this SPL Phonitor E is so cool
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Can anyone A/B or give a reference of RNHP vs the monoprice liquid spark? I’m curious.
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Rnhp is really just an upgrade in almost every way, although it’s not as warm tilted
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Hmm, it’s the warmth of the liquid spark that makes it so appealing to me.
My preference seems to be on the warm side of neutral w/ a small hump in the bass region below 100hz.
I’ve got that old Sugden headmaster which is very neutral w/ great air, detail and liveliness. It’s tame/slightly thin on the very bottom end but not a slouch by any means. I’m trying to figure out what is missing in my convoluted stack🤗
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I would call it neutral yet natural, it’s just very impressive imo
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So one thing, I will say… is even if you feel your preferences lean towards ‘warm’… In my opinion, it’s definitely worth checking things out that lean in a completely different directions than what you might think you prefer.
The reason being is that you may not have heard something that leans or goes for a certain type of sound signature which might accomplish in a way that would ‘sell’ you on that type of sound.
As a metaphor, you may be the type of person who at some point decided you don’t like steak… but you never had a well seasoned and really nicely cooked filet mignon. I would say the RNHP is a filet mignon of neutral/clean sounding amps. It’s really lean, but manages to still sound fairly ‘musical’ and be fairly flavorful. If it’s not too much of a financial burden, I think it’s definitely worth checking out.
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We need more steak analogies on this forum.
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The modi and magni 3 combo is similar to an eye of round, as in it’s tough and hard to swallow, no flavor and enjoyment, it’s cheap, and you get it because someone told you it tastes good but you just end up having to live with it afterwards
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So which amp would you class as corned beef?
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I agree with having as much flavor as possible, i currently have 10 or so amplifiers ( yes, i am using speaker amps on headphones too) and 4 Dac’s to use on headphones. Im just trying to figure out if there is any sound signature i don’t have covered. My Adcom is extremely powerful and neutral, Sugden headmaster extremely musical, detailed and pretty neutral. I think i want one more SS, high-end, pricey, probably used, just not sure what yet.
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What is the Ribeye of amps? I’m buying that right now.
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TBH I’m not really fully experienced with steaks lol
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I really like what @giova05 stated. I’ll add that the RNHP is a very resolving amp, where in giova’s analogy to steaks, the seasoning are the nuances and details that lesser amp’s don’t quite capture.
Like a good meal as you’re savoring, you’ll often find yourself asking “what is that…?”
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I am on the same path. My number will hit 7 today or tomorrow. None sound bad, but I think 2020 will be the year for thinning the herd. I think the right amount would be three for my main system (but they have to sound different from one another) and one for the computer.
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I like the versatility, challenge and different nuances presented by each piece. When I started playing this game I just wanted some good budget items to see what the fuss was all about. Personally that’s why I’m here, I became a great fan of Zeos and his budget minded attitude towards good gear for cheap.
As I get into higher quality and more substantive purchases I find my self going back to the budget gear often and realizing many times the changes/benefits are either slim or of a small percentage. Even with this actual fact in hand, I still like nice stuff and continue to seek it out, to a point.
I don’t plan on letting anything go anytime soon, I’m pretty happy with what I have. But to me there is always something somewhere more to be had when the itch arises. Happy listening!
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Very true. Personally for me I feel like that extra percentage makes a huge difference but that’s just me
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I like the changes, and since we pay good $$$$ for them they are appreciated. Not all things benefit from a particular change and I have gotten better at mating kit w/ each other. I am also learning to be a better listener and hearing things that I was deaf to before. I’m pretty happy for the moment, I spent the past 3 days re-wiring and moving things around. I have things to play with but as i said, there’s always something new to me out there. No endgame yet by far🤪
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I’ve come to realize there isn’t really an “end game”, but more of a “now game”.
Products are always evolving and so are our preferences.
It’s more of a find what you like and enjoy without the expectation that whatever that may be at the moment is the end result.
It’s a journey, so just enjoy it. 
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Oh man @ValentineLuke, I’ve been struggling to put the difference between the RNHP and the Phonitor into words. The difference is there, for sure, but I struggle to describe.
The simple answer is what everyone else is saying…neutral warm and natural vs. sterile limitless power and control.
But the difference in those terms is small. It’s not like:
RNHP
Vs
Phonitor
Whenever I try to evaluate Headphones I fine myself speaking in very specific terms…peak in this range, recessed lower treble, etc. When evaluating amps I always find myself using general or emotional terms.
So, find myself more blown away by detail, separation, impact, stage, layering, whatever when I listen to the Phonitor. And when I listen to the RNHP, I find myself toe tapping and singing along a little more. But they are more alike than different. They are both relatively uncolored amps that are both small but clear steps up in terms of dynamics from the AAA 789 that I replaced.
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