You're welcome!

Thanks Jann-Frederik. The A90 is a really nice amp and a noticeable step up from the 789 which is also excellent.

No sweat, Mark. You're very welcome!

Fantastic! Enjoy 🙂

Haha. not sure if it ended up being audible in the recording, but it was quite off-putting when I first noticed it during the review

Thanks Zack!

Thanks Brocco, working hard! Yes, SP200 is probably still a better option for both output types even though it's not fully balanced. It'll be interesting to see if someone can come up with a truly great balanced AND SE amp in this price range soon.

@@PassionforSound Ah right. I forgot that SMSL-SP200 isn't fully balanced.

Not the end of the world though. If it sounds good, it sounds good. We often put too much emphasis on balanced outs in this hobby

Hi Snow Ranger, I've heard of blue jeans, but haven't tried their cables before. Sounds like I should check them out

@@PassionforSound One thing I forgot to mention is not only are they about good shielding and proper resistance for the type of connection used but also they specify the capacitance. On some cables they even have a lower capacitance one that should sound better in most cases, but have a higher shielding one if you have issues with RFI.

I noticed that on their site. I might have to pick some up next time I need cables

Hi Tom, glad you found it helpful! What's your budget? Could you stretch to the Topping A90? That's the only balanced pre-amp that I've come across so far that gets everything right and is still relatively affordable.

@@PassionforSound thats a fantastic option. I watched your video on that last night. Not in my budget right now but ill add it to my upgrade path for the future.

If you're looking for an upgrade path, I highly recommend to include the Burson Soloist 3XP as either a step after the A90 or skipping the A90 altogether. 🙂

Hi David, thanks for sharing your experiences. Glad you're happy with the Magnius!

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Glad you're liking the Magnius

I've not noticed any significant difference. The fact that it's not a fully balanced design is probably a benefit in that regard.

You're welcome! Sorry you didn't get it sooner, but yes - get yourself a balanced cable and you'll enjoy a nice step up in sound

@@PassionforSound On your Modius review you suggested a few DAC pairings. What would you suggest for this amp, if not the Modius? I've been thinking about the SMSL SU-9. Though pricier, has a few more features. I've also been seeing alot of people recommend not to spend more on AMP/DAC setup than what was invested on headphones.

I think in a lot of cases the headphones will cap the maximum performance so this is an ok rule, but it doesn't take into account the fact that you might upgrade your headphones down the track. I think we should (sensibly) spend as much as we can on each part of the chain in whatever order we buy things. It's rare that people don't upgrade/change gear over time so it's rarely a bad investment. As for recommended DACs, the Modius is a great choice, but otherwise most balanced DACs on the market should do fine. I haven't tried a lot of other balanced DACs in the price range of the Modius so I can't really comment on the SU-9, etc. but definitely stick with balanced DACs to get the most from your Magnius. Sorry I can't give you more specifics!

@@PassionforSound Thank you much appreciated!

You're welcome 🙂

Hi Karl, for some reason this didn't appear in my notifications so I apologise that I'm so late in saying a heartfelt thank you to you for your support!

Hi Karl, the SE output isn't dreadful, it's just noticeably poorer than the balanced output. If you want an amazing amp, the Jotunheim 2 is brilliant. Otherwise, the Asgard 3 is a great option that I prefer to the 789 and it has plenty of power for all your headphones with no need for balanced

@@PassionforSound I just found what I believe is a pretty good deal on Ebay. Got a 789 that is barely used by an older gent and also found a great deal on a Bellari HA540 MK2 which is a tube hybrid. I will be running that 1990 on the Bellari just to tame the treble a bit. Did you receive the Dan Clark yet?

Hi Karl, that's great news. Yes, the Aeon 2 Closed arrived during the week 🙂

@@PassionforSound Yeah! 200 dollars for a barely used 789 and 100 dollars for slightly used Bellari, now I think that's a really good deal! Will wait for your review on the Dan Clark because something in me is hesitant in getting these set of headphones.

They're very interesting, but a headphone I can see some loving and others just respecting. I don't think anyone could hate them - they don't seem polarising, but we'll see what I conclude after further testing

Hi Victor, I'll make a note to cover that in the review

@@PassionforSound thanks mate!

That's great news!! Check this out, it's an absolute beast at only $130 USD. Review is coming very soon, but trust me on this one - no need to wait for the review: tinyurl.com/yy7noo9g

Hi Clever Name, the outputs from the Magnius would work, but you're adding additional complexity to the signal path. I just picked up the 3-in, 3-out version of this: amzn.to/358ZV6m and it's quite good

Thanks Haze!

Fair point. There are a couple of DACs on Drop that match the 789 - the Airist R2R and I think there's a Grace Design model too.

