Soloist 3XP, Master 19, Violectric V280, V340, Wells MILO, GSX Mini [Solid State Showdown Pt. 3]

[@CriPPleR_HD]

The Burson Soloist GT seems to have fixed most of the nitpicks you had with the non GT. Volume knob is smooth, soundstage is ridiculous, and power is top charting etc. Unfortunately you have to pay for it, but that is the life of an audio enthusiast. There is ALWAYS something better if you are willing to pay. I think I finally settled on my set up for awhile: Meze Elite Burson Soloist 3x Performance GT w/ 5a Super Charger and Cool Stand Chord Qutest Used your channel along with others to finally settle on something that fits my preferences. The sound is heavenly to my ears. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos!

[@MidFiGuy]

Great setup! Crazy how far the rabbit hole we can go with these things. Thanks for sharing this, you got me more interested in the GT now.

[@superdrangon12345]

I have the same setup but no supercharger and cool stand! It already sounds good enough to me... Is there actually any difference with the supercharger?

[@Aquiiin]

Curious how they new Topping A90 Discrete hold up in this comparison

[@TheSPazCORE]

What's your favourite amp of these right now?

[@Haasaaroni]

So glad to finally see this video!! Great work. I've only heard the 3XP out of all of these, but my thoughts mirror yours pretty much exactly. Especially regarding soundstage and the slightly less impactful bass than I'd like (with the V6 Vivids anyway). I'm picking up a Kinki Studios Vision THR-1 to side-grade to a fuller, more impactful, and more spacious sound after demoing one myself. Not to add another amp to your list! Thanks for all your work on this, man.

[@MidFiGuy]

I keep hearing great things about the Kinki gear! I hope to check out their amps at some point. Thank you!

[@xyanide1986]

The V200 is a lot like the V280 and yeah all are out of production. I bought myself a 2nd (maybe 3rd) hand V200 from a very early production run, the volume knob is completely different. They still hold up great after 10 years of age.

[@MWeston2]

What happened to the Pontus and Venus reviews? I don't see them. That was going to be an interesting one! I'm pretty bored with my Ares 2. :)

[@Aquiiin]

What of thise amps would you recommend for professional Audio, mastering and mixing work? Thanks for the beautiful reviews 🙌🙏

[@ancientalien815]

Throw the shitty little 5332 op amps that come with the burson in the voltage stage. Sounds way better and brings back that mid weight.

[@pr0gre551ve]

If you still have 3XP you should try it with Sparkos SS3602 at input stage, to me it improved low end and added a body to it.

[@MidFiGuy]

It's already off to its next owner. A GT may be in my future though! Happy that you can change the sound with both amps 👍

[@aceofspades6667]

agreed sparkos is where it's at much better than vivids and classics for my tastes. The sparkos made a bigger different in improvement than supercharger

[@RandyDaMan]

I agree with your remarks on the Master 19 but only if they are used with rca or xlr. Using the acss connections to another agd amp with acss made a world of a difference. More detail, even more expansive soundstage, enveloping bass,etc. Great video though!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! Ah would love to try via ACSS but I didn't have a DAC that supported it :( Happy to hear the performance improves when going that route.

[@davestevens4193]

The AGD Master 9 is in the price range and is a significant step up from the M19. Great review.

[@mirawojka]

If you can find one. I don't think Kingwa still makes it, does he?

[@davestevens4193]

@@mirawojka still make the M9. Price is now about $2k USD.

[@brendanliddell240]

Thanks for your review and comparisons. I recently bought the Sennheiser HD800S and am currently running off my Chord Mojo 1. It's quite good, but I'm planning my next upgrade :) Next I'm looking at buying an amp and using the Mojo as a DAC, then I'll look at replacing the DAC. What I'm thinking is maybe the Violectric V280 might sound good with the HD800S? What's your opinion. Otherwise, I'm looking at getting a tube amp, maybe an OTL like a Woo Audio 2. Them I'm looking at replacing the Mojo DAC with a Denafrips Ares II. Mostly listening to Jazz, Classical and Acoustic music. Thanks for your input.

[@bobbyz9052]

The Vio seems to be a really popular choice for the HD800S. It adds a bit of needed warmth and smooths out the highs, eliminating all the fatigue of the 800s

[@Smood47]

It isn't 'audio god', it's audio g.d.

[@colinvannbohemen11]

Outstanding review on a very comprehensive range of quality headphone amps! Have you any comment on V280 vs the violectric V280FE ?

