# General purchase advice: Ask your questions/for advice here! **URL:** \ **Category:** I need advice!\ **Created:** [May 18, 2020, 5:21pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620 "2020-05-18T17:21:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 116
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 6:24pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2344 "2021-06-03T18:24:05Z")
> [@Tom\_Ato](#): > > I am using the E02 which is 4.4mm balanced out PO and LO. Simply wonderful. The reason I asked about A01 (or E01 also) is the line out should not be going through the amplification stage (at least, that’s my understanding of the point of line out). So A01/T01/E02 should all be about which dacs you want for your line out to feed c9. (And, _usually_ I prefer non-saber dacs. not withstanding that the only dac/amps I have kept are saber dacs ;P) And I was curious how you felt about the AKM4497 and PCM1792A (and the r01 when it arrives) when connected to the c9. I understand that the e02 may be better than a01/t01 standalone. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Ato](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tom_ato/32/22260_2.png) [@Tom\_Ato](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Tom_Ato)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2345 "2021-06-03T19:00:46Z")
Sure. That’s a great idea actually!👍😁 ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Ato](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tom_ato/32/22260_2.png) [@Tom\_Ato](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Tom_Ato)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:01pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2346 "2021-06-03T19:01:19Z")
Hmmm. I can test that as I have A01 & A02 too. 😅👍 ---
**Author:** ![tmarshl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tmarshl/32/13119_2.png) [@tmarshl](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tmarshl)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:12pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2347 "2021-06-03T19:12:11Z")
> [@Dynamic](#): > > my canal on the right side is funky in such a way that some places aren’t confident in customs for me. Had the same problem with injected silicon molds. The pressure distorted my ear canal, generating a mold that produced a painful result. Then I had 3D scans of my ear canals (Otoscan). Since there is no pressure, there is no distortion of the ear canal, and a more accurate representation of my ear canals results. My audiologist provided me with the STL files, which I can send to have either fully-custom IEMs manufactured, or custom “sleeves” which turn universal IEMs into custom fit. ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:15pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2348 "2021-06-03T19:15:40Z")
> [@Tom\_Ato](#): > > Hmmm. I can test that as I have A01 & A02 too. 😅👍 Wouldn’t they be similar? Oh, is the a01 single dac while a02 is dual? I guess the naming convention really does make sense? But a02 is line out only? ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:22pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2349 "2021-06-03T19:22:58Z")
> [@tmarshl](#): > > Had the same problem with injected silicon molds. Your previous feedback is why I didn’t move forward. Additionally, I am pretty sure my canals change size due to allergy season. So, I decided not to do it right now. (especially since my sound preferences are still developing) > [@tmarshl](#): > > fully-custom IEMs manufactured, or custom “sleeves” which turn universal IEMs into custom fit. Is eartune fidelity the sleeve? or do you have another source? (I know there is one that just makes tips for any iem instead of molding the iem. can’t remember the name. art something?) ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:23pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2350 "2021-06-03T19:23:43Z")
> [@Tom\_Ato](#): > > Hmmm. I can test that as I have A01 & A02 too. 😅👍 I want to make a prediction. You like the a02 more than the a01 and maybe even more than the e02 when connected to the c9. Am I right? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![tmarshl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/tmarshl/32/13119_2.png) [@tmarshl](https://forum.headphones.com/u/tmarshl)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2351 "2021-06-03T19:27:30Z")
The first pair of sleeves for my U18Ts were from Microsonics. I had to have them remade, as they dropped the bore size from 4mm at the IEM side down to 2mm in my ear. I have asked them to try to give me the 4mm bore all the way into my ear canal. Let’s see how they do. The medical grade silicon is really comfy for me. Have just ordered two pairs of sleeves from EarTune based on my 3Dscan STLfiles: one pair for my U18Ts and one pair for my AirPods Pro. Will advise how they work. LOL… as you can see, I am determined to get it right. ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2352 "2021-06-03T19:39:57Z")
