Dethonray SG1, Shanling UP5, iKKO ITB03 - How can you choose?
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Күн бұрынBuy the Dethonray SG1: 🌏 bit.ly/DethSG1
Buy the Shanling UP5: 🇦🇺 bit.ly/MCAShanUP5 🌏 bit.ly/LinShanUP5
Buy the iKKO ITB03: 🌏 shrsl.com/3z1q8
A review of the Dethonray Pegasus SG1 Bluetooth DAC & headphone amp, Shanling UP5 Bluetooth dongle and iKKO Heimdallr ITB03 Bluetooth dongle. Also includes lots of comparisons with the Shanling UP4 22, Hidizs AP80 Pro-X and Topping G5.
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00:00 Teaser
00:18 Introduction
00:58 Power output & driving capabilities (all models)
02:25 Testing approach
02:47 Ikko ITB03
03:17 ITB03 Pricing, specs and design
05:58 ITB03 sound quality
08:13 ITB03 sound modes
11:21 Ikko ITB03 vs Shanling UP4 22
13:23 Shanling UP5
13:48 UP5 Pricing, specs and design
17:04 UP5 sound quality
18:30 Shanling UP5 vs Hidizs AP80 Pro-X
21:05 UP5 quirks
24:58 Shanling dongle issues
25:35 Dethonray SG1 Pricing,specs & design
29:41 SG1 sound quality
31:15 Dethonray SG1 vs Topping G5
33:54 Final conclusions
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#audiophile #audioreview #wireless
@christiharris292 Жыл бұрын
What an amazing review: detailed, comprehensive and the comparisons knocked it out of the park. I have so many darn dongles and bluethooth dac/amps that I don't need more...but you've got me thinking about the ikko and dethonray. I've got the new Hiby FCN6 on order to give an R2R a try. But, another might not hurt - I will sleep on it 😄. Thank you for sharing this review
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Haha. Quite the collection, Christi! Good luck with your decisions 🙂
@pcj6403 Жыл бұрын
What a review! The method of presenting and communicating information to us is really clear. I have an UP5 and I agree with your description of it, I think I'll go to SG. Thanks from the heart
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Thanks for letting me know that you liked the review!
@karolkedzierski5824 Жыл бұрын
Great review! I have the Pegasus Gold Edition (2x more powerful than the standard version) for a couple days and all i can say is that im smashed by the dynamics, bass punch and the soundstage. Im pairing it with the Monarch Mk2 and i didnt even realize that my Monarchs were undepowered.. until now. Its a life-like performance im getting with this pairing. Its very close to a big class A speaker amplifier in its presentation. Worth to mention than ive had daps like the IBasso dx320, AK Kann Max, AK sp1000, Shanling M8, Mojo2 dac/amp- none of these have such an amazing dynamics and bass punch. Also what surpises me is a very natural, layered and liquid layering and soudstage on the Pegasus. There are no artificial edges around notes, everything is very naturally rendered, just a great musical and natural performance.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So glad you're enjoying it so much! It's a brilliant device. Just for the benefit of others reading this though, it's not about having more power. It's about the design of the amplification circuit providing all those benefits you're describing. There are plenty of more powerful devices than the regular SG1 or the gold version that don't sound as good.
@dllm1234 Жыл бұрын
Top work on the review, i made my mind on the dethonray SG1 with your help, please keep up the good work.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So glad I could help! Hope you love the SG1 - it's brilliant
@theodorezurla496 11 ай бұрын
Waiting on the special gold sg1 now! Would appreciate a review 👍🏼
@PassionforSound 11 ай бұрын
I'll see what I can do, but niche products like these are not always readily available for reviews.
@DavidHorth Жыл бұрын
I have a ITB03, BTR5 and UTWS5. The ITB03 is just simple and I use with Bluetooth on PCs and laptops. I use the BTR5 and UTWS5 with my DAP and Android phone as the app is quite powerful. All balanced with IEMs and some headphones (HD599, HE400SE, Focal Clear and Zeus without issues). Sound wise, there's little difference when using Bluetooth, even though the UTWS5 only uses AptX. For me it comes down to versatility and convenience.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Lokinor!
@pfx2259 Жыл бұрын
Oh dear. I bought G5 after your last review. Now I’m craving the sound of Dethonray
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Sorry! It's always difficult when something new and better comes out. The G5 is still a beast so rest assured of that, but the Dethonray is mighty fine!
