EarMen Colibri DAC/Amp Review - Better than Sparrow, RU6 & Mojo 2?

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Күн бұрын

A review of the EarMen Colibri battery-powered DAC/amp combo including comparisons with the EarMen Sparrow, Cayin RU6 & Chord Mojo 2. Get the EarMen Colibri here: earmen-shop.com/products/earm...
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00:00 Introduction
01:06 Glamour video
01:53 Design & specifications
05:22 Physical design
08:30 Accessories
09:34 Sound quality
10:13 Earphone & headphone matching
11:40 Single-ended vs balanced
13:24 Bass boost
15:37 Comparisons
16:08 EarMen Sparrow vs Colibri
17:49 EarMen Colibri vs Cayin RU6
19:54 EarMen Colibri vs Chord Mojo 2
24:23 Final conclusions
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#audiophile #audioreview #portableaudio

Пікірлер: 114

@edverbeek6292 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for mentioning Brittany Howard, new to me; I am totally impressed by her music and lyrics. 👍

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

She's awesome. She's also the lead singer from Alabama Shakes and the music styles are similar 🙂

@LencoTB Жыл бұрын

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I ended up buying the Cayin RU6. Your videoes and your answers on my comments in some of your other videos convinced me to get a good dongle DAC for my iPhone. So in the end I went with Cayin even though I was determined on something from Earmen. Now I will go a hunt for balanced headphones. I only have BeyerDynamic 770 DT Pro 80 ohms.

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

That's great news and a good choice. Hope you love it!

@dudexyt 2 жыл бұрын

Nice visual effects in the opening scene.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you like it

@tylom2023 Жыл бұрын

thanks for the videooo

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

My pleasure 🙂

@iftekharahamad4840 2 жыл бұрын

Eagerly waiting Hidizs DH80s review and comparing with Colibri

@NeilBlanchard 2 жыл бұрын

This review is great - I think that having the battery onboard means that the *phone* battery is less stressed, and you will have *its* charge last longer. It also brings up the HIDIZS DH80S as a comparison, and the Khadas Tea. Maybe you will be able to review those two battery powered portable DACs?

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

Good point about the phone battery life. I've been unable to get the DH80S and have no contacts for the Khadas as yet

@Sent2Strike Жыл бұрын

Absolutely loving your channel. What desktop dac/amp would you suggest for Audeze LCD 2C. I’m wanting to replace my chord mojo 1. It no longer needs to be portable :)

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

If you want to keep the sound similar to the Mojo, I'd recommend the Bifrost 2/64 (DAC) and the Jotunheim 2 or Asgard 3 from Schiit. You could also jump up to something like the Chord Qutest and Anni too

@mensrea1251 2 жыл бұрын

The dongle + internal battery architecture is probably the way forward for these devices. The noise inherent to the usb interface and the battery drain on portable devices like smartphones for any dongle capable of powering full size hp’s make it inevitable.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I think both designs will continue to have their place. If you want a dongle that's compact and always ready to use, a USB-powered solution will always win.

@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын

By the way, something I found common among most video reviews of this device is the lack of showing what the colors cool like in action. I say this as I feel kinda surprised when I see pictures with them on. ✌🏼👍🏼

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

It's actually harder to capture the light when filming because either it flickers (if you use high speed filming for slow, smooth footage) or the lighting required can wash out the internal lights of the device.

@Truthtalks86 9 ай бұрын

Had a similar experience this week. I bought an RU7 and an FC6 and really love them - have used them for a week or so, but put the mojo 2 in today which I just bought and I've spent a couple hours listening to it. I think I'm going to come to the conclusion that it bowls on a different night.

