Joined in 2023 
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63 About this deal
Being an electronics engineer (and one with a conscious for power efficiency), I had to include this :-) It's also where I'll spend more time, because it's where it surprised me more (and on the negative side). I tried them all: USB from the computer, coax and RCA (separately) from an old Philips CD Player, optical from a LG TV and Bluetooth from my Android phone. I am encountering issues when I hook two different examples of a T9 pro up to a Sony CDP-CX355 carousel CD player via the Optical connector. Windows 10 saw it as "SPDIF Interface" device, rather than USB DAC or something, but it's just label which could be changed in sound settings.
Please read my reply to the other reader above. Set your crossover around 100 Hz and maybe go downwards slowly to see what you like. It changes what you perceive even if your main loudspeakers haven't changed at all. The Gain Structure Most devices don't give out spec's on the sound output, or at least I have no idea what they are on my 2 laptops. Add to this that the Apps have their own Volumes (and EQ), and it's kind of complicated. You should always experiment with the Device Volume, App Volume and the Volume Control(s) of your equipment. This is why in Round 2 I'd not entirely attribute what I heard to the difference between the Revox and Aiyima. There are too many Gain Controls that one should be cautious. This is akin to some older preamps or integrated amps that have separate Gain and Volume Controls (ARC and MFA come to mind), and many experienced audiophile swear by using both. I assure you, for any final volume, the sonic difference between 1) maxing out the source and attenuating the amp; and 2) maxing out the amp and attenuating the source; is HUGE and beyond pale! Sonic advantages can be had by paying attention to these parameters. In Part I, I am not doing that. Q: Why does the volume of the machine remain the same, but the sound level is different when connecting to different audio sources (for example, connect a CD first, then a mobile phone)?Editor's Note 2/2/23:Readers may be interested in this Video of the Making of Aiyima T9 Pro. It shows in detail how an Aiyima product is made. The max output level of the optical output connector is –18 dBm and and the max impedance Wave length: 660 nm. Preface Boys shall always be Boys (though better not be "Proud"), and we need toys. We are always itchy. But in my 1.5 years here in China, I had not bought a single item. Amazing, no? It's not surprising: I have so much good stuff both in NYC and HK that I simply could not use here, and I have always viewed my stay here as transitional. So whatever tempts me better be (relatively) cheap and cheerful. Line (RCA) In I tested this briefly with the Electronic Keyboard on my desk. Sound is good, but quite different than through the Revox system (cabling are different), more like a Bosendorfer to Revox's Steinway. Shall test it more usefully with my CDP in Part II or III (which can also test the Coaxial and Optical Digital Inputs with Red Book CD 16/44.1).
I also have a 24V power supply that I might try later, if I manage to find a compatible connector. I'd expect results to sit in-between the other two). Note the "Triple Threat" Unitek USB cable (brown). Below it is an improvised folded paper spring clip to secure the loose fitting PS plug. To the right generic cable for hooking up to the electronic keyboard. To the left of the T9, the diminutive Meridian Explorer. Far left is the MIT cable and 3.5mm adaptor used in Round 2. As a rule, don't forget to tell me what you use, and what do you think of the sound, and reservations if any! Source As I'm a classical fan I mainly use my low-end Chromebook to stream Naxos Music Library (courtesy of NYPL; described here). Here in China, especially with Jazz and Pop, I augment with Kuwo ( here) and sometimes Spotify (which requires VPN), streamed using my HP laptop running Windows (now 11). I never use my smartphones to stream. Let me remind you that I mostly stream now, but I do have some good CDs and a very good CDP (Sony), but that will not feature in Part I.While I agree there are usually much better dedicated DACS out there I would want some good improvements to the T9 pro in exchange for the sacrifice of a built-in DAC. In For One to Love, Cecile McClorin .Salvant sings an absolutely ravishing Le Mal de Vivre (original Barbara). She gives a completely new dimension to the song. The subtle use of inflections in her perfect French tests microdynamics. The M2 seems to be very flat and a bit "upfront". The T9 Pro seems more like a U-shaped signature. Perhaps with some added "reverb"? (it feels like I'm listening in a larger room with a slightly better instrument separation and not so upfront). The reason for this is: without the antenna, the BT will have a poor reception distance, likely 3 ft at most. This will cut off other connected devices. By holding your device close you can achieve re-connection. Where is the Factory The factory (in Guangming, 光明) is operated by Mr Liu’s friend, about an hour away in SZ from the headquarter. Mr Liu forwarded a few pics of the factory, but I hope to visit it personally soon.
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