DROP THX AAA ONE _(Z Reviews)_There can be only...

THX AAA ONE ------ [hifiguides.page.link/MASSDROP eo36D]
789 ----------------------- [hifiguides.page.link/MASSDROP 9ZZWj]
A90 ----------------------- [apos.audio/products/topping-a...]
SP200 -------------------- [amzn.to/3eDwxqv]
Magni3+ ---------------- [amzn.to/2NgzQbc]
Heresy ------------------- [amzn.to/2NhPxir]
Rebel --------------------- [rebel.audio/?ref=jjrt_i7hsf]
Flux ----------------------- [fluxlab-acoustics.com/categor...]
L30 ------------------------ [amzn.to/3h44O35]
Arch 2.5 ---------------- [geshelli.com/shop/ols/product...]
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NDH20 ------------------ [amzn.to/3ej5jW0]
MC-450 ----------------- [amzn.to/313PC0I]
Sundara ---------------- [amzn.to/2D8dQ0r]
Phoenix ----------------- [amzn.to/2YUc2jT]
T60 A -------------------- [www.modhouseaudio.com/t60-argons]
Tillamook -------------- [www.tillamook.com/products/ic...]
S8 -------------------------- [bit.ly/38wNDVc]
D10s ---------------------- [amzn.to/32WC2w8]
Atom ---------------------- [jdslabs.com/product/atom-amp/]
EL II ------------------------ [jdslabs.com/product/el-amp-ii/]
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[@ZReviews]

Want to Support this Channel ? Click Below ⚔️www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon

[@DaveDodd]

ZeosPantera - "Turning all the knobs" since 2013.

[@mattw.3084]

Hello Tokyo 😁

[@c4monkey]

Came for the review, stayed for the mickey mouse VS Donald duck debate

[@dilbyjones]

Cb1scu1t yep

[@MrRods]

stayed for the ice cream rant

[@TheDodgefan9]

I'm still surprised Zeos hasn't reviewed the Schiit Asgard 3. It would be interesting to see that and the Magni Heresy compared to the One. Asgard for the same price and the Heresy for clean measurements.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

Yeah. I agree. I know he's reviewed Magnis before, but I don't think he's ever reviewed any generation of Asgard. Time to do it...

[@jharismaiden]

@@EssenceofPureFlavor He has compared the Asgard 2 with another headphone amp some time back.

[@brydon10]

Yea I'd like to see him review the Asgard 3 too.

[@picapica201]

@@brydon10 beep boop, he has now :P

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Zeos! I’m happy with the SMSL THX AAA right now, I see it listed above with a link to Amazon. Waiting to see if you compare the One to the SMSL.

[@humanitech]

It all gets a bit confusing, but the great thing is, no matter what amps we now see and choose they are all going to sound great... but pretty much are all the same. I guess the only real sonically different sounds would be between a tube amp and SS ...and even then you can simply add a mini tube buffer or tube pre to warm things up. So I guess it's pretty much down to which metal box design we would like to see on the desk.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Man, Zeos, there were bits in there when you reminded me of Dennis Hopper in Apocalypse Now: "man, you don't talk to the Colonel. You listen to him. The man's enlarged my mind. He's a poet warrior in the classic sense. I mean sometimes he'll... uh... well, you'll say "hello" to him, right? And he'll just walk right by you. He won't even notice you. And suddenly he'll grab you, and he'll throw you in a corner, and he'll say, "Do you know that 'if' is the middle word in life? If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you"... I mean I'm... no, I can't... I'm a little man, I'm a little man, he's... he's a great man! I should have been a pair of ragged claws scuttling across floors of silent seas..." Yep. Just like that. Except about a headphone amp...

[@oblio44]

I agree 100% with the Z about the Phoenix. I sold my HD 58x and bought the Pheonix and it has turned out to be a great trade. Hands down, the Phoenix is better than the HD series for musical enjoyment. Why do you ask? Check out Z''s review. So, what is DMS talking about??

