After months of waiting, I’m very happy to finally get my hand on the revolutionary Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo (CLAS) device.
Everyone knows that the CLAS is the first of its kind, as it is the only portable device that gives access to the Ipod’s digital data, bypassing the Ipod’s internal D/A conversion. This concept was first seen on the Wadia i170 Transport, later also on the Onkyo ND-S1 which I also happen to use, but neither docks work on batteries, nor do theycome with their own digital to analog conversion circuitry. Last year, HRT also released the iStreamer device which also had the ability to extract digital data from the Ipod, but the iStreamer also requires AC power for operational. Now, I’ve recently learned of the existence of another portable Ipod dock-amp like the CLAS, this time from Japanese manufacturer Fostex. While I can’t be sure who ultimately have the right to claim to be the first, I think it’s quite agreeable to say that both devices are the “firsts” of their kind.
While I’m still waiting for the Fostex HP-1 to arrive from Fostex Japan, Ken @ ALO Audio have sent me the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo, along with the signature ALO USB dock and mini-to-mini cable. Paired with the ALO Rx Mk2 which belongs to my friend Peter, I am very excited to be able to experience the Solo first hand.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
To do a quick recap, the typical digital audio signal chain goes like this:
SET-UP A
This is the typical direct set up. On this set up, the Ipod is doing all of the task of producing the signal for the headphones, starting from providing the digital music file, encoding the music file, feeding it to the digital to analog converter, passing on to the internal amplifier, and finally out to the HD800 headphones. As you can see, the Ipod is responsible for doing all that hard work, which gives us a less stellar result out on the headphone side.
SET-UP B
You’ve got the typical portable amp set up, where a portable amplifier, such as the ALO Rx Mk2 takes the amplifying job out of the Ipod’s internal amp. As a result, you get a more potent amplification circuit capable of delivering higher power output at a finer resolution level. And yet, on this set up, the critical Digital to Analog (DAC) conversion is still handled by the Ipod’s internal DAC. The typical Imods doesn’t alleviate this problem too, as it still takes the signal after it has been processed from the Ipod’s internal DAC.
SET-UP C
On this set up, you have the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo taking over the critical Digital to Analog conversion process, as it is able to extract the digital data out of the Ipod’s storage media, and perform the Digital to Analog conversion inside the CLAS. The result is a superior source signal, which then can be passed to a superior amplification circuit such as the ALO Rx Mk2, before finally getting to the headphones. Indeed, this is by far the best method, as it provides the optimum sonic quality at each part of the chain.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLAS
The CLAS accepts the digital data from the Ipod through the USB socket on the back panel. Transmission method is through Asynchronous USB, in which a low jitter clock inside the CLAS serves as the master clock for the data transmission. The data is then passed on to a Wolfson D/A chip (the actual chip model is not revealed by Cypher Labs). Despite the USB port, it is important to note that the CLAS does not have the necessary services to act as a USB DAC. Data resolutions are limited to 16/48, which is the resolution that typical Ipod devices will accept.
As a general rule of thumb, the CLAS is compatible with all of the recent Ipod/Iphone/Ipad models, which includes the Ipod Classics, all versions of the Touch, Nano, and Iphones, and the Ipad.
My shipment from ALO consists of the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo device in its own packaging. Included with the CLAS packaging is a generic Cypher Labs USB Dock cable, three Cypher Labs rubber bands, and a 5Volts charger for the CLAS. The CLAS device retails for $579, while a CLAS and ALO Rx Mk2 package is available for $998 from the ALO Store. The CLAS device was still sealed inside its plastic packaging, which implies a brand new unit with no burn in time. Additionally, ALO also shipped me a pair of ALO reference USB Dock cable, as well as an ALO mini to mini interconnect, terminated in Neutrik L-angles, which sells for $198.
SOUND IMPROVEMENTS
The improvements are obvious. Compared to the same system without the CLAS (Ipod Classic > ALO SXC LOD > ALO Rx Mk2 > HD800), I’m getting a bigger soundstage and a more distinct separation that fills up almost the entire cups of the HD800’s headstage. One of the issues that I’ve always had with Ipods in general is how the mids always sound congested when compared to the higher quality sources. Not anymore with the CLAS. The mids are now open with no congestion. Going back to the Ipod’s internal DAC gives me a more muffled sound, and though I can still hear the instrument separation pretty well, the whole band was taking place on a smaller soundstage that seems to only fill half of the HD800’s large sphere. Of course, we wouldn’t expect anything less but a much improved soundstage projection out of the CLAS.
