Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Rhamnetin
172
May 28, 2018
I wouldn't touch this with a ten foot pole.
DALE
41
May 28, 2018
TamPrs
280
May 28, 2018
DALEThe drop pics are sooo low res. thats why. lol
DALE
41
May 28, 2018
TamPrshow old are you? five?
TamPrs
280
May 29, 2018
DALEOnly 2.
Rhamnetin
172
May 30, 2018
DALEHigh priced normal delta sigma DAC from unknown China manufacturer (they made a decent digital interface and a Violectric cloned amp that is known to die prematurely). An expensive gamble with nothing particularly promising about the product at first glance, and Chinese audio brands really do skimp on build quality 99% of the time as one would expect. I don't gamble with high priced stuff. No China made product in my audio chains, much less unknown Chinese brands.
DALE
41
May 30, 2018
RhamnetinNice explanation! Thanks for your input.
Mattttt
18
Jun 3, 2018
RhamnetinAh we got a newbie here? Gustard, an "unknown China manufacturer"? When did they make Violectric cloned amp? Are you talking about Accurate Audio? Even so, A281 has good reputations in China and Taiwan.. donno where you got all the false information from...
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 10, 2018
MatttttYes, Gustard popped out of the blue one day. What got them known was the H10 amp, a Violectric V220 clone that seems to have lots of premature failures not to mention that's an amp that has opamps in the signal path and who knows what other crap. Accurate Audio... ANOTHER Violectric clone? Either way they are cloning fundamentally flawed amps I'd never recommend anyway. So it sounds like you're the newbie who probably doesn't know the first thing about audio.
"good reputations in China and Taiwan..." LOL as if this means anything.
TamPrs
280
Jun 11, 2018
RhamnetinWith that said I cannot wait for Massdrop x Audio-gd tho, it would be such a great colab project.
btw. how do I turn off notification of this chat?
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 11, 2018
TamPrsProbably a general account setting but yeah Audio-GD is interesting, maybe even above average in component quality.
Mattttt
18
Jun 12, 2018
RhamnetinI'll give you that H10 is a clone, not into entry level amp myself. But please search "Gustard" on head-fi and see how many post you can find, also check out the x20 thread with 1200 replies and tell me again Gustard is an unknown China manufacturer. Interesting that you know H10 is a V220 clone but didn't heard much of gustard other products, maybe you only browse MD? I know people like you have bias toward Chinese stuff and I don't give a fk but please don't spread false information thank you
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 13, 2018
Mattttt1) You cited number of Head-Fi posts as a reputable source. Anything else you can say on the subject is invalid, hell you didn't even know it was a clone until I enlightened you. Imagine what else I can teach you. You must only browse Head-Fi, though even the Head-Fi Gustard H10 thread mentions that it's a Violectric clone in the very first post. Head-Fi is just an uninformed hype train forum where people hype up and talk about objectively inferior crap like Gustard and Cavalli and Eddie Current back in the day, if you want to actually learn about audio try head-case forums or avsforum.
2) I called Gustard unknown because nobody knows anything about their factory, designers, staff. They don't even have a damn website you moron. Apex HiFi is known for example, as one of the two lead designers is Pete Millett, a legend in the industry who constantly puts out excellent designs. Therefore, a known brand. What does anyone know about Gustard other than their product line? So no, I am aware of Gustard's other products. Me calling them "unknown" doesn't indicate that I don't know their products, it is an informed opinion as I have just explained.
3) Bias toward Chinese stuff? You really mean to say biased AGAINST. But I just acknowledged that Audio-GD is actually above average in component quality and design quality not to mention nice interior chassis design usually. Antique Sound Labs also makes pretty decent stuff, and if you know where to look you can get some nice transformers from China believe it or not (obviously you have to sort through mountains of crap to get there though).
So you are wrong on all accounts and haven't pointed out any false information. This back and forth is just me constantly educating you.