[@robertsonkelvin]

The wheezing at 14:46 triggered my asmr

[@delta9k]

I have the Phoenix and I really enjoy them plus, I found them comfortable from the start.

[@linguadepeixe2447]

I have seen someone saying that they are a bit too warm, and have paid for that by losing detail.

[@yogiwp_]

This is irrelevant now that we have things like Topping L30 or A50S

[@neocui]

A50S single ended output is weak. Weaker than A50 I think. And the THX ONE has a ridiculous amount of power output for SE compared to the L30.

[@JDMWAAAT]

Those do not have preamps.

[@rcheskin]

@@JDMWAAAT L30 does :)

[@ATommy-lz4jd]

@@JDMWAAAT none of them has, they are just the headphone outs possibly with some resistors before an RCA. None has real dedicated pre amp. But pre amp is essentially a lower powered amp before the power amp, so any headphone amp CAN be called a pre amp.

[@musicxxa6678]

TBH Zen Can better than those at $150 but i don't know if it measures unnecessarily good as those.

[@qwertyme8105]

FKing Z just flying through life and at his best. We love ya buddy!

[@danielthakorlal9425]

Great video mate. Keep 'em comin'. Any more "gaming" amp reviews on the horizons?

[@milosdunjic8718]

I am using THX AAA One as pre amp for my Quad 909 power amp and it's freaking amazing as prre amp beating even Krell KRC3 or Quad 99 costing each lot more! So clean and effortless sound

[@donb5637]

Lacks big time in the lowest octaves, but the mids and highs are fantastic, in preamp form.

[@2h145]

5 months left . NICE ONE

[@crazyguy68]

If the JDS Atom would have come in a metal case I think you would be comparing it to that for $60 less over the L30 and half of the AAA. Maybe not but it comes in a very close second IMO.

[@crimmy0204]

you need a picture above your fireplace to tie the dungeon basement together.

[@gregorkluth2857]

Damn that's some nice POV

[@ELJefeReviews]

Oh yeah! I forgot about this one. Interesting.

[@harshlands]

Man that lighting is harsh, you're white to start with but man the glare off those hands/forearms you look like you're in a Twilight movie, Z. And the mouse is nearly glowing lol.

[@ThevenimX]

8:50 “imagine that all the amplifiers are the toppings.” Instantly thinks of L30 and A90

[@picapica201]

it's like an (un?)intentional wordplay. and I was like "preferrably all A90 toppings, yeah"

[@RoboMark]

"When it comes to zeros, the THX is green"

[@henrychinaski]

"...Did yoooouu ever know you're my favorite reviewwwwww-eeeeeerrrrrrr..... cuz you are the wind beneath my wings..."

[@turbochicken80]

Is there any better amp and dac combination than the iFi ZEN DAC in the 200-300 range? (can be separate)

[@blahjamesblah]

There is no ice cream in the description. I'm mad. I was promised ice cream.

[@bacon_fat]

The grocery store near my house used to sell Tillamook. I don't go there anymore :(

[@3-y86]

Hello Z, before some time ago i ask you what is better for th909 jds or thx. I have one more question what is best Amp,Dac for th 909 without tube. Thank you

[@instrugramm]

The Phoenix are good (not overwhelmingly so though) but so are the 560S to be absolutely honest. The Sivga are too heavy and intransparent in sound while the 560S lack punch and heft (pretty much polar opposites). Good headphones for specific genres but no allrounders.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

OMFG the Mickey Mouse thing made me pull over I was laughing so hard.

[@Cons2911]

I’m noticing..(maybe it’s been there before that I just didn’t notice) that now my old Asgard 2 has noise (hum?). Notice it when there’s nothing playing, I thought it only happens when the gain is high. Maybe its time to upgrade?

[@KindredGh0st]

The ice cream analogies are on point. That said, what's the cookies and cream of headphones?