COMPARED TO THE HIFIMAN HM-602/HM-601
Afterwards, I went on to proceed the comparison to the Hifiman HM-602, which was my current favorite DAP. The amplifier and headphone remains the same, and likewise the music files. The primary difference between the two sources is that the CLAS takes on a more lively and dynamic sound, where the Hifiman is more mellow, warmer, and more midrange oriented. The CLAS is better on soundstage width, blacker background, and instrument separation, while the Hifiman gives a deeper soundstage depth and also a better sense of ambiance. I think the difference character between the two DACs (Wolfson vs Philips TDA1543) makes the Hifiman more suitable for Acoustics, Vocals and Jazz. While the CLAS would be more suitable for mainstream Rock, anything fast-paced with a lot of strong beats.
THE CLAS AS A DIGITAL TRANSPORT
The low jitter, bit perfect Asynchronous data transfer of the CLAS makes it a good candidate for an excellent digital transport. I tested the CLAS as a digital source feeding S/PDIF signal to the Grace m902, and while the resolution was not as good as compared to my CEC TL51XZ belt driven CD player, the CLAS did offer far better level of convenience as I had hundreds of CDs available on the Ipod’s storage system.
END WORDS
The portable HiFi industry have grown tremendously, and there are a lot of choices when it comes to choosing an audiophile player these days. While most of these audiophile players come with a strong audio performance, none of them is able to match the overall package that you get with the Ipod and Iphone platform. For some player, like the QLS QA-350 that I reviewed a while ago, the UI is so primitive that I’d rather use a plain Ipod Shuffle rather than having to deal with that kind of UI.
I think the real selling point with the CLAS lies in its compatibility with the Ipod platform. To this day, there are no other players that can compete with the superb user interface, storage size, and popularity of the Ipods. The success of the Iphone also makes the CLAS an even more appealing solution as you can have a smart phone and an audiophile player in one package — something that can’t be done on the other systems. Combined with the additional solutions offered through the App Store and the Itunes, none of the other player comes even close in offering the full-scale solution that a user get with an Ipod.
I’d like to congratulate Cypher Labs for pulling off one of the most revolutionary solutions to high end portable music listening.
System used for review:
Headphones: Sennheiser HD800
Amplifiers: ALO Rx Mk2, Grace m902
Source: Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo, Hifiman HM-601, Hifiman HM-602
Transports: Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo, Ipod Classic 120GB, CEC TL51XZ
Interconnects: ALO AlgoRhythm Interconnects
fransiscus yogi
woww, yet another nice review mike 😉
but its pretty expensive system for a portable setup, is it worth the price/performance to buy item ?
Anonymous
Price/performance is always a tough deal, especially when you want the best stuff, you’ll probably get a very low price/performance.
Metalboy
Very good review 🙂
Do you know if it works well with custom Iems?
Anonymous
Yes, of course it does work with custom IEMs. 🙂
Erieg
It works great with custom IEMs. I use a set of quads from 1964 Ears and they sound AMAZING. I have been throwing the Arrow 3G in the mix as well. I love the Arrow dearly but the sound is better with the MKII. Yes, I know it shouldn’t matter.
(iPhone 4->Solo->MKII->Quads = Bliss)
Anonymous
Thanks for the impressions.
Nice amps you have there. 🙂 I’m writing a review of the Arrow and the Rx Mk2. 🙂
tinytim
hi can you compare to hifiman 801
jendol
nice review mike. clas was not available when I ordered my alo rx mk2. I wonder how will this ‘super ipod setup’ compared to older generation ‘best ipod setup’ (rwa imod+vcaps box+blackbird or any other variation)
Anonymous
Good question. I think the CLAS set up would be better technically, as the source quality can’t be matched by the internal Ipod DAC. Other than that it’s a question of different sound signatures, especially with the Vcap dock (and you can get different brands which will alter the sound in different ways).
Itsmestevo
As always very good review, Thanks!