With eartune fidelity, the only reason I didn’t proceed was they didn’t have the mold for the zen. And I couldn’t fathom giving it up for 6-12 weeks for them to do it. (despite my ear issues). If I switch IEMs at some point to one that they have, or they get the Zen from someone else, I will likely have new impressions made and do it. ---
**Author:** ![driftingbunnies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@driftingbunnies](https://forum.headphones.com/u/driftingbunnies)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 8:03pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2353 "2021-06-03T20:03:38Z")
I’ve been trying to follow the Soloist talk here since I’m also considering that unit. I’m thinking of picking up a balanced headphone amp that can also work as a preamp and that seems to be the best bet at the moment. Another option might be the GSX Mini. Any other options I’m not thinking of? ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 8:20pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2354 "2021-06-03T20:20:37Z")
Depends on goals. I am coming at this from a class-a power perspective. Audio-gd nfb1 perhaps. Singxer sa-1. A bunch more. I think most of them have been mentioned. Interesting that the gsx didn’t come up though. ---
**Author:** ![Shelby\_Steve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/shelby_steve/32/21290_2.png) [@Shelby\_Steve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Shelby_Steve)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2355 "2021-06-03T16:54:41Z")
The type of headphone I am looking for is Closed-back, simply have way to much noise in my house for another open back, I enjoy them but don’t like staying up until 2:00 am to allow for quiet enough time to reduce the ambient noise floor to zero My price range is: 1500 bucks or so I like to listen to: Literally everything except country music, but these days leaning more towards EDM, Classic Rock, and Jazz. I do like bass (really like bass, used to be car audio competitor in what seems like a different lifetime ago), but I’m not a fan of bass at the expense of mids, I also really enjoy detail retrieval which seems to run counterintuitive to bass. Lastly high amounts of treble make my teeth hurt, although I do realize EQ can solve some issues I prefer not to do this because I’m forgetful by nature and I’m certain I will screw up the presentation somehow. I will be using them for: In the closed category I already have a VC and a Stellia on a seperate semi permanent rigs, an Elegia for travel, along with several IEM’s for walking about (Blessing 2 Dusk, Thieaudio Monarch, A&K Billie Jean for workouts), and I’m looking for something non-IEM to fit this gap of better than good closed back that I won’t be worried about taking them from the confines of my listening room. Anyway, I had really resigned myself to the Eikon, but then the LCD-XC showed up on my radar. I’m torn between wanting that sub bass slam from the Eikon and losing some detail or wanting that detail from the LCD-XC and losing the low end the Eikon offers. Anyone have any experience with both? ---
**Author:** ![Earmuffs](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/earmuffs/32/43974_2.png) [@Earmuffs](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Earmuffs)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 6:26pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2356 "2021-06-03T18:26:05Z")
Can you save up another $500 and get a used pair of Verites? ---
**Author:** ![Shelby\_Steve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/shelby_steve/32/21290_2.png) [@Shelby\_Steve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Shelby_Steve)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 8:21pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2357 "2021-06-03T20:21:57Z")
Already have a pair of VC’s as well as a pair of Stellia’s… looking for a very good closed back pair that sits below this range that I’m comfortable taking around the house and onto my deck. All of my TOTL cans including my open backs are at listening stations and I do not move them out and about. ---
**Author:** ![mfadio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/mfadio/32/32019_2.png) [@mfadio](https://forum.headphones.com/u/mfadio)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 8:30pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2358 "2021-06-03T20:30:29Z")
Class A headphone amps that are also preamps with analog volume stage, an incomplete list: Audio GD Master 19, 9, NFB1 and more? (has remote switching from headphone to preamps) Burson Soloist GSX mini Flux Labs Singer SA-1 Bryston BHA-1 (balanced only out for preamp section) Violectric (high bias class A/B) ---
