🟥Flat is Justice! Dac/Amp _(Z Reviews)_ Khadas Tea on INDIEGOGO

[@ZReviews]

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[@tcc5750]

Where’s the waifu on the monitor? Did….you abandon them?

[@Shibes770]

Megumin best flat

[@redstonemineshaft]

My Tone 2 Pro is fantastic, definitely going to pick one of these up. "Maglock" circles are $5-$10 on Amazon so I get to stick it to my phone as well. Super excited.

[@divinginthedeep]

Yeah I picked up the Tone2Pro as well, with all the RCA balanced outs for the full feature for use with my SMSL SH-9

[@skydwellingmusic]

Finally something where the USB port and headphone jack are on the same side so I dont have to do cable gymnastics in my pocket if I want to go out

[@VirusForPrez]

Khadas should just make their own phones with this tech inside : the Khada Phone !

[@aodhanmorrissey]

That impression of Techmoan made me spit my tea. 10/10

[@llaughridge]

The "MFI" thing in the specs is showing that it's officially compliant with the 'Made for iOS' specifications, and the number identifies that particular device in the program. iOS devices don't do LDAC or APTX, they use AAC for the higher-quality codec.

[@AnotherClassicalLiberal]

Mangird Tea + Khadas Tea = tea party

[@juliangst]

The khadas tone board was NOT made for a raspberry pi and was never supported. It only works with their own VIM board

[@tenveri]

You can still use it with an RPi over USB though rather than the VIM header

[@juliangst]

@@tenveri ofc, just like any other dac

[@attilathehun79]

You can buy those magnetic rings separately on amazon, so they could easily include one with the dac. It would cost them pennies and not just advertise it as an Apple/Iphone product and would be much appealing for the rest of the world who hasn't got Iphones.

[@ZReviews]

Iinked them in the description, $20 for two.

[@attilathehun79]

@@ZReviews Thank you, I know, I found some as well. I'm just saying, to them it wouldn't cost $10 for one and they could includ it in the box and advertise it for any phone/product and not just for Iphones.

[@ELJefeReviews]

This is an intriguing device! I need to check one out ASAP.

[@DavidMancini-q5m]

If anyone is up in the air about getting one of these little guys, pull the trigger and pair it with some Koss Porta Pros. This is my go-to relaxing on the porch setup and it’s an impressive combo for less than $160.

[@adaboy4z]

I'm spoiled by the X-bass and volume knob on the iFi Go Blu..

[@SteveHuffer]

Probably worth mentioning that the Android Khadas Audio app is available now.

[@ZReviews]

Is it now.. HRMMMM

[@JYMBO]

Make a green one and i'm sold... Green Tea

[@tedthomas9809]

Looks promising in a few ways--- just backed this and impatiently waiting for this.

[@matthewhilty4209]

Tried to back it but my bank card declined the charge as fraud. I'm sure the currency conversion from HKD to USD didn't help. I don't want to try again due to a possible double order.

[@mrmartinbusek]

Ordered!! Can't wait. Love the magsafe compability.

[@SendPie42069]

Flat is Justice!

[@imanshuhairi]

oh definitely gonna get one. i even like the aesthetic side of it also i guess its called tea because you can just relax and have a good time with it like you're having a tea.

[@joshuampayne]

Damn I was pretty set on getting the ifi go blu, but this looks really nice. I like the form factor and build. But I have to admit, I have a zen dac and I got addicted to that truebass/x-bass... and the thought of having that portable is intoxicating! (lol)

[@primeshmohanty7701]

I do get you my man, the truebass feature is addictive on Zen Dac V2 and the portable version of that being the go Blu sounds lucrative as hell.

[@Gavanater7]

Ikko audio also makes a back attached dac amp called the music patch. Suggest you check out those cause they are competition too

[@liberatorkramit]

But the Ikko is absolutely hideous. It looks like it was made out of early 2000's cheap car dash. It's almost saving grace is that it has 2.5mm, but its not actually balanced its just another out. It is also placed on top meaning your headphone jack comes out of the middle of the back of your phone toward the top. its weird.