@PassionforSound 9 ай бұрын

Yep, the Mojo 2 is definitely playing in a different league 🙂🎳

@Truthtalks86 9 ай бұрын

Have you tried the Apogee groove or the questyle M15 ? Wondering how those might fare in my home stereo setup: fit perfect cobuzz from my Android phone with USB audio player pro - single ended out right into my tube preamp then through the chain, then my speakers out to my awaiting ears. So far I have loved the mojo Are you seven and FC6 this way

@PassionforSound 9 ай бұрын

I haven't tried the Apogee, but the M15 is marvellous. Generally speaking though, I don't recommend dongles as a home solution unless you are also needing them for portability. By their nature, dongles are miniaturized and so you're not getting the benefits of independent power supplies (i.e. not powered via USB power) and full sized circuitry so you'll almost always find that a desktop style device will outperform a similarly priced dongle.

@Truthtalks86 9 ай бұрын

I can't keep my hands off my dongle

@Truthtalks86 9 ай бұрын

@@PassionforSound really though.... Using some of the top dongles in my home stereo has been fun ! I don't feel like I'm suffering sound wise and I can change up the sound all the time which is kind of what we're all looking for... that new aspect of the voice we didn't hear before, that kick drum sounds a little fuller or I don't remember that symbol having that sound last time, etc ... well I can have that five or six different ways in the same evening now for not much money

@GadZookz 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like it has some new competition at the same price point. The iFi Go Bar has lots of fancy features and seems to take some inspiration from the more expensive Mojo II a though not quite as pretty.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I just saw that too. If only I could get iFi gear demo units!

@GadZookz 2 жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound it looks interesting. I have the iFi Gryphon which also has some of the same features like XBass and Xspace. The Go Bar is more compact but I’m not sure which one will have the better SQ.

@mensrea1251 2 жыл бұрын

I may be wrong but the Go Bar seems to draw power directly from the device through the USB interface. The Go Bar is ridiculously powerful but that also means it will likely drain your portable device very quickly. A battery powered Go Bar would have been truly state of the art. Missed opportunity in my view.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

Adding a battery means adding size and cost, but using USB power means draining the device AND an increase in noise coming through the device. Everything is a trade-off

@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын

What do you think of running this device always charging? Would it affect audio, and would it affect the battery's life when going portable sometimes?

@jarjared3522 2 жыл бұрын

I am interested in a SPL headphone amplifier like the SPL Phonitor XE. I am wondering if you are going to review any SPL desktop amps in the future? I would love to know your take on some of SPL's products.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I don't currently have any contacts to get SPL gear. I'd be keen to review them if I ever get the chance, but nothing currently planned. Sorry

@amanieux 6 ай бұрын

You mentioned that mojo 2 was out performed by desktop dacs is it only true for full size can that requires a lot of power or also true for iems that requires much less power, what would be an example of the most affordable desktop dac that outperforms mojo 2 ? Thanks

@PassionforSound 6 ай бұрын

The Mojo 2 is amazing as an all-in-one solution so I'm only talking about dedicated desktop DACs when compared to feeding the Mojo 2 output to an external amp as well. The only similarly priced desktop DAC that I think beats the Mojo 2 is the Bifrost 2/64. After that, you'd have to go to something like the Gustards R26 I think.

@shashank6393 Жыл бұрын

Out of questyle m15 vs mojo 2. Which one would be a better pairing for the mest mk2. If you have the mest mk2, could you give it try with the both if the above? Thank you😊

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I don't own the Mest Mk2, but the Mojo 2 is easily the better device and will therefore allow the Mest Mk2 to perform at a higher level

@Mixail747 2 жыл бұрын

Wonder how it compares to Hidizs DH80 - non pro version of the same cheap, also balanced, also battery powered, but twice cheaper.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I was trying to get one of those a while back, but there were no demo units on offer ☹️

@hankchinaski3512 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your review. Regarding just SQ, which one is better in your opinion, EarMen Colibri or Topping G5? Cheers!

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I never got to try them side-by-side so I can't say for sure, but I'd expect the Colibri to come out on top with slightly better resolution and clarity

@hankchinaski3512 Жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound Thank you and keep up your fantastic work!