Mattttt
18
Jun 13, 2018
Rhamnetin2. I just so happen to know who is Gustard's CEO, so does a number of guys on Head-fi and Chinese forum, but of cause that doesn't mean sxxt to you e.g. " reputations in China and Taiwan..." LOL as if this means anything. " & " Head-Fi is just an uninformed hype train " 3. In your first reply you said " Chinese audio brands really do skimp on build quality 99% of the time as one would expect. " acknowledging Audio-gd doesn't cover the fact you have bias, unless you're saying you experienced 99 other Chinese companies that are crap. I don't expect to talk sense into you, just want to let other people who's reading this be less affected by your bias :)
Kirkladc
64
Jun 25, 2018
RhamnetinSo for a newbie like me who wants to learn more about good/great products, which audio forums do you recommend besides the two you mentioned in your post? Thanks.
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 25, 2018
KirkladcNot head-fi.org because they delete threads and posts that expose brands that happen to be their sponsors (or companies who they just want a good relationship with which is most audio companies) because they put their business relationships before the people. And most people there just blindly follow hype trains.
Superbestaudiofriends has unknowledgeable hype trains like head-fi but they won't delete posts that expose brands, and they do have an emphasis on measuring headphones which is nice.
Head-case.org is the most knowledgeable and objective but not very active. I definitely suggest looking up amps there before anywhere else though. Avsforums has good discussion but no focus on headphones. Ultimately these two are my most visited. Audiogon and audioasylum have good technical discussions from back in the day, but aren't as active now.
Kirkladc
64
Jun 25, 2018
RhamnetinExcellent, thank you very much for those.
Benjet
30
Jun 27, 2018
RhamnetinI’ve had an x20 pro for over a year. Excellent device which has performed flawlessly. USB interface was a bit of a let down sonically, but i’ve since removed it and now run the DAC through the i2s port. Very happy with the sound and quality of this unit. Great flexibility as well as I use both the balanced and single ended outputs to drive various headphone amps outputting to my Focal Utopias. I was sceptical at first when, but now I wouldn’t have any issue in purchasing another Gustard product. This is just from my experience and I don’t claim it as a consensus
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 28, 2018
BenjetI appreciate the insight, but I wonder how it performs compared to similarly prices DACs or even some lower cost units like the Denafrips Ares and even the Chord Mojo.
Benjet
30
Jun 28, 2018
RhamnetinI listened to quite a few DACs, these include the Gustard, Dragonfly Red, Mojo, Hugo 2, Oppo HA-1, QED Digit, GroB, Modi, Bifrost, Brooklyn and probably another half dozen on top of that. All had their strengths and weaknesses and out that list I ended up with the Gustard, Dragonfly red and 2 x QED Digits. Dragonfly is a great and cost effective mobile solution. The Digits, once modified, are a excellent sounding DAC and can be picked up cheaply from eBay. And the Gustard was brought on a whim. Out of the box I was a little disappointed with the Gustard, it wasn’t until I removed the USB interface and connected it to my media pc via the i2s port (media pc has a Pink Faun pci-e to i2s card), that this DAC opened up. My source chain is Roon->Pink Faun interface->Gustard->Hybrid Tube Headphone amp->Utopia. Since them I’ve had the opportunity to audition several other DACs, and none to me seem worth the upgrade. Taken quite a few years to end up with this gear and I don’t see it changing anytime soon.
search
TamPrs
280
Jun 28, 2018
BenjetNice setup.
Baddog
28
Jun 29, 2018
RhamnetinWhy is that just on price? I have a Gustard H10 headphone amp and love it. The amp is built like a tank, so, no quality or other reliability issues so far. Just curious why no one has jumped at all.
Rhamnetin
172
Jun 29, 2018
BaddogBuilt like a tank? I have a feeling you are referring to the chassis, not its internal component quality combined with temperatures which is the typical cause of failure for modern day class AB solid state amps.
Also are you asking about this DAC regarding price?
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
MatttttGreat responses. I hate newbies trying to be know it alla. Especially when they've had maybe 5 years at most with any audio products. He bitches about Chinese hifi on one hand and the other alludes to their affordability as a great thing. Millennials.