Sorry for a stupid question.
How dose it works w iPhone, can I still make/receive phone calls?
Anonymous
Let me check on that and get back to you.
eugenius
I’m sorry, I can’t get excited about another wolfson-in-a-box, this time with an Apple tax payment as a feature. Mike, please don’t drink the kool-aid and stop saying “revolutionary” so much. 🙂
Anonymous
Lol.. different toys for different people, right?
Sperandeo
Is it worth the price and weight? I have a nice portable setup that uses the ipod classics internal DAC. (with TTVJ Millet Hybrid amp)
I also have an iDecco that turns the ipod into a pure digital source. (just like the solo and Wadia) To be honest the difference between my portable setup and my iDecco is not HUGE. To be honest sometimes I forget I’m on the iDecco and think I’m still hooked up to my portible. I don’t listen to the iDecco and say “Wow, there is no comparison to my portable setup”. I can’t justify spending the money or carrying around another brick unless it makes me say “WoW Weeeeeeee”
Anonymous
Hi Sperandeo,
I think your question is very valid. And yet at the same time such questions can’t quite be answered by other but yourself. I fully enjoy the quality I get with high quality sources and headphones. And yet there are times when I go out with nothing but an Ipod nano and a plain PX100 headphones just because I want to keep the size down.
It is also important to see how revealing your headphones are, and the kind of music recordings you listen to. Some recordings are not very good (actually the majority of mainstream pop stuff), and going to a superior source won’t reveal additional details because the recordings never have them in the first place.
It’s always best if you can have an audition before comitting to purchase an expensive gear.
Cheers.
Lanangjalang
show me the rig bro…
Anonymous
I will, but the CLAS is already going around to Peter and some other people who’s looking for an audition.
jendol
I am listening to the same setup now; iphone4+CLAS+AloRx Mk2+hd800 old deep purple and led zepellin albums
Anonymous
What happens when you receive calls on your Iphone?
jendol
the music fades away when a call comes in, and fades back in when we finish or reject the call
Anonymous
Nice! Thanks for the info
Itsmestevo
Dose it mean that i can use a iem w mic to make calls?
Wijayanto Soelivan
No, I believe you cannot.
Anonymous
I was a bit confused at first, but I think Wijayanto got it right. The
CLAS wouldn’t have the necessary analog-to-digital circuitry to make
that possible.
Lanangjalang
little bit out of topic here but your -oh that’s so 70s- tunes, rock! dude…
Anonymous
Read today that Def Leppard is coming out with a live album. Hopefully sonic quality will be good.
Yaska
Must try this with my T1 next week
Anonymous
Yaska, you can try talking to Dayak. I’m sending him the CLAS next week.
Terrybd05
Mike, waiting for your review of Nationite S:flo2 !!~..dual WM8740..!! 🙂 $ >180 Us
Cheers!!
Anonymous
Terry,
I have reviewed the Sflo2. It’s on the group comparison:
http://www.headfonia.com/hm-801-t51-rwa-imod-ipod-classic-and-x1060/
Deckhand Davy
As always, another great review, Mike! This is pretty ground breaking for the iPod community and I can’t wait to see some more products that will have this same capability.
Anonymous
Thanks, Dave!
Inado
Mike,
What do you recommand between
1- An iPod + Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo + Ray Samuel SR71-B
and
2- HM-801
with IEM UE10 and Ultrasone 8.
Which conbination give a better sound ???
Anonymous
Inado,
With all respect and not trying to evade the question, I’m sure you know
that both systems will produce a totally different sound signature that
can’t quite be stated as one being better than the other.
I have a quote that works really well for scenarios like this: “In
high-end audio, the name of the game is system synergy.” Chip Stern
Now, let me share some thoughts that will help you decide.
1. Ipod + CLAS: You get all the good stuff that comes with an Ipod.
Superior UI, Itunes support, up to 240GB capacity, etc. The Hifiman UI
is pretty outdated when compared to the Ipod, and you’ve got to carry a
LOT of SD-cards to match the Ipod’s built in capacity.
