I already shared my opinions in D16/PB5 review ;) This dac/amp is the beast and adding PB5 is like a cherry on top. And as I mentioned many times already, I think iBasso should seriously consider D16/PB5 combo for the DX400Max design :D

No match here doesn't mean it's better or worse. If you are looking for a tubey textured analog tonality, the R6III even when switched to Class A amp mode is no match for the N3U since it is brighter, more revealing, more "digital" sounding. Just a matter of a preference depending on what you...

Did you try it with the HibyMusic app on M300, making sure Exclusive HQ USB audio access is enabled and the USB output setting is set to USB audio performance mode in Settings?

That is a good question because in N3Ultra tubes are part of the timbre section for both PO and LO. Had to charge up PB5 to test this scenario, and it works quite well from 4.4mm LO of N3U to PB5. Typical of PB5, L/R separation spreads even wider, wrapping around your head, a bit more lift in...

For those who are interested, I just finished my next novel, I mean, the review of Cayin N3Ultra Solid State/Tube DAP :) It's a long one, but everything is partitioned and split into multiple pages to make it easy to follow. Enjoy the read!

For those interested, I just finished and posted my very detailed review of N3Ultra DAP. It is long, but everything is partitioned into multiple pages and sections, thus easy to follow :) Enjoy the read!

In this case, your tinnitus is a blessing in disguise :D

Have you tried it with any sensitive IEMs? I talked to a few people who praised CMA18p for use with headphones, even some demanding ones, and less picky average sensitivity (or single DD) IEMs. But I have been told this dongle hisses with sensitive IEMs and some lower impedance hybrid IEMs.

I only borrowed Eclipse for a few days almost 2 years ago and shared a short write-up in Watercooler here. The same with Alter Ego, borrowed for a few days to share my review now. It would be misleading to make any meaningful comparison by memory, I only write about A/B comparisons in real...

I actually just clicked and refreshed Musicteck Brise audio page to see if it is already listed there. If they have a $17k Shanling CD player, why not a $16k Brise audio IEMs/cable/amp combo? :D But I'm a bit surprised, considering how much thought went into the design of the audio chain with...

Which IEMs did you try with Shanling M5 Ultra? Its rather high (close to 7ohm) BAL output impedance is a bit alarming when it comes to pair-up with many low-impedance IEMs. But, I have yet to try it.

Had mine at 53%, shut down and confirmed by pushing power button afterwards it is fully off. That was 18hrs ago. Turned it back on now and the battery is still at 53%. Btw, I timed how long it takes to bootup from the moment a logo comes up on the screen after pushing the power button, and it is...

It also has to do with the source and the cable used to demo the Storm. At the CanJam NYC '23 when @Chang was just a visitor in the crowd, someone at the show asked me to hear the Storm with its stock cable, and while I only had LPGT on hand with me (not the best pair-up synergy). Tbh, it...

That is so true since 54E (5BA + 4EST) and their upcoming 74E (7BA + 4EST) have a more compact internal driver config and shell design in comparison to 622B (6BA + 2EST + 2BCD). I mean, 622B still has a comfortable shell fit (at least to my ears), but might not fit every ear as comfortably as...

many DAPs do have some background current leakage even when it is shut down, causing a battery drain. However, I'm not sure if what you are experiencing is normal; do you remember at what battery level did you left it off before shutting it down? Charge it up to 100% again, shut it down, and...

I hate to rehash yesterday's post and add more oil to the fire which is dying out, but it's just that I'm still catching up with all the posts in the Watercooler thread and wanted to add my 2c along with a question. I have expressed my position on measurements in the past, anybody with $99 can...

A single power button press will turn the display on/off. When you hold it down for a few seconds, you will get a screen notification with the Power off or Restart options.

As I mentioned before, only had these titanium beauties for a few days on loan from Musicteck to test it. Here is my detailed write-up of Melodic Artification Alter Ego DD/4BA/4EST open-back IEMs. Enjoy the read!

Not sure if I would call sw being rushed as in "buggy". N3U is their entry-level basic non-Android (as in not running an open Android) DAP focused on sound tuning rather than other bells and whistles. Since it is an upgrade to their previous N3Pro, everything from sw to hw seems to be upgraded...

Maybe try foam eartips, like Symbio F? It fits the Bird's nozzle and these eartips don't attenuate treble as much as other foamies.

I would ping them anyway, some retailers get limited quantities and can request more from the source if anything is available. However, Ti was a limited release, so who knows? Maybe it's just like Amber Pearl or Storm OG...

Just wanted to mention, after running multiple battery tests, in Classic Tube mode, medium gain, from 4.4mm BAL output, I'm getting a consistent 7hr 45min of playback time which I consider to be pretty good for the worst-case use scenario.

I just went back and forth multiple times, comparing DX260 vs DX320Max as a transport with D16, using usb-c and coax connections. From the get-go and as you are probably aware, if you are only interested in digital transport to drive D16, it will be a waste of Max's analog resources, plus your...

I was about to suggest Musicteck, but see they are out of stock, all sold out :(

Had Alter Ego only for a few days, and already shipped them out (on their way to Bobby :)) I was using P6 Pro for testing, my new neutral reference source. Collected detailed sound analysis notes, and had only enough time to test a handful of cables and eartips. Btw, the switch implementation...