Reference portable gear: Laptop > JRiver 19> ODAC > Leckerton UHA6S mk2 (AD4627) > UERM

Thanks to Dmitri from MusicaAcoustics for the review samples! http://www.musicaacoustics.com/wp/

Ortofon MHd-Q7



Sounds like it shorts across the mini jack during insertion while off?!

Noise is present immediately on power up, even w/ UERM which is not that sensitive or low impedance compared to others.  Grainier than the MASS Kobe or UHA6S.  Though warm, there is decent treble presence though giving it a bit more tonal dynamic range than the MASS Kobo.  Seemingly less gain than the UHA6S, also more attenuation range for those wanting to listen quietly.  A bit of a grey background rather than black.  Less air, space, and imaging is not as distinct. Smoother overall signature with warmer, bigger bass. 

MASS Kobo model 385



Even noisier than the Ortofon.  Sounds like a Meridian done right.  Strings have more weight to them, might be a bit coloured in this regard. Good bass response, tight but textured w/ good body and semi-accurate natural feeling bloom.  Cleaner transients, good imaging and articulation.  Out Ortofons the Ortonfon’s signature.  Smooth and very refined sounding.  Just a slight bit of warmth to keep things comfortable for long term listening.  Tames Glen Frey sibilance and drum cymbals/crashes just enough without crushing them.  Does well to straddle the line between neutral and euphonic, relaxed, and comfortable.  For Audeze lovers. 

Sounds blacker than the Ortofon's background, but not as black as the Leckerton w/ 4627-1Bs.  Less snap and pop w/ snare impacts. Slightly more holographic and dimensional imaging though.  Not quite as resolving or microdynamic as the UHA6.  Better tonal contrasts and dynamics are to be found on the UHA6. 

I do like the MASS Kobo though.  It’s what Meridian should have come up with for a relaxed, yet relatively acceptable level of accuracy.  A better Meridian than the Ortofon which means also more precise and articulate.  Warmer than the Ortofon too, but more refined, and a less grainy overall signature.

Elekit TU-HP01 Tube Hybrid Amp (MUSE8820)



Noisy, tube is microphonic and rings audibly.  Gain switch makes a minimal impact if any.  Relatively clear sounding compared to some of the others, but less articulate with strings compared to the same.  Bass is obviously less resolved.  Sounds quite slow.  Surprisingly it is not affecting the crossovers or impedance curve of my UERM much as far as I can tell.  This is the slow and less distinct type of tube sound people talk about.  Some might like this and others will hate it.  Not my thing at all.  Bass gets bloomy and muddled with a naughty sort of bite around sibilance zones.

I swapped the MUSE8820 for the included OPA2604.  Sound became warmer and fuzzier.  More like a bad Meridian Explorer signature.

Wagnus Tone Flake



This amp is the second most quiet of the bunch.

More tonally accurate than the Ortofon or MASS Kobo, especially the tube hybrid.  However, it is rather plodding , indistinct and slow.  Lacks precision, resolution and articulation.  But it certainly does things better than the tube hybrid reviewed here.  This thing is huge.


All in all, I won't be replacing the amp in my portable rig anytime soon with any of these.  Though I could see others with certain tastes maybe going for the Kobo or Tone flake based on their subjective preferences and perhaps to balance out certain discrepancies in their audio chain either upstream or downstream.

Thanks again Dmitiri!