Building on the success of the first Rx amplifier, ALO has released a Mark-Two version of its popular Rx portable amplifier. The ALO Audio Rx Mk2 amplifier still carries mostly the same sound signature as the first. Of course every sound signature has their own fanbase, and likewise the Mk2 will continue to sound good to people who enjoyed the original Rx. One of the most impressive aspect of the Rx, that is its superb bass impact even when driving big headphones, remains a strong feature on the Mk2.
The orignal Rx on top, Mk2 on bottom.
Another angle of the Rx amps.
The change to a bigger sized enclosure seems to contradict the current trend of miniaturization. The first Rx had a perfect footprint to match the dimension of a typical Ipod, but the newer one is bigger and heavier. The decision to go bigger is to accommodate the bigger batteries and to match the footprint of the CypherLabs Solo transport. The change of dimension probably won’t matter as much as the added weight of the new version. With the pack in my pocket, the new amp and an Ipod feel significantly heavier than if I was carrying the original Rx. Of course, the new hairline finish anodized finishing looks much classier than the first version, so the change on that part is very much welcome. Another welcome change is the addition of a lo/hi gain switch in the front panel. As one of the few ultra-powerful portable amps in the market that can conveniently drive full-size headphones like the Sennheiser HD800 or Audez’e LCD-2, the gain switch makes it convenient to switch from using an IEM to a big fullsize. The low gain setting is noticeably more refined, has a better separation, and a blacker background than the high gain setting. So it’s important to keep the amp on low gain whenever you can. The high gain, on the other hand, is very powerful as I use it with big full size headphones like the LCD-2 and the HD800 (although don’t expect them to match a decent powered desktop).
Having mostly the same sound signature as the original Rx, the question of “is it worth upgrading?” would be asked by most of the original Rx owners. Comparing the two amplifiers, the new amp has a slightly larger soundstage, a bit more forward presentation, and a little more bass presence. Not only is there more bass quantity, but the punch is also stronger, especially when driving fullsize headphones like the LCD-2. The Mk2 is one of the punchiest portable amplifier around. The new amplifier is also slightly smoother and more refined. Both are less refined at high gain, and with sensitive IEMs like the JH16Pro, you can tell that the separation is less clean on high gain, and the signal more noisy. Of course, most amps exhibit the same “problem” on high gain setting, so it’s understandable if the Rx-es also have this issue.
The Rx has always been a superb portable amp, and the Mk2 will undoubtedly be another favorite. If you are looking for a portable amplifier, the Rx would be one of the amplifiers that I recommend. However, as with any audio gears, it would be best if you can find a local store that offers auditions to see if the signature matches your music.
The ALO Rx Mk2 portable amplifier can be purchased directly at ALO Audio. For a preview of the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo, which will be the first portable Ipod Transport, please go here.
Gears used for review:
Source: Hifiman HM-602, Ipod Classic
Headphones/IEMs: Audez’e LCD-2, Sennheiser HD800, HD650, JH16Pro, UM Mage
Bram
I found that Alo Rx MKII really has the synergy with my etymotic er4p. It adds nice low level details quite effortlessly for a portable amp, it adds separation even when I play it with high gain, it also boost the bass which is really nice for er4p. Definitely well crafted portable amp by alo especially for the build 😀
Mike
Looks like someone will be buying an Rx Mk2 😀
talip bin osman
hey mike…
i am intrigued by you mentioning this cypher labs solo… what does it do? is it some sort of like the wadia itransport only portable?
Mike
Yep. It's a portable wadia i-transport type device. Cool, isn't it? 😀
denging
can't wait for your review upon THE Combo mike (CLAS + ALO RX MKII), can't wait to your rethinking about iPod either ha, ha, ha 🙂
Mike
It's not gonna be light on the wallet, nor on the pocket (I would imagine the CLAS being just as heavy as the ALO Rx), but it would put the Ipod back in the competition. 🙂
Zuqi
Hi Mike, have you compared mk2 with sr71a?
Mike
Hi Zuqi, I haven't come across the SR71a in ages. I guess the interest for the SR71a dies down when the new generation amplifiers (Rx/TTVJ Slim) comes out with digital volume controls, slim size, and rechargeable batteries. Not saying that the SR71a is inferior in sound quality, but these days, the lack of features and the big size of the SR71a kind of kills people's interest in it.
But, if I can locate an SR71a, I'll be happy to do a short comparison for you. 🙂
Zuqi
Thank you!:)
jendol
let me know if you want to compare alo mk2 with sr-71a, I can arrange the two amps to be made available
@headfonia
Thanks, Peter. I'd definitely enjoy doing the comparison. The SR71a is one of the first amps that I truly enjoy.
John
Hi, would u be able to advise how long does RX MK II goes per charge?
Regards
John
Anonymous
Hi John,
Around 10 hours plus minus.
Anonymous
Hi John,
Around 10 hours plus minus.
Edward Cheung
Today had a chance to finally listen to the ALO Rx MKII…along with trying out the Pico DAC / portable amp (which I had been looking to try for the longest time).
