Okay now that Iām back home, Iām doing some more tests with fresh ears. I moved the SA-1 into the office so I can have an ideal setup to do comparisons against the RNHP where theyāre both running off the ADI-2 (RCA so I can use my switch). Using my EARS rig, I volume matched the two headphones to within 0.2 dB.
Iāve only tested the Clear and 6XX so far, but Iām feeling more positive about SA-1. Iām finding the SA-1 to be a tad warmer and having better bass kick. But overall, the RNHP was clearer. I suspect M0N is right (as usual) with his comment about low level detail being smoothed over. So at the moment, the SA-1 seems more like a side grade to the RNHP. For the Clear and 6XX, Iād stick with the RNHP. Other headphones may be a different storyāespecially if you could take advantage of the huge power headroom the SA-1 has.
So now Iām wondering if I just donāt like Ares II with the SA-1. I wasnāt thinking that or the Mojo could be worse than the ADI-2. Iāll do more comparisons another day (my ears require rest lol). Also disregard any comments I had earlier about the mids becoming recessed. I think it only seemed that way because the SA-1 exacerbated that Sennheiser āveilā.
did you try running xlr out the back of the sa-1? if so, did you find there to be any notable differences? i like to run my chain completely balanced throughout if i happen to be using a balanced amp just for the peace of mind
that could be. definitely keep us updated on your findings! thanks for sharing
I was running balanced with the Ares II. But no, I didnāt notice any difference. I donāt think my hearing is good enough to pick up on that kind of thing 99% of the time. But normally I go balanced when available since, if one is better, itās always the balanced port. With the Ares IIās outputs I donāt think it actually matters because the outputs are tied directly together. To my knowledge, thatās not typical and balanced line level voltages are normally higher.
I had to pull out the Taurus listing because I noticed a noise from the right channel. Currently contacting Auralic but I doubt itāll go anywhere since itās an older model. I understand your pickle though, I hope that you are happy with your order once it arrives!
Sorry to disappoint. But I ended up cancelling the order. At $1200, I figured it made more since to spend a little more to get a higher tier amp like the GS-X mini. But if a used Soloist shows up on Headfi for the right price, Iād most likely go for it. Or if you want to try it first, I could message you as soon as I see one (on headfi)
Hello! Iām thinking about to try this sa-1 amp, but maybe it is worth to try something different second-hand? Amps with retail prices like 700-800$ which can be purchased for 500-600$? Is there any alternatives to sa-1 that way?
For example: Liquid Platinum is better amp?
Somebody hear A30 pro and sa-1 in comparison? A30 pro is very good, interesting is it worth to try sa-1 as replacement?
Zen Dac should do well, I plan on trying the blue dac v2 when itās out. Right now I am running mine with a JDS Labs ELII DAC and itās sounds pretty fantastic.
Has anyone done an A/B comparison between the Singxer and the Jotunheim 2? Iām contemplating selling my Jot2 to upgrade to the Singxer. But Iām curious if it really is an upgrade. Any thoughts on similarities and differences are appreciated.
Thats great to know looks like this could be a great first amplifier for me thanks was worried it wouldnāt have enough power to properly drive the Argons
Has anyone tried running the 4.4 and 4pin XLR out at the same time with 2 headphones? I have tried this and canāt tell if there is any degradation of quality.
The SA-1 has so much power headroom, I wouldnāt be surprised if it still worked well driving two at the same time. Though Iām sure itās possible to push it hard enough for it to degrade the sound.
i mean, have you been given any aproximation? 