[@SaltShakerer]

how about the schiit magnius? seems like the same thing with a balanced

[@joshualee6932]

I can't decide between this and an L30!!

[@Daakist]

This might be a dumb question but are we going to see THX AAA in a stereo receivers (like denon/sony) soon? I might be getting a receiver soon and would like an all in one solution.

[@crazyguy68]

'If you don't own Phoenix or Sundara buy them both." -Z I did that before you made that statement and I hate to agree but I have to agree. Both shine BUUUUT if you can only get one.....Sundara.

[@jamado5656]

5:23 They disguise it, hypnotize it Television made you buy it I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my...

[@destroctionmonkey]

What’s the best DAC for this? I’m thinking about using this with some DT1990 Pro’s. My budget is around 200-250$ for a good DAC.

[@deshan79]

So what Zeos is saying ,"buy all the amps and headphones"

[@fnurple3426]

I think his ice cream analogy applies to him. He's a speaker. What makes Zeos's reviews Zeos's is how he transduces audio quality into language. I suppose this is a bit obvious because, just the same, all speech is "transduction." But he's music.

[@Dany_0_]

my liquid spark takes 36volts 1.25amps. but I'm saving for a thx amp

[@jimstewart2242]

How can you a/b compare using 2 dacs with a $700 price difference? You might as well compare with the he350 on one amp and the arya's on the other

[@ahmedsafa91]

The comprtent at this price should be el amp 2 or archel 2.5

[@HiFiGOAudio]

in my opinion the thx 789 is the better option here!! Besides Topping range offers a more premium experience :)

[@user-sq4zj2tt9r]

lmaooo the Tillamook link

[@mistadood]

I noticed what seems to be the Geshelli Erish sitting on his desk with a balanced to single-ended connector on the output. Was hoping he would mention that during the review, but I thought balanced to single ended adapters like that would normally damage the amp because it shorts two of the pins, is the Erish an exception?

[@JigokuSan]

It looks like the Drop XLR to 2.5 balanced adapter, no SE involved.

[@PyreRecords]

Love you Zeos!!!

[@tarskiparadox6577]

Soundblaster g6 with dt990 pro for xbox is a good setup? Thanks

[@hugenbergerdesigns]

Hey Z, does the A90 let you choose the source and output for the pre out? Or does it just pre out to both balanced and rca at the same time?

[@johnyang799]

Input select yes. Output select no.

[@lightshark8562]

I need some advice for a stack; so currently I'm using a Realtek onboard audio and the Sony 1000xm3s but I want to get more into some audiofile levels and get something like a jds labs atom stack or a shiit stack, but the problem is I live in Europe and I can't get them there for under 260€ and on the side of the headphones there would be a Byerdynamic dt990 pro because the shp9500 sell for 170 in Europe. Does anyone have recommendations to get comparable stuff in Europe? Should I get something like the k5pro?

[@OkieDokieSmokie]

Just picked this up, audio week on drop rn, $160

[@m4nc1n1]

I have theTHX portable and the Heresy. I honestly can't see how you beat the Heresy for $100. They sit right next to each other and I always choose the Heresy. Selling the THX Portable lol

[@derpulous3231]

The heresy is a great amp, but for feature set and cleaner sound, the SP200 or 789 definitely give more, and you can get them used for 200-250 which is pretty worth it especially for the features. The 789 has a 3.5mm, XLR, and 1/4 Single ended input, extremely useful for multiple pieces of gear.

[@landocal0]

I've got a Sen 280 Pro and the THX Portable and I love them, but is it vanilla enough? I want maximum vanilla.

[@grd90u]

I want to watch your videos but I can't afford to take Dramamine each time I want to see a review. Do they make a gimbal for your head camera?

[@ubacow7109]

Imo Id rather do the SP200, not that much more for balanced, and even without THX AAA there's fantastic options out there with Topping as well~

[@fundead3710]

The Schiit Magnius has balanced for $200. Seems to be aimed at the same low distortion / high power / no coloration market as well.