Now this just may be me, but I between the two…they were driving my Sennheiser HD-25-1 II’s (and a pair of Beyerdynamic T5p that the store allowed me to try as well) about the same.
By that I mean bass levels tended to be on-par, not heavy but certainly present and punchy…and soundstage was probably about the same .
Listening to Buena Vista Social Club’s studio album and the song “Candela”, I felt the RX MKII probably brought out the vocals better than the pico…but not by much.
I am still deciding between the two, but I would like to say my ears are probably not as experienced as individuals here, so would be interested to hear others thoughts on these two amps.
Much appreciated!
Mike
Ed,
Are you talking about this Pico:
http://www.headfonia.com/headamp-pico/
If yes, then the Pico is mostly known for its fuller mids, very warm tonality, very analog sound. Where the Rx is more about bass impact, spacious soundstage, and very clean sound.
Alex Lee
How is this vs the Pico Slim would say for a highly sensitive Custom IEM such as the Heir Audio 8.A with a sweet midrange that is lush and cohesive?
Mike
Both amps are good, but not quite the sweet and lush midrange type. Try the RSA mustang instead.
Alex Lee
Oh no, I meant I’m purchasing a CIEM with a sweet and lush midrange already. I was wondering if that would compliment the neutral tone of the Pico Slim and RK MKii.
Also, I current have the C421 and as I purchase my Heir Audio 8.A (which has a very solid bass, one of the best apparently, and a very nice midrange though not necessarily forward nor recessed). Is it worth it to upgrade to either the Pico Slim or RX MKii?
Mike
Alex,
I really can’t say, since I have never listened to the Heir Audio CIEM. How is the pairing with the C421?
Alex Lee
I wish I could say. I haven’t purchased it yet (but will as soon as I get the money) but I’m preparing the support (the amplifier etc.) for it. So in general would you give the edge to the Pico Slim or the RX MKII for solely IEM use?
Mike
The Pico Slim was a great match with the JHs. Other than that a lot of people find the Pico to be quite bland in the sound (and I do agree). The RSA Shadow perhaps makes for a better pairing with a wider range of IEMs.
Alex Lee
How would you say the ALO RX MKii stacks up against the Meier Corda 2Stepdance?
Mike
I’ve never auditioned the 2Stepdance. Is there any changes in sound from the original Stepdance?
Alex Lee
Not really sure. Read comments, but surprisingly there have been no extensive reviews on it. Actually, I’ve seen none of the 2Stepdance while the few comments I have seen praise it for it’s technology and its qualities. I mean you’d think something that imitates balanced output while still being a single ended output would gather more attention!
Mike
Well, if you want to see how the Stepdance compares to the Rx, you can read the Usual Suspects article:
http://www.headfonia.com/the-usual-suspects-12-portable-amps-compared/
Alex Lee
Haha, I’ve read almost all your portable amp reviews, several times… 😛 Great comparisons.
I wish you elongated this review to make up for the lack thereof in other websites :DDD
Craig Olson
Is it worth adding in the Algorhythm Solo if you already have a RWA iMod and the ALO RX MKii.
Primarily will be powering HD-800, Thunderpants, and potentailly HE-6s.
I guess I know how much better the Solo accompanies the iPod, but not the iMod. Can the iMod pass through audio of similar quality to iPod + Solo? I have a 5th gen so I think it’s not the best Wolfson DAC. Only about 2/5 of my music utilize the loss less because I listen to a lot of free europe house, etc.
I have no problem spending the extra money, but I guess the Solo would basically negate any of the benefits of the iMod vs. iPod, correct?
If you feel that there is a better non-balanced amp in about the same form factor for the HD-800, I’ll take your recommendation. I doubt they’ll be able to power my K1Ks, but based on all that I’m reading about these little amps, it might.
Palm Chanwit
Hi Mike, Could you please suggest the good amp for Senn HD-25-1 II? I’m looking at ALO RX Mk2 and RSA SR-71B.
Mike
Palm,
I dont’ think you would need those. The Alo National would be more than enough.
Palm Chanwit
Thank you very much.
Mike
And the synergy with the National would be better as well.
Craig Olson
You really don’t need much of an amp at all for those cans. I wouldn’t even bother amping those. Even a Total Airhead would be fine.
Mike
I have a total Bithead and the bass is very loose, Craig.
But if Palm wants to save money then yes go for it.
Craig Olson
It doesn’t sound like his money is tight, but you have to agree that spending a lot of money on a portable amp for HD 25-1 ii is a little bit of overkill. They are considered portable cans for a reason.
Mike
Yes I know. I did recommend a cheaper amp to him.
Craig Olson
It is somewhat cheaper but $299 new / $200 used is still pretty pricey. He sounds set on an amp and the National will also give him more scalability if he wants to upgrade cans later.
Palm Chanwit
@Mike and Craig, thank you for your references and recommendation.
Why I looking at ALO RX Mk2 and RSA SR-71B? Because in the feature, I will buy senn HD650, too. I would like to have the only one amp on hand and I’m very confuse after reading more reviews.
DJtheAudiophile
Does the Rx MKII pair well with the HD 650?