[Redcarmoose]

The ifi hip dac 3 has all the gas needed to make these two headphones totally shine. Involving well done imaging, just asking for mental participation. My first experience with a Burr-Brown DAC chipset, yet it is smooth, but still lets vocals through in contrast, which can be an issue (at times) with these two headphones. Believe it or not here the MDR-Z7 is harder to drive, where the MDR-Z1R can get over the top loud, way louder than any human could stand.

 

[Surf Monkey]

The ifi hip dac 3 has all the gas needed to make these two headphones totally shine. Involving well done imaging, just asking for mental participation. My first experience with Bur-brown, yet it is smooth, but still lets vocals through in contrast, which can be an issue (at times) with these two headphones. Believe it or not here the MDR-Z7 is harder to drive, where the MDR-Z1R can get over the top loud, way louder than any human could stand.

HipDAC is always lurking on my list. The xDSD Gryphon is at the top but I often consider springing for the HD 3 as an interim solution for full sized phones.

 

[Jmop]

Need that new Zen Pro graph pronto.

 

[thaslaya]

The BTR 7 is a very good BT receiver. I find it works especially well for me when I use an AptX HD transmitter with my iPhone, so I imagine that devices with native AptX probably work even better.

For wired I strongly recommend the HiBy FC 4. It has both single ended and balanced output and it sounds better than any other dongle dac I’ve ever owned. It’s exceptionally clean, quiet and accurate.

+1 for the Hiby FC4. It's a great wired option.

 

[Jmop]

Hip Dac 3 vs Shanling H2?

 

[Redcarmoose]

HipDAC is always lurking on my list. The xDSD Gryphon is at the top but I often consider springing for the HD 3 as an interim solution for full sized phones.

Out of the GO blu, the GO link and the GO bar...........(in comparison) the hip dac is maybe the best value. While it doesn't have all the features of the GO bar it is less money, and still (while maybe) slightly less detailed, is still an amazing product. Where probably the most shocking thing was just how normal the "Animals" album was. Meaning get the hip dac a modern recording with spacial imaging and a spread-out stage.........like some modern 2024 mix production, and prepare to be blown away.......at least I was. For the price of the hip dac.......and what it does......especially how smooth and sexy the volume knob is..........it is an easy recommendation.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Hip Dac 3 vs Shanling H2?

Don't have the H2, sorry.

 

[Redcarmoose]

xDSD Gryphon

I don't have the xDSD Gryphon, maybe someday?

 

[Surf Monkey]

I don't have the xDSD Gryphon, maybe someday?

I’ve seen it go on crazy sale for under $400 from time to time but those moments haven’t synched up with my budget yet.

 

[saldsald]

I just received this together with A CABLE (actually last Friday) and the OG and I am not sure if I am supposed to show any pictures of it?
Anyway, let me take a listen first.

https://hifigo.com/products/effect-audio-x-elysian-acoustic-labs-pilgrim

Ok I guess I am allowed to show the collab bundle.


Effect Audio x Elysian Acoustic Labs PILGRIM Noir, comes with a Effect Audio Eros S Noir Cable. I have all my EA cables terminated with ConX so...hey, Pen Ear is not a problem.

Note: PILGRIM is in caps.


And the PILGRIM OG.

 

[o0genesis0o]

Have you try ibasso DC Elite? "Said" it is "better" than dx300 in SQ (not the power), and have great soundstage and imaging. I read also that some prefer Elite than W4 or hiby FC6 or A&K HC4. I'm curious myself and even gonna break my own oath about dongle being hassle if it sounded that good

Not yet, unfortunately. I think I’m done with my sources for now. W4 + R3II for outdoor, DX300 for critical listening. I might upgrade the amp card of DX300.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I’ve seen it go on crazy sale for under $400 from time to time but those moments haven’t synched up with my budget yet.

I guess we just have to dream, really that retail sale price is crazy? Almost unbelievable? WOW!

https://penonaudio.com/penon-gs849.html
Here the GS849 aftermarket cable is in action with the ifi hip dac 3 and Penon Volt.........my favorite IEM combo here today!

 

[gadgetgod]

The ifi hip dac 3 has all the gas needed to make these two headphones totally shine. Involving well done imaging, just asking for mental participation. My first experience with a Burr-Brown DAC chipset, yet it is smooth, but still lets vocals through in contrast, which can be an issue (at times) with these two headphones. Believe it or not here the MDR-Z7 is harder to drive, where the MDR-Z1R can get over the top loud, way louder than any human could stand.

I like the cute hip flask kinda design of hip dac 3

 

[thaslaya]

Here's my latest review for the Fiio JH5 (Head-fi and blog). I haven't really seen this one talked about much which is a shame. It's an excellent mature tuning and has a good build quality. Hopefully some others can hear it too and weigh in.

 

[Rambone]

Last purchase before a three week seminar in New Mexico is the CCA Hydro. After extended listening while slaving away at work to afford this hobby, I can confirm it is everything I liked about the rhapsody and Trio rolled into one.

This was my first thoughts as well with the Hydro. I feel the Hydro is a love letter to both of those sets.

Lol, poor Vader High Resolution.

I like that these exists as a variant to the balanced version (they are not bad). I was cognizant of what I was buying for science however for this type of tuning after listening to the Vader High Res, I liked the Moondrop LAN and Kiwi Ears Forteza better.