[@kristoffer8740]

The SP200 is not fully balanced so it doesn't matter. Unbalanced and balanced outputs provide the same amount of power. The THX AAA One has a much nicer feeling volume potentiometer, and not tilted chassis.

[@derpulous3231]

@@kristoffer8740 it's not truly "balanced" but it does give you the extra power of balanced. Both the SP200 and 789 give a substantial amount more power when using the XLR input

[@Elc22]

I guess we are going to forget that Schiit released their Magnius just recently for $200. 5W @ 32 ohm balanced.

[@jamesbittle2138]

I have a Magnius/Modius combo and it's pretty awesome. Zero complaints.

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

It doesn't honestly sound as good as the Asgard 3 or Linear One.

[@josh_wink]

I love my Sivga Phoenix and idk what DMS is talking about

[@delta9k]

I am digging mine as well!

[@dilbyjones]

Can we just get GOOD dynamic range & low harmonic distortion? Or are those just words that I don’t know what they actually mean ?

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Zen Can is the beast now. And not the Drop one. The $160 regular. Powerful, has that Class A thing (not sure it's true Class A) Balanced option

[@1pietnr]

I was wondering, because you are so focused on quality, whether you have ever listened to night wish with floor jansen? If not, i would recommend "ghost love score" to get started

[@JDS_im]

Especially the live version of that song from the Decades: Live in Buenos Aires album. A true benchmark of a live recording imo.

[@robertdepesci3418]

Would SMSL su8s pair well with the one?

[@ghadeeb]

What DAC would you use with this?

[@issekinicho]

Any review of LTA MZ3 and Z10e on the way ?

[@rhodey2952]

LTA is sweet! Love the MZ3 👌

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Ohh shit ! Zeos i got alot of headphone gear videos about to drop lol thanks for all the videos love the crib hell you deserve it bro !

[@Zack-pl9np]

What software do you use for music and where do you get flac from

[@picapica201]

foobar2000 is his music player I think

[@rickybobby144]

Zeos, in comparison to the drop AAA would you recommend the SMSL SP200 for 40 more?

[@picapica201]

you mean the THX ONE? bc SMSL SP200 is AAA drop as well ;-)

[@benjamin8367]

L30 Vs sp200 Vs a50s?

[@frunction]

Out of breath from picking up an L30

[@SnowWhite-dr6xh]

I cancelled my pre-order last week. Got tired of waiting.

[@Lemminjoose]

Any time Drop is involved, expect a long wait. I hate that company.

[@aceofspades6667]

Get an A90 for $425 or at least it was on sale the other day for that.

[@c29395]

Hey Mr. Zeos guy , could you please review the (Allen Ribbon Headphones) they are a AMT headphone that cost around $208 bucks . All the reviews I've read are good , but they are translated from either Russian or Chinese so it will say " the excellent male voice is poisonous" which is a good thing apparently . Best regards from your friendly Beaver.

[@antic4312]

Where’s the ice cream recommendation?

[@inthefireagine123]

Tillamook is the best ice cream, good choice Zeos.

[@ochinchinsama]

I'm only here because of the Ononoki figure

[@johnellison3173]

I would argue that SMSL SP200 THX is the biggest competition here. Its a lot more powerful than both of these amps and also has more features.

[@fundead3710]

Agreed - Between the SMSL you mentioned and the Magnius at 200 with balanced I don't think I would choose this one.

[@johnellison3173]

@@fundead3710 No me neither. I bought the SMSL about a year ago and have no complaints. Its a fantastic amp and can drive any headphone.

[@TheJockNerd]

The Asgard 3 would also be direct competition at $200.

[@MrPhins]

A/Bing with a $99 DAC and $139 Amp for A and a $1,000 DAC and $200 Amp for B? Wouldn't it make more sense to keep the DAC variable constant? Or, are you subtly saying the difference between a $99 and $1000 DAC is negligible? Crafty sob.