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
BenjetWhere exactly are your Utopias? I do see a junk Woo headphone stand, which truly is overpriced beyond belief.
Benjet
30
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81
search
Sorry, headphones were probably on my head at the time. Headphone stands were $23 from China.
Rhamnetin
172
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81Millennials paving the way for our future! Much better than being jaded and unable to let go of old ideas. Also you must have a very strong opinion of me if you think I am representative of an entire generation. I am flattered.
Reading comprehension clearly isn't your strong suit, and you definitely know what it's like to be a pretend know it all. I'm skeptical of Gustard due to the reputation and copycat nature of the H10 (and the fact that they copied a Violectric amp of all amps) and also the tech in their DACs, but that has nothing to do with Audio-GD offering excellent budget products. Audio-GD actually charges less for their products than what it'd cost us to build it ourselves, not that you'd know anything about that.
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
BenjetSorry Benjet I'm old and wrote the reply to the wrong person. My sincerest apologies.
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
Rhamnetin🙇 🙇 Oh Oracle Rhamnetin. Too bad this isn't Twitter so I could actually say what I think 😉. Again cudos to you and your knowledge. I shall never question you again. 🙇 👍👍👍👍
Benjet
30
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81No offense taken, kinda like this lively conversation 👍
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
BenjetJust a bit of a tiff with an "Oracle" who knows it all. Not too lively, yet anyways lol. I've only been into HiFi for about 2 decades and he's been on Earth barely 2 and a half decades lol. So yeah. But again hard to reason with people like that. Tells me I'm old therefore stubborn and stuck in my ways. Oh and alluded to his great "success" and that I "wished I could have afforded what he can at his age, 24" lol. Of course I mean I am way below the poverty line, having a trust fund is tough now-a-days lol. But his assumptions not mine. I was introduced to HiFi by my father when I was about 10, got really into at 15. And yet he knows everything but has been called out a few times for being a "newbie" and not by me mind you. But I digress and now acknowledge his omnificence! I sure could learn a thing or two from him. Gives me goosebumps for him to comment on my apparently POS Woo Audio headphone amp. I was just absolutely enamoured and felt so privileged he even responded to my post. Just in awe of him.... 🤗🤗
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
RhamnetinOf course not, only graduating from MIT when you were in diapers, so that would have made you about 10 at the time. Electrical and Audio engineering, so yeah I would have no clue about building my own amp. You tool.
Rhamnetin
172
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81I have met people from MIT who can't even successfully power a light bulb when given a 9v battery, so that means nothing to me. I would assume you are in that category, based on all of your posts demonstrating complete lack of fundamental knowledge.
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
RhamnetinAre you that dense? One thing you are correct about, I have not stated anything in any post to do with my knowledge whatsoever. Doesn't take a theoretical physicist to come to that conclusion. Not sure where it is stated that anything we post needs to contain a pre-schoolers level of knowledge like your own. I couldn't find it anywhere. And besides I don't fight below my weight class; sorry for the disappointment. Now run along and play with the little ones and leave the adults alone. That's a good boy 👍👍🤗🤗 If you could READ, this is not the forum to wipe the floor with you, and I'll leave it at that! Or would you prefer for me to explain in another language perhaps? Now FO.
Rhamnetin
172
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81Yes, try German.
Audios81
48
Jul 11, 2018
RhamnetinDies ist nicht das Forum zu diskutieren, wie ich über Sie fühlen.
Latin perhaps Hoc est, ut de foro quomodo sentio te
En Français peut-être; Ce n'est pas le Forum pour discuter de ce que je ressens pour vous.
Có lẽ Việt Nam; Đây không phải là diễn đàn để thảo luận về những gì tôi cảm thấy cho bạn
May be a bit rusty, but alas I've had my fun with you, so I won't be entertaining your little games anymore. If you'd like to discuss this like a man, I'm more than happy to deal with you on Twitter little boy. Other than that, I don't with to discuss anything further. And again, I 🙇 to you oh mighty Oracle! But you can continue on, but I have some resting to do before skiing tomorrow. And yes I live in the Southern Hemisphere, and yes we have snow here, and yes it is winter now. Just in case you thought the earth was flat. 👍👍👍 Twitter is waiting.......
