Not exactly an enthusiast but I love earbuds. Hate IEMs because of the seal they make. Sad to see that earbuds are on the verge of disappearance. Own a few. All dirt cheap. VE Monk Plus, Cat Ear Audio Mimi, Edifier H180, Sennheiser MX170, Faaeal Iris, a Soundmagic (dont know the model).
Audiophile and gears
- Thread starter icysmoke
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i used ve monk version 2, monk plus, ve monk SL, willsound mk2 se which i still have, 1more semi openback earbud, moondrop shiroyuki, moonbuds crescent etc.
actually earbuds are back in buisimess in asian countries like philipines,indonesia, malasia, singapore, japan etc
there are a lot of custom earbud makers now
I know. But that’s not gonna be huge. I’ll use DHL express, I guess they'll take care of everything. In the end I just have to pay the required duty. Such whimsical activities are expected from INDIAN departments. No wonder there.
It’s not me asking actually. They do it on their own. So I think they take enough precautionary measures to prevent mishaps.
Things have changed quite a lot tbh. Yep, I’ll definitely share my experience. I am gonna order one before diwali I guess.
with dhl they some times refund the amount if customs duty was less, i read about this refund thing in TIAF facebook forum. But i suspect that this can be the other way too, dhl may ask for extra payment if the duty exceeds the paid amount.
DHL has agreed to deal with undervalued product?
I tried to ship an old M50X from Prague to India. They gave me an estimate of minimum 100 EUR ( plus duty if it exceeds 30 EUR)
BTW, nice to have new audiophile members here.
I tried to ship an old M50X from Prague to India. They gave me an estimate of minimum 100 EUR ( plus duty if it exceeds 30 EUR)
BTW, nice to have new audiophile members here.
I once sent a parcel back to China through DHL for repairs, their service is top notch. They charge around $100 for one way and Shenzhen Audio beared return shipping. It was little expensive but they were the only one who were ready to take an electronic item for international shipping at that time. Hence I advice against importing any item unless you know what you are getting into. I saw few dusks which were selling on PLGS a month ago so maybe try there if buying used is also an option.
It’s actually very inconspicuous packaging done by SZA I think. No way to know.
Yep, certainly this can happen. And for extra shipping charge, it’s worth the cost to ensure scuff free delivery.
Pardon my ignorance. What is PLGS? A forum like TIAF?
Yes, DHL is expensive but very reliable.
Just noticed that I've been using a "club mode" in PXC550 mk II in the Sennheiser's smart control app after some firmware update months ago.
And everything was sounding like a very small amount of reverb has been added with significant boost in lower range.
Thought Sennheiser is trying to sound like 1000XM4 ( I don't like that specific sound signature)
Changed it to neutral...and everything again sounds normal ( bright and sharp with fast and sharp bass transients)
Just noticed that I've been using a "club mode" in PXC550 mk II in the Sennheiser's smart control app after some firmware update months ago.
And everything was sounding like a very small amount of reverb has been added with significant boost in lower range.
Thought Sennheiser is trying to sound like 1000XM4 ( I don't like that specific sound signature)
Changed it to neutral...and everything again sounds normal ( bright and sharp with fast and sharp bass transients)
DHL also usually charge a pretty hefty customs clearing charges as well. It doesn't seem too expensive for something which itself is expensive, but for cheaper items, sometimes their clearance charge exceeds the actual customs duty charged. I remember paying 300 or 500 bucks just as customs clearance charge and I've heard people get charged even a 1000 bucks for this.
Audio Store Now Selling Spare 61J Tube for xDuoo MT-602 and 604......
So now there is no obligation of buying these VFM tube amps in India.
So now there is no obligation of buying these VFM tube amps in India.
I'm missing this thread, my motherboard is still under rma.
Anyways I need to ask if there's any desktop headphone amplifier available with 2 single ended analogue inputs, where I can feed from to two different DACs. Something like ifi Zen can, which I want to avoid because of warm sounding signature.
Anyways I need to ask if there's any desktop headphone amplifier available with 2 single ended analogue inputs, where I can feed from to two different DACs. Something like ifi Zen can, which I want to avoid because of warm sounding signature.
grapevine is that 400se is a bit more tougher to drive than 400i. The 400i is expensive as well. If i decide to change amps again after getting the dongle it would add to the cost. So i will park this
Looks like either will be good for me
Thats a brilliant suggestion. Already got an iphone lightning dongle so things look settled. Now have to wait for a good price for the 400se.
Any idea if the input via rca has any benefit over the aux.
At Price Bracket of Zen CAN.....I don't think there is anything available in India.....Only xDuoo MT-602, then again it must be warm as it run by tube.
Anyhow Zen CAN OOS for months now and iFi released the HiFIMAN Signature Version of Zen CAN - I doubt if the Zen CAN may be discontinued?
What are the other options, I didn't mention any price bracket. can extend my budget to 40k.
It's a hybrid tube amp, and it's not warm. Most reviewers describe the sound profile as colourless, and I can corroborate that
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Most AMPs that I know so far offer a full-size Balance Input and RCA - None offer 2 Single-Ended input.
Upgrade Path will Be once Zen CAN discarded : (Inside India)
(1) SMSL SH-9 (24999/-) <---- Cheapest THX Amp with lots of Goodies (Screen, Remote) but this contains not an actual Balance Circuit, Despite that, I have high hopes for this but the Heat Generation which leads to cut off the AMP is a serious flaw in my consideration.
(2) SMSL SH-8s (22999/-) <----- Why bother when SH-9 presents at the market...no Modern Features*
(3) Topping A30 Pro (29999/-) <------ One of the kind, most time refer as poor man's A90.....Highly recommended one if the user doesn't look at Modern Features*.
(4) Gustard H16 (39999/-) <------ Those who got seems pretty happy and contained with its performance.
*Modern Features = Screen/Display/Remote
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Thanks, these are some good options but without dual single ended input as I desire.
I think it's time for me to wait for a while maybe someone releases a new product.
I can buy a simple RCA switcher but that will be another Matchbox lying on top off amp.
I wonder why gustard removed the volume dial.
I think it's time for me to wait for a while maybe someone releases a new product.
I can buy a simple RCA switcher but that will be another Matchbox lying on top off amp.
I wonder why gustard removed the volume dial.
I'm missing something here. I've never seen a Zen can but know it's a DAC amp, it must have a stereo RCA and a 3.5mm input and if balanced must have a pentaconn or XLR input.
Why do you need 2 single ended analog input? If it's for 2 DACs with a single amp, just use the RCA for one and XLR for the other.
Regarding amp, since your budget is 40k, go straight for the A90. It's a really sharp amp with pitch black background even at high gain ( with more than enough power) and get the D90 later. Possibly the only purchase I never regretted even once.
1. Zen CAN is only an AMP.....Part of Zen DAC stack (which only got 1 USB input nothing else).
2. A90 cost 50k in India.....With D90 (80k) in total 1.30 L. = One iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB.
People here go for D70S (Dual AKM 4497) @65k with A90 for pairing.
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