[@AndrewLamas19]

He unboxed it on his ZeosPantera channel

[@ZReviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3umZIOOqtmSqqc The Unboxing showing the box and accessories.

[@asotomayor]

Just pulled the trigger on this, 5 minutes into the video and after reading the Indiegogo material. There were 14 left, Can’t wait!

[@ruvamsi]

Please review the new MiniDSP Flex. The MiniDSP 2x4HD is irreplaceable in my system for its functionality (high pass filter on mains + independent subwoofer delay on stereo subs + universal IR control) But the SQ of the dac is bested by even the humble Topping E30. At more than double the price of the 2x4HD, I'm really hoping the dac quality is a step above high quality budget dacs

[@Gobolinn]

no balanced 4.4 pass, sticking with ifi go blu

[@GinsuSher]

As an owner of a qudelix 5k and a lotoo paw s1.... I find myself conflicted. On one hand, I already have those two for portable listening but on another hand, this kadas tea looks soo sleek...

[@ChrisoneillART]

Backed it! obviously... because why wouldn't you.

[@davidcoons89]

Pearl white in that anodized aluminum would be gorgeous imo

[@user-ko5kk9ud8k]

Reminds me of the essential phone dac

[@Armbrust210]

Did not know that such a thing even existed. Only knew of the 360° Camera. How interesting

[@NyteStalker89]

Similar in concept. I think this blows that outta the water

[@jody2965]

I need one of these for my MacBook Pro. Stick a maglock ring to the back of the display, grab a good short USB cable, and boom! I might be able to retire my 2012 Mac Mini music server (with 2014 desktop DAC/amp that still sounds great) with a setup like that.

[@daveelgee2008]

Backed this a few weeks ago. Just waiting by the mailbox for it to arrive.

[@juliangst]

I don’t see the advantage in getting this kind of formfactor. The Go Blu or BTR5 are overall smaller and have more power. Having the DAC Amp attached to the phone instead of having a small dac amp I can attach to my shirt is a big disadvantage imo.

[@krayozmines]

I guess it depends on yr preference

[@Tw1staH]

I see that K9 on your desk.

[@dagnisnierlins188]

Neutron music player has a option to enable proximity sensor on your phone to control playback, just wave your hand, or flick a finger to change tracks pause,play.

[@BeyondFunction1]

I saw this when it launched but, lovely though it is, it makes no sense for me because not keeping my phone in a case is out of the question.

[@craiggamble4431]

I turned this video on and immediately bought one with out finding out much more info that how small it is and plays hi res.

[@maxxestevez3790]

yes you can just get the magnet ring on it only

[@trevor9606]

Ordered! Can’t wait to try it out

[@Michael_mki233]

20:11 Would it be a single generic waifu, or would each unit have a variety of waifu to choose from, be it box art, or included sticker? Asking for myself and everyone else that was too timid to do so, lol.

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Interesting device se 2.3v hopefully rms and 165 ohms hopefully continuously so a dragonfly in a more convenient format for phones, can’t wait for V2 or maybe v3

[@ryanschipp8513]

Il like the form factor...but the battery will go dead in time. Would rather have a smaller low power DAC connected to phone.

[@jungtarcph]

Ordered ! ...I mean backed financially ;-)

[@thierryfaquet7405]

I wish I needed another portable amp, Khadas is just that good I know it. But I already have 5 and still only 2 ears. 2022 is when I stop buying more shit I don't need.

[@CHRISlNATOR]

Should I buy this? How long do you think it will be worth $200?

[@floogulinc]

It would be really amazing if you could charge it with wireless charging from the phone.

[@clintonlewis2547]

Bought.

[@davidgaleano786]

The Khada Tone 2 it's weird. But this is perfect, i guess

[@TheSakuraGumiLTD]

When it sticks to the back it doesn't allow the point of Bluetooth

[@itsmejoric4180]

“If you’re a beatiful woman…(a) hi” 😂

[@robertbuffalo8287]

What is the BT range? What is the latency? Thinking about if this would make a good in-ear monitor system for my studio?