@pfx2259 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound nah. I want them both. I’m really happy with the separation imaging of G5. Sounds like a ‘Topping’. But I do crave another one with more smoothness, like Ifi Gryphons but cheaper. I gotta give Dethonray a try.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Hope you love it!
@massivemikeh Жыл бұрын
WTF! I see a Passlabs headphone amp in the background! My dream amp.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes. The HPA-1 was here for a while. Not long enough for a review I'm afraid, but it's a lovely amp
@massivemikeh Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Thats a real shame. Any brief impressions?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Sure! It performs to the level of amps like the Soloist GT, GS-X Mk2 and Phonitor XE, but it different. It's a little less spacious and open sounding than the Soloist GT and Phonitor, but the bass it delivers is a real standout. It has this deep, solid and controlled bass delivery that's amazingly enjoyable.
@massivemikeh Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Sounds like my Perreaux SXH2...and coincidentally look almost identical under the hood. The Perreaux is New Zealand made. They've made high end amplifier since the 80's. Thanks for the reply Lachlan! Cheers mate.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think I looked at the Perreaux at the last Melbourne HiFi show - they looked great!
@GadZookz Жыл бұрын
Great review, thanks! The SG1 is such a big bruiser that you could just take a DAP along with your phone instead. 🙂
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
That's true! I'm yet to hear a DAP that I enjoyed that much, but it's probably out there somewhere 🙂
@DrBeaf 7 ай бұрын
Wow! UP5 4.4 balanced is considerably better. Worth the OpenHeart cable outlay. Thanks a tonne! PS: UP5 firmware needs some work - not great.
@PassionforSound 7 ай бұрын
Glad you're enjoying the improvement of the balanced connection. I agree that the firmware is a bit hit and miss.
@Mr.Samurai- Жыл бұрын
Hello, thank you for the wonderful review you brought us! I purchased the Shanling UP5 and I was very satisfied with what it delivers, but in dac mode connected to the cell phone the battery is lasting a maximum of 3 hours, this is disappointing me a lot... Can you tell me if this is right? Is this using the 4.4mm with high gain? Thank you and congratulations for the wonderful work!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So glad you like the sound of the UP5! I think, from memory, the UP5 has a menu option to charge or not charge when connected to USB. You'll need to switch it to charging on so it isn't draining the battery so fast I think.
@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
My pleasure
@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound 😊👌🏼
@StoneColdClassics Жыл бұрын
great vid
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So glad you liked it!
@JanMakowski-ir2tc Жыл бұрын
The firmware filters have been out for months for the Pegasus SG1 but indeed they are hard to find a pretty troublesome to install. The sg1 is an absolutely fantastic unit that easily beats mid fi desktop setups with very dynamic and musical sound.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Any tips on where to find them, Jan? I looked on retailer websites and the manufacturer website with no luck. Agree that it's a brilliant device
@PradiptaElFerrariSur 5 ай бұрын
@@PassionforSound I can find one. I have connected with the owner. How can I forward? Do you have Head-fi a/c??
@PassionforSound 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the offer, but my Pegasus for destroyed by a dodgy headphone cable (not the fault of the Pegasus) 😞
@Fahad1999win 8 ай бұрын
Wow what an informative great video! Full of details! Im planning to buy a portable dac mainly for my PC desktop and I can take it outside if I want, UA5 is my choice good sound but its a little bit pricy over $230 , then I considered UA3 but I want something better to use for 2 years without need to upgrade, THEN I found UP4 22 and UP5, they are under $200 and they have Bluetooth! Do you think UP5 and UP422 as good as UA5 or moondriver 2 (I will use 4.4 cables) witch one do you recommend for me?
@PassionforSound 8 ай бұрын
I haven't ever compared the UP series with the UA series, but I do think you'll be happy with either of those as they're both excellent. The UP5 is a little better than the UP4 of you have the budget.
@hanesbeef4429 Жыл бұрын
I am using the SG1 for several months now and can add the following to this review (which I find great, btw!): 1. The volume knob problems occur only with the stock firmware. As soon as you upgrade (the updates ARE available - I am not sure why you think they aren`t?) they will disappear. 2. I agree, 3,5 and 4,4 output sound different. In my opinion there is clearly an impedance difference between the two outputs going on, because the difference in sound really depends on the earphones! So I would not necessarily say the 4,4 sounds better with any, but from my experience punchier with some of my earphones. On the other hand, I have phones that sound clearer through the 3,5. I hope Dethonray can fix this with the next model, impedance should be the same.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing the info, Hanes. I'd love a link or directions to the firmware if you can. I tried the Dethonray website and retailer websites with no success.
