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Locking to a 24/88.2 signal was a bit more of a challenge. With the Lama recording by Ravid Goldschmidt and Silvia Perez Cruz again on an MA Recordings DVD, the iQube needed a reset from the input selector to get a grip on the signal. Flipping from jack input to USB and back did the trick. Now the percussive/melodic sounds of the hang, a sort of inverted steel pan played with the fingers and hand, started to take us away from daily chores. Changing to a 24-bit recording now at 176.4kHz required the same reset from the iQube’s input selector whence the iQube remained stable.
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Listening to high sample rates over headphones with a high-quality DAC/amp showed us a thing or two about high-resolution recordings. Being blessed with hearing that still extends way beyond average for our age bracket—sometimes it’s no blessing what with high-pitched noise from power supplies, lighting etc.—comparing a CD to a hi res version of the same recording showed the latter to have more spatial information. High sample rates are the domain of superior impulse response and micro dynamics. As we did not have access to different sample rate versions of the same recording, we could not say “wow, that must be 176.4kHz” or even 192kHz. The extra 8 bits above the Red Book standard seem to make a bigger difference. This appears to be the same conclusion of download shops like French Qobuz which offer 24-bit versions at 44.1kHz.
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As usual we subjected this review copy to the distributor—or in this case manufacturer—to vet for technical errors. When Hans read our remarks regarding the noticeable click at power off and the signal locking issue, he sent us a production version of the V3 by return mail. It appeared the first unit we received had still been a pre-production item. After running the newcomer in, we re-evaluated the iQube. Any sign of a transient through the headphones whilst switching on or off was no more. Moreover the locking procedure to any digital input signal now was flawless. To underline this we used a compilation DVD we'd burned. It contains a variety of hi res files at all manner of rates. Not only had the PWT to switch from 16/44.1 to 24/88.2, 24/96, 24/176.4 and 24/192 between tracks, the iQube V3 had to follow suit. When one track was finished, the PWT emitted a relay click immediately followed by the equivalent click inside the iQube V3. Mind you, these were mechanical sounds inaudible through the headphones. We simply use open-backed headphones for comfort to perceive such extraneous sounds at all.
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Soundwise our first conclusion remained valid. We loved the tonal coherence and dynamic capabilities of this masterful class D design. The iQube V3 is not sterile in the sense of cold nor is it warm. In fact the V3 is probably closest to the theoretical wire with format conversion and gain as you can get. The fairly large attenuator knob makes setting the correct level child’s play and it does not matter at what setting it sits. There is no comfort zone or sweet spot. This amp is completely linear at all volumes.
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For us this rendition of the iQube left the domain of portable iDevice behind to suggest itself for more serious stationary use. This meant the desktop or plain private listening at home. If the Apple chipset and license were available, the iQube would be ideal to have your music collection at hand and always in the best possible way. Go to a friend with your iPod and iQube and plug the iQube into her high-end (pre)amplifier. You can do the same now. You just have to bring your laptop. Whatever use the iQube V3 will see, it’s a great little headphone DAC/amp with lots of usability. The high quality parts combined with a superb class D amp make the iQube utterly devoid of noise, hum or other unwanted artifacts. Install yourself in a comfy chair, laptop or NAS at hand loaded with great music and your favorite player. Put your headphones on, power the iQube up and let the music and nothing else absorb you completely.
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Minimize the time you listen as much as possible? Like all beautiful things in life, the government must insert a finger raised in warning. Be your own boss but don’t be stupid. In the V3 iteration, the iQube has become even more versatile and the upgraded parts validate the use of high-resolution source material whenever that is available. |
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Quality of packing: Outstanding in padded metal box.
Condition of component received: Excellent.
Quality of owner's manual: Brief and straightforward.
Website comments: Basic where this model is concerned.
Pricing: Fair considering the upgrades and enhancements compared to V2.
Human interactions: Helpful and very friendly.
Remark: We would still like to see an option to process the digital output of an iPod/iPhone.
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