🔷 MassDrop THX AAA 789 - Linear Headphone Amplifier

marcgii · September 26, 2019, 2:13am

You can’t convert a balanced signal to single ended like that. You can use the singled ended output on balanced headphones however.

M0N · September 26, 2019, 2:15am

Well, you can, but not safely lol

A_Jedi · September 26, 2019, 5:43am

I’ve tried Bitperfect and it sounds the same as iTunes. Audirvana on the other hand is killer. The imaging is MUCH better, the micro detail is amazing, there is more space (“air”) between instruments. And that’s just on my cheapo rig - just a Modi MB, Liquid Spark and ATH-M40x. It’s amazing what’s hidden in those 0s and 1s…

M0N · September 26, 2019, 1:19pm

Did you use the same method of output for the players?

A_Jedi · September 26, 2019, 2:20pm

As much as possible yes.

I played around with Bitperfect settings for about a month and could never get any improvement and gave up on it. Audirvana was an improvement right off the bat (I’ve only had it running for about 3 days).

I think Audirvana does a better job of shutting down unnecessary background processes and it also has a working integer mode (Bitperfect has it but I was unable to activate it). Also Audirvana takes over all functionality from iTunes (iTunes isn’t even running) whereas Bitperfect sits under iTunes. Maybe iTunes does some “un-audiophile” sound processing that’s out the window when it’s not running?

M0N · September 26, 2019, 2:23pm

Yeah it does have that background process feature doesn’t it, that would help

Gilbert · October 1, 2019, 11:43pm

yeah agree. I’m looking at the monoprice THX dac/amp combo…just wondering whether anything beats that about the same price point? DROP doesn’t offer this unit correct?

deugenea · October 9, 2019, 6:06am

Hi
I’m excited to get my LCD-X tomorrow but still don’t know which amp/dac should I use. I have Fiio X5, but I guess LCD-X deserves better, and SQ will benefit from better amp/dac. Has somebody heard LCD-X with THX-789? Wouldn’t it be too dry? HP doesn’t need that much power, so I don’t know if it makes sense to use them balanced. Any thoughts appreciated on the topic!

M0N · October 9, 2019, 12:47pm

The lcdx with a 789 is pretty good, but might be a bit too clean for some people. Personally I think in that price range, the Rupert Neve RNHP pairs pretty well with the LCD x, as it is very transparent as well but with a more natural sound imo.

Andrew_Davis · October 9, 2019, 2:11pm

Too clean?? Sign me up!

M0N · October 9, 2019, 2:14pm

I guess I should say lacking warmth instead lol

Andrew_Davis · October 9, 2019, 4:06pm

I knew what you meant.

Was meaning to ask you about the LCD-X. I’ll dm you after my meetings today.

ValentineLuke · October 9, 2019, 5:02pm

in agreement with Mon. The LCD-X powered by the Neve sounds stellar. I have no desire to “upgrade” from this combo, though I may add a tube/hybrid for fun.

Edit: I’d like add that I wish more people would try the RNHP. It’s such a fantastic sounding amp. SE only may be a turn off, but it truly sings. Maybe when Neve releases their newer line, Fidelice, more people will give them a try. Neve is a recording legend for good reason.

Acidleak · October 10, 2019, 2:13am

Silently hoping for this thread to die down when Monoprice releases their 887. #DeathtoMassdrop’sshittycustomerserviceandlongwaitingtimes.

M0N · October 10, 2019, 2:14am

Wow the massdrop hate lol

Acidleak · October 10, 2019, 2:16am

Pretty boozed at the moment I won’t lie. There needs to be a safety lock on the forum…

ValentineLuke · October 10, 2019, 2:43am

No way! Now you’ll be super honest.

leops1984 · October 22, 2019, 11:40pm

Here we go with the Drop delays… joined in late September, originally shipping in November 15, now delayed to early December.

giova05 · October 23, 2019, 12:46am

Yup. I got an email too. Early Dec is the new estimate. Ordered in august.

juicebox12 · October 23, 2019, 1:15am

Just canceled my order. Going to buy the Monoprice THX AAA 887 in a few weeks instead. The delay notice made that decision very easy!