@beyondtheuniverse999 Жыл бұрын
Hey, did the sound change after upgrading from stock firmware to the latest one? Do the sound become worse? Also please let me know if you are having any issues like battery drain on high gain and sound dropouts?
@lukasjanecka9996 Жыл бұрын
Excellent review, thank you Lachlan! Could you please compare SG1 with Chord Mojo 2 as it seems they are both going for that natural and fluid sound presentation?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it, Lukas. The Mojo 2 is more resolving and also more neutral sounding than the SG1. I love the SG1, but the Mojo 2 is next level for sound quality. The SG1 is a bit smoother in its presentation which is nice sometimes, but that's also why the Mojo 2 is more detailed sounding.
@lukasjanecka9996 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound OK, thanks for the comparison :)
@DrBeaf 7 ай бұрын
Is there any supplier for the Mojo2 where you get a kickback I can buy from, preferably in Australia?
@PassionforSound 7 ай бұрын
Thank you for the thought, but no. The local retailers and distributor don't have any such programs. In fact, I don't know of any Chord retailers that offer that anywhere in the world. I don't need a kickback anyway so feel free to buy from whoever you would like to. If you feel like telling them that my content helped you make the decision, the extra exposure and awareness is always helpful though. 🙂
@mathurm100 7 ай бұрын
i just picked up the dethonray SG1. the volume knob is janky if you change gain it won't actually change until you turn the volume knob. poor coding in the FPGA. however it sounds AMAZING. my go-to is usually an ifi go blu or gryphon and this is right up there if not better. currently there are 2 firmware packs. one is more subdued which i am experimenting with. some IEMs can be a bit shouty compared to over the ear headphones and i'm hoping it can tame some of that edit - the gryphon is much cleaner. disregard
@PassionforSound 7 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I haven't tried the Gryphon.
@spamcan9208 Жыл бұрын
I'm a bit behind on your videos. This must be the review you were referring to previously. The Ikko is on sale for $120 so it's tempting but only if it offers a significant improvement in sound quality over my Ear Studio ES100. To be honest, I don't know if my problems are equipment related or my expectations are wrong. It seems like busy tracks blur together and some crash symbols sound like trash. I don't know if it's a shortcoming of my headphones/IEMs, the DAC, or me.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
That's very difficult to answer and might require some experimentation on your part to fully understand. At that price, the ITB03 is a good starting point.
@-nepherim Жыл бұрын
Would beinteresting to explore additional use-cases. For example, for use in a car which doesn't have BT, but does have an aux-in where functionality of rapid pairing, auto-off when no power, power by yUSB. In that case what are the main contenders? How would the ITB03 (which seemed to have a "car-mode") stack up against a BTR5 for example?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I can't answer the question vs BTR5 because I don't have one here, but everything I've said about the sound quality with headphones will be true for in-car use too. The only difference is you don't have to worry about power output because it's acting only as a preamp
@samanlashkari1702 Жыл бұрын
Are we going to see you review the HPA-1??? Cheers mate!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Sadly, no. I ended up moving it on fast due to certain circumstances (all positive). It's a great amp that performs to the same level as the Soloist GT, GSX Mk2, Phonitor XE, etc. but it's standout feature is bass presence and control - amazing!
@samanlashkari1702 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the feedback. Good to know you liked it and thanks for all the good work you're putting out.
@mz67 Жыл бұрын
I have up5 I'm using it with iems. Im enjoying the sound of it. But i only have 2.5mm cables... So are you sure 4.4mm is significantly better than 2.5mm output on up5? I'm thinking to buy 4.4mm cables after you noted that 4.4mm better. But just to make sure i wanna know how much difference is there. Is it like difference between 2.5 and 3.5 or is less.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I have no idea why/how it could sound different, but it was a clear improvement via 4.4mm to my ears at the time of testing. I had to send the UP5 back so can't retest to provide you more info - sorry.
@mz67 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound npnp. Tnx for the reply. Hm i see. I will definitely check the difference. Before i replace my cables.
