Overall Impression For $80, it would be hard to expect sound fidelity that’s on par with the significantly more expensive Oppo HA-2, which is the mobile amp that I have the most experience with. Pompeii (Bastille) – Yeah, this is pretty much what this amp is made for. Unfortunately, I don’t have my Echobox Finders with me, but I’ll be trying them later. I think the AQUA might end up relegated to when I want to really rock. The Boxer (Jerry Douglas/Mumford & Sons/Paul Simon) – The instrumentation pushes the voices a little to the back, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. That kind of electronica doesn’t really need any enhancement for detail, and the mid and bass emphasis is just about right. (Curse you, TIDAL shuffle function!)Īrtillery (Infected Mushroom) – Whoa. Two Step (Bear Mountain) – ZOMG Holy Wall of Sound Batman! The forward mids and strong bass hit like a truck, especially after 9 Crimes. ![]() It’s a bit of a spare song, and warm/lush sound tends to work really well. The mids are significantly mellower, and there’s just a bit more detail (without the AQUA).ĩ Crimes (Damien Rice) – This song sounded really good, but that’s not a big surprise. Just to be certain of my impressions, I then listened to the same song again with just the naked iPhone (6S Plus). Again, the detail might be just a little lacking (compared to the HA-2, certainly). Crazy dynamics on this, plus it’s a FAST song, and there’s a ton of stuff going on because both bands are showing off every bit of their top end chops. Two big bands and a very conscientious mastering job. Jumpin’ at the Woodside (Duke Ellington/Count Basie) – Talk about challenging music. I didn’t catch as much energy through the later part of the song, which makes me think there’s probably a slight treble rolloff. This amp certainly isn’t as spacious as others I’ve used, but it’s also not horribly congested either. Unfortunately, the recording is also slightly flawed (but it’s really the only version of this song). As the song crescendoes, it really strains amps in terms of clarity and separation. Memphis Soul Stew (King Curtis) – I love this song because it has fantastic instrumental and spacial variety. I think I generally tend towards clinical sound, and this is definitely not that. I think my ears are starting to get used to the signature of this amp a little… It now feels more warm and less congested. Sleepdriving (Grand Archives) – The mids feel lush and full. I think the bass range might be a bit more extended with this amp, or at the very least, there’s more depth and presence. Sleepless (The Decemberists) – The cello sounds really quite lovely and is more noticeable than I recall from my prior listening. Definitely doesn’t sound as clean as the Oppo HA-2 that I often have used as my standard for critical mobile listening. ![]() I Am John (Loney, Dear) – No sibilance on highs, but the climax of the song is a little congested. My initial impression is that there’s a bit of a midbass hump, and the volume is definitely a bit higher than the stock iPhone puts out.Ĭritical Listening Test Listening to my standard test playlist with a pair of Westone W60 IEMs:
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