TamPrs
280
Jul 11, 2018
Audios81Nice roasting. I was wondering why so many notification. Struck your golden posts when I check this thread again lol.
WhiskeyJacks
66
Aug 12, 2018
TamPrsI know the matching amplifier that has balanced inputs and outputs is supposedly fantastic from the few people I trust that own it. So, I could only hope that the DAC pairing is as good or equivalent for a source. I know custard has put out some really good mid fi gear and are trying to enter the high fi and high end playing field like brands like Cayin and Aune did. I hope some but it and give some good impressions and comparisons work more well known equipment.
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 12, 2018
Rhamnetin@Rhamnetin Which amps would you recommend in this price range? Just curious. Thanks.
Rhamnetin
172
Aug 14, 2018
SchrodinSteinWhat price range are we talking again? $1000ish? Bottlehead Mainline without a doubt.
FL_Guy
17
Aug 14, 2018
SchrodinSteinImho there are a lot of very good amps at or under $1000 these days - including several from Massdrop, Schiit, and the THX and Liquid Platinum, depending in part on whether you're looking for solid state or tubes, and whether you want to drive high impedance headphones, low, inefficient headphones, or pretty much everything. So without more info, it's really difficult to provide useful answer(s) .. As a SS all arounder, the Gustard H20 is worth considering, partly due to matching form factor, depending on you price range and preferences (and comfort level with Gustard of course).
WhiskeyJacks
66
Aug 14, 2018
SchrodinSteinIf you aye looking for a powerful amp that is under 1000 I cannot recommend the cayin iha6 amp enough it is on sale for 700 right now via music store, and if your interested I'll find the link. One of the best amplifiers I have listened too.
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 14, 2018
RhamnetinThank you. Do you also have a DAC you'd recommend at this price point? I am very curious now. @WhiskeyJacks Thank you for the recommendation, I will surely check it out. @FL_Guy Thank you also, I realize my request was vague.
Rhamnetin
172
Aug 14, 2018
SchrodinSteinMy DAC of choice around this price range would be a used Chord Qutest. Having used some really high end traditional delta sigma DACs, R2R DACs, and Chord DACs, to my ears Chord is the only one who gets it 'right' and they are definitely the most transparent.
Also before getting a Cavalli amp, please read the Cavalli Liquid Carbon, Liquid Carbon X, Cavalli Tube Hybrid, and Liquid Lightning threads on head-case.org. Skilled engineers open them up and analyze them, effectively exposing them.
Audios81
48
Aug 16, 2018
SchrodinSteinDon't ask Rhamnetin for advice. An absolute newbie who denounces anything Chinese made in one post and praises them in the next. ZERO knowledge. He mostly cuts and pastes from the other forums. Read his responses to Mattttt way up in this thread. If you want a real answer ask someone who maybe oh graduated from MIT with Electrical and Audio Engineering under his belt, has owned far more Hifi products than he ever will, and was buying his first B&W 801's when Rhamnetin was about 4 years old. Take what he says with a Nano grain of salt. Trust me on that one. Cheers
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 16, 2018
Audios81I would be very interested to hear your recommendations for an AMP and DAC both in this price range (~$1000). Thank you.
Audios81
48
Aug 16, 2018
SchrodinSteinWould you like separates or an all in one? Cheers
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 16, 2018
Audios81Whatever you think will give the best performance. I am patient so I don't mind buying one piece at a time and waiting until I can afford another. Thank you in advance!