@miker718 Жыл бұрын
Which one of these that you reviewed would you recommend in Bluetooth mode with either Sennheiser momentum 3 or Sony xm4 with ANC on? I alternate with both of them mostly when I'm taking my daily walks.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, none of these are 2-way Bluetooth so you would need a different device for that. Is there a reason you wouldn't just pair your wireless headphones to your smartphone?
@miker718 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Hi Lachlan, I use an earman eagle with the momentum 3 headphones in wired mode, which I feel gives me better sound. In wired mode, I can't skip tracks or use volume control with the buttons on the headphones, so I have to use the phone, which distracts from the walking and running pace that I try to maintain. I know that sounds very petty on my part, but it is annoying.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
No, I totally get it. Unfortunately, if you go fully Bluetooth you'll lose the sound quality, but you could go with something like a Shanling UA3 and get onboard controls for skipping tracks, etc.
@miker718 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into the Shanling UA3.
@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын
How would the sound signature compare to one more neutral like the iBasso house sound? I ask cuz the headphones i plan on getting, the JM modded HE-R9, seems to be natural and organic sounding as well, worried too much of a good thing might come to bite me in the rear. 😅 Thank you.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Are you saying vs the Dethonray?
@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound Yessir. I've been considering the Hiby R6 III, and the iBasso DX170, but the Dethonray... It seems like they made something magical there. I know the HE-R9s don't need so much power, they are pretty easy to drive, but I'm looking for the ultimate sound signature. Guess I'm worried two harman-esk curves (the Pegasus and the HE-R9) might end up being much more of a V than expected. The way you or mostly anyone describes the Pegasus - that's what I'm looking for.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
The Pegasus isn't really Harman tuned so I wouldn't worry about that - it's more of a generally rich, detailed sound. I think it could be quite magic with the HE-R9.
@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound How about the JM modded HE-R9? Or is stock better for the Dethonray Pegasus SG-1? Thank you so much!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I haven't tried the modded version so I can't say. Sorry!
@untitledwebm Жыл бұрын
I'm considering this but the models that are on sales right now have latest firmware which changed the sound from last year units, how do you compare the sound between old and new, I've heard the updated firmware has less bass and is more neutral, would you say this is still the best Bluetooth dac/amp under $500? If it isn't please tell me. Thank you!
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
There were multiple products in this video. Which one are you referring to?
@untitledwebm Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound dethonray Pegasus sg-1
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Ok. I haven't tried updating the firmware so I can't comment directly, but you can possibly swap to an older firmware for if you want to. Based on my experiences, the firmware changes will be subtle so the foundation of the sound quality will remain and will still be amazing because it will come down to the circuitry used more than the firmware which will likely be altering things like the noise filtering used by the DAC stage.
@untitledwebm Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound this device seems like a very temperamental buy for me is there any thing better purely in terms of sound quality? If gryphon is slightly more expensive but does it sound better?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
For Bluetooth audio, I've not come across anything better, but I haven't tried the Gryphon.
@andrewsmith259 Жыл бұрын
I have the SG1, looks like I will have to invest in a 4.4 balanced cable ?? Thanks 👍
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I definitely think it's worth it
@hanesbeef4429 Жыл бұрын
I think this depends on your earphones. Please see my comment above!
@beyondtheuniverse999 Жыл бұрын
Hey, if I pair SG1 amp with hifiman r9 which are very bassy headphones will it get too much and get distorted and bloated? also is sg1 a good upgrade from btr5 2021?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I think the SG1 is an excellent upgrade from the BTR5 - you'll be amazed I think. As for the pairing with the R9, that's a personal thing so I can't say if it's going to be too much. I think it will likely sound great still.
@beyondtheuniverse999 Жыл бұрын
@@PassionforSound hey, some units of Sg-1 are having issues like if you play at high volume it over heats and drains the battery quickly and randomly shuts off, have you experienced these issues?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
I haven't, but I also haven't spent much time with the SG1 since I finished the review because I've been flat chat with other products.
@Jonathan_3991 Жыл бұрын
Do you think the SG1 is worth purchasing if you primarily use AAC?
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
Yes, I think so. Because Bluetooth is also still lossy (even LDAC), the difference between FLAC/ALAC and AAC will probably be less with SG1 and it'll still sound wonderful
@Jonathan_3991 Жыл бұрын
Picked up the SG1. So so good! Thanks for the review.
@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын
So glad you're enjoying it. It's brilliant, isn't it?
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