Enleum 23R REVIEW. An unusual amplifier for unusual tastes. 
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- $6000 is a hefty pricetag, does this unit deliver?
23R
www.mimic-audio.com?bg_ref=dWvshwSvB1
Goldensound 23r review
• Enleum AMP 23R Review ...
Utopia
www.mimic-audio.com/products/...
23R
www.mimic-audio.com/products/...
Early reviews and the link to the audio lounge private telegram chat can be found here:
/ convincemeaudio
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Edited by
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M U S I C
Music by Andre Louis
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0:00 Chapters
0:56 Intro and hardware overview
6:55 Specs
9:31 Sound characteristics
12:51 FR breakdown
18:46 FR problems
22:00 Caveats
26:56 Headphone pairing
29:17 Conclusion
31:20 Scores - Zábava
To our newcomers, welcome, to the old crew, welcome back.
A special, thank you to Goldensounds for reaching out, and getting some clarification on some areas that have given concerns to people in our community, that came to light last week and the week before.
“Enleum responded in regards to the DC issue. I've made a followup post”
forum.headphones.com/t/bakoon-amp-13r-enleum-amp-23r-discussion/6449/64
Dope. Thanks for another excellent review.
Great review as always, thanks for the effort and excellent feedback!
My pleasure!
Great review from the greatest we want review for AHB2
I really appreciate your honest reviews. Looking forward to your review of the Cayin, as I am interested in a tube amplifier. It would have been incredibly fun to see a mention of one of LTA's amplifiers; MZ3 or Z10E. Some of