[@chanelhnm_service3011]

i have Soloist 3xp and Abyss Diana phi. They are great

[@johannk.2138]

What is that crazy rca splitter box?

[@MidFiGuy]

Zynsonix.com makes great custom splitter boxes, HP cables, and other things.

[@theodorezurla496]

Would love your impressions of the violetric v550

[@jannr233]

It's always a delight to see that you uploaded a new video. A great watch with components you hardly find side-by-side comparisons of. Very nice indeed and great work. Also looking forward to the Denafrips comparison. Currently owning an Ares II and wondering if the upgrade to the Pontus II would be worth it for my VC/Atrium combo. Please more of these great videos 😀

[@life_in_solace]

Would the gs-x mini benefit from the supercharger 3A? If so...how?

[@chronometa]

It has internal power I think. I asked them about that. I don't think it needs one.

[@quitegenius]

What's your opinion on the MZ2 that is sitting under your headphones? Are you going to do a review? Just wondering if any of these compete with it directly since it's also in the 1-2K range.

[@davidfriedman5154]

Also curious about this

[@2thousand639]

@midfiguy what shelf is that? Im debating whether to buy grovemade shelf for my amp/dac stacks, including some noted here. Thx!

[@MidFiGuy]

It's a wide one which fit my needs but it takes over most of the desk space: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H8N774Q

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

Great video! Thank you!

[@vvidover]

Your chair is freaking me out! I keep feeling like something is sneaking up on me. ;) And that’s on the 7506s.

[@MidFiGuy]

I never noticed how bad it's gotten until I watched this video lol. I need to spray some WD40 on the joints

[@everyman6328]

Awesome comparison. Thanks for the work!

[@MidFiGuy]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@roopbhadury]

Please post more content. Love your approach and general vibe!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you!!

[@amadismusic_SWORDFISH]

@@MidFiGuysame feeling man

[@AKL764]

Would Milo be a good match with susvara? I can get a used one with the 3k reference upgrade for 2k. I currently have the burson timekeeper 3i powering my susvara directly out of the speaker outz

[@aceofspades6667]

IMO I'd look real hard at Soloist 3GT, Flux Volot, and Ferrum Oor + hypsos before going wells. Wells and Audio-gd have some fanboys out there but I think you'll find they don't compete as you go up the price scale. The 3 above along with V550, Niimbus US4/US5, and 13R/23r should all be on your shopping list to match with Sus.

[@d_dude_is_here]

How is the pairing of Timekeeper 3ir with Susvara?

[@MidFiGuy]

I saw someone selling an upgraded one for $2100 on HeadFi. If I could go back in time I'd grab that one instead of my barebones model. If you love warmth it's probably the best option for the money.

[@AKL764]

@@d_dude_is_here fantastic, I use the smsl m400 dac. I can listen between 30 and 70% of Max volume of the burson so it seems like a good amount of power and adjustability

[@d_dude_is_here]

@@AKL764 so internal dac of burson tk3ir is not so good ?

[@powermod6772]

Great overview! Which amp would you recommend for LCD-5? I am using an R2R DAC (Gustard R26) and like big sound stage, however not at the cost of precise instrument location and separation. I mostly listen to classical music, would like to hear details and texture of instruments, but not in an analytic fatiguing manner. From what I got in this and your LCD.5 video, the GS-X mini sounds suitable. However, it is hard to get in Europe. I could get Violectric 340 for very good price. Do you think it fits my needs? You mentioned shouty upper mids. That sounds very difficult with the LCD-5, doesn't it?

[@shaned7793]

If a his enjoyed his Violectric V220 and iFi Pro iCAN, would the Audio-GD Master-19 offer a nice alternative sound to the other two? Thanks!

[@kieranmurphy6649]

Yo man great stuff. I’m new to this best headphones I own are £50 jvc something😭 for my first hifi was thinking used schiit bifrost n thx amp. Listen mostly to rap rock n little bit of jazz music( some rap stuff has those kinds musical notes) was with some Huffman sundara. Imo seems like a good entry level n could pick it all up for under £500. Let me know or anyone for tha matter. Safe

[@protofinitey]

Great video! I was looking forward to this one. I have the the GS-X mini with the Arya and lcd-x. Do you have a favorite DAC that you’ve found for the amp/headphone combination?

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you! For that combo have you looked at the ADI-2 or the Gungnir? The RME will let you crank up the bass if you like the LCD-X's low end slam, and the Gungnir MB is such a great all-arounder that also has a slight emphasis in the lower region.

