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KC-130
155
Apr 9, 2018
The internals of the TA-01 delivered in the most recent drop. A pair of CS4398's.
From left to right in the 1st photo: xDuoo TA-01 xDuoo XD-05 (imo, the best overall sound in the group) Sound Blaster E5 Fiio Alpen 2 E17K
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rslatara
287
Apr 9, 2018
KC-130Would you say the power of the TA-01 is better for say a T50RP or higher impedance headphones?
Have you also tried tube rolling the TA-01?
KC-130
155
Apr 9, 2018
rslataraI haven't yet purchased additional tubes for testing with the TA-01. As for the power delivered by the TA-01... The specs indicate that the unit has "automatic" gain switching and the highest impedance headphones I currently own are the AKG K7XX. The TA-01 does drive the K7XX with ease but the volume maxes out at 1/2 throttle on the pot. That volume level is much louder than I can stand and even 1/4 volume level is plenty loud. I don't have a db-meter to verify my assertion that it maxes out at 1/2 volume but my hunch is that the TA-01 would "automatically" switch to hi-gain when higher impedance was encountered during use (which, imo, is the preferred method for gain switching). I ordered a set of Focal Elear (rather than Elex) and I also have a mojo on order. I want to compare the xDuoo units against mojo. So far, the XD-05 noses out the other units in my little lab. I'm going to DIY a bluetooth 5, class 1, aptx-hd dac/amp unit with some parts from China to compare with the others I own.
rslatara
287
Apr 10, 2018
KC-130Id the XD-05 portable with a battery?
I actually obtained an FX-Audio DAC-X7 review sample and still waiting on official driver but it sounds sweet. I do have a DAC-X6 too and upgraded the opamp but I think the xduoo will be much better than the X6. I read Mullard, Groove Tubes and Gold Lion tubes work wonders in these.
KC-130
155
Apr 10, 2018
rslataraYes, the XD-05 is portable with a built-in Micro-usb charged battery. It's a bit heavier than the SoundBlaster E5 and much heavier than the E17k. I wouldn't carry the XD-05 around in my pocket but I do move it between rooms when watching movies w/headphones. Maybe some others who also ordered the TA-01 will chime in with their experience with it. All of my xDuoo products work great with my iMac (no drivers req'd).
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