iem DAC/AMP options if you don't like DAP's, ieMatch or the 789/ieMagni

I don't ike the Android version of Tidal and DAP's are expensive and a lot of what you're paying or is the computer, OS, and screen which I already have in my iPod and iPhone

ieMatch sounds bad to me. Real loss of dynamics and clarity

The 789 only sounds good with BA iems

The ieMagni just doesn't sound good

What else is there? Just dongles? Am I missing something? Seems like such a hole in the market.

 

Dongles and portable DAC/amps seem like the answer to this. I don't blame manufacturers for not going all in on desktop solutions for IEMs as most IEMs are used in portable settings.

 

Agreed. Any portable dac/amps in particular that play well with iems?

 

The last portable DAC/amp I had was the xduoo one and I don’t recall it hissing either my IEMs but I use relatively less sensitive DD IEMs only. I know you’re looking for something to pair with the Zen Pro and honestly I’m surprised so many sources are hissing with those.

 

I still have my old Leck with the volume floor lowered by 12 dB. Consider getting in touch with Nick about this.

I've heard good things about the Pico Power. (But 1–3 people I trust say good things about the BHSE , so ... )

 

With the Violectric V200 driving Shure SE535 I don't detect any hiss and the option to lower the gain gives ample room on the volume dial.

 

If you don't mind dongles, the Lotoo PAW-S1 is very neat.
They have a S2 now, not sure what's different about it.

Maybe chord mojo should be revisited? Although it's not particularly airy, so might not work well with the Dunu Zen Pro.

 

Maybe an LDAC Bluetooth amp? Been looking for something better than ES100 for that purpose for a while. Ifi GoBlu?

 

I’ll try the zen pro with the phonitor one I get home. Seems like an amp problem. I wonder if vorzuge is still a good option.. remember they were built for iems in mine.

 

I really like the fiio BTR5. I bought it as a throwaway for doing yardwork and stuff outside but ended up loving it. The best thing about it is that you can actually set sensitivity to match the iem. So no matter what iem you use, if you match the sensitivity, so you don't end up with bloaty bass but as intended by manufacturer. I end up using it more than Shanling m6 pro lately. Pretty sure there's no hiss with campfire iems but will test out tonight.

 

I'm not interested in bluetooth TBH. I'll wind up velcroing whatever to the back of my iPod touch anyways so there's no point.

Does Fiio make a good DAC/AMP? I was interested in the Q5 until I read that it has background hiss with iems...

Someone must make a good DAC/AMP for iems what the hell

 

I know it’s blasphemy to suggest it here, but look at the Topping A90

 

And then quickly look the other way

 

@rhythmdevils Take this with a grain of salt because this review often reads like a press release, but this site is highlighting the Khadas Tone2 Pro for its utterly silent background: https://www.headphonesty.com/2021/03/review-khadas-tone2-pro/

I haven’t heard this device so I have no idea if it sounds good, but I did want to bring it to your attention given the request in this thread.

 

Isn't RME ADI-2 Dac with the iem output probably a good option? I guess it depends if you like the RME sound or not.

 

God that review was awful. 2 pages, and not a single word about how it sounds. And yet he repeated what a technological marvel it was over and over without even saying why. Jesus. Headphonesty my ass. Headphoolery.

I might inquire about a loaner, but I've already contacted Hifigo about a loaner of a different product and they didn't respond. Seeing them give a unit to these idiots tells me they have a review strategy. And it's not SBAF.

but I might try.

I don't want a new desktop DAC. A desktop amp might work but I don't know of one other than the 789 and iemagni that work with sensitive iems.

 

I doubt you'll like this review much better but they do talk about the sound, albeit in vague terms: https://www.headfonia.com/khadas-tone2-pro-review/2/

 

I'm also turned off by the RCA jacks. What's with these mobile DAC/AMPS that have to do every single thing including operate as a desktop DAC/AMP? The market for portable DAc/AMPS is so crazy and weird and misaligned with user interest to me.

that being said I'll still reach out to Hifigo.or maybe just buy one for SBAF.

 

I think you’re underestimating the segment of the market who will spend maybe $500 for their entire system total. Devices like this make sense for them. Or people who want to spend megabucks but can’t and want something that can scale up for a bit as they improve their gear piece by piece.

 

I've narrowed the options for you since I'm in the same boat for an eventual source upgrade for the Zen Pro.

Luxury Precision W2, Dethonray Honey H1, Questyle M1, Shanling U2, in that order.