Not sure if this is the spot for this, but I came across it and thought it would be worth sharing on the forum.
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It seems lately the list of those passing is longer and longer with less time between each addition. Its always sad news but hopefully the legacy lives on.
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My chain currently consists of a FiiO M15 -> LO into Qed Graphite to RCA -> RNHP -> via Forza Audioworks Noir HPC MK2 into Denon AH-D9200 … I am somewhat satisfied with this combination but have the feeling I could get more out of this. The sound is nice and precise, but seems a bit liveless/sterile … Would swapping the RNHP for for instance a G111 make sense? Or would anyone have another recommendation?
Well, my gut tells me that swapping amps will not fix your problem.
How would you compare the sound between going straight out of the M15 vs using the C input on the RNHP vs (currently) the B input with the adapter vs using the B input, but with a DAC that has rca outs?
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Not sure if I would want to risk putting a variable output (the FiiO’s 4.4mm does not officially support line-out) straight into the balanced input C… And I am indeed torn between investing in a stand-alone DAC and a better Amp …
Personally in your case I think you could go either way. What I might suggest doing is grabbing a dac like a bifrost 2 as that would really improve the rnhp overall and might solve the lifelessness/sterile issue for you and that would be that, and if you found it didn’t improve the rnhp to the extent or way you wanted, you could always go for the g111 instead and sell/return the rnhp and have a nice dac for it already. Generally I should ask what aspects of the rnhp are you really looking to improve or change?
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So I gotta make a quick pitstop on the thread and say that while my main gear is being reviewed, I have the Sarga DAC hooked up to the RNHP balanced with my trusty LCD X, Nueman ND-20, and Klipsch HP-3. While the LCD X sounds the best on there I have to say, $3400 DAC and I can hear more detail than I have ever before.
I know people talk about buying gear and wondering how well it will scale for what price… Hands down the cheapest thing in the chain is the RNHP. The bottle neck to hear more detail in the chain is guess what? The headphones here. If you are newb and you want to enjoy your music with clear bass (not great on impact and slam) with most any headphone that is mild to moderate power requirements, this amp scales. This amp especially likes clear and detailed sources but if you must, there is a 3.5mm stereo input from a cell phone on the back that just sounds great.
If you want an amp that will always perform that you make keep and always having reserve, it’s this RNHP. I just wanted to share this reminder for all those that chase “end game” and know for some, the cost can be lower than you expect and this amp maybe it.
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After having the RNHP here and experimenting with it for awhile I would say its a pretty flat headphone amp and, as a result, more lifeless than other things. It felt like a good tool for music production, maybe mastering to be more precise, but it fell flat for pure music enjoyment for me. I returned mine.
I have been enjoying the Liquid Platinum for music listening a lot more (with upgraded tubes).
*Please note I am not a hardcore audiophile like some here so take my experience with a grain of salt.
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Do you run an EQ with your LCD-X? I love mine but sometimes I forget to turn my EQ setting on and it makes me question my entire music setup. Then I realize I need to flip the switch on APO and everything comes alive again!
I swear by The Headphone Shows EQ for it
APO LCD-X EQ
Band 1: G +3 F120 QLow Shelf
Band 2: G-2 F250 Q1.41
Band 3: G-2 F700 Q1.7
Band 4: G+3.5 F1700 Q1.5
Band 5: G+7 F3200 K Q1.5
Band 6: G+6 F4200 Q4
Band 7: G-3.5 F5500 Q3
Band 8: +5 F9500 Q6
Band 9: -1.5 F11600 Q3
Band 10: 0 F16500 Q0
Pre Amp -7
For the reasons u didn’t like the rnhp, the liquid plat was a great choice , it’s a very great amp. What dac have you used with each amp?
I recently got a RME ADI-2 used so I compared everything on that but have also listened to them on a Tone Board and a Komplete Audio 6 interface.
I’ve been reading about this cap upgrade some people have done on their Liquid Platinum. The results sound pretty interesting and seems easy to solder. I think I’m going to do it when the parts come in.
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Hi there, new member here. I’ve been thinking about getting the RNHP for my Avantone Planar, I would like to get better timbre and texture on this headphone. However the problem I have is that I’m already completely unable to tell the difference between my Fiio K5 pro and Fiio E5 portable amp in a blind test, despite the 10x power difference. Is it safe to say I wouldn’t probably hear a difference either with the RNHP or could I have a good surprise?
RNHP is on drop now for $449
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Anyone try RNHP paried with Grace SDAC balanced? Wondering if it would be a nice combo. Could also try it with my Motu M2 as DAC.
I’m using mine with another interface, a Steinberg ur24c, and I am very happy with it. From time to time I consider getting a stand-alone DAC, but I always decide getting another box is not worth it. I say try it with what you have.
I received my Ifi iPower Elite yesterday and I’m extremely happy with the results.
Anyone familiar with me and my posts here know that I’m a fan of the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP. It has a certain sweetness to its sound. It’s very transparent, clear, and articulate, all while presenting things in a holographic nature.
It’s only real downfall is it’s lack of power. It really only works with efficient, low impedance headphones. Even then there are times when dynamic swings in recordings hinder the RNHP’s performance. It comes with an inexpensive switching power supply that’s works, but I’ve always felt the Neve was capable of more. Unfortunately only linear audiophile-type power supplies were available in the required 24v. Too expensive to venture into something that would likely alter the sound.
About a week ago I saw that ifi released a new power supply in their highly regarded line of power supplies. Already owning a few ifi power products (iPower-X, AC iPurifier) and being happy with the results I decided to try the iPower Elite since it had a 24v option.
I’m glad I did. Here’s my initial impressions I shared with a friend:
“Listening to the ifi Elite for maybe 15 minutes and it’s apparent that it is indeed an upgrade. There’s greater clarity, along with more easily discernible micro detail (fingers rubbing on strings, pounding of piano keys, etc.). Bass is more controlled without becoming “boomy”, and overall the sound seems more effortless and in control. When playing at louder than normal levels (85-90 dB) it seems to stay in control and sounds less “hashy” if that makes sense.
I’m happy with it.”
I think most of this is not only due to the extremely clean power it’s providing, but the reserve of power that the Neve supplied wall-wort lacked. The iPower Elite didn’t color the sound, it just made it more refined.
Well done ifi.
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Literally I keep the THX 887 around just because it has the same power supply with nearly double the current and hear the same results (I’m sure the iFi sounds better as it must be cleaner).
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It is a very pretty piece. It looks like a high end boutique guitar pedal. Its a bit out of the price range (and desktop safe size) for me but this and DagoRed’s post make me wonder what an inexpensive power upgrade can do here.
The rnhp is a nice piece but the power adapter is clearly the cheapest link, by far.
@ValentineLuke it seems like you may have experience with other ifi power products. Have you tried any more convenient ones with the rnhp or in general?
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The iPower Elite is their only 24v power supply (it’s their newest product in their power supply range). I hadn’t tried anything previously due to lack of availability. Linear power supplies typically cost more than the Elite, and can run up to well over $1k.
There is one that’s very interesting, but it’s pretty expensive. I believe @M0N Had one on order, though I’m not sure he’s had the opportunity to try it yet.
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