Discussion: Mid-Fi DAC/Amp Comb Units (Grace, Schiit, iFi, LH, JDS, etc.)

I suspect I know why. The Grace m9XX is warmer sounding with less distinct bass textures, a more delicate treble, and less crisp sound compared to the other units. (The less distinct or blurry bass was something my wife picked up early on. She requested going back and forth from the Grace and the other units to confirm this. I don't want to make too much of a big deal about this, as the iFi Nano's bass quality is worse.) In terms of the HD650 and HE-400S, they are both warmish sounding headphones with smooth mids, so perhaps less synergy between the Grace and these headphones from that reviewer's POV. The HE-400i is a bit more incisive, so perhaps a better match with the Grace m9XX.

Personally, I didn't have any synergy issues with the HD650 (modded) or any other headphone (HD800z28, MA100, HE-560) with the Grace. The Grace did a fine job with all of them. However, all of these headphones simply performed better on the GOV2 or Schiit Uber stack. I am still waiting for the JDS Element.

What @JewBear said. Modi 2 Uber is same as Modi 2, but with more inputs. Now that I've had more quality time with the Magni 2 Uber and Magni 2, I'd say the Magni 2 Uber is better. There is noticeable difference from Magni 2. More clarity, less haze, more lively and exact. The circuits are slightly different and the Magni 2 Uber has a little bit more power.

Hard to say. If I was travelling internationally (which I do), I can see myself grabbing the m9XX and putting in the bag with my laptop. The superior sounding and measuring Geek Out V2 Infinity is also $500. However, I do have slight reservations about recommending the GOV2 given stories of the casework recalls and wait times; although it's my understanding that LH Labs has delivered on time with the GOV2. I personally have never had any issues with LH Labs.

In a nutshell, I wouldn't hesitate recommending the m9XX for the price with the caveat that there may be better sounding options depending upon one's intended use or tolerance for waiting. I'd like to get the JDS Element in and finish the complete set of spider charts for each amp before making any sweeping conclusions.

 

Yes, that functionality of the m9XX should not be discounted. There are two headphone jacks. One headphone jack when plugged in disables the speakers. The Geek Out V2 because of its small form factor (lends itself well for travel) is not a good platform for dual headphone / desktop speaker preamp use. We can use a USB extension cable with the GOV2 so that it doesn't directly attach to a USB port of a computer; but not having a external volume knob and dedicated RCA line outs makes it inconvenient as a preamp for a desktop speaker.

No chance on the micro. Someone will need to send it to me.

 

I have some purely subjective sonic comparisons done and I will post them earlier than planned. Will still need to update with JDS at a later time. This comparison can always been ongoing. Give me a few hours to post what I have so far. I got kind of sick, I can't find my phones, and I think my brain is slightly damaged right now.

P.S. I am not picking on the Grace m9XX, it's a good piece of gear with some great intangible qualities; but there's never any need to rush because a shiny new product shows up and the offer will be gone in two days.

SBAF Rules of Acquisition:

1. The offer will always come up again, sometimes at a better price.
2. There will always be something better.
3. Patience young Jedi.
4. Don't get over-excited from Head-Fi Jude's announcements.

 

I'd say your options are the Schiit Uber stack or the Grace. Both are good sounding units with preamp outs. The Schiit uber stack sounds quite a bit better to my ears and my wife's ears. The Grace has a better enclosure, superior volume control, a nice display, and less "wires" (as my wife says) to deal with. If tonality is important, the Grace is warmer and more delicate in the treble. The Schiit is more dynamic and resolving with more distinct bass and deeper more open stage.

Sorry I haven't posted the details of the subjective impressions yet. I got sick.

 

well my iFi micro iDSD isn't selling on CA. (trying to pay down HE1K)
if demand dictates,
guess I could pull the ad down and send it to Marv for measuring? or offer sale to the SBAF gear pool if folks want it around for touring....

 

The Leckerton's built-in DAC isn't competitive. Also want to limit the comparison. Doing a lot of 1v1 to get subjective impressions right, so lots of work. Adding more gear at this point will significantly increase work. Limiting scope of work increases success, quality, and deliverability.

 

Subjective impressions of gear in one spider chart here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...s-grace-schiit-ifi-lh-jds-etc.401/#post-11101

Locking this thread. Discussion can now be carried on over there.