After reading a lot of hype BS and wasted money, I would like to clarify things for the undecided.
Being able to handle Ultra-Hi-Res sound files does not remotely translate to "Master" sound quality:
While details are rendered, there is no sense of coherence. The sound is thin, not really grainy but with sharp edges. No authority on any level. It's a shame.
Gain/impedance settings do not alter the performance on my headphones that were driven excellently by other sources (Grado PS500e, Focal Spirit One Pro). Neither had lossy vs. lossless formats any dramatic impact. Nor did my last straw: a firmware update.
The device has very touchy, i.e. overly sensitive software buttons that are too narrowly placed resulting in a lot of cross-activation.
Since sound is the main criterion for evaluation, I am extremely disappointed. One star can be given for some positive features, but that's it!
The only appropriate use for this is lossy, speech-based podcasts.
Done with Cayin.
Being able to handle Ultra-Hi-Res sound files does not remotely translate to "Master" sound quality:
While details are rendered, there is no sense of coherence. The sound is thin, not really grainy but with sharp edges. No authority on any level. It's a shame.
Gain/impedance settings do not alter the performance on my headphones that were driven excellently by other sources (Grado PS500e, Focal Spirit One Pro). Neither had lossy vs. lossless formats any dramatic impact. Nor did my last straw: a firmware update.
The device has very touchy, i.e. overly sensitive software buttons that are too narrowly placed resulting in a lot of cross-activation.
Since sound is the main criterion for evaluation, I am extremely disappointed. One star can be given for some positive features, but that's it!
The only appropriate use for this is lossy, speech-based podcasts.
Done with Cayin.
