Best amp for Sensitive IEMs

I would like to find an amp that can be used with Gungnir Multibit ->amp -> 64 Audio ADEL U8. I currently don't have an amp that can run my 64 Audio ADEL U8 noise/hiss free. Project Ember with the UE buffer jack in place and 120 Ohm jumper settings gives the lowest noise floor but I find it not optimal for dynamics and frequency response with the high Z. Liquid Carbon is better with single ended in and UE buffer jack but still some noise.

1964 ADEL U Series Kickstarter Translucent Red:


I've done my research and have found a few amps that people seem to recommend.

Leckerton uha6s

Magni 2U

Vali 2

any other suggestions?

I don't want to break the bank as I'm saving for unannounced Schiit 2-channel gear.

 

Leck.

 

I can confirm that the Leckerton runs silently with sensitive IEMs. The Vali 2 has some hiss.

 

Reading up on the UHA-6S the user guide says that the unit is functional while charging. Two questions; is it okay to leave it plugged in and charging all the time? Is there any noise present when it is charging? Thanks.

 

Probably not too good for the battery but it should be okay.

Depends on what you charge it from. Generally yes, you will get more noise while charging. Using your PCs USB ports is one of the worst ideas (most noisy). Plugging it into a 5V wall phone charger will likely drop the noise to inaudible levels (I don't know how sensitive these IEMs are). I sometimes use my power bank to charge it from.
In high gain mode there will be some noise present. It is probably the best idea to get it with lowered gain levels. My volume pot only has good channel tracking from the 9 o' clock position on, which is too loud with today's dynamically compressed music and my UERMs (on low gain) (I have to use digital volume control or a preamp).

 

I feel like the Chord Mojo is what I'm looking for? Trickle charge from USB, plays well with sensitive IEMs, similar sound to Multibit/R2R. Sigh, maybe Liquid Spark when it comes out (and wait for 8 months to get it)?

 

Given that people were driving HD800s from the Spark, I'm not sure it will be great for IEMs. I could be wrong though.

I will say the Liquid Carbon is surprisingly quiet with IEMs in balanced mode.

 

Oh, good call! I completely forgot about getting a balanced cable. That's almost as much money as these amps though lol!

 

It's almost as much as getting a Leckerton, yes. It's not nearly as much as getting a Liquid Carbon.

 

Or it's 5-10€ if you're willing to DIY and dedicate the one cable you have.

 

Where do you even source RSA Kobiconn connectors from?

 

The Chord Mojo is very, very good. However, you may or may not experience issues with the Mojo shutting off while it is being charged and synced simultaneously. According to John Franks, the Mojo has "three indepentdant thermal temperature safety shut down methods" to prevent the temperature from rising above 160 degrees. Although rare, I experienced shutoffs during extended listening sessions and when the ambient room temperature was high. If this is potentially an issue or concern for you, the ALO Continental Dual Mono is nice though the Mojo's' DAC is significantly better.

 

Thanks for the info on the Mojo and the ALO recommendation.

 

What did you end up getting? I'm looking at the alo cdm, looks pretty nice. I have the Mojo already, which I love, but always want new toys.

If you have issues with your mojo charging and overheating, lay it on its skinny side, like a tower. More surface area, it cools down more efficiently.

 

Mouser used to have them. They're used for some digital cameras.

Rob

 

The best amp I've used with IEMs is HeadAmp's pico Power. Vanishingly low noise floor, unity gain, fantastic non-stepped volume pot, and enough juice to drive any IEM you throw at it with aplomb.

 

+1. I have bought/sold a number of portables over the years and Pico Power has survived them all. It's a perfect IEM amp.

 

Is that one not being made anymore? On the headamp site I see the Pico Slim which is recommended for IEMs, and a listing for Pico Power as coming soon but listed for hard to drive headphones.

 

The Headamp website is a little messed up. You can order one here;

http://www.headamp.com/order/index.htm

It has unity, x5 and x9 gain. With unity gain and sensitive IEMs you will only use about 1/3 of the throw on the volume pot (depending on your source vrms) but there is great control with a black background and perfect channel balance. It's also not terrible at driving headphones, although it wouldn't be my first choice for HD6x0 etc...

@cskippy I used my PP to drive IEMs with my Gungnir Multibit and didn't feel as though it held anything back at all. I actually prefer the 9v batteries because you can just keep two spares charged and swap them out when required.

 

Thanks for that suggestion. Honestly, I've just been using them out of my phone in bed lol. With the UE airplane adapter cutting down the noise it's definitely liveable.