2. Signature wise, the CLAS is more lively and dynamic. The HM-801 more
laid back and grand. Alternative Rock, Progressive, anything fast, the
CLAS would be better. Female vocals, classical, jazz, the HM would be
better.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Wijayanto Soelivan
Nicely reviewed, Mike. So the CLAS device runs off batteries? Any spec of the battery? Run up time etc?
Anonymous
The quoted battery life is 8-10 hours.
Inado
Mike,
Using Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo in my portable system does an iMod from Wiplash or RedWine Audio would make a change in the sound quality ???
Anonymous
Nope it won’t make a difference. Sell your Imod so you can have money
toward purchasing the CLAS.
Suhayb Hafiz
Would it matter which ipod/iphone/ipad I used with the CLAS or would some models/generations sound better than others with the CLAS?
Anonymous
I havent tested it, but in theory the difference should be irrelevant.
bb
Sorry, but the price is ridiculous. For $1000 which is the ALO price of the CLAS plus the Alo RX, you can just get and carry a MacBook Air…. nuff said. Of course, either way, “portable” is a bit of an exaggeration.
Anonymous
Well if a laptop is what you need…
bb
It either fits in a pocket or a bag. Since the CLAS plus AMP plus DAP would need a bag, then the laptop is just as practical.
Bulmanxxi
Not to mention the silliness of paying a $1,000 to make an iPod sound like a MacBook, which you can buy for that thousand and keep your iPod for on-the-go as well…
Anonymous
Got your point. 🙂
Glen Waverley
MacBook Air-based rig on the go: MacBook Air + USB DAC (iBasso DB1) + portable amp (iBasso PB2) + IEM + Phone (everybody needs a phone)
iPhone-based rig on the go: subsidized iPhone + DAC (CLAS) + portable amp (iBasso PB2) + IEM
bb
And it that’s somehow supposed to be worth $2,500-$3,000… don’t think so
bb
Word is that HRT is planning to bring a similar battery device plus a built in amp… if the price is right, say under $300, then we are talking…
Anonymous
Amazing. I don’t see why they can’t do that. All they have to do is take
the iStreamer and change it into a battery powered device.
bb
Yup, they just need to fit in a nice amp as well… But that’s the main idea. Or, of course, if Apple would just provide a digital out of their devices… Camera Connection kit on the iPad is one way (but they could come up with an adapter-less solution) – either way, no need for CLAS at all.
Erieg
As someone who has both a Macbook and the Solo/Rx MKII I can tell you that there no comparison.
Anonymous
I haven’t compared a typical Macbook output to the Solo/Rx Mk2, but on my Powerbook, the difference is quite big.
bb
Add a uDac-2 (or similar) to the Macbook and voila…
Anonymous
Why not add a Lavry DA11 while you’re at it…
bb
To keep the price in the same ballpark as the CLAS+ALO+DAP
tinytim
i dont see how it can be better than the 801 when the DAC is so much superior in it. you should do a detailed comparison to find which is the best overall.
Glen Waverley
How about a better clock?
Anonymous
The PCM-1704 based HM-801 has a more laid back, darker signature. Soundstage image, ambiance and low level detail is still better than the CLAS, but you don’t get all the good things that you get with an Ipod-based CLAS.
hongcheol
I was wondering if you have compared the DAC in the CLAS to some desktop non-portable DACs as I have heard it actually competes very well. I do not think that the DAC will be on par with the DAC in the HA-160D, but if you have made any comparison I would wish to hear from you on this.
Sorry if english is not too good.
Anonymous
Good question. My Burson is out on a loaner, gimme time until I get it back.
Parol
Hi mike, just wanna check with you on how the sound signature will be like when paired with the RSA SR71b amp in balanced setup?
Anonymous
I think you will mainly hear the RSA sound on such a set up.
Parol
Will there be an improvement in sound quality wise?
Anonymous
Improvement compared to?
The CLAS needs an amp to work, as it is a pure DAC+transport box.
Parol
Improvement in sound as to w/o the CLAS?
Anonymous
Well, I think the article covers how the CLAS improves the sound in
compared to a regular Ipod. Do you want me to rewrite that here? Sorry,
I don’t get your point.
Parol
🙂 i guess i will have to go try out and listen to the sound signature myself then. Thanks Mike!
