On this article we have a look at EarMen L-AMP tube DAC/AMP. This tube pushed dongle is promoting for $399 USD.
Disclaimer: The EarMen L-Amp was despatched to us freed from cost by EarMan straight in change for this evaluate. EarMan is on no account associated to Headfonia.
EarMen
If EarMen doesn’t ring a bell but, then the Serbian “Auris Audio” simply may. The truth is, should you’ve been following Headfonia you’ll know that we’re fairly the Auris followers right here. Their amps have gained a number of of our awards, and fashions just like the Euterpe, HA2-SF and Nirvana get praised everywhere in the world.
Some time in the past Auris Audio determined to enter the transportable market and to take action they got here up with new model title: EarMen. EarMen is registered within the US however all of their merchandise are constructed and assembled in Europe to make sure the very best requirements in manufacturing high quality.
EarMen is all about delivering the very best worth for cash and their product line-up consists/consisted out of a number of fashions:
The EarMen Line-up
- The Donald DAC – A USB-DAC solely with an RCA output to hook as much as your devoted amplifier
- The TR-Amp – A conveyable DAC/AMP resolution
- The Eagle – A single ended USB DAC/AMP dongle and DragonFly Cobalt competitor.
- The Sparrow – A single ended and balanced USB DAC/AMP dongle.
- The Tradutto – An ultra-high decision totally balanced compact DAC with superior BT streaming functionality.
- The Colibri – A dongle sized transportable DAC/AMP with quantity management, a lot of energy and double outputs
- The Angel, a completely balanced transportable DAC/AMP
- The CH-Amp – A mini sized totally balanced amplifier from the Tradutto vary
- The Staccato, a streamer from the Tradutto vary
- The ST-Amp, a compact desktop DAC/AMP with pre-out
We with this L-Amp evaluate have coated all of EarMen’s fashions. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at their latest Tube dongle.
EarMen L-Amp
The final yr or so, miniature tubes have change into extremely popular for transportable purposes similar to DAPs, DAC/AMPS and AMPs. Now we have reviewed a number of of them however they weren’t all the time nearly as good.
I do know for a undeniable fact that EarMen has been engaged on their L-Amp for a really very long time already, however they needed to do it proper as an alternative of getting it out asap.
Whereas the L-Amp isn’t the smallest in measurement, it does ship a extra true tube sound and an total larger sound high quality, so I’m very pleased they determined to go for high quality. Extra on that later on this article.
L-Amp: Merging the Previous and Future for Unmatched Audio Perfection
The unit we acquired is the Restricted Version, named “Miki’s Signature” and EarMen was so good to ship us pattern #1. Becoming. For these of you who nonetheless haven’t discovered what it’s we’re reviewing, the L-Amp is a transportable, totally balanced tube-driven headphone DAC/Amp (and pre amp) in a dongle type. It – in accordance with EarMen – has sufficient energy to drive nearly any fashionable headphone (1W at 8Ω output). We’ll discover out extra about that later on this article.
The vacuum tubes contained in the EarMen L-Amp are USA constructed, New Previous Inventory JAN (Army grade) 6418 Raytheon tubes. They’re extensively out there, very reasonably priced and ship nice sound, even when it’s all concerning the implementation. Distinctive on this design is the Modern Suspension System designed by EarMen the place 4 silicone O-ring mounts drastically scale back vibration, minimizing mechanical suggestions to make sure readability and consistency in each notice. In the event you evaluate it to the Woo Mini in instance, you’ll instantly discover how effectively this technique works when transferring round or when on the go. It’s nearly lifeless silent.
The L-Amps built-in DAC is likely one of the ESS SABRE DAC’s (32-bit, 384kHz PCM, DSD DoP128). EarMen doesn’t specify which DAC precisely is used, however I suppose it’s the common EarMen ESS chip they used of their different design earlier than. The facility stage of the L-Amp is constructed utilizing Burr-Brown® INA1620 operational amplifiers, famend for his or her ultra-low THD+N, distinctive efficiency, and SoundPlus™ know-how.
The L-Amp has a couple of fascinating options such because the IEM mode, which lets you use low impedance IEMs. I’ve to say the efficiency of the L-Amp is healthier with headphones, however we’ll dive into that later. The L-Amp additionally has a B+ (Bass Superior DSP) mode which helps you to improve the decrease frequencies. The good factor right here is that it doesn’t solely increase the low-end, you additionally hold the identical nice high quality (Precision/layering). Lastly, we now have a break up energy circuit, which lets you energy the unit by both energy over USB, or by way of a dedicates energy provide. That approach you by no means deplete your supply’s energy, and also you get nice audio high quality.
On the within of the L-Amp you discover a totally balanced circuit and connection clever the EarMen L-Amp affords each a 3.5mm single ended in addition to the 4,4mm balanced output
The EarMen L-Amp’s devoted web site could be discovered right here. You should buy the L-Amp straight from EarMen or by way of their vendor community.
Sound Principle
On this part we learn the way the manufacturers describe their unit’s sound and efficiency.
For the EarMen L-Amp we discover the next:
The L-Amp brings the facility and high quality of a desktop DAC/amp to the palm of your hand. Expertise the heat and richness of classic tube sound with out compromising modern-day precision. The L-Amp delivers a warm, wealthy, and pure sound signature for an unparalleled listening expertise.
Value, Packaging & Equipment
The EarMen L-Amp is available in a easy however good field as you possibly can see within the footage. On the within you’ll find the L-Amp, a smooth pouch to hold the unit round in, and an extended USB-C to USB-C cable. I additionally discovered a brief 10cm cable in my field, however I’m not certain it’s a part of the common bundle.
That’s all you get for the $399 or €399 price ticket really. I’d like to have seen a pleasant (leather-based) case within the bundle, however okay. It’s what it’s.
Design, Construct High quality, lay-out
As we’re used to from Miki and his staff, the construct high quality of the L-Amp is nothing however good. The end is lush and the entire unit has a really high-end really feel to it. All the buttons and connectors feel and look sturdy and I don’t see these breaking any time quickly.
The L-Amp is constructed with prime elements and gold-plated PCBs and headphone connectors reduce sign degradation and guarantee a pure, sound transmission. As mentioned the L-Amp options EarMen’s new Modern Suspension System consisting out of 4 silicone O-ring mounts. These drastically scale back vibration, minimizing mechanical suggestions to make sure readability and consistency in each notice. You’ll be able to confidently faucet the unit whereas music is taking part in and also you gained’t hear a single factor. With lots of the different transportable items utilizing miniature tubes it is a critical concern, however EarMen has managed to eradicate any noise points (apart from with some IEMs. See later) You’ll be able to see the system working right here:
On the surface we now have very shiny case with a pleasant little window exhibiting of the double 6418 tubes. In fact these tube don’t have any tube glow, and the orange you see right here is from the PCB. There may be 1 orange LED to point out the unit is turned on and the second LED lights up when the B+ mode is activated.
On the highest of the unit we now have each of the headphone outputs. The underside hosts each the USB-C knowledge and energy connection. On the left facet we now have a small play/pause button in addition to the B+ management. On the best facet we discover the quantity dial (2 buttons) in addition to the IEM output selector.
Bear in mind I earlier complained concerning the lack of case? Effectively, EarMen on the again of the items has put in two massive rubber toes. These ensure that the items stays firmly in place in your desk, however additionally they forestall your unit from getting scratched. So EarMen did consider the protection.
On this restricted Version model we on the again additionally discover EarMen’s brand, the First Media Pattern point out, the true serial quantity and the CEO’s signature.
All good thus far!
The evaluate continues on the Second Web page. Click on right here or use the jumps under.
