I would like to see who uses the THX for mixing. I haven’t heard of anyone using the THX for that yet. Personally, I don’t think is enjoyable at all unless using the balanced out. The numbers of the single ended out on the amp don’t compete with cheaper amps of the the same sound. But… for VERY easy to drive IEM’s (kz zs10 pro) I do really enjoy the amp for those. I will say, the sound on the Audeze LCD X on balanced sounds more acceptable than it does being driven single ended (this recent discussion + getting my new balanced cable had me swap out the RNHP for a bit).
I will say, I have a bit of buyers remorse for the THX 887 because 1) I blew one up already, completely killed the amp and am on a replacement (Monoprices’ customer service was stellar with great turn around time) 2) because it sounds so much line the Schiit Magni Heresy, I regret buying 2 things that sound the same essentially. 3) I bought this amp with all the hype surrounding it and honestly it under delivered on the hype. For the price, sound, and unless you’re going to exclusively use this amp balanced then MAYBE I can suggest it.
What this amp really taught me is that what I enjoy, experienced, and see from Zeos and Josh Valour is that I have different ears then they are. This amp taught me that the entire chain of gear matters. I ended up spending $1200 replacing equipment to match $1200 headphones… because of this AMP and the reviews I heard. So some very entertaining reviewers (that I still watch and respect their opinion) plus reviews praising how low the THD on these amps are… failed me and I have the receipts to prove it. When people go asking about this amp people need to look at this equipment for what it does and not buying into the rather seductive hype on the amp.
To explain the hype a bit, lets look at HOW the hype happened. Zeos and Josh Valour used to have a Johtunheim, For $400 it’s better than the Johtunheim? I would say yes but can’t say I’ve done an A/B. More importantly Zeos and Josh were looking for amp there were better for reviewing and they needed something better than what they had without being more expensive than what their target audience could handle. Combined the ASR recommendation, the hype has been over blown. So before people just assume get the amp (seriously, that’s what I did) I can’t stress enough to check out one’s gear first. Also remember, some of our favorite reviewers are not gods, they’re people learning with a camera in their face and need to create content.
Sure, this THX 887 for me is meant to listen to anything Star Wars related to me personally because growing up with that THX certified sound… it does it for me but that’s personal bias exclusively. With my EE background, what I’ve read up, what I have experienced my amp recommendations are like this for the budget.
Analytical first amp (amp only reference):
- Schiit Heresy/Schit Hel/Schiit Fulla 3 (M0N claims there is a difference between the Fulla 3 and Heresy, my owning both says differently)
- JDS Labs Atom
- Mayflower O2/Arc series
I’m missing the reference here specifically that sited how similar they sound and upon more lost resources… all use the same op amps. All have their origins with something like CMoy amp that any EE student with an altoid tin either thought about or DID build. You missed the days of headed battles of op amp rolling… Regardless, the THX amps are based off of using a big single chip with multiple op amps designed like the amps just listed. If you’re looking for single ended only THX like sound, there you go and fix damn near anywhere.
Oh… and never heard of op amp designs. Here: https://www.bursonaudio.com/about-us/discrete-circuits/
More “musical” warmer sounds first amps:
- Schiit Magni 3+
- Schiit Asgard 3
- Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 (<- still op amp but going off of research only)
The Schiit’s are a more classical approach but done MUCH better than the bog standard book approach of class A/B amplifiers from people that worked in audio before starting a company. Geshelli labs have a nice output and something that is still very clean op amp like (from resarch only, I may buy one because curiosity). The Geshelli labs op amps are different from the first listed amps. You can find them here from TI’s website.
Conclusion, is the THX AAA amps measuring up to the hype? Not exactly, however with the right DAC and headphone they CAN be good. This hobby is in pursuit of sound. If want hear music how the creators intended their music then get stuff like the RNHP or Sony products (some studios are cheap and will buy Sony studio products because of the name and price alone). If anyone does use the AAA amps to mix music, I’m all ears for listening to it if you can tell me what song.