mmry404 t1_jef3uqi wrote on March 31, 2023 at 3:35 PM

Damn, that's quite a setup you got there! Can you tell more about it please?

slooploop2 OP t1_jef7khn wrote on March 31, 2023 at 3:59 PM

The picture, sadly, is mostly for show. I couldn’t get the iPod to turn on but the point of the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo was to bypass the internal iPod DAC to use the AlgoRhythm’s DAC or, even better, use an external DAC connected via coax. It’s hugely nervosa and the internal DAC doesn’t sound very good. The amp is an ALO Continental V2, which uses a mini tube. It seems to emphasize overtones in an interesting way but isn’t very resolving. Both these are about 12 years old by now which is ancient for portable equipment. My Q7 is definitely more competent.

mmry404 t1_jef9r4g wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:13 PM

Whew, never seen that Q7 thing before, it sure does look like a beast. Do you strap it to your phone too? I was thinking about a similar setup, but I'm concerned with the cables, being usb on one side and headphones on the other, like, how can such a setup be pocketable with cables on either side?

slooploop2 OP t1_jeferv5 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:46 PM

Yup, connects to my phone with angled USB-C cables.

It’s not…really pocketable. It’s quite heavy so it’s more crossbody bag-able. I haven’t used it for day to day IEM use but it’ll be nice on a plane or hotel room.

mmry404 t1_jeffe78 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:50 PM

I see, what do you use for day do day IEM use then?

slooploop2 OP t1_jefg772 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:55 PM

AirPod Pros lol

My work commute is a mile walking to the subway and a 15 minute subway ride twice a week at most. I love the Subtonic STORM and Letshuoer Cadenza but spending that much money for…two hours of use a week that I can barely appreciate hasn’t been something I can justify. I bought the Q7 in preparation for more IEM reviews and general lazy use since I think I’m done with my headphone and speaker chains for the foreseeable future.