This is going to be a lengthy review. Read if you have time.
Yes, I like to call it the mini amp. At its price point and for 99% of the music listening folks this is all you need to introduce yourselves to a pocket sized headphone amplifier.
It delivers a clean and distortion free amplification to the source.
Ordered on 21st and received 22nd Nov 2020. The received product too was well packaged and in mint condition.
The NX1s Experience:
Setup: DAP-Fiio X1 II; DAC-S.M.S.L. SK 10th; Samsung mobile phone; Laptop-running Foobar in 7.1 / DSD/ Stereo with DTS Sound Unbound/ WASAPI/ ASIO and IEM-Tin HiFi T2
I have now been testing the new amp for almost a week, couple of hours daily since. Interesting fact: Plugged in right out of the box, have not yet charged it still and the charge indicator on the unit is still blue.
Used with Mobile: I use the combo of my phone enabled with Dolby Atmos or Tube Amp Pro feeding to NX1s. I will list a few of my favorite tracks used for testing later below.
As stated above with those audio effect settings, the overall dynamics are way better than phone's direct output.
Used with Fiio DAP: I have been using the Fiio X1 II for the last 3 years. This DAP offers two method of sound output. One I can use the headphone output (from system settings) option and enjoy the processing of the internal DAC. In this setting the NX1s does a very clean amplification with the gain and bass set at normal. In this mode neither a gain or bass boost on the NX1s makes much of a difference, only the overall amplification is desirable here.
However, in the second mode of using the Fiio with lineout option from the systems settings (it outputs a solid 1.7 Vrms (10 KΩ/1 kHz)) and this when amplified through the NX1s is splendid. At no gain and bass boost the music is as enjoyable as when you turn on gain and bass. I never go beyond 10 O'clock point on the volume knob, unless it is a very quite recording.
Used with S.M.S.L. SK 10th DAC: This entirely changed my experience of how beautiful the music sounds through Tin T2 matched with NX1s amp. I was already enjoying the SK 10th DAC, been using this for almost 2 years now, through USB input this DAC supports multichannel audio. I upmix certain tracks on Foobar to 7.1 channel and enable DTS Headphone: X, the experience is beautifully spaced, immersive audio with all the frequencies well amplified and tighter bass. This works well with gain on or off and certain tracks do get a lift from bass boost on.
Conclusion:
Personally, I feel the lower frequencies are a bit rolled off (quite sharply) on the NX1s and the bass boost gives a big leap between 70 to 100 odd Hz. Nothing substantial in the sub bass region. Overall, for a near neutral sound, NX1s is a great beginner or for most the only amp sufficient (as long as you don't fall for the audio world's snake oil), the further refinements and upgrades in terms of hearing perception are not worth the big money. However, they do justify the crazy to spend on high-end HiFi. For the most part if you stream from Spotify, Gaana, Saavan, etc., or don't understand the place for the source in playing back audio, don't think twice blindly and safely buy yourself the Topping NX1s.
Songs I listened to:
#1
Artist Name : Henry Mancini
Track Title : Something For The Cat
Album Title : Breakfast At Tiffany's (50th Anniversary Edition)
Comments: You will appreciate the instruments and the space in which they are laid out elegantly.
#2
Artist Name : Deep Purple
Track Title : Child In Time
Album Title : The Very Best Of Deep Purple
Comments: The slow not so busy start and then pace into the busy stage, beautiful resolution of cymbals, clash and high hat.
#3
Artist Name : Lionel Richie
Track Title : Hello
Album Title : Timeless love
Comments: Beautiful recording. Smooth and cherishable.
#4
Artist Name : Sting
Track Title : Roxanne
Album Title : My Songs (Deluxe)
Comments: Yet another all time favorite of mine. Tight bass and HH, simply amazing.
#5
Artist Name : Fleetwood Mac
Track Title : The Chain
Album Title : The Very Best Of (CD 2)
Comments: I love the way the song is recorded.
#6
Artist Name : London Philharmonic Orchestra
Track Title : The Planets: Jupiter
Album Title : The 50 Greatest Pieces Of Classical Music CD1
#7
Artist Name : Various
Track Title : Brahms - Hungarian Dance No.12 in D minor
Album Title : Greatest Masterworks of the Classic
#8
Artist Name : Henry Mancini
Track Titles : Baby Elephant Walk, Pink Panther and all.
Comment: Classic, the horns, the deep notes and high shrills are more than words can describe.
#9
Artist Name : Lenny MacDowell
Track Title : Memphis Overkill
Album Title : Dynamic Audiophile Jazz Vol.2
Comment: Kick drum, snare, toms and HH with slap bass and flute, a delightful treat.
#10
Artist Name : James Blake
Track Title : Limit To Your Love
Album Title : James Blake
Comment: Unique style and signature. It has to be an acquired taste to like JB.
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