THE REVIEWS

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IBASSO AMP9 MODULE REVIEW
PRODUCT, DAP, HIGH NINES K. E. Heartsong PRODUCT, DAP, HIGH NINES K. E. Heartsong

IBASSO AMP9 MODULE REVIEW

The iBASSO AMP9 module is unique in that it utilizes “high current vacuum tubes” for power generation. The tube in question is the sixth generation, Korg and Noritake Nutube vacuum tube, which clearly reflects the “old is new again” adage. And, in this respect, the AMP9 module brings an analog sound signature as opposed to an analog-like sound signature.

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IBASSO DX220/AMP1 MK II REVIEW

IBASSO DX220/AMP1 MK II REVIEW

We were initially going to review only the iBASSO DX220 as aligned to the AMP9—a tubed module wherein there was great consensus that it would fall within our “sound niche.” But then we took a cursory listen to the iBASSO DX220 with the prix fixe AMP1 Mk II card with several headphones/IEMs, well, ‘it was on!’

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IFI PRO IDSD HEADPHONE AMP/DAC/STREAMER REVIEW
PRODUCT, DAC, HIGH NINES, HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, STREAMER K. E. Heartsong PRODUCT, DAC, HIGH NINES, HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER, STREAMER K. E. Heartsong

IFI PRO IDSD HEADPHONE AMP/DAC/STREAMER REVIEW

The time spent with the Pro iDSD was time well spent, in that it offered, as listed above, a plethora of options, wonderful musicality and quite good transparency across all of its options, and it played well with many partners ranging from headphones (dynamic, planar) to In-Ear-Monitors (IEMs) all of which it drove beautifully.

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CAYIN N6ii/E01 REVIEW
PRODUCT, DAP, HIGH NINES K. E. Heartsong PRODUCT, DAP, HIGH NINES K. E. Heartsong

CAYIN N6ii/E01 REVIEW

In the E01 module Cayin has embraced a duality, that sees a “Warm/Transparent” tuning, reminiscent of EL34’s, “shacking up,” so to speak, with a “Reference (like)/Transparent” tuning. Said duality is, by the way, available on-the-fly—touch screen enabled. Sweet!

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