Iphone Xs
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: High Fidelity Headphone User
Forum Description: Technical Q&A, hints and tips
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4815
Printed Date: 18 Apr 2024 at 10:02am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Iphone Xs
Posted By: superteds34
Subject: Iphone Xs
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 11:24am
Hi im new to the forum. I have a solo ultra linear headphone amp that has been locked away in a cupboard for ages. In the past i connected my iphone via an arcam DAC docking station into the phono in sockets. however since those days I have changed my phone many times and it is no longer compatible with the arcam docking station. checking teh arcam site they no longer make this type of simple device so im thinking a simple lightning to phono lead mught do the trick? however this would mean no DAC in between the phone and the amp so i imagine this would give poorer results? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Be gentle with me as I am absolutely clueless about this stuff. Many thanks Brian
|
Replies:
Posted By: CageyH
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 6:07pm
|
Why do you need to add a DAC? A suitable cable should do the trick. ------------- Kevin European loan coordinator, based near Toulouse, France. |
Posted By: superteds34
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 7:42pm
| my understanding is that all the I-phones have an onboard DAC but that it’s not up to much. When listening to tidal on the headphones without an external DAC it’s not very good quality. I have the older sennheiser hd700’s and they expose any deficiencies in the source. Even the arc am made the sound less harsh but at the same time revealed more detail. My ultimate objective is to achieve that again but not spend a fortune doing it. |
Posted By: CageyH
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 8:30pm
|
Try a Bitzie on the loan scheme? ------------- Kevin European loan coordinator, based near Toulouse, France. |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 10:19pm
|
Hi Brian, There a number USB DAC’s available that you can connect between your iPhone and Solo. The models from Audioquest and M2Tech are both very fine for the money. You’ll need the camera connection kit to go lightening to USB. However, the Bitzie will handle Tidal brilliantly and is an excellent headphone amp, something the others say they are, but really aren’t. It needs power, though if you’re thinking Solo, I assume you’ll be stationary anyway? If you want to use your Solo, then a USB DAC might be the go. I know Ash has compared the Bitzie and Solo on the forum somewhere. His comments would be well worth reading. Happy hunting, Mick.
------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 12:08am
| For £400, the Bitzie and Lautus USB cable combination are incredible value for the sound quality attainable. Using the Lautus Powerwire and a non-bus 5V power supply will only improve it further. Keep it powered on a few hours and wow, incredible performance, even via 5V bus-power. Very comparable sound to the Solo, in my opinion, depending on the impedance load connected. |
Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 4:36am
|
Ash is absolutely right, I use an iPhone XR with the Bitzie when travelling & sound quality cannot be faulted. It's both a high quality DAC & headphone amp. ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 6:19am
There you go, Brian, you clearly need to trial a Bitzie! Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2019 at 7:59am
| Where the Solo Ultra-Linear DE has the advantage over the Bitzie in terms of amplification is in its dedicated linear PSU1 compared to the Bitzie's 5V supply which is typically bus-power from the USB source or a switched mode power supply if using the Lautus Powerwire product to provide external power. Both power options are not as "clean" as for the Solo but still exceptional sound achievable. Also the Diamond Edition Solo UL has a dedicated output stage for low impedance and in-ear devices to improve performance and reduce noise respectively. But the Solo has no DAC and is a larger product tethered to the mains so it depends on your particular need. |
Posted By: superteds34
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2019 at 7:57pm
|
good idea i will give it a go. Thanks Brian
|