Your Production Quality on your videos lately is really excellent. While other creators are declining in production you are continuing to improve. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite audio review channels. Your hard work is noticed and appreciated.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I'm always working to improve and have already started adding some extra "features" (?) to my production for 2023 so it's so nice to know it's appreciated. Thank you!
I have the Tone 2Pro version. You forgot one thing, IT'S SO DAMN CUTE!! I have the balanced cable's also. And it just so happens to be feeding the Cavalli Liquid Carbon X at this moment. The Khadas warmth, roundness and full flesh nature, compliments the very neutral Cavalli. Just added the Bluetooth module. Living in the So. California desert, it's become a good summer runner, as it stays relatively cool. Love it with easy drives and iem's. I use the iFi power supplies and it's a clean runner.
Just got the Tone 2 to replace my old Topping DX3 Pro (non + version) setup as I was disappointed with its line out performance. My setup is basically PC USB > DAC > DAC Line Out> Logitech Z533 2.1 speakers. Not the best speakers I know, but it not bad, for a basic set up; and they come with desk volume controls that has a headphone jack. Never used the BT on the Topping and if you already have a useful headphone input there's not real need to get the more expensive Pro version. The use case for this is it can be more easily tucked away from view to reduce desktop clutter (one less thing on my desk) and requires no additional power. As for sound improvement, I would say my Z533 speakers are the lowest option I would recommend for any DAC, but DACs do make a difference. The Topping's line out to the speakers was - IMO - 10/ 15% - better than the stock 3.5mm pc to speakers. I would say the Tone 2 is another 15/20% above the Topping in terms of speaker quality. Everything seam much clearer, even on my crappy speakers. The main difference for me at least is the headphone output, it was/ is a clear step up in quality over my Topping. crisper, cleaner, more separation, louder. I did consider the SMSL SU6, but at least in the UK the SU6 is slightly more money than the Tone 2 (about £20), and the Tone 2 Pro was/ is an extra £50+. Overall, for a hide away solution, I think this DAC is a good option. Only thing is Khadas need to improve their firmware update tool on their website. Two different links one for some update tool and the other for a driver. It should be a one button/ link process. One to just the tool, which then finds the correct driver when you run it. I ran the tool but still not sure if I'm on the latest firmware or driver, as no where on the website (I could not find it) does it clearly state what the latest firmware version is or which driver version should be used - just some randon uploaded files from September 2022. My device says I'm on firmware v1.23 but I don't know if this is good or bad - should it be on v1.24?
They've arrived and are next up on the queue when I get home from holidays. I've got Magni+, Magni Heretic, Modi+ and Modi MB2. Review will drop in early Feb (or mid Jan for patrons)
ASR reviewed this one, but the focus was more measurement based as opposed to your more user friendly take. Interesting product & good review, thanks 👍😎👍 I would stick it to my desk to avoid any irritation 😤😅
I use mine to feed into a power amp in my car, so I prefer not to have a headphone amp or internal battery. It sounds good but changing settings on this thing is completely ridiculous.
I have one with the Balanced cables. I got it to use with my Sundara’s. These headphones suck! I moved the T2Pro to my two speaker system. It’s ok. Mostly used for MQA on Tidal. I’m trying to sell it. Impossible in the 3rd world. 😢 Got the Lightening to C cable so I can use either iphone or android. Then got the WIIM Pro and that’s how it’s connected now. Still. Wouldn’t miss it if it were gone.
There's a lot of potential but I think they might have focused too much on aesthetics and not enough on ergonomics and purpose. Seriously, did they even bother using their own product? The ergonomics are so poorly thought out it seems like controls were developed independent from whoever designed the case. The user should have options for feedback from the button press, either in the form of tones, vibrations, and/or flashing the light. Trying to do anything more detailed with those lights and they shouldn't be covered up by the button. tl;dr it's impractical, too fiddly, and is going to interrupt your workflow. I hope they fix it because I would be interested in it.
@@jayem1826 That's you, if it works for you that's great. I like to do things by feel, with minimal interaction and fiddling. Especially when I'm trying to concentrate on something difficult or trying to relax with my eyes closed.
I've forgotten exactly what's what and I don't have the T2 anymore. I seem to recall the socket being the same as the balanced RCA sockets, but I can't recall why.
Your Production Quality on your videos lately is really excellent. While other creators are declining in production you are continuing to improve. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite audio review channels. Your hard work is noticed and appreciated.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I'm always working to improve and have already started adding some extra "features" (?) to my production for 2023 so it's so nice to know it's appreciated. Thank you!
I have the Tone 2Pro version. You forgot one thing, IT'S SO DAMN CUTE!! I have the balanced cable's also. And it just so happens to be feeding the Cavalli Liquid Carbon X at this moment. The Khadas warmth, roundness and full flesh nature, compliments the very neutral Cavalli. Just added the Bluetooth module. Living in the So. California desert, it's become a good summer runner, as it stays relatively cool. Love it with easy drives and iem's. I use the iFi power supplies and it's a clean runner.
Yeah. I'm overseas. Can not get the BT MAGIC
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Alan!
