@goldwerger thank you for the detailed and wonderful written review! I see that you have the iFi iCan Pro too, have you tried the Tungsten with that amp? Is it capable of driving the SS?
Thank you!

Thank you @Mikyshuggah
What you see is the iFi Pro iESL (electrostatic energizer). Unfortunately, I didn’t the chance to try the iFi iCan Pro..

Thank you anyway! I wish you an happy 2024!

Happy New Yea @Mikyshuggah !

this review is a tour de force! much like the tungsten itself appears to be.

Thank you @up late much appreciated. I’m just glad it is helpful

Excellent review (as always). A very pleasant read for New Year's morning. I love listening to the same tracks while reading the review and trying to get a feel for what you describe

Thanks for such a god job! (And Happy New Year!)

Thanks @Rollnrock I’m so happy this was worth reading (and listening) to.

Happy New Year!

Any measurements for these anywhere? Everyone says they’re the second coming, but I have not seen anything related to frequency response.

@goldwerger I can't say I like that idea, It's more of a unicorn then, I ain't going to try to click fast enough.

@SolidSlug I don't have any, not aware of these published yet. You could ask directly, or perhaps be the first to measure..

@balvan64 I don't think it's as bad as a Grumpy Goose stand that gets snatched in 2 seconds. But it does require being aware of what time it goes live once every week or two and just order then. I saw something posting on the Tungsten thread when this is planned next (I think he usually takes batch orders every Friday). Of course, you could wait a few months and order when things get more relaxed perhaps. I get it. It is what it is.

Had any chance to pair the DS version with Vio V550.

sorry @borkenarrou I have not.

But it should probably be a great pairing. The V281, which I did try, is a bit more on the warmer side, while the V550 (which I did try with the Susvara previously) is more neutral. But they do share a similar DNA so, likely, they would both be great synergy wise.

I had a post on the the V550 power spac in the Tungsten thread which covers its headroom, which should allow it to easily drive the Tungsten:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/mod...s-and-discussion.968835/page-15#post-17716334

This is great to hear, on a side note how is the pairing of L0rdGwyn Aegis with Susvara, can it go upto the level of something like Feliks Envy or high end 300b amps from Ampsandsound synergy and power wise with Susvara.

@borkenarrou the Aegis works very well with the Susvara. Its character of delicate and expansive presentation comes through here as well. Considering one can build the Aegis for 2k (or, possibly, get someone to build one for you for, say, 4k), it provides one of the best value to price options. I prefer the Susvara on the AIC10, but we’re jumping into a different price zip code. I also prefer the Red October as close second, also much pricier. But the Aegis works very well.

Thanks ! for a terrific write up packed with important information relating to this new and 'challenging' offering from Ryan. Thanks for your impressions as today I cancelled my MJ3 (which I was assuming would be a good pairing)... and ordered the limited edition V281 on your recommendation. I want these DS Tungstens to realize their potential. Doug

Curious if you had a preference between the sound of the Tungsten on the V281 vs the Ferrum OOR+Hypsos?

@KipFox

I’ve owned the V281 and tested the Oor at CanJam show conditions. With that caveat..

I really liked both, and found them quite different.

The differences in these amps in general shows here as well.

The V281 is a distinctly warm amp. The Or is more dynamic and packs a big punch in a small package. If you prefer a warmer glow and a lush in presentation, go for the 281. If you prefer a decisive attack and a crisper presentation, go with the Oor.

Two great options here with two different flavors.

Hello @goldwerger it's me again lol how does the tungsten compare with atrium open?

@vcd23 apples and oranges. If you’re looking for a technical differentiation, the AO has much more decay/reverb, more mid bass, and a holographic presentation. The Tungsten extends more to sub bass, is a touch more resolving and more neutral balanced with less wow factor on soundstage (though it’s good). I would not rate either as better or worse as they are genuinely such different flavors. I own both and plan to keep both.