Anonymous
That would be the best way. But I just read the two paragraphs I wrote comparing the CLAS to a stock Ipod and the Hifiman HM-602/1, and I think it’s quite descriptive of the impression I had.
A friend asked me about the CLAS today, and I would’ve told him to read the article here. 🙂
Parol
! more question, do you know of any other better grade cables besides the ALO reference cable with USB-1/8 output? I am also thinking of having 1 cable with 1/8 input & balanced connector (4 pin male) to be fed as input into RSA sr71b.
Anonymous
Hmmm… not that I know of. I’m sure you can ask Whiplash or ALO to make one for you.
So you gonna feed single ended signal to the balanced input of the Protector?
Parol
i am still trying to find a cable with balanced input into the balanced input of the protector but have yet to find one so far. Pardon my ignorance as I have just recently embarked on this portable audio journey 🙂
Anonymous
The CLAS doesn’t do balanced output though.
I think you’re overdoing it, especially if you’re still new, I suggest you stick to simpler set ups. If you have extra budget, get a few amps and see which one you like best. It’ll help you learn about gear and sound signatures better.
Rchew
So I’m guessing that I should stick to single ended input then. Thanks for the info.
Rudi0504
Hi Mike, it is very nice review, on Wednesday i got one SOLO ( CLAS ) follow your recomendation.
I have one question, now my IMOD can not run anymore through this SOLO ( CLAS )
Is that correct Mike, that SOLO can not uise for IMOD ( Ipod Video with Modification ) ?
Please advise, thank you
Cheers
Anonymous
The problem may be with the Ipod version that you’re using and not about
the fact that it’s been modded. The Imod only bypasses an internal
capacitor, it does nothing to the digital section and shouldn’t
interfere with the CLAS. I think the recommended Ipod to use is the
Classics, Touch, and Ipads, and Iphones. Perhaps you can use it with an
Iphone and see how that works.
Rudi0504
I have already try SOLO to my : IPOD Click Wheel 1st Gen ( Black and White )
IPOD VIDEO 1st Gen
IPOD Video 5th Gen ( I MOD )
For all my IPOD above, SOLO does not works.especially for IMOD came out on the Display
O K to disconnect.
The Two IPOD still can play Songs , but NO Sound came out .
With my Iphone 4 G works very good, SOLO Sound Quality a bit better than my IMOD
Thank you Mike and
Cheer
Anonymous
Hi Rudi,
I think the SOLO doesn’t support those older Ipods you’re using.
Johnblacker08
So I bought the Solo but honestly I probably return it. I didn’t find the sound to surpass my other high end portable (602), and the battery made me have to plug it back in to AC too much. I bought it due to all the hype, but the $600 cost only brought my ipod to entry mid-fi desktop level. To tell you the other portable gear I have, Hifiman 602, Beyerdynamic T50P and Ultrasone PRO900. I think this product is good for the short-term, but chinese companies and other companies will probably come out with much cheaper ipod out solutions soon. All IMO of course.
Anonymous
Thanks for the honest comments, John.
Rachelle Gomez
Quick question Mike … one of the thing that is partly appealing in this setup is that I can use the regular ipod classic 160gb that I have now …
And then I’ve been hearing it’s very imminent that Apple is going to begin offering 24 bit music and 24 bit functionality in their players in near future. With iPods typically being refreshed in the fall, I could easily see Apple offering 24bit music and functionality in their iPods this September, in which case I would just get this new iPod and throw it into this setup.
Overall, this kind of rig gives me more confidence than going with something like Hifi players, which are awesome but seem to have problems with reliability (and also the storage issue.)
I know I’m rambling, but my concern is with the solo only having 16/48 capabilities. Why would they do that? Considering some will use this out of their computers — which have 24-bit ability, and with new players coming that are sure to also be 24 bit … it seems like a mistake on their part to limit themselves like this.
Your thoughts? Maybe 24/44, 24/48 and 24/96 is just a firmware update away ….
Anonymous
Hi Rachelle,
When Apple starts offering 24 bit stuff in the future, it will take many
many years before you can get the majority of albums re-released in
24-bit. I personally wouldn’t worry too much about the 24-bit capability.