[@protofinitey]

@@MidFiGuy Thanks for the recommendations! The Gungnir sounds like a good match since the mini is also a great all-arounder. Only gripe is that it's a big boy haha.

[@marcoarispoli]

Hello! I think I saw a quTest DAC on top of the left pile … given its specific “solution”, would there be a particularly well suited amp for it? I kind of lean towards the Violectric given your showdown in terms of pros and cons

[@ThisIsNotJP]

Trying to find a dac to pair up with my FiiO K9 ESS around $1000-$2000 mark and I genuinely have no idea which to buy Chasing something with decent punch with the bass and a warmth to it

[@kuchumovn]

Good reviews. I guess you're not selling AAA just because it's too cheap to bother? Mine has been sitting at the table unused for almost a year now and I'm using it as a base/stand for my Topping A90. Still haven't figured out my relationship to the AAA. It was my first amp, so I kinda have that "first experience" attachment to it. But it's a bit shouty. I usually listen to techno or electronic music, which accords to what you have been recommending AAA for. But the Topping is slightly easier on the ears, less distracting and a bit less in your face so I can work while listening.

[@kuchumovn]

And, after seeing this video, I've decided to sell my Singxer SA-1 as well: too dry in upper mids for my taste. The bass is very seducing, as are the vocals. But the upper half of the spectrum is just too noisy for my taste.

[@kuchumovn]

On the other hand, having just listened to a techno mix on the Topping vs the AAA, the AAA is such more interesting and the Topping is so boring. It's easier to keep the AAA than to bother figuring out which one to keep.

[@kuchumovn]

Well, what do you know... The THX AAA 789 just died. The only thing I did is plugging in SE and balanced headphones simultaneously and leaving it idle. No clues to what the issue could be. First a red light, now it won't turn on.

[@MidFiGuy]

@@kuchumovn Wow, lots of developments in this thread haha. The AAA is used more as a reference amp or if I need something small to put in another room for temporary listening. As clean and nice as it is I always prefer using something else for more warmth, wider soundstage, more 'personality' etc...

[@aswinpanembrama8043]

I love your reviews, Can you review the Cayin iHA-6 and compare it to Singxer SA-1 and Topping A90 ? please.. Thankyou..

[@darrellross8609]

Jot. owner. Thanks for being kind. You said other amps treble lean as well. I am older so I would not care, fight tinadis every day. New subscriber. Best, D.

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Hi, I want to thank you for your videos, one question did you try opamp swap on the v280? Any information would be great thanks

[@craigrobin1539]

waited patiently for this one. done a top job with this vid, really appreciate ur work here MidFi Guy

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you!

[@Allied10]

Hey MidFi Guy! Glad to see the Burson made it into part 3. From your comparison it sounds like I made the right choice in snatching up your 3XP. Love the clarity and dynamics. I've got it connected up to my Ares II now and it sounds sublime with every pair of headphones I try. I'm glad you brought up the elephant in the room (your stack of Denafrips). Lol. The rest of their lineup makes the Ares II look like a dwarf. By the way, what table riser do you have there? It looks great. I have some table envy... my computer desk has become more of a DAC/AMP desk. I need a bigger desk. 😆

[@MidFiGuy]

Hey Allied! Glad you're enjoying the amp! I almost picked up a GT with the cash but it's going to the rainy day fund for now. I do miss that Burson sound though. Power, agility, and clarity are top notch! Here's the monitor riser: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H8N774Q

[@Allied10]

Thanks for the link. That shelf is attractive enough that it may get the approval stamp from the Mrs. 😅

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Wow that was a lot of hard work, thank you 👍

[@MidFiGuy]

I get so excited when I have all this equipment setup and working, then I quickly remember that I have to review all this stuff 😅

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

@@MidFiGuy yeah and than it's not that enjoyable as one might think. Thank you again

[@stoicar]

What headphones do you recommend for rock and jazz with burson 3xp. If you want better soundstage use in the out positions sparkos opamp

[@wokthetalk3079]

Hi there, I really like your review format and appreciate your dedication. I wonder if you can comment on your experience between the Phonitor SE and the GS-X mini. I’m think they are both tonally similar but I would like your options. I plan on purchasing the HE-6 SE v2 in the future and wonder if either amp can drive it and would be a good match with the HE-6 and a R2R Dac?

[@benteo87]

Great roundup for lesser know amps. Would you recommend the audio gd master 9 with the ares 2 dac with a hifiman 5se?

[@salehabdulla9177]

which best amp that's you like more than all others?

