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#1
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iPhone beats Pono in blind test
David Pogue did a blind A/B of an iPhone vs a Pono and most people preferred the iPhone.
http://screen.yahoo.com/yahoo-tech-video/pogue-review-ponoplayer-171032215.html http://www.yahoo.com/tech/it-was-one...496883039.html The test has many flaws but I find it still interesting. It seems that he uses the iPhone 6 and I was surprised to find a clear improvement in the sound versus older iPhone. I guess they changed the DAC to a better one. Let me put my flame suit on first |
#2
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Wow, that stings
But if you notice, some of those people are using ear buds. Some are using decent headphones (I think). The main flaw though, is that these people are right off the street and really don't care about SQ. I wonder what would happen if the same test was tried with golden eared AA subscribers Honestly, when I started in this hobby, I didn't know what I was listening for, and I couldn't really describe "good sound" vs. "bad sound" nearly as easily as I can now. I wasn't exposed to much "good sound" so I didn't know what was possible. That's what it takes. |
#3
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I listened to a Pono with good headphones (HD650s) and was underwhelmed.
My A&K AK100 II sounds a LOT better, IMO.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
#4
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#5
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This could be a blow to the whole HD files as the Pono is what the public will hear about. |
#6
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I read this.. and now I want to place an order for this:
So I can connect my iPhone to my car. |
#7
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The first thing golden eared AA subscribers would do is order all new WW cables and some new tubes for the iPhone. After a few hundred hours break-in we would want to test again and then get everyone's opinion before making up our minds. If the regulars here all agree we might say it's better. Of course we would still need to order a few more tweaks to help clear up any jitter in the wireless.
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McIntosh MX150, C2300, MC601 (5), MC207, MCD12000, MR88, MPC1500, LB100, MCLK12. Anthem AVM 90. Lumin U1. Bluesound Node. Oppo 205. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3, CWM8.3D, CCM7.5 S2. SVS SB16-Ultra (4). Shunyata. Wireworld. Transparent. GIK. |
#8
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Some questions about this test.
1. How did they match the levels? I don't see any test equipment, and you sure can't do it by ear. 2. How do we know the files even came from the same masters? What, really, are they comparing?
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
#9
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Like Stephen, I also listened to the Pono and ended up with the AK. But I must say as a long-time iPod and iPhone listener, I did think the Pono sound was better than Apple using Shure ES535. Trying to evaluate players like this using earbuds or cheaper headphones is a bit like trying to evaluate a good turntable using a Bose Soundwave system, or comparing a Porsche to a Subaru by driving 10 mph around a parking lot.
Tony
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Tony D'Agostino Momentum S250 MxV & HD pre; Linn Klimax Organik DSM, SonicTransporter, EtherRegen; Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo, Koetsu RSP, Boulder 1108; Sf Il Cremonese; Shunyata Everest, Altaira, Sigma & Alpha v2 |
#10
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