[@JeffreySmar]

Tillamook is incredible

[@juliangst]

THX is a meme and not a benchmark. Topping A90 performs better and the L30 is also as clean as thx

[@zackslaststand]

That doesn’t really make it a meme. It just means technological progress was made

[@zackslaststand]

Also the topping l30 is great but they just don’t put out enough power really to drive my sundaras so I ended up returning them so I got an SMSL sp200

[@takeshi7]

I'd certainly hope the Topping A90 performs better. It costs 2.5x as much as this.

[@juliangst]

@@takeshi7 you have to compare it to the balanced 789, then it’s only 100€ more

[@takeshi7]

@@juliangst $200 more here in the USA.

[@BunnyslippersEUC]

I turned my Sony ss-cs5 speakers upside down....because height-dominance. Zeos will be so proud of me.

[@lotechgreg]

@~ 16:24, .. would that be a "DIRTY" Sanchez?????

[@hotam138]

4:49 is the phone wallpaper your face? :))

[@m.morininvestor9920]

This or Heresy & go!

[@-Rambi-]

Haven't been here in a while, you traded your walls for a couple headphones?

[@eeBSXY3FsFnwEBAc]

Lol

[@taylorjordan1122]

so is it a thx amp or...?

[@theovonskeletor3709]

Links for cheese?

[@sc0or]

BD (any) does not need high gain -)

[@pratamamp]

The thing is, the SP200 also exist, and more convenient because it has balanced input and headphone out, but again, it's 250 sooooooo, you get what you pay for i guess haha

[@crazyguy68]

But every unit was damaged in shipping... They all lean to the right lol.

[@IOSam]

And you can always get an "open box" SP200 in mint condition from Apos for $200 (as I did) and get it in less than a week (instead of waiting another 6 months to get the Drop THX AAA ONE)...

[@fundead3710]

Magnius for $200 if you want balanced as well. I think 179 if they have b-stock. So there is balanced competition at its price point as well.

[@pratamamp]

@@crazyguy68 lol but you can stack it with the matching DAC that also leans haha

[@ochinchinsama]

Please choose between the Sundara and the phoenix. My wallet's a tsundere.

[@ZReviews]

Phoenix is my new love. Sundara plots behind my back to kill me.

[@truthxbl]

THX ONE vs ATOM? Which is better for the $ with the ONE @ $150

[@deecee2837]

ONE. Better build, more versatile with pre-amp outs, less distortion, & more powerful.

[@Lemminjoose]

This product lost me at the word "Drop".

[@smoe5584]

Im have a very hard time finding a good amp for my hd 660s, for gaming and music. but i dont want no cheap shit 200 to 500. please help

[@ibrahimsiddiqui2626]

Can it be used without a DAC ?

[@lukenuked]

You wouldn't want to

[@balintcsoma4321]

4:49 Face reveal bruh

[@chrisnyc3641]

I feel like you're trying very hard not to say "this would be relevant if it was $50 cheaper."

[@POVShotgun]

it is now tho

[@aceofspades6667]

Rep for Tillamook ice cream... It's literally made from God's jizz it says so on the container. I also support Umpqua and Nielsen's frozen custard.

[@seanhawley5367]

Dude...did you buy a house?!

[@Rocky-sn6fl]

So..it's linear & neutral. Roger that.

[@tshinharR]

At that point just get the sp2000 it’s just better in every way and not that more expensive.....

[@sergex2049]

Liquid Spark takes 36 volts

[@musicxxa6678]

THX sounds tight but too weak in the dynamics. I don't like it. What audiophiles call ? ethereal ? leaky ?

[@hamedshahr]

THX is sharp and not neutral. Get the new Topping products for neutral sound (A90, L30, etc).

[@RonnyC98]

$200 Asgard 3, Magnius or this?

[@JDS_im]

Asgard 3. No matter how impressive the measurements of the other amps are, they're no competition against the Class A sound of the Asgard 3.