[@David-fo6oy]

A great review. I love the way you looked at these amps in a group, it gives a great sense of what it available in this price range and what each amp excels at. I own the Burson with the supercharger with my Aryas and DT1990s and I absolutely love it. For warm, utterly gushy loveliness I set sail in my tried and true HD650 on the sea of Bottlehead Crack's OTL tubes. In my opinion, this is why every audio file needs both a great neutral and powerful solid state for when they want the truth, and for when they want to go around to the dark side of the moon, an OTL tube amp. Great work man, love it.

[@marcob.7801]

It's audioPHILE!

[@David-fo6oy]

Yeah, if you're f-ing Greek maybe! We're all about the Queen's English here -- Queens New York!!!@@marcob.7801

[@HungryEatNow]

Lobsided voiceover is hurting my ears...

[@tocotaku4787]

As a Fellow arya's owner I was wondering what did you think paired best with this headphone out of the bunch of amps here?

[@Vilmalith]

Have you tried the Soloist in power amp mode?

[@musicxxa6678]

What are your thoughts on Arya Stealth and amp pairing ?

[@trungvu7182]

Thank you for your sharing. Have you ever tried the combination of these amps?

[@AbideinChristFully]

You should do affiliate links. You're a good reviewer and should be supported to justify the time. The fact that you don't have them shows you're not biased, but even with them it's ok.

[@AbideinChristFully]

I'm comparing the Soloist to the Cayin iHA-6. I would love to see you review that. I will choose within a week though!

[@nissanlemon4054]

Master 19 neutral with tight strong bass and big sound stage is what I hear.

[@marcusbryant2007]

thank you for the review. excited also to see the denafrips review

[@quantumcreator8888]

Amazing presentation 👍 informative …

[@N1ubility]

thanks for your video！

[@willjohnson2722]

Great review, great video, great work.

[@zzezzobike]

Hi, I am very concerned about the RIP on top of this video. What is the reason for that?

[@JTB--]

I think it's because the Violectric V280 is no longer in production

[@zzezzobike]

@@JTB-- ok, it can be that but I was worried about the man himself, he didn't post 5 months

[@TheSPazCORE]

Doing God's work as usual

[@amargnwalkr]

Excellent video as usual.

[@bobbyz9052]

I pulled the trigger on a V280 at the end of last year, while I'm pretty happy with the amp apparently the V226 is a straight improvement for 100EUR less. Unfortunately it's hard not letting that fact color my opinion of the amp.

[@bobbyz9052]

The worst part is that I emailed Violectric asking them if they have any intentions of revamping the V280 since they were releasing a bunch of new amps and they said no. Then they announced the V226 two months later.

[@alfredoblanco3265]

@@bobbyz9052Actually they are! For fall they are releasing v202 and v222 they are supposed to be a direct revamp/upgrade

[@bobbyz9052]

@@alfredoblanco3265 I don't really mind an updated version coming out a year later, I'm just salty that it was about a month

[@aceofspades6667]

I've been waiting for this since December... grabs popcorn. I did look at your vio for sale but am quite happy with my 3XP + supercharger + sparkos already. The HA-300 Mk2 has def caught my eye. I use the setup above with my 1266 Phi TC, VC, OG Clears, LCD3F, and Celestee. The Sparkos are much better for the mids over the vivids and classic. Another thing you can do is is put the 3XP in power amp mode and it improves a bit with a high end pre amp.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks for being a loyal viewer! :D And great collection there. I've been wanting to own a 1266, Susvara, or LCD-5 for a while now but money keeps getting funneled to review gear haha. Appreciate the tips on the Soloist mods. I've heard the same regarding the power amp mode but didn't have a preamp to test it with. Cool to hear that it makes a noticeable difference.

[@ekjellgren]

What sparkos do you have, and where did you put them (input vs volume)?

[@davidcoons89]

Such a wonderful and comprehensive review series..thanks buddy!

[@fabriziosiano7210]

Thanks for the very informative review! Were you able to gather any info on the V550 compare to the v340 for the midrange ?heard anything from others?

[@sakabatou]

Looking forward to your MZ2 review, especially with some high impedance cans

[@MidFiGuy]

I wish I had all the time in the world to do these reviews, but this will never pay the bills 😂😭

[@jeffpera7930]

Love your content keep it up! I was hoping you could point me toward a tube amp to upgrade my darkvoice from that is in the $1000-$2000 range that must keep the warm "tuby" sound. I appreciate it.