[Ongoing] Portable Audio Discussion | Although not in...

Mar 4, 2018

I think you're right--I'd watched a few reviews a while back, but somehow forgot about that one. I went back checked them out again liked what I saw (damn good looking bit of hardware) and heard . It's a tad over the price I'd set, but there's a lot more to it than anything in it's class (and in a pinch, it will even work well on the desk). Once I was sold, I had little trouble finding one. Eventually I stumbled on to Music Direct's site and placed the order. Thanks for the advice.

Anyone else interested or curious should check out the snappy video on OPPOs site: https://www.oppodigital.com/headphone-amplifier-ha-2SE/

Mar 4, 2018

Mar 5, 2018

RayFI can't think of a really slim dac/amp with a 1/4 plug.
Setting that criterion aside -- Fiio Q1 Mark II? Fiio even makes combo cases to hold the Q1MKII and an iPhone together in one package.

Mar 5, 2018

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Mar 6, 2018

kukkurovacaTrue the 1/4" plug might have been pushing it a tad. Rumor has it there's not loss in fidelity when using an adapter so assuming I don't lose it...

Mar 6, 2018

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Mar 6, 2018

kukkurovacaWait--you didn't tell me about the Q5! I may have to buy that and return the OPPO Ha2Se (or keep both--I'm undecided)!

Mar 6, 2018

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Mar 6, 2018

RayFHeh, I omitted b/c you'd mentioned a $200 budget. It's definitely the new hotness in flat-shaped portable dac/amps.

Mar 6, 2018

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Mar 6, 2018

kukkurovacaWell budget be damned (I'll just have to knock over another liquor store on the way home tonight). Have you (or anyone else "we" know) actually had a chance to use or play with the Q5 yet? Info on Youtube is pretty limited at this point

Mar 6, 2018

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Mar 6, 2018

RayFLots of folks on head-fi have gotten theirs, response so far seems quite positive. Only complaint I can recall seeing is that there are some settings that can currently only be configured by an iOS app.

Mar 6, 2018

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Allgorhythm

Mar 7, 2018

RayFUnless you must have the Bluetooth, I would recommend the OPPO HA-2SE over the Q5. It's more portable and the sound quality is better compared to the AM3A amp module the Q5 comes with. If you pay an extra 100 USD or so, you can get the AM5 amp module for the Q5. That brings the sound quality on par with the Oppo (IMHO). The interoperability with FiiO amp modules is a plus for the Q5.
I believe the HA-2SE is getting harder to find. One option is that OPPO sometimes (but not always) has certified like-new refurbished HA-2SEs in their store for under 250 USD with full warranty.
If Bluetooth is required, you should know that the Q5 is a very good Bluetooth receiver but not a transmitter. In other words, it can receive Bluetooth from an iPhone but the connection to the headphones must be wired.

Mar 7, 2018

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Mar 7, 2018

AllgorhythmThanks, and all good points. I did notice a link on the OPPO site for the refurb HA-2SEs but it returned an error (perhaps out of stock at that point). I do like the Q5's Bluetooth feature (not needed, but I can see it being useful). The ability to change Q5 amps is intriguing, but as others have said, I would have preferred that option at the time of purchase (guessing those who purchased the AM5 upgrade have little use for the AM3?). I'm also concerned about the seemingly limited availability of the HA-2SE. Could it be an indication of a newer version/model about to be released? Many questions! Still, the HA-2SE is already on it's way and the Q5 seems to be readily available if I decide to swap one for the other. I'll keep you posted...

Mar 7, 2018

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Allgorhythm

Mar 7, 2018

RayFAlthough not in the same league as either the Q5 or the HA-2SE, I am very happy with the recent Topping NX1s Portable Headphone Amp drop https://www.massdrop.com/buy/55483 I got both the silver & black models. They are very elegant about the size of a slim matchbox. The sound is very good. If you assess the sound with respect to portability and price, it is nothing short of exceptional. It is so noninvasive that you can plug in your earphones or headphones into the device and it is available for whatever audio source might come along. The device barely adds any bulk to the cord.

Mar 7, 2018

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RayL

Mar 8, 2018

RayFI would add another vote for the OPPO. It is the only DAC/Amp I've ever owned but it works great with my iPhone 7 and has real decent battery life. It really livens up all my IEMs over just plugging them into the phone (Lightning versions) or a cheaper inline DAC.

Mar 8, 2018

Mar 8, 2018

RayLThanks, I'll be hooking up an iPhone 8Plus, so that's good to hear. Rumor has it my HA-2SE will be here tomorrow-ish, so hopefully I'll have an opinion of my own soon! Pity my HD6XXs are still a no-show. Until they arrive, I'll be plugging into a pair of Bose QC35s...I know, sacrilege!

Mar 8, 2018

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Mar 15, 2018

RayFBy the way, I recently picked up a portable amplifier with a 1/4" jack. it's not quite as svelte as the HA-2 or Q5 though, lol.
Also it's funny to have to use a 2.5mm trrs to 3.5mm adapter into a 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter in order to use some of my headphones with it.

Mar 15, 2018

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Mar 15, 2018

kukkurovacaSome day all that stuff will be standardized--maybe USB3,500? Mean time, looks cool enough! Hows it sound?

Mar 15, 2018

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Mar 15, 2018

RayFLovely! It's a lot tube-ier than my ALO CDM, which is a hybrid, and the treble is a bit rolled off, making it good for too-bright heapdhones or recordings.
Not pocketable, though. : )

Mar 15, 2018

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Mar 15, 2018

kukkurovacaGlad to hear it! By the way, with a little imagination, everything is pocketable!

Mar 15, 2018

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A community member

Apr 20, 2018

AllgorhythmA lot harder to find, Oppo is going to close down

Apr 20, 2018

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Apr 20, 2018

I know, too bad I didn’t find out sooner!

Apr 20, 2018

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