The GoVibe Derringer

[dfkt]

I got a GoVibe Derringer today, and of course had to put it through some tests right away. Here's a few RMAA results, and a few comparisons Derringer vs. FiiO E5.

GoVibe Derringer - Various Loads
GoVibe Derringer - Vol. 8 vs. 10
FiiO E5 vs. GoVibe Derringer
FiiO E5 vs. GoVibe Derringer - 16 + 52 Ohm Loads

All in all, the Derringer doesn't really like very low impedance phones (crosstalk, hiss, etc), and distorts heavily at maximum volume. Up to volume 8 and with some higher impedance phones however it performs well. I won't mention anything about the subjectively perceived audio quality now - it is too early for that and I have yet to get "accustomed" to the Derringer's sound.

They scraped off the opamp markings, so nobody gonna steal their design... The caps are solid-state, which is a first for a Chinese amp, in my experience. It runs on an AAA battery, while most other small amps use Li-Ion instead.

I like the aluminum housing and Ray-Samuels-like design, but one has to be really careful to not scratch anything with its sharp edges. I don't think it's advisable to have this amp and an MP3 player loose in the same shirt/trousers pocket. Better stick them thoroughly together with some doublestick tape, velcro, or rubber bands.

[no9]

How's the price compared to the ultra cheap FiioE3 and the E5? Be interesting to see if it's and upgrade to the E3 or just equal to the E5.

[dfkt]

Price seems to be about $70, according to ClieOS. I didn't find the amp in Jaben's online store yet.

First impressions of the sound quality (with the UE11) are that the Derringer is a bit harsh and bright - the E5 sounds better so far. I have yet to try some higher impedance phones. Or some phones with less treble, to take off some harshness.

But take that all with a grain of salt... I have yet to find the fabled "synergy" for that amp.

[no9]

Ouch, it had better compare more to your frankenT4 than to Fiio for that.

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by dfkt

Price seems to be about $70, according to ClieOS. I didn't find the amp in Jaben's online store yet.

First impressions of the sound quality (with the UE11) are that the Derringer is a bit harsh and bright - the E5 sounds better so far. I have yet to try some higher impedance phones. Or some phones with less treble, to take off some harshness.

But take that all with a grain of salt... I have yet to find the fabled "synergy" for that amp.

Don't you have to "burn in" amps for 200 hours first too? lol

[The DarkSide]

Originally Posted by Marvin the Martian

Don't you have to "burn in" amps for 200 hours first too? lol

I cant believe you even asked that,..............

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by Marvin the Martian

Don't you have to "burn in" amps for 200 hours first too? lol

Originally Posted by The DarkSide

I cant believe you even asked that,..............

Maybe I'm an "audiophile-in-training" Wait till you see my oxygen-free sterling silver recabled HD201's!

[a_tumiwa]

wow 4 black n Tiny . dfkt, where is your black ipod shuffle ?

just received it today, yes too bright before burn-in , the lower frequency is cut

[The DarkSide]

@a tumiwa, I hope your joking about burning in an amp!?!?!?

[ting.mike]

^^ yes.. stuff inside the amplifier takes time to settle.

My 1st post at ABI.

Back to the topic,
The GoVibe Derringer is very good for the price and size. I actually prefer it over the Fiio E3, E5, and the iBasso T4.