@_OpdeeMist Жыл бұрын

Hi mate, just a quick question. Did you try your DCA Aeon 2 Noires with the Cayin RU6? I had my mind about the RU6 (I thought) made up, until thinking about the Noires. Hopefully you can run the Noires well enough on the RU6. Sorry, 1 more…. Although they have 2 separate usb connections 1 for charging and 1 for data. Is there a bypass built into the data connection to accept charging if the battery is low. Can the Colibri run from the mobile devices data USB port if the Colibri’s battery is flat? Obviously out & about with only a phone on hand and wanting to continue to listen to tunes….

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I don't think I did test the RU-6 and Noires, but I'm pretty sure they'll do well together. I also can't answer your Colibri question because the loaner unit went back a long time ago. Sorry!

@_OpdeeMist Жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound ok, no problem thanks. I have decided on dangeling two dongles. The RU6 for the hopefully tube esqu (ish) sound and the Fiio BTR7 for the THX sound, extra power when needed and Bluetooth when home. Thanks again for your reply….. 🙏

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

Nice! Enjoy 🎧🎧

@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for covering every detail, even the bass boost, with the required info. What do you think about pairing this with the JM modded HE-R9 by Hifiman? Or just the HE-R9 by Hifiman? Been debating between this and the RU6 to synchronise with the JM modded HE-R9. Thank you.

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I haven't heard the JM version to comment, but the Colibri would be great with either because it's a very neutral sounding device with the bass boost when you need it

@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound Thank you very much. Here's a completely different question - Calibri or Dethonray Pegasus SG-1? Not for the power, but for synergy with the HE-R9s. Thank you very much.

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

Without trying both with the HE-R9, it's hard to say. I think what's possibly more important is whether you want wireless or wired connection to your source (phone/computer) and whether you want max resolution because the Bluetooth connection of the SG1 will never match the wired connection of the Colibri

@joshchacko7729 Жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound Yes, they say that, but even you being someone who's reviewed the SG-1, whatever loss in quality is there isn't even heard cuz of how the music is presented... I think I'll just go for the Colibri, get a Dethonray DAP someday when they make another one and when I can afford it. Thank you so very much for everything!

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I think that's a great plan. The Dethonray gear is great, but the SG1 is very much a 1-trick pony (all-be-it an awesome one)

@jaroslavfricek7772 11 ай бұрын

The size is fundamental with the scenario of use of these ...the sparrow is almost like apple dongle sizewise, Colibri still doable on the go . Mojo not so much but wonderful + getting 4.4 too 3.5 adapter from DD hifi for most ofmy IEM 😆👍🙋‍♂️❤️💯

@PassionforSound 11 ай бұрын

I agree. Something like the Colibri or Mojo is better for sitting on a plane/train/bus or at work rather than walking or running.

@jaroslavfricek7772 11 ай бұрын

I'm actually thinking what's the best alternative to apple dongle as for convenience + sound 😉🙋‍♂️

@PassionforSound 11 ай бұрын

For an Apple alternative, something tiny like the iKKO ITM02 would likely be a good choice.

@jaroslavfricek7772 11 ай бұрын

@@PassionforSound Thanks for the rec.👍 My other contenders, bit more pricey, are questyle M12 and DD hifi TC35 pro...talking strictly small and single ended. But these days I'm also admiring this beautiful DD hifi TC44 pro, for the 4.4 IEM. Of course I know about all the other options but these are if I want to listen just from my pocket. The normal sized dongle to go to is for me probably The Moonriver 2 Ti....Thank you man ❤️🙋‍♂️

@Hari-kx2er 2 жыл бұрын

Hai, I really enjoy the pairing of Cayin RU6 with 7hz Timeless in 4.4mm balanced mode NOS. Since you are aware of the sound signature of the Timeless, do you think is there any benefit by going from RU6 to Colibri? Thanks in advance

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I think both are comparable, but different devices (RU6 & Colibri). If you're enjoying the combo you have, I don't really see any benefit in swapping dongles.