Audios81
48
Aug 16, 2018
SchrodinSteinLet me get back to you today, but checking where you live, as I now live in Australia so $1k AUD buys a lot less than $1k USD! Just so I know what the right price range is! Cheers
Rhamnetin
172
Aug 17, 2018
Audios81Yeah read the previous posts, they make everything very clear. You praise your supposed MIT background but can't even engage in simple technical discussion, all you can do is talk about price and brands while dodging all technical and objective discussion I raise. You talk about cutting and pasting (and meant copying and pasting) yet the only time you tried to address my argument was copying and pasting a link to a video about amp classes, but couldn't even discuss what was in the video. How many amps or preamps have you built? You bought a Woo Audio WA7 and tried to show it off... that says it all. Your profile description reeks of insecurity.
As I said earlier, I've met MIT graduates who can't figure out how to light a bulb with a 9v battery. You certainly do seem on that level.
Audios81
48
Aug 17, 2018
RhamnetinAgain same argument you have used here and other threads. Too much of a p**** to go to forum where I can wipe the floor with you. And your "argument" of how many amps I have built: Irrelevant; I've rebuilt more car engines than you have owned cars, and I don't say that because I've done so I know more about it than someone who has built one. So once again a ridiculous and ignorant argument. Go back to your ANTIFA meetings, and your Liberal BS. I was never asked advice, therefore your BS theory that I didn't "engage" because I don't engage with c you next Tuesdays. I never showed off a cheap amp, and never purported that it was the best by any means. So again, go back to the playground where you belong and STFU, unless you can man up and take this to a forum where you'll be put in your place. Nothing but a useless SJW hiding behind his keyboard, and because he has no life, spends his time reading his "Bible" AKA online forums, doesn't make you an expert at anything what-so-ever, but if we must all continue to bow to the all knowing Rhamnetin, we then we will do so. But we all know the type. So don't pretend you are something you are not. And I'm sorry your community college, if that, education hasn't fared so well for you, but that's your issue. Another Zeo's wannabe, which is to say another brain dead social reject who wants others to fund his lifestyle. Keep clicking away at your keyboard, wolfing down the Dunkin Donuts, and Mountain Dew and maybe search for a real a job?
Audios81
48
Aug 17, 2018
RhamnetinBut I'll say it again, since you seem to become more dense as the days pass; Mattttt and I have already stated quite clearly that we acknowledge your unlimited knowledge and prowess when it comes to anything audio related. We recognise your wisdom and bow to an Oracle in our midst. I gather you enjoy pointing out typos, which again I digress and bow in awe. I mean who knew we were dealing with the Warren Buffet of HiFi here. Still such an honour. I wish I could talk out of my arse non-stop and have so many loyal minions begging to serve me like you. Truly an honour once again. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤗🤗🤗
Audios81
48
Aug 17, 2018
SchrodinSteinThere are a few I'd absolutely recommend without any hesitation.
One of the best,and most versatile would be the Sprout 100 (designed by an audio legends son, Scott McGowan, his father Paul is a family friend, so maybe a slight bias) but truly a extremely well rounded dac/amp. Many use it just for headphones but can easily be used as an all-in-one for a 2 channel setup as well. I've found that while it does easily power most PM headphones, the midrange can become a bit lost; but with dynamic headphones it's amazing. Obviously at the top end of your budget, but due to its versatility, it can really be a great product. Also handmade in CO.
Next I'd say the Audeze Deckard. Obviously an amp biased for its own headphones, but plenty of low end grunt and enough power to power the most difficult to drive cans. Extremely subtle but a very balanced and warm amp as well.
Arcams rHead is also one great amp and about half your budget, but there isn't a built in DAC with this one, but probably one of the best sounding amps for under 1k. It's a very clear and focused amp which I've found to be one of the more natural sounding ones around. In essence you hear what the artist intended you to hear. But some people don't like the lack of over accentuated lows to highs. More of an old school amp imho.
Burson Audio Conductor V2 is one helluva amp/dac. It has a Sabre32 DAC, which is pretty amazing. You should be able to find this in the States for under a grand.
Simaudio Moon Neo 230HAD another great versatile amp/DAC et cetera. Very linear and warm sounding, and an amazing low end. Not quite the clarity you'd expect at its price, but what it lacks in that aspect, dynamically is amazing. Now the last two I've mentioned would be pushing your budget, but easy to find on sale.