@@PassionforSound I've seen the r2r, just haven't heard enough about it. Where would you rate them if were comparing with the d90, modius?

Hard to say vs Modius because I haven't heard it yet (it's on the way though). The D90 is significantly better because the D90 is outstanding. The R2R is a competent entry-to-mid tier DAC. I've reviewed it here on the channel if you want to check that out as a starting point

@@PassionforSound I appreciate the response. I checked out your review of the r2r and the measurements I'm sure have turned away quite a few people who would otherwise enjoy it. For me, I'm leaning towards something more precise amd clean since I still do a lot of home studio mixing. So whatever I get, it has to be as clean as possible. Well as clean as I can afford would be a better way of putting it. Otherwise I'd have a Hugo TT2 and M-Scaler 😎

I know it doesn't stack will with the THX 789, but the D90 hits the mark based on your requirements. My only complaint with it is a slightly 2D soundstage that lacks some depth. You could also consider the Topping E30 with a separate power supply (i.e. not USB power). In fact the E30/L30 (amp) combo would perform the 789 and R2R.

Hi Ruud, I'll see what I can arrange. I would expect the Modius to be a good option at the budget end of things. Not sure what else is recommend in that line. One thought though is that you could probably have an adapter made up to feed the SE out from the Mojo into the balanced input of the Magnius. You could even use the two HP outs if you really wanted - 1 wired for left + ground and the other for right + ground

@@PassionforSound You are right: first try to hold on to what you have and like. I will look around for ways to go balanced from unbalanced. Mr. Stoddard probably has an answer: we at Schiit have the Freya for these cases.....

Haha. Probably true. A simple adapter cable is all you should need. Where are you located?

In the Netherlands. Neutrik's na2mpmf connector is the simplest way, simply connecting one pin to hot and one to ground and using my current interlinks with 3.5 mm to rca. But that's missing the point of balanced. An older chord TT scratches the chord enthousiasm better within budget. But having already heard the qutest, that one really moves me. Unbalanced out only and no volume control, alas. In your interview mr. Watts hinted at a new model with built in class H amplifier. Choices, Choices. Keep up the brilliant work on your channel. I especcially like the interviews. Truly informative.

Yes, fair point about the adapter. I have a friend who recently bought the TT as his entry to Chord land an he was very happy at last check so maybe a good option... Glad you're finding the content helpful!

Great question. I'll be completing my Asgard 3 review in the coming days ready to record and I'll be comparing Asgard 3 to the Magnius using Bifrost 2 as the source so if you can wait for the review, I should have some direct answers. Are you looking to buy ASAP or can you wait a couple of weeksm

@@PassionforSound definitely I wait. Just now I have a Schiit Hel but I’m looking for a system more musical and maybe go over a balanced one. I also have a Beyerdynamics T5 2gen with single cable but can adapt the balanced cable as well. Thanks a lot again

You're welcome. The Asgard 3 review will go live in a couple of weeks

It might well be and the Asgard 3 will be great with either. I wish I could help you more - sorry

Personally I see the main advantage to the Modius is for those looking for an inexpensive entry level dac allowing balanced amp inputs and a newer chipset than the standard Modi at a very affordable price point. The same as I look at the Modi multibit as an entry level stand alone dac for the multibit type of processing which also has the advantage over any of the add in mb cards of more input capabilities and can be used with any amp as it is own stand alone unit for only a small increase in cost over the internal mb cards. Again at a very good entry level price point for true multibit processing. For use with the Asgard3 which only has single end inputs much of the extra money spent on the Modius will not be utilized as the focal point for that Dac and its higher price point is in those balanced outputs which you cannot use with the Asgard. You will get a newer chipset but is that difference worth paying double the price over the Standard Modi for? And for the most part when it comes to single end performance the Modi 3+ at half the cost will do the exact same thing as the Modius. So my opinion on the Modius is if you do not mind spending the extra money over the standard Modi to have the balance outputs capability for possible future use then buy the Modius. If you do not care about balanced outputs or figure if you go that direction you probably would prefer to just buy a higher end dac (such as the BIFROST) for those capabilities then save the money and just get the standard Modi. Then you come to the modi multibit and again the water is not totally clear. The modi multibit uses a different process to convert the digital signal and some people like the results and say it sounds more alive or smoother with less edge than say the more standard processing method of the non multibit modi or modius. Others though do not like the sound saying it is not as defined or clear. Welcome to nothing is clear or agreed upon across different users. I find with the types of music I listen to, with the hybrid tube amps I use for music and my choice of headphones and my old ears all combined at the same time I like the multibit processing the best for me for music. In my main listening system I have a Gungnir Multibit dac which for me is an end game piece of equipment.. I also just ordered a Modi Multibit dac to pair with a Valhalla 2 tube amp I already have for a bedroom system. But I will say that also I have an Asgard3 that was bought to use as a amp for my computer gaming system and not focused on music and with that I combined a regular Modi and a Loki EQ for a very well performing system for its main intention. Again totally different application and with which I have different expectations so the reason of using different gear. As you enter this rabbit hole of a hobby one thing you will continue to learn is there is no plain and clear answers or consensus on pretty much anything on what is best. We all like different things, we hear things differently, we have different expectations or what we think is nirvana and we have different budgets or willingness in either how much we can or will agree to spend seeking that sweet spot where you find satisfaction. What I think sounds great you may think sounds terrible or do not like. Makes neither of us wrong just different in what we seek or find pleasing. Hence why using anothers opinion on what sounds the best is a crapshoot for how you will think it sounds. Again I realize I answered nothing really just pointed out some of how I look at what choices you are trying to decide on. Good luck on your journey deeper into the rabbit hole. For many that journey really never ends.