Between 16 and 24 bit, yes the 24 bit offers an upgrade in sound, but it
is not a huge jump in sonics differences when compared to the 16 bit
version of the same recording. And this was through the ears of seasoned
listeners, with some $1K+ worth of headphone rig, and with high quality
audiophile recordings. If you were listening through a portable rig and
the average mainstream rock recording, I bet you can’t tell the
difference most of the time.
I think many people are impressed with 24 bit recordings simply because
the original source material were recorded in much better conditions,
and that’s the part that makes the most difference. But comparing the
same recording, 16 vs 24 bit versions, most people would be hard pressed
to tell the difference.
On the other hand the concern about going for the Ipod based CLAS system
and the Hifiman based system is far more tangible in my opinion.
anouk
Hi Mike, will you be doing a full review of the sound quality of the hm801 versus the cypherlabs and the fostex? For me the hm801 is alluring since then i can do with an all-in one oslution and the digital transports that i could combine with my iphone would result in at least a three-piece system of probbably more or less the seem price as the hm801. Greetings, Anouk,
Anonymous
Anouk,
I haven’t planned to, although it sure is a good article to do. Perhaps
when I get the fostex that would be a good time to do the round up.
Briefly, the quality of the PCM1704 in the HM-801 is universally agreed
to be one of the best, most musical DAC chip around, next to the TDA1541
Phillips. Wolfson chips, while good, have not yet attained to that
legendary status. Likewise I find the source quality of the HM-801 to be
better than the CLAS. Obviously you need to listen to good proper
recordings, most preferably live recordings with a lot of ambiance
details to be able to see the difference. But on the average rock
recording, the livelier CLAS sound may be the better choice as
instrument separation is also clearer than what you may hear on the
darker sounding HM-801.
Jason Suarez
$1000 O_O
Great review Mike.
I disagree with you on the Ipod classic UI, I hate not having the ease of folder support on my 80GB 6th Gen. As for the IPhone UI, my dad uses a folder-based program called Flac Player XD. (I had know idea Apple would allow such a thing in marketplace)
Also, I don’t know whether you knew or not when you answered jendol but the 4th and 5th Gen ipods used a very good Wolfson DAC that was completely rendered useless by a bad amp and cheap signal cabling/internals. An ” rwa imod” ran the Wolfson’s signal through hifi cabling straight to the line out.
Though I think the Hifiman line killed the rwa imod for good when they released the HM-601/602, you made it sound like the HM-602 and CLAS are equal but different, so does that change anything when the rwa imod does the Wolfson DAC the justice it deserves? If the Wolfson in the 4/5gen Ipods is inferior thats different though, I’m still learning lol
Bcretty
Any recommendation for a portable amp to run between an iPhone 3G, Cypher Labs Solo, and, ZXAC recabled Senheisser HD-25- II. I’m especially fond of my HD-25-II with my Soundquest SQ 84 home tube headphone amp.
Thanks.
Kidcoleco
Anonymous
What kind of a sound are you looking for?
syafrudin syukur
alamak!! cantik nian.
Donald, THE Donald
are you speaking/writing in Klingon?
Wilsen
I have a question. iPod > CLAS > DAC > AMP vs Laptop > DAC > AMP.
Do you think iPod > CLAS setup is better than laptop as a source or it is just a waste? My dac is W4S-2 and my amp is leben cs300xs and my headphone is LCD2. I have ipod touch and i am thinking to buy Clas.
Anonymous
The CLAS is meant as a portable set up and I think the Laptop > W4S-2
set up would be much better than the Ipod > CLAS.
Soyamilk
i’m looking to get he algorhythm solo. however the only thing stopping me is it being unable to be connected to anything else (like laptops) as it’s made for portable iDevices. do you think there is a possible chance for it to connect to a laptop? thanks alot!
Anonymous
Nope, don’t see it working with a laptop for now.
Soyamilk
any dacs you would recommend that is CLAS-quality?
Anonymous
What budget?
You can try the HRT DACs.
http://www.headfonia.com/hrt-music-streamer-ii-2496-usb-dac/ http://www.headfonia.com/the-hrt-music-streamer-ii-asynchronous-2496-for-149-95/
Soyamilk
Budget wise, about the same as CLAS. I’ve been offered a 3mths old one for 460USD shipped. It’s a pretty good deal. Will that sound the same as the CLAS paired with an iPhone? It’s a lot cheaper compared to CLAS.
