Welp.
I managed to get a replacement hip-dac2, and it showed up today. Same issueā¦
Let me clarify and explain what Iāve learned - I think I made a mistake with the hip-dac2.
When I first bought the hip-dac2, I had a pair of Klipsch x10i earbuds and a pair of Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones to use it with. Both of these headphones transmit zero āhissā to my ears.
Then I bought the MiM Dark Magician, as I mentioned above, which is 1) a balanced IEM, and 2) a much more sensitive listening device, apparently, than both the other headphones.
According to this review on head-fi, quote āOverall transparency and resolution was good for the price point, though again I could hear some roll-off in the upper-treble frequencies and separation was nothing exceptional. Moreover, the background hiss is noticeable with sensitive IEMs, so if you want a very dark background the Hip-DAC2 will disappoint.ā
This is not even close to a ādarkā or very dark background, and it honestly sounds defective. The hiss/noise floor is so prominent that it can clearly be heard during quiet moments in numerous songs, and the hiss gets louder with power match turned on.
I think I may get a full refund on this and try something else. Anyone have any recommendations for a PORTABLE DAC that:
- DOES NOT transmit annoying hiss over sensitive IEMs
- has balanced and unbalanced outs
- has some sort of bass boost or EQ functionality so I can play with bass
- of course, sounds good
I think my price point is a little higher, now that Iāve gone through this problem. I need a good DAC. : /