I agree, particularly that there are no clear cut answers because of personal taste, different device and cable pairings, etc.

Thanks! Working on it now. Should drop in about 2.5 weeks

Passion for Sound maybe do a preamp shootout?

A90 vs Magnius vs Asgard 3 sound good?

Passion for Sound yes sir, please👍🏻😁

@@PassionforSound Yes, oh yes, we should know which stand out. :))

Hi Bruce, I do have one in the way, but we're waiting so I can get a regular Magni at the same time for comparison. Hopefully we'll get there soon...

I can't really say because I haven't tried it. Sorry!

@@PassionforSound ok no problem.

Hi Sam, I'd choose the Magnius. Both have their drawbacks, but I think the Magnius is easier to listen to than the slightly forced / uptight sound of the Jotunheim.

@@PassionforSound allright thanks !!

You're welcome 🙂

Hi Exeonz, yes you can get a 2.5mm to XLR adapter. They're readily available and work fine.

Haha. Thanks Viper! I try to find a balance between creating the right level of expectations about products and also not panning a product that someone might love or over-hyping anything that might lead to damaging my long-term credibility. I would say that the A90 is the one to save for out of those options. It's a really excellent amp for the price - very clean, very refined and great features and functions. I bought it for review only, but it's likely going to stay in my system and it is comfortably better than the 789.

@@PassionforSound That's great, you are really one of the best reviewer out here. :) I wonder as other reviewers can't seems to find any sonical difference between THX's 789 and 887, maybe because people expext they sound exactly the same.. Anyway. Also, will be nice to hear about your A90 review :) I have a question, if you could know. Planar headphones we know they need wobbs of power to deliver their best sound quality, some audiophile pairs them with very powerful speaker amps. Take we for example LCD-XC, very sensitive for a planar of that level, around 102dB/1mW and 20 ohm, THX Rigs deliver around 6W, and some like A90 7W at 20ohm for XC, in balanced output. But what about VRMS? With Balanced DACS usually they deliver at least double Voltage (VRMS) or more, do you think is also plays a good role in 'power headroom', like watts do, if we can call it like that, on headphones, especially planars like LCD-XC even if it's kinda sensitive? I'm just wandering, as i never heard mentioned it. Thanks ;)

Thanks Viper! The power myth is a bit of a problem in this hobby. If you do the maths, very, very few headphones need more than 1 watt. Most need less than half of that. The sensitivity of something like the LCD-XC means you absolutely do not need crazy amounts of power (I don't have a calculator handy, but there are multiple online tools you can use to see exactly how much power a headphone needs). As for A90, it's great! I recorded the review today and will edit it this week. I might reschedule things so it drops next weekend. Oh, and voltage output from the DAC contributes to overall volume, but I'm not sure of the exact interaction it has with the deliverable power from the amp. That's a bit beyond my technical expertise - sorry!

@@PassionforSound Thanks for the reply. I see, voltage may contribute, so maybe better to have balanced than not eheh. Headphones don't need more than 1W to sound best? Mhh, my M1060c when it was used on balanced on thx aaa 789 was sounding defenately wider and 3d, effortless and better. I don't think a cable can do so much, so it might have been the 6W headroom instead of less than 2W. I suggest to try yourself High Gain on balanced output if your dacs doesn't have higer than 4Vrms, as i heard it could clip. If it's like Thx aaa 789, Atom and Heresy, i think on High-Gain they sound better, much more power avaiable? After testing i don't i think am i be wrong or fooled.. I hear bigger soundstage, effortless sound, i guess you should try High Gain on A90 or 789 :)

Just to clarify, are you saying you're hearing better sound from the same amp, but using different gain settings?

Hi Ben, I'm a big fan of Aurealis Audio because he's a good guy, based here in Australia and makes great quality cables without a huge price tag. Alternatively, Blue Jeans cables are a good option for simple, quality cables too.