Anonymous
You’ve been offered what for 460USD? And you’re comparing what with the CLAS with an Iphone?
Soyamilk
for my portable setup.
Soyamilk
been offered a CLAS for 460USD. does the Fostex HP P1 perform better? it seems more practical.
Anonymous
Yes, if you read the HP-P1 review, I noted that the P1’s DAC is better than the CLAS.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-fostex-hp-p1/
Reckoncile
How does this compare to the iMod/WhipMOD + ALO Rx MkII?
Anonymous
I briefly touched on the Imod subject on the article:
SET-UP B
You’ve got the typical portable amp set up, where a portable amplifier, such as the ALO Rx Mk2 takes the amplifying job out of the Ipod’s internal amp. As a result, you get a more potent amplification circuit capable of delivering higher power output at a finer resolution level. And yet, on this set up, the critical Digital to Analog (DAC) conversion is still handled by the Ipod’s internal DAC. The typical Imods doesn’t alleviate this problem too, as it still takes the signal after it has been processed from the Ipod’s internal DAC.
An Imod still uses the Ipod’s stock DAC, but providing a cleaner line out signal by bypassing some components along the output path (I think it’s the caps, but I’m not so sure). The CLAS does this entirely a different way by using a separate digital-to-analog conversion process. The result is cleaner separation, clearer separation, wider soundstage, and blacker background.
That’s based on the Imod though. I’ve never listened to the Whipmod, but it should be roughly similar.
Scottmc77
I see that ALO also offers a combo of the CLAS and Continental amp. Have you tried this combination yet and if so how does it compare to the CLAS with the RX Mk2?
Anonymous
Yes I did try the CLAS with the Continental.
The CLAS improves the source section and other than the same comparison points that I wrote between the ALO Rx and the Continental still applies (please read the Continental review for more details).
Fabio_Rocks
Hi Mike.
I was wondering about amps pairing. What do you think CLAS plus fiio e6 or fiio e11 pairings? Does it sounds terrific compare to Iphone 4 headphone out?The Fiio e6 pairing is nice because is very portable (more than the fostex HP-P1)
Thanks dude!
Mike
If you’re going to go the CLAS route, I would feel bad about pairing it with an E6. At least use something like the JDS C421.
Copper David
Hi Mike,
Which is a better portable DAC for ipod Classic in term of sound quality improvement, Fostex HP-P1 or Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo?
Besides these two, is there other good portable DAC that works for Apple iDevices?
Most of the time, I listen to raggae, dance, pop, rock and trance with my ipod classic.
Kartaar singh
I listen to mostly classical , vocal , drums , harmonium , i mean all natural stringed or percussion instruments ,
Headphone is hd600 ,
For amp i am considering continental over l3, as it will be more open sounding.
My question is will hm602 pair well with continental or should i go through the clas route only ? If u hv any better suggestion reg headfone / amp , i can consider that also.
I previously have hd 650 which is good except for very lil bass, i dnt like high treble , a more dark sound but clear so will get headfone recabled.
Recordings arent really good sometimes and since all natural instruments n vocals so i dont really need a solid state amp.
I have almost read all your reviews about things i can buy in budget.and it helped a lot to decide , bt i m stuck only at source thing now
Mike
Hi Kartaar,
So the question is betwen the CLAS to the HM-602?
Sound wise, the CLAS would be more neutral, blacker background, more spacious.
The HM-602 is warmer, fuller mids, better ambiance, better three dimensionality.
If you’re going to add an amp (and you need an amp for the HD600), the CLAS’ footprint matches the Continental very well. With the HM-602, it’s a bit trickier as the footprint is not exactly common. Usually I use easy to drive headphone or IEMs with the HM-602 since I don’t like adding an amp to the 602 (mainly due to the footprint thing).
Kartaar singh
Thanks for the reply mike ,
for vocals and classical , drums would you recommend a L3 over continental ? for source i think i can lock on Solo and hd600 for headphones. amp is the question now ?
Mike
I think I’d go for the L3 just for the bass impact which is important for classical and drums. Vocals, the continental.