**Author:** ![Roark](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/roark/32/9724_2.png) [@Roark](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Roark)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2359 "2021-06-03T20:50:08Z")
It didn’t come up because you listed very specific criteria, and based on that why would it come up? You mentioned, low cost, small size, etc… You seem to have something specific in mind as you have dismissed nearly every suggestion, perhaps come at it from the angle of what you are leaning towards, rather than approach as a validation experiment. There are plenty of class a options at varying costs, some are all in one, some are separates, some have Bluetooth, some don’t. We are fortunate to live in a world where there are an abundance of options. ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2360 "2021-06-03T22:20:51Z")
Look at the LSA hp-2. The engagement and bass impact is well beyond the lcd-xc (or any other planar I have heard). I have post about them on here if you want to read it. ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 10:41pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2361 "2021-06-03T22:41:09Z")
> [@Roark](#): > > It didn’t come up because you listed very specific criteria, and based on that why would it come up? You mentioned, low cost, small size, etc… I agree, the gsx mini probably isn’t a good fit. Not because it wouldn’t do it (or that it is too expensive), but because the soloist exists at less money and also fits the description (for that matter, so does the playmate 2). The singxer put the gain switches on the bottom. I would rather spend twice the money on the soloist. Or slightly more on the playmate 2 combo amp (with stand and vivid opamps). That one is likely a hard rejection for being flat out stupid in design. The C9 is gaining traction, but, in the end, is probably not going to have its versatility win against the soloist/playmate at the current prices. But, as an example, I am more interested currently in the C9 than the gsx mini even though it costs more. So again, cost isn’t the only thing. I still haven’t heard enough about the audio-gd nfb1. That is a wildcard to me. I don’t _need_ to power susvara. But if I can get an amp as good as the soloist and _still_ power a susvara, that will probably be the choice. Again, not enough feedback on it. The jot2 is a distinct possibility, but it doesn’t appear to be as good with “any headphone” due to the warmer presentation (particularly with the bifrost). Also, shipping estimate is next century. Again, I am looking to get a very good amp that will work with nearly any headphones. Thus far, technically, the best fit is burson playmate 2. Lowest cost class a that will drive almost anything and won’t color the sound (making some headphones not great). And is reportedly very smooth while remaining detailed. So the playmate 2/soloist are the leaders of this pack. ANd, also, class a isn’t technically a requirement either. Only that the sound is smooth. I like burr brown/signature much more than thx/linear. But class a was suggested (by me) because that seemed to be the obvious path for good clean drive anything power. I could be wrong about that though. I like the idea of deeper more layered staging which I keep hearing is a class a attribute. Less wall of sound, more nuance. That intrigues me. Does that help? ---
**Author:** ![Roark](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/roark/32/9724_2.png) [@Roark](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Roark)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 11:04pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2362 "2021-06-03T23:04:14Z")
Sure, here is a suggestion > **[SPL Phonitor One D](https://www.headphones.com/collections/dacs-amps/products/spl-phonitor-one-d)** > > The Audiophile Headphone Amplifier With innovative Phonitor Matrix, 32-bit DA-converter, and outstanding sound quality. 365-Day Returns & FREE Shipping! The SPL may be your best bet for uncolored amp, and it uses burr-brown op-amps. ---
**Author:** ![Dynamic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/dynamic/32/22504_2.png) [@Dynamic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Dynamic)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2021, 11:58pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620/2363 "2021-06-03T23:58:07Z")
I love the crossfeed on this. I use crossfeed on my qudelix 5k all the time. I think this is under powered. While I don’t need to drive an he6se or susvara, I don’t think this would do a sundara justice. And I doubt it could drive an arya. Personal experience on both of those. But maybe one of the bigger ones? Possibly phonitor se would be competitive with the soloist. Need to go read some comparisons. [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620.md?page=115) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/general-purchase-advice-ask-your-questions-for-advice-here/6620.md?page=117)