[@chickenthejeff7366]

would it like just break when i sit on it with it in my back pocket

[@Patelivision]

I'm curious, why use the Sony instead of the LG v60 which has a quad dac? It even has both aptx hd and ldac

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

That's a good question. I guess if you're using an external DAC the quad DAC is sort of redundant. And it doesn't have balanced but I'm just guessing what zeos would say. He didn't upgrade from his old Motorola until a year after LG had closed its mobile shop but that still wouldn't stop me from buying a v60

[@Patelivision]

@@michaelcorcoran8768 it's such a bargain at ~$300 right now. I haven't heard anything about the balance of the quad dac but I'm also no expert. Just seems easier to have a v60 than having to carry an external amp. Especially if one is going to keep the phone for years.

[@ZReviews]

Because I don't care about the audio output of my phone. I needed that 9x21 screen.

[@Patelivision]

@@ZReviews oh yeah that makes sense then. v60 not quite there; 20.5x9.

[@AJL713]

Any opinion on iFi xDSD Gryphon?

[@kambizf]

I saw the Gryphon on Zeos’ desk and was hoping that he’d mention it adding a brief comparison. I have one and love almost everything about it so far. Haven’t had the Go Blu or Tea in my possession to be able to make a direct and fair comparison, but based the reviews on Gu Blu comparing it with Gryphon, it seems that Gryphon is next level in terms of sound quality. The power, features, connection options and all are indeed much better and diverse on Gryphon compared to both. It would still be great to hear what Z has to say about Gryphon in comparison.

[@LordDemonos]

I think I want an iFi GO blu. I appreciate this device but the go blu seems superior.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

I really wish it had an app with more EQ options rather than just presets though. Qudulik 5k

[@Reeeepicheep]

I tried the GoBlu and Qudelix together and preferred the sound of the Qudelix. More detail and refined sound from sabre vs burr brown’s buttery smooth chocolatey warm presentation. The iFi dacs are more like candy and sabre is more meat and substance for me on detail and refined sound. I just ordered the Tea and I imagine it will beat out everything here in usability and either match or surpass qudelix on sound.

[@craiggamble4431]

Also I want to know how they can make this with the usb c to lighting connector yet ifi can’t make a connector for there hip DAC. Like if ifi made a usb a female to lightning connector it would be totally usable.

[@Souls4Roca]

how the bluetooth part works with flac files? it loads them on the device and plays from there? does it can hold a full gapless album? it’s it a glorified amp&dad with BT converted if it does not? also apple products do not even support LDAC or APTX

[@samyg123]

Zoes dac amp would be 🔥

[@jabutlerfl]

How does the Tea compare to Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 ESS9038Q2M DSD DAC ?

[@Reeeepicheep]

Sold

[@subjecttochange9320]

Zeos why you snubbing the Qudelix 5K all the time :C Not even in the description lmao I own the BTR5 as well and I don't rly think it sounds better than the Qudelix 5K, and on top of that Fiio couldn't code a competent piece of software if their life depended on it so there's that.

[@ZReviews]

Don't mean to, I just go blu 99% of the time

[@Reeeepicheep]

I preferred the qudelix’s sound over the go blue and hip dac v2. the ifi dacs are buttery smooth chocolatey warm… they sound like candy vs the qud’s more detailed and refined dual sabre sound

[@harrybaque5502]

Heard about this on Snazzy Labs first… so second at best

[@jamesk5323]

iFi Hip-DAC would have been the 1 to beat if only they listen and add bluetooth into it. But since when iFi really care what the consumer wants? Add MQA to the new version instead of bluetooth meh

[@liberatorkramit]

I was really hoping you were going to do this. I love my BTR5, but the form factor and being able to just slap it on the back of my phone (literally) would be pretty awesome. Also, I am super surprised that Apple hasn't jumped into this space. They have the attachment mechanism with the magnetic back. Then they went as far as to add High Quality tracks to Apple Music. But haven't made anything to actually make that useful. Just the overpriced Over-ears, and Air-Pods. All of which rely on Software to make good sound rather than letting the quality of the track shine through on its own. Such a wasted market Apple. Could have made THIS device and got some more monies.