Schiit Audio Lyr 3 Hybrid with your choice of optional DAC (should come in around 1k) I've only listened to it a few times but was blown away. For the price probably once of the best hybrids out there.
Schiit Jotunheim Balanced amp with your choice of a DAC, Phono or Multibit DAC. Another amazing product from Schiit. Mike Moffat is what Rhamnetin thinks he is lol. He's a brilliant guy who can make these amps compete with ones costing 10 times what they cost. One great thing about Schiit is 98 percent of every component they use is made in the US. While many audio firms make their products in the US,not every single bit of say an amp is made in the US; a DAC may be made elsewhere, but Schiit is committed to everything locally sourced. And it shows. This is one of my favourite amps for under 5k. It's truly amazing. Punchy, transparent, dynamically sound, amazing build quality and an amazing warranty if that matters to you.
A Woo Audio WA7 is also a great tube amp,but I'd only recommend it if you can swing to also get the WA7tp PSU, as the standard PSU isn't the best and it does lack the deep lows you'd expect from a tube amp. The sound is "cooler" than most tube amps, which is a personal preference, but it's a great combo.
The Woo WA3 and WA6 are also excellent as well,minus the DAC, which may blow your budget. The oversound are very similar amongst the Woos, so it's all dependant on what you like. One issue is tube rolling is pretty much impossible with the Woo Audio tube amps, so if that was something you'd be into, scratch that off your list.
Little Dot, although Chinese do indeed make some decent gear for the price. I'd say if you wanted to start with a very inexpensive tube amp, and roll, and play around,I'd say to try one out. If you buy direct, Yang usually offers a lifetime warranty, only caveat is you must pay shipping back to Shenzen I believe after the first 2 years. But it's a definite showing of confidence in his products. And they are a tube rollers dream. Granted I wouldn't get anything below a MKIV, although Chinese made, their components are very high quality, and they do give mainstream manufacturers a run for their money. I have a Little Dot MK VIII SE which is a great little amp for under 1k, and I use it mainly to compare with other amps I've been buying, and it can definitely hold its own. Don't confuse it with a McIntosh MC275, but for its price, cool little thing.
Hope some of this helps, of course everyone has their own preferences and I'd suggest to find a good hifi dealer than has a generous return program, or even has loaner products you can try out and if they don't work for you, you can return them.
Cheers
Rhamnetin
172
Aug 17, 2018
Audios81It is funny how you go off on my education and job, both of which you know absolutely nothing of. What do you hope to accomplish with all that rambling? All you've succeeded at doing is expanding on your profile page's blatant insecurity. I get it, you are a bitter person jealous of younger people rendering you obsolete. Unfortunately for you there is nothing you can do about it and it has already happened.
You make your own thread here trying to show off a Woo Audio WA7, while I posted a photo of my Stax SR-009 × Mjolnir Audio KGSSHV Carbon + Chord Hugo 2 in the showoff thread. Who is the one needing a new job? Certainly not me.
Ok everyone. I think there's a lot of useful discussion in here and a lot of bickering. Any more of the latter will be removed or moderated. Have a great weekend
search
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 17, 2018
Audios81Thank you for taking the time to make all these recommendations. I appreciate it.
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 17, 2018
RhamnetinWell, you've done it. The thought of building my own amp coupled with the reviews for Bottlehead have me jumping for the Mainline. Thanks for this. I'd never heard of it previously. Just the more "mainstream" stuff. I'd love to own a Chord Dave someday...
Audios81
48
Aug 18, 2018
RhamnetinI didn't post the WA7 to show off. Its a piece of architecture, and hence the photo. I guess I could start posting like I do on Instagram, but this really isn't the forum for such. And I'll leave it at that. Cheers
And hope it helped some SchrodinStein
[moderated]
SchrodinStein
77
Aug 22, 2018
Audios81Very helpful! You've given me quite a lot to think about and to audition. Thank you.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile