Comparison
This comparison was done with the Hifiman HE-1000 Stealth in balanced mode, using my laptop as source, with ROON and Tidal.
EarMen Angel
The first comparison everyone should think of when reviewing the ST-Amp. The Angel is a portable DAC/AMP combo from the same company. Angel sells for like €100 Euro more and the DAC chip inside is a ES9038Q2M from ESS.
The Angel is more neutral sounding. It has a lighter amount of body, more energy and a more linear presentation. The fullness as a result is lighter and the sound character is more energetic, but also more precise and extended. The technical level is higher with a wider and deeper sound stage, more note extension, better layering, improved dynamics and better precision. The vocals are not as smooth and they are presented more to the front. Where the ST-Amp is a fuller, more emotional amplifier the Angel is a higher performing more high-end tuned device. Both are musical and engaging in their own way, but the technical gap to me is quite impressive.
Chord Mojo 2
The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 probably is one of the most popular portable DAC/AMPs on the market. I myself use it all the time when I am going to the office. It’s small, compact and offers good inputs. The only downside are the 3.5mm single-ended outputs, but ok. It’s selling for only €599 Euro here for the moment, making it a direct competitor to the ST-Amp.
The tuning of the Mojo 2 is very different and it’s by far the most neutral, linear and balanced unit of both. The amount of body and weight here is lighter, more neutral and the energy level is increased. The presentation isn’t smooth, but forward and clean. The Mojo @ delivers a fast, tight sound and it’s always perfectly in control. Some will say it’s less musical as the ST-Amp, and it for sure it less smooth and warm. The Mojo 2 also is a more revealing unit, though the Angel still beats it on extension, layering and note decay. The St-Amp can’t get to the same levels. These are very differently tuned units for very different types of listeners. Both are good, they just focus on other things.
Conclusion
The EarMen ST-Amp DAC/AMP is a nice little combo which according to me was probably set in the market as a beginner do-it-all unit. It has a DAC, AMP and pre-amp function with a fully balanced design and great build quality. As a first unit it will get you a long way.
The ST-Amp with its full bodied and smooth presentation focuses on musicality, effortlessness and pure listening pleasure. It’s the type of combo that is easy on the ears but engaging and musical at all times. It’s not the best technical performer, but I don’t think it was designed to be that either.
With its dead silent back ground, large headroom and available power, it’s the type of combo that works well for a whole series of headphones and IEMs. My personal favorite headphone to use with this unit is the Hifiman Arya Stealth.
If you do have a little more budget, I do recommend looking in to the EarMen Angel, or even the CH-Amp if that’s within reach. Both of these units play at a higher technical level, while maintaining the typical EarMen musicality.
Pro:
- Excellent stereo image
- Very musical
- Unfatiguing / Easy on the ears
- Full bodied
Con:
- No accessories delivered
- Not the best technical performance (DAC)
Page 1: EarMen, Intro, ST-Amp, Specifications, Box & Accessories
Page 2: Design & Build Quality, Lay-Out, Usability, Sound pt. 1
Page 3: Sound pt.2, Comparisons, Conclusions, Summary
