Subject: COZOY Astrapi
High praises have been heaped on this little guy. It's no wonder: Astrapi is tiny, beautifully machined, and powerful. On paper, Astrapi is a headphone amp/DAC every audiophile should desire. It does iOS, Android, and PC/Mac. But in reality, it is just another audio device that sacrifices almost every thing in pursuit of volume.
RMAA: Fiio X3 2nd gen 16-bit & 24-bit loaded/unloaded
While Fiio's X3ii isn't as poorly designed as is the original X3 (which I reviewed here), it still isn't great to use. Seriously, what's with portable hi-fi manufacturers trying to re-tool the classic up-down-left-rigth cross pattern into X, Z, Y, or other unintelligible designs? If you don't agree with me, I have no hope for the mid-range Hi-Fi DAP. However, I reckon that you'll agree with me that the X3ii performs brilliantly. In fact, at least in 16-bit, it even marginally outperforms my favourite DAP, the iPod nano 7G, of which I posted these RMAA results.
Read moreRMAA: Shozy Alien 16-bit & 24-bit loaded/unloaded
Using the Shozy Alien is like being sentenced to opening child-proof bottles for life, but it sounds pretty good. Here are its RMAA results:
Read moreRMAA: Lynx Studio HILO
I have the LT-TB version of the Lynx Studio HILO ADC/DAC (~3000$) in office for another week, in which time I will continue to evaluate it as a pre-amp, a DAC, a headphone amp, as well as an ADC. My full review of it will be published at Headfonia. While I've not had time to formulate hard opinions on its DAC sound quality, I can say this: its ADC is as good as it gets this side of an audio analyser. Below are 16 and 24 bit / 44kHz RMAA test results for both its line and headphone outputs.
Read moreRMAA: iPod nano 7G various loads
The following are the results of Rightmark Audio Analyzer tests.
Source: iPod nano 7G
ADC: Lynx Studio HILO LT-TB
Computer: 2012 27" iMac
Cables: 1,5m Hosa Pro 3,5mm stereo to dual 3-pin XLR (around 8$)
Loads:
Earsonics SM2
Audio Technica ES7
Beyerdynamic DT880/600