPlease let us know which of those two amps that you prefer after getting to know them.

Dec 15, 2019

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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