I want to temper you expectations a bit and say the differences are not incredibly stark, but there’s a definitely an improvement, IMO. I think most of the hype just comes from the ‘fact’ that you actually can do better than amps that have ‘low noise’ measurements. There’s definitely more to ‘it’ than what standard measurements can convey.
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Even if it isnt night and day, I needed another amp for my usage at work. I’m just looking forward to what it has to offer.
I get the measurement thing. I’m sure my Darkvoice 336se measures like shit, but it sounds good with high impedance headphones, specifically my HD650.
The insane power of the SP200 has started to drive me nuts as well. Even at low gain, I can barely turn the volume knob before things get really loud. Sure, it powers my Argons well, but all of my other headphones…everything else starts going haywire after 11 o’clock on the volume knob. This is at low gain mind you.
yea, I think the 789 and 887 are a pretty big improvement on that volume knob issue. I had the 887 and it’s pretty close to the RNHP, TBH. From my experience, there’s a much bigger improvement, jumping to the SPL amp. At that point you start getting into the amp actually making a difference in ‘speed’ or ‘separation’ type of detail to the sound. If you’ve had the chance to listen to Orthodynamic headphones like the Koss 95x or even the Tin P1s, that is the type of improvement I am referring to.
To my ear, It’s possible the ‘improvements’ to the RNHP is how it ‘allows’ some intermodulation noise to affect the sound and doesn’t rely so heavily on forward feedback loops. This is a guess, but to my ear, its definitely just more pleasing overall. Just very ‘clean’ and ‘musical’ at the same time.
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Very interesting takes. I’m sure SMSL made some cost saving measures to be able to sell the SP200 at the price it sells for. Still a bigger bargain than the 789 for sure, but at the expense of things like volume attenuation.
I plan to keep the SP200 around for my Argons (and potentially a hard to drive older Hifiman, if I can ever find a deal on a pair in good condition).
I’ve havent heard the Koss estats. I’ve only heard a few estats, but the SR007 my cousin owns actually gave me one of the biggest jaw dropping experiences in this hobby so far. I think the first time I upgraded from my low tier cans to my HD650, I had a similar reaction.
The last part of what you wrote fascinates me. I’ve also been interested in the other properties that make the RNHP compete with amps that have more power, possibly better measuring amps, etc
The efficiency of the RNHP seems to be one of it’s strengths. I think you may be on to something about intermodulation and feedback. I know some people have taken issue with other types of amps and their topologies (especially if they measure poorly)…but I feel if the amp is a sum of all its parts, who cares if it measures poorly (especially if it is inaudible).
I’m looking forward to hearing it though. New gear is always a fun experience, even if things sound differently from what you expect. I’m happy I’m not one that has confirmation bias.
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Forgot to mention I’m planning on pairing the RNHP with my Enog2 pro. I’m hoping that the pairing has synergy.
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I’ve personally had a hard time hearing differences between enog 2, D70, D90. I think it’s a very good DAC, you should be okay, IMO.
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That pairing works well 
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Since you have the ENOG2 you could run it at low or medium gain settings, that would fix your issue with volume on the SMSL. that’s how i ran IEM on it.
The ENOG2 Sp200 pairing gives you 8 potential gain setting vs the 3 on 789.
And it’s a great pairing with the RNHP…
AND
It’s sound good with the KPH30i lol
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I have it currently set at medium (just made the most sense to keep it in between nuclear mode and whisper mode, lol).
I’m happy to hear that this pairs well with the RNHP…and it definitely pairs well with the SP200. I previously had a Khadas Tone Board paired with the SP200 and it was overly sterile sounding. Still good, but it felt like the sound had no body or heft to it. For experimentation, I hooked up my Topping D10 to the SP200 as well and it was similarly sterile. Both DACs use an ESS Sabre Chip, so maybe that chip type doesn’t mesh well with the analytical sounding SP200?
My porta pros and kph30i sound good with everything I’ve plugged them into so far. They are fun and laid back, definitely not a detail lover’s choice, lol.
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The thing is, if I wanted something that sounded like an Elex, I listen to the Elex. I did a comparison of the 2 the other day (Aeolus with US pads vs Elex). I can see why YOU would make that comparison, but it does not sound quite the same.
I like the stock pads of the Aeolus at the moment especially on tubes. Elex has always been fantastic on any SS amp I’ve used.
I feel a little silly for not paying the price you just mentioned. 
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Yeah i love the Elex but im always looking for a upgrade to it. thats why im so interested in the Aeolus/suede and the Arya. I really love its sound.
But man i hate dark headphones lol. i just cant take it for very long
Loved the Elex too, Clear is the obvious upgrade, IMO. But you need a better amp to get the most out of it.
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Nighthawk gang let’s go! 
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correct me if im mistaken but isnt the clear a neutral sound sig? in which case no it isnt an upgrade to the Elex lol
nighthawk gang is lame 
yeah… uhm… okay then.
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You’re mistaken in not understanding the differences between them… and what people ‘mean’ when they say ‘neutral’ compared to the Elex. You really just have to hear them for yourself, I think. Lol
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Giova 
its called “The Clear” its neutral. The Elex is a W shaped sig. base, midrange and treble turned up to make a more exciting headphone. Neutral headphones are meant to sound more natural and “clear”.
No W shape, no upgrade
The clear is a further refinement of the elex. The elex is really only slightly w shaped. The elex is a bit more fun, but the clear is definitely a direct upgrade