Sorry to hear that, Jay Em. ☹️
Just got the Tone 2 to replace my old Topping DX3 Pro (non + version) setup as I was disappointed with its line out performance. My setup is basically PC USB > DAC > DAC Line Out> Logitech Z533 2.1 speakers.
Not the best speakers I know, but it not bad, for a basic set up; and they come with desk volume controls that has a headphone jack. Never used the BT on the Topping and if you already have a useful headphone input there's not real need to get the more expensive Pro version. The use case for this is it can be more easily tucked away from view to reduce desktop clutter (one less thing on my desk) and requires no additional power.
As for sound improvement, I would say my Z533 speakers are the lowest option I would recommend for any DAC, but DACs do make a difference. The Topping's line out to the speakers was - IMO - 10/ 15% - better than the stock 3.5mm pc to speakers. I would say the Tone 2 is another 15/20% above the Topping in terms of speaker quality. Everything seam much clearer, even on my crappy speakers.
The main difference for me at least is the headphone output, it was/ is a clear step up in quality over my Topping. crisper, cleaner, more separation, louder.
I did consider the SMSL SU6, but at least in the UK the SU6 is slightly more money than the Tone 2 (about £20), and the Tone 2 Pro was/ is an extra £50+.
Overall, for a hide away solution, I think this DAC is a good option. Only thing is Khadas need to improve their firmware update tool on their website. Two different links one for some update tool and the other for a driver. It should be a one button/ link process. One to just the tool, which then finds the correct driver when you run it. I ran the tool but still not sure if I'm on the latest firmware or driver, as no where on the website (I could not find it) does it clearly state what the latest firmware version is or which driver version should be used - just some randon uploaded files from September 2022. My device says I'm on firmware v1.23 but I don't know if this is good or bad - should it be on v1.24?
Glad you're enjoying the Tone 2. That's a good point about it being a good hideaway option.
I'm afraid I can't answer your firmware question - sorry.
Looking forward to your review on the new Modi and Magni plus. Any idea when to expect those?
They've arrived and are next up on the queue when I get home from holidays. I've got Magni+, Magni Heretic, Modi+ and Modi MB2. Review will drop in early Feb (or mid Jan for patrons)
I wonder if you can 3D print a clear plastic wheel so you can see the ring light or drill a hole around the LED so you can actually see it.
You probably could - nice ideas!
Even with the WIIM’s setting set to MQA on the lights don’t change when MQA is detected. Why not? Going through COAX
I don't think all devices work with MQA via coaxial so it's probably that.
I think you're right - it needs to have the headphone output. It looks to me a bit like the Schiit Fulla/Hel.
Probably a bit similar. I haven't tried those Schiit products yet.
ASR reviewed this one, but the focus was more measurement based as opposed to your more user friendly take. Interesting product & good review, thanks 👍😎👍 I would stick it to my desk to avoid any irritation 😤😅
ASR. Who cares how it sounds. How did it measure. How stupid
Glad I could be helpful! I think some double sided tape or adhesive Velcro might be a winner for the Tone 2. Great idea to stick it to the desk.
Does anyone know the artist and track name which is playing at 0.35sec? Cheers
I'll have a look for you and find out 🙂
It's called "Bad Friends" by Mimmi Bangoura
@@PassionforSound Many thanks Lachlan. Always a pleasure. Cheers
I use mine to feed into a power amp in my car, so I prefer not to have a headphone amp or internal battery. It sounds good but changing settings on this thing is completely ridiculous.
That's a good use case for it, but yeah - shame about the interface
I have one with the Balanced cables. I got it to use with my Sundara’s. These headphones suck! I moved the T2Pro to my two speaker system. It’s ok. Mostly used for MQA on Tidal. I’m trying to sell it. Impossible in the 3rd world. 😢
Got the Lightening to C cable so I can use either iphone or android. Then got the WIIM Pro and that’s how it’s connected now. Still. Wouldn’t miss it if it were gone.
Sorry to hear that you're not much of a fan of the T2 Pro
There's a lot of potential but I think they might have focused too much on aesthetics and not enough on ergonomics and purpose.
Seriously, did they even bother using their own product? The ergonomics are so poorly thought out it seems like controls were developed independent from whoever designed the case.
The user should have options for feedback from the button press, either in the form of tones, vibrations, and/or flashing the light.
Trying to do anything more detailed with those lights and they shouldn't be covered up by the button.
tl;dr it's impractical, too fiddly, and is going to interrupt your workflow.
I hope they fix it because I would be interested in it.
@@jayem1826 That's you, if it works for you that's great. I like to do things by feel, with minimal interaction and fiddling. Especially when I'm trying to concentrate on something difficult or trying to relax with my eyes closed.
Yeah, the ergonomics are questionable and it's a shame because so much about the Tone 2 is great otherwise
Wait. Mine has the headphone outs.
That's the Pro version then
It's a cool device like the form factor, but you have to learn morse code to operate it. 😅
Yeah, not sure that was thought through properly
I don’t think the COAX is Balanced.
I've forgotten exactly what's what and I don't have the T2 anymore. I seem to recall the socket being the same as the balanced RCA sockets, but I can't recall why.