I have the Magnius/ Modius combo connected with a Snakeoil audio walnut solid connector.

Nice. I should check those out

Haha. No, hadn't thought about that (Multibit version). I actually have a Modius on the way!

Hi Jet, there's no problems doing that. You're not technically getting a balanced connection, but that actually rarely matters in most situations. The key is that it's always safe to adapt single-ended to balanced, but you need to be careful of adapting from balanced to single-ended.

Hi Elaxia, a single TRS cannot be balanced for stereo signals. You have to have two negatives and two positives for stereo balanced. Are you sure it's not a TRRS?

@@PassionforSound Yup, it’s a 1/4 inch TRS. Just found out the DT1770 isn’t balanced though... sucks because I just bought the Modius and Magnius :(

Bummer! It will still sound good even in single ended, but at some point you can now further upgrade with a balanced set of headphones

Haha. No, that's always there 😉

Thanks Joshua. Sorry if it was a bit schiity

@@PassionforSound 🤣🤣 👌🏼😉

Hi Rothgar, the AC thing is not suggesting that mains power is cleaner than battery, etc. just that the amp needs a swinging voltage so they've chosen to supply AC and keep the voltage swing from the beginning rather than taking DC and having to create positive and negative voltage swings later.

Interesting. I have a Magni and Modi right now, and have the magni plugged into a pure sine UPS. I wonder if that makes any difference.

Quite possibly, Phillip

Hi! I'd choose the Magnius. Cheaper and slightly better IMO

That's a good question and I don't have the Magnius anymore to test. I would start in low gain and see how you go and then turn the volume right down, switch to high gain and see if it's different. Often the gain does influence preamp outputs so it might shift the volume range a bit

@@PassionforSound thank you for the quick response

It's hard to explain in brief here, but I'm working on a course at the moment to help provide exactly this type of info. In short, each headphone has an impedance rating so it's about understanding how much power the amp can produce at that impedance and how much power the headphone needs. In reality, there are very few headphones that need anywhere near 1W of power. Most need just a few mW (maybe 100mW max) of power for normal listening levels

@@PassionforSound Hi thanks for replying to my questions! appreciate it! I just found out about your channel and I enjoyed your detailed reviews, keep up the good work!

Glad I can help and that you're enjoying the channel

Hi CWT, I don't know the Zen Can to comment (iFi's local supplier was having challenges due to COVID when we tried to arrange a review). What additional flavour are you looking for?

Passion for Sound from all i can gathered, the Magnius is more neutral, slightly digital sounding as you mentioned, while the Zen Can is to the warmer side while having a bass switch which doesn't colour up other frequencies like other amps w/ bass boost on. since i'm using the Aeon Flow RT Closed which do need a bit of help esp. at the low end when i'm just chilling, the Zen Can seems to be a great addition as i'm planning to get the Mobius/Magnius combo. hope you could get your hands on the Zen Can soon! looking forward to your pov

That combo makes total sense then! I've actually had an email from iFi today about the Zen Can so cross fingers we will get something arranged soon!

I'll check when I do my Modius review in the coming weeks, Brian. I expect it will work well, but I'll confirm.

Yes, if you want it to sound its best. The moment you used SE (in or out) you lose the benefits of the Magnius' design

You're welcome!

I expect we're due for a Jotunheim replacement soon, but we'll see (To be clear, I have no insider information on this)

@@PassionforSound add it to your question list for your interview !

I'll put it on the list and see what he says...

As mentioned - they already have Jotunheim for that.

I think the point is that the Jot is a bit outdated now and doesn't sound as good as the Magnius so a replacement Jot or Jot 2 would be good.

Thanks John!

@@PassionforSound Looking forward to more Lachlan. :)

No, just a reviewer 🙂

Hi Joe, no, this is a headphone amp. You need a specific device for microphones. I don't know the SM7B specifically, but if you're needing more output from it, something like a Cloud Lifter (I think that's the name) is what you need

Nice! Thanks for sharing the experience. Enjoying it?

Passion for Sound definitely. Good match with the Modius and balanced end to end.

Awesome! I haven't tried the Modius, but the Magnius is great!

All you would be hearing is the quality of my mic and headphones (or sound recorder), your DAC, your amp and your speakers / headphones.

It'd still be far more useful than listening to some fella banging on, champ. You hi-fi people are so full of shit. No engineers nor musicians agree with your crap. I wonder why, hey?

hahah righteo @@Stikibits , best off taking your negative comments elsewhere. Keep up the good reviews PFS!

Thanks Peter!

Spew all the (sycophantic) bullshit you like and a sound demo is still and always going to be far more useful than some fella banging on. It's just a fact no matter how arse sore you hi-fi people get.