@Hari-kx2er 2 жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound Which in your opinion pairs better with the Timeless? I have no experience with the Colibri, hence the question. Even though, I greatly enjoy the RU6, it is good to know what I gain/lose if I change to Colibri.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I think the Colibri will bring a little more sense of resolution and detail, but at the expense of some space and lushness. I can't really say which is better. I might lean slightly towards the Colibri, but that's entirely my preferences at play.

@Hari-kx2er 2 жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound I think I will stick with the RU6. Timeless already has excellent resolution. What it very much needs is the lushness provided by RU6. Thank you for your response 👍

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help. Enjoy the music!

@jamescook6890 2 жыл бұрын

Cant see the benefit of this over the $109 Qudelix 5k to be honest... Thanks for the detailed review

@Knowdis96 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. The standard for me is the 5k.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't yet heard the 5k. Need to get my hands on one

@Knowdis96 2 жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound the app pushes it over the top

@veritas2022 2 жыл бұрын

Is the EarMen Colibri DAC/Amp smaller?

@DavidMorrisMedia Жыл бұрын

I found this review to be very informative and entertaining as under the advice of a mate I picked up a 2nd hand Colibri yesterday. Thank you for the review, like you I wonder how the battery will fare overtime and if it dies one day, will it work as the Sparrow does?

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

Glad you found the review helpful and I think you'll love the Colibri. As for the battery, I expect it wouldn't die to the point of being useless so it should still work like the Sparrow after that. Also, modern batteries like these should last for 4-5 years at least I'd expect

@peterromak5568 7 ай бұрын

Hello! I was torn between this and Chord Mojo 2. I chose the Colibri because of the type c. I narrow down the choice between Hifiman Arya and Focal MG. The head phones comes withe a 6.3 jack cable, but on the Colibri there are only 3,5 and 4,4 symmetrical output, it means I have to buy a cable also, but which one? I will listen to music on my smartphone, rock and metal are my generas. Please help me!

@PassionforSound 7 ай бұрын

The Focals come with a 3.5mm cable and 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, I think. The Arya might too, but they've changed their cabling so many times that I've lost track. As for which cable to choose, that comes down a bit to where you live as there are cable manufacturers all over the world. Which country are you in?

@peterromak5568 7 ай бұрын

@@PassionforSound I live in Hungary. I have no experience with 4,4 symmetrical cable but I’m very couriers so I bought a Meze 99 cable. The remaining stuff is only the head phone.

@PassionforSound 7 ай бұрын

Great choice on the Meze cable. That should work well for you!

@peterromak5568 6 ай бұрын

@@PassionforSound Finaly I chose the Meze Liric Headphone because I don’t want to bother my environment :)

@PassionforSound 6 ай бұрын

I hope you love them!

@andreaaaaaaa574 Жыл бұрын

The Mojo 2 sound too Digital for me, do you believe that the RU6 will be better?

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

The RU6 is definitely a smoother, more mellow sound so you will probably like it more. A Schiit Bifrost 2 is another option you might like, particularly a non-upgraded version of the OG Bifrost 2

@arrowzen7433 Жыл бұрын

Shouldn’t the BTR7 and AU5 have been in this comparison given that they both are battery driven and have similar functions?…I would love to hear your take on that round up…

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I can only work with what I have at the time. I have addressed the UA5 and BTR7 separately, but didn't have the Colibri still at that time. Sorry!

@miloedo Жыл бұрын

Hello friend... Comparing Sparrow VS Questyle M15 Vs Ru6 .. which one have better Stage and Separatios? And sound Quality.. ?? regards...