[@edwinbeta2806]

Probably just wouldn't be worth it for them. Apple branded "hifi" wired headphones would have to precede a product like this in order to justify its creation. And the idea of wired headphones in 2022 is not *future* enough for Apple, it's practically off brand. It would be great if we could get Apple's money and R&D team into audio but I don't think they'll ever look back from Bluetooth and spatial audio.

[@MrPoots12]

Apple Isn’t into making things that will help you use other brands. Apple wants to creat a problem and offer you a solution, ie: remove headphone Jack and create AirPods (made billions!). Apple will soon reinvent Bluetooth with ultra wide band and make Bluetooth lossless. Hopefully some of their older products like the ridiculously expensive Air pods max will be ready to transmit with firmware update at launch. Hoping for this fall but knowing Apple it will be 2023ish.

[@Xadoby]

Hey Z where did you get the Xperia case with the magsafe adaptor on it?

[@ZReviews]

The case was just a normal case, the adapter came with a batter pack I got, the pack and the rings alone are linked in the description.

[@Panslapper]

Any recommendations on IEMs to go with this?

[@SumCanadianGuy]

Would this drive T50RP? Trying to find a sub $200 portable that will drive them. Preferably bluetooth

[@dec23rd51]

You’re telling me they designed this perfect thing and couldn’t get the vol and next track working properly

[@codylindquist1458]

Aw man how can ifi justify things like the idsd signature at $700 when it can't make it to the table for best portable sound quality

[@3thericOfficial]

Is the screen tearing on your vertical monitor actually happening or is it just in the video? Hard to tell, but that'd drive me crazy if my monitor did that all the time. Great review, I will absolutely bookmark the Khadas so I can buy it later.

[@ZReviews]

Just the camera not vibin'

[@ShadowRubberDuck]

Next generation needs a lock button switch

[@spamcan9208]

I wonder if this can run the HD560S well?

[@AnilKumar-1387]

Apple doesn't have LDAC, it's fucking AAC which is shit

[@veritas2022]

What does it mean when he says it's not balanced and it's just a 3.5mm?

[@Saifan95]

Hey Z, any chance you can share the case? I have the same phone and that magnetic setup looks clutch.

[@ZReviews]

Boom amzn.to/3r9ndnl

[@Saifan95]

@@ZReviews i love you

[@angrynerd2103]

are there any recommended magnets that can just stick to any regular case that can be used with this?

[@ZReviews]

I linked the rings in the description. 20 for 2

[@Gobolinn]

did geshelli talk about sending you a Archel2.5X to review?

[@ZReviews]

Its right there on the desk.

[@tsunamimars6002]

Z, any chance on reviewing the Hifiman edition XS?

[@ZReviews]

soon

[@GabrielleWolfe]

Hey dude. So my early bird tea just came in the mail today but my ears broke as shit so I’m gonna ask you cause clearly you a sound obsessed little dude. Is the sound quality better with the wired setup on the tea vs Bluetooth? Probably yes right. Also hardcore judging your beetlejuice pants rn, sorry.

[@amante762]

Speaker Wall 2022 please.

[@ryanschipp8513]

Z- Can you give the Nuprime Hi-mDAC a shot? $139

[@chackokhan]

Will this provide enough power to drive some of the more power hungry headphones?

[@davec2007]

This thing definitely struggles to drive the DCA Aeon 2 Noire's I just got which have low resistance (13ohm) but also low sensitivity (i think 92 db/mW) so require a lot of power. Its definitely not the amp for a hard to drive headphone. Returning mine for that reason, but am bummed because Im a fan of the concept.

[@thepalmpilot3g]

I want the Sony phone wallpaper. Where’s that link?

[@ZReviews]

All the wallpapers I use for reviews here fit on the phone. So they are out there somewhere.

[@FreakPC]

Happy fart Friday

[@stuka78]

I don’t honestly see the actual reason to use this dac… when you can do the same with an apple usb-c dongle dac, for 10 usd

[@-gid-9072]

You say you can do "the same" but is it really the same? I find it hard to believe the apple dongle has the same audio quality as this. If all you want is an audiojack for your phone then sure but it's hardly equivalent.

