That sounds like a volume board issue, he should request an RMA.   NFB-1AMP. NFB-28 is the best option for most people, but in your circumstance you should get a dedicated amplifier. It doesn't make any sense to run a lineout from NFB-28 to a low output-z portable amp just for IEMs in a...

I want to see if Kingwa will implement THD compensation from the new chips. For us the most important features will probably be improved DPLL lock, new filters, and the aforementioned THD comp. With good power regulation already, I wonder how useful THD comp will be, especially if it can cause...

I recommend ghentaudio interconnects. I ordered custom length XLR, RCA, HDMI for i2s, banana plug cables, and USB through them. They use quality industry standard components like Canare, Belden, and Neutrik. Very affordable interconnects even with custom length, and free shipping.

He wasn't ragging on the O2. It was a technical evaluation of the performance of the O2. I found his MiniDSP evaluation very helpful as well.   Now I couldn't afford the Neurochrome, but I do support the openness of his specifications. It reminds me in a good way of "The Wire" project on...

Completely normal. It's relay switching noise.

It depends on the impedance of your IEM. A rule of thumb is that optimally, we want a damping factor of >= 8. The damping factor is the ratio between the nominal impedance of a driven load and the output impedance of an amplifier. The NFB-28 has an output impedance of 2 ohms, and if I use the...

With the NFB-11, an Alps pot will replace the relay volume control, and you will lose the remote functionality.   I wouldn't lose the volume control for anything. Its channel balance is superior to even the best potentiometers, and its performance does not degrade due to fouling like a typical...

Haven't listened to the Jot, if I'm not mistaken it's pretty new too.   The pre is good, there are home theater and stereo guys using the Audio-GD stuff as pre's first, with HP out as an afterthought. Take one look at the price of dedicated preamps with a high quality passive attenuator, and...

NFB-28 if you want a quality monolithic unit and don't plan on changing the setup. It has a good form factor and value. NFB-1AMP is the better amp with lower output impedance and noise, this can be a big deal for IEM guys. NFB-1 combo is good if you like to incrementally upgrade your setup over...

The earphone market is 10x more snake oil than the full-sized market.   Look at this: http://www.jomoaudio.com/collections/jomo-iem   Jomo1, Jomo2, Jomo,3 Jomo4, Jomo5, Jomo6, ROFL. What makes Jomo6 better than Jomo3? This is why, for me, the portable audio forum has become a dark pit of...

The Audio-GD NFB-29 and NFB-28 are very good integrated DAC/amps at a reasonable price. The relay-based volume control has excellent channel balance throughout the full range. It is too easy to stick a cheap volume pot into an amp and sell it for north of a grand. Manufacturers like to put up...

If you are getting the H10, why not consider the Gustard X12? The form factor is the same, the whole rig can be stacked together, it'll look pretty nice on your desk. If you get the U12, you can stack the little guy up top. I have something similar, and it works pretty well.   Here's a setup...

I do not recommend removing the rear driver foam, it is an irreversible mod and will lead to dirt and particulates accumulating on the diaphragm over time. I have done most of these mods, I don't think it was worth it.

I lost my presets a few months ago, but it was quickly fixed by re-activating the plugin. It should automatically redownload its libraries on its own, but its faster to just reactivate it.

Nixie tube clocks are the answer, if you want the warm aesthetics of tubes without a tube amp. I don't need a tube amp for the tube sound, everything can be done DSP side. Even the euphonic distortion can be emulated with plugins, and the FR likewise.     Everyone seeks beauty. I would be...