I wouldn’t sweat over the choice though, both are great. Day to day use, I’d probably take the Continental just based on the fact that it has a smaller size and a good footprint with the CLAS. If you want to feel what the most powerful portable amp out there feels like, get the L3.
Alfani Gunawan
which cable do you reccomended for LOD2USB? alo sxc22 or alo sxc 24 or whiplash or etc?
Mike
I use the copper from ALO. Never really compared it to the SXC or others.
Alfani Gunawan
still thinking is it worth to upgrade LOD2USB because its digital
Mike
Alfani,
Digital signal is sent as electronic signals.
Anajab
Hey Mike, what are your thoughts about the old CLAS vs the new CLAS?
John Clare
What Anajab said!
L.
Mike has the new one, I can’t help you
John Clare
For anyone curious, I just A/B’d the CLAS (version 1) against the iPhone 5 with the Wolfson DAC equipped lightning adapter and a Fiio L9 LOD. The amplifier I used in both cases was the ALO National. I naively thought that since the lightning adapter has a Wolfson inside it that it might be a substitute for the CLAS. Results? Well the lightning adapter DAC combo does give a respectable quality output but the soundstage is much smaller than the CLAS combo. The sound from the lightning adapter DAC combo seems somewhat muffled and lacking the clarity and power of the CLAS combo too. Oh well! So the CLAS wasn’t a waste of money! Phew.
The combos were:
1) iPhone 5 -> Lightning adapter -> Fiio L9 LOD -> National Amplifier -> DT-770 AE headphone. (This combo makes use of the Wolfson DAC in the Lightning adapter)
2) iPhone 5 -> Lightning adapter -> CLAS -> National Amplifier -> DT-770 AE headphone. (This combo uses the DAC in the CLAS)
On a related note, as ALO predicts on their web site (but never seemed to confirm), you can use the lightning adapter as a pass through for the CLAS, as I’ve shown in combo (2).
PS: Mike, you should get some forum software on here!
Gorboman
I’ve seen a lightning to usb cable picture somewhere. It’s in a blog but I don’t remember which blog. Have you tried one of those?
John Clare
Hi Gorboman. I’m not sure which cable you mean. Do you just mean a lightning sync cable that comes with the new apple products? What’s the point? It should work fine for connecting the CLAS to an iPhone 5 or any other new apple product. If you mean the extended (0.2 m) lightning adapter, that’s actually the adapter I used to test its DAC.
Gorboman
John & L: I’ve googled and found that it’s the one from Double Helix Cables. Looking from the picture, it seems that you will not need an adapter.
Link to product: http://www.doublehelixcables.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=102
John Clare
Oh I see what you mean. I saw that a while ago. They just shortened and re-clad a stock apple cable. Anyhow, I didn’t get the adapter for listening to music – I got it so I could use my old apple cables for charging. I wouldn’t ever use an iPhone 5 as a portable source unless I had to. Too delicate, and too little storage space. I just did the test to compare the quality of the lightning adapter’s Wolfson DAC to the CLAS.
L.
Don’t you mean the stock cable? I just got a brand new Gen 7 ipod, I’ll try it tomorrow with my CLAS
L.
Thanks for the post/info, John!
Jagan
Is it possible to listen to browser audio like youtube using clas db. I can able to listen to music using various player but when I listen to audio from browser it hasn’t been cached by clas db.
dalethorn
Which browser? On iPod or iPhone?
Jagan
Dell inspiron running window 7.
dalethorn
I have to try some things in settings on my Windows 7 – I will try to find out.
Jagan
thanks for ur reply. it worked very well.
L.
You’re welcome
L.
Yes it is, that’s the point. It means your windows settings aren’t correct. You should set the db as your default player. But I do suggest using better quality than youtube
Jagan
I am using wav files for audio player. Sometimes i need to listen to youtube or soundcloud. In that time i can’t utilize the clas db. The sound is coming from laptop headphone out. I have dacport lx and schiit modi. If i change the default audio device it is working fine. But it won’t be the case with clas db.
L.
That is weird. Have you asked Cypherlabs? They are very helpful even on twitter
Jagan
clas -db worked very well. the issue is it hasn’t set as a default audio device automatically. u need to set it manually.
L.
Yeah, that’s what we said 😉
dalethorn
Answered below. Control Panel.