[@stuka78]

@@-gid-9072 measurements don’t lie and the performance of apple’s dongle are very good…

[@asotomayor]

Not just a DAC but an Amp too and that’s where the very good Apple dongle doesn’t compare

[@stuka78]

@@asotomayor agree with this

[@stuka78]

@@user-yi3ox8wy4k actually US version of the apple dongle outputs twice as much voltage than the EU version… don’t know if there is any extra limitation between iOS and android

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Compare to fiio btr5

[@aq9095]

It's fucking huge though (that's what she didn't say). Seems like a prototype for what's to come, maybe. It's not credit sized unless you have a big fat fckin credit card, which you may have. I just don't see a benefit over a "dongle" style which for me is way more convenient and less obtrusive than fattening up my phone. And for what it's worth, isn't plastic a better material for bluetooth? Plastic does not = shite.

[@andress3872]

Fiio K9 pro on desk, that will be next? ;)

[@ZReviews]

Soon. I have some more testing to do before I film.

[@Rakshit0076]

@@ZReviews would be great if you can share 2 cents on how the k9 pro compares with the topping dx7 pro. Request from a nervous dx7 pro customer 😂

[@andress3872]

@@Rakshit0076 lol I sold my Dx7 pro, well not to get k9 pro specific, but I would like to hear the options, I might get with Gustard X18 and some amp or smsl d1se

[@waltermann560]

I know the Tea's webpage says it supports IOS and android only, but any idea if you could attach a magnetic ring to the back of a steam deck and have it work off that? Obviously the steam deck hasn't been released yet, so this is purely speculative.

[@ZReviews]

Does the SD have BT?

[@waltermann560]

@@ZReviews Most definitely, just wondering if the modified linux OS it runs would make the wired connection not work. Maybe this thing is basically just a dongle DAC with a magnet and Khadas' marketing is making me overthink things. Cheers.

[@johnbuscher]

@@waltermann560 It should at least transmit sound, but with the mic built in, it may default to a terrible audio codec, and depending on what the audio manager in SteamOS 3.0 so it may not sound great without fiddling. Speaking from experience with OpenSUSE and some modern bluetooth headsets.

[@szewal]

Any idea if these have enough current to improve the sound of the DCA Aeon closed?

[@JeffJacquesmd]

I have the DCA Aeon closed and orders the Tea a few weeks ago. Happy to update when I getbit

[@davec2007]

I just tried it with my DCA Aeon 2 Noire's and its a struggle and definitely not doing much for the sound. This is not the amp for those. I also have the ifi Gyphon and even that needs to be in "turbo" to drive the DCAs. The funny thing about the DCAs is the super low sensitivity, so even though they are closed back and fold down into a super compact case - which all seems like they are designed for travelling - they are actually terrible as portable headphones because you need a desktop amp to drive them. They are the also the size of soup cans so you might not want to go out in public with them on anyway.

[@szewal]

@@davec2007 thanks for the response, and yes I agree with the irony in the Aeons being somewhat marketed as travel and commute friendly. I wanted a portable dac/amp because of a ground loop issue somewhere in my desktop dac/amp chain that I couldn't diagnose (and only noticed because of the DCAs). I did end up buying the Tea, and now almost exclusively use IEMs 👍

[@epoche0006]

When does this ship?

[@-gid-9072]

Says march on indiegogo if you get the earlybird there. So retail will probably be later.

[@masterxyr]

Maybe because Tea is much Chinese and thus very sense?

[@Dave30867]

Can we get back to reality with music without mobile phones and get back to real stereo receivers you did great stuff before back in the day . Enjoy your channel Zeos 👍

[@-gid-9072]

Are we watching the same channel? Most of the stuff here is "without mobile phones". It's mostly headphones/speakers/desktop amps and DACs.

[@datdudeinred]

Lets be honest the magnets in this are there all because apple put magnets in their phone. So thank apple first. & this is coming from an android user.

[@adabraakman6343]

E