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

That's a tough one. All are excellent. I like the M15 and RU6 over the Sparrow by a small margin. Between the M15 and RU6, the RU6 produces a larger stage, but I think the imaging might be stronger from the M15. Unfortunately, I don't own the RU6 to compare directly

@edwardh2153 Жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound , I'm chiming in to report my setup which many will probably say is a bit crazy. After trying many dongles I fell in love with the RU6. The discrete R2R dac just sounds natural to me. My old Pixel 3 > USBC OTG dongle with power input (battery saver) > RU6, NOS, Low gain set at SE vol 75 > Asgard3 in high gain > Audio Technica AD900X. This setup allows me to grab my dongle for the road also. I am searching for new headphones but for now they sounds natural and spacious with tight assertive bass. Please feel free to tell me what audio faux pas I've commited 🙂.

@edwardh2153 Жыл бұрын

I forgot to mention that I'm streaming Amazon Music with my Pixel in Ultra HD, 24bit 192 khz

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

If it sounds good and works for you, that's all that matters. No such thing as an audio faux pas if you're enjoying it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

@victormedrano2316 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, can it drive the Hifiman Edition XS?

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. With ease 🙂

@victormedrano2316 2 жыл бұрын

@@PassionforSound I'll keep in mind, thanx!

@ibassnote 2 жыл бұрын

I can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone ever not liking the Mojo 2. I’m so drawn to it but it’s a hefty price tag and the truth is: I’m a touring musician and I need something to travel with so I can relax and listen to my music in hotel rooms and tour busses. This Colibri DAC makes infinite sense. Also, if it were to get lost it would be less of a loss than the Mojo 2.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

The fact that you're getting desktop quality sound from a portable device is great. It's a fair price tag, but it can literally do everything for you. The nearest competitor is probably the EarMen Colibri and that's still a fair way behind.

@Stephenwongdirectimaging Жыл бұрын

I prefer RU6 compare mojo 2 in term of sound clarity and smoothness , power output , 4.4 Mm output , MQA , portable, price

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

Glad you've found a sound you enjoy!

@terryss95 2 жыл бұрын

Is there anything that can provide an equal (or close) amount of power to the XD05 Bal while providing a higher quality of sound, for roughly the same price? I found it online for 350€, going to use it to power a pair of HD800s... If anyone gets in touch, thanks for the info and help in making an informed purchase.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

The HD800S aren't that difficult to drive so you don't need to worry too much about power so much as quality. If you're getting >30mW (just grabbing a rough number) at 300 ohms, you've got more than you need to damage your hearing (i.e. you can listen at date volumes very easily) Also, thanks for your note on the spam comment. It's gone now 🙂

@jaroslavfricek7772 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder how the Colibri compares to something like Fiio Q3...✌️

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried the Q3, but the Colibri is one of the best I've heard in its class and EarMen portables are all really excellent so far so I'd expect it to be better than the Q3

@jaroslavfricek7772 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I am asking because I have Q3 and it's 120mW or so on unbalanced and 300mW on balanced and little bigger then Colibri and I dearly love that thing, but you'r probably right double the price✌️🙋‍♂️

@jaroslavfricek7772 2 жыл бұрын

I'm using right now mainly Tri tk2 dac/amp, when it reaches about 60% volume, it goes into A class state, very sweet 😆👌

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of that one. I should check it out

@samidanger3666 2 жыл бұрын

If qudelix 5k mkii adds a 4.4mm socket then they win.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't yet tried the 5k. I'll be keen to hear how close it gets on sonic performance

@mensrea1251 2 жыл бұрын

75mW into 32ohms single ended is … weak. I mean the first Gen dongles can do better than that. Just sayin.

@PassionforSound 2 жыл бұрын

The amount of power isn't particularly relevant so long as you have enough power. For IEMs and most headphones you barely need double-digit power. If you're driving something a bit harder then just go balanced. The quality of the power is far more important and the Colibri is excellent

@arrowzen7433 Жыл бұрын

Comp w GoBar please…

@PassionforSound Жыл бұрын

I'd love to, but I can't access iFi products without buying them and the channel doesn't make enough money as yet

@arrowzen7433 Жыл бұрын

OK. Makes sense. Hope iFi make themselves available to you and that you make enough money on the channel to purchase comparison units now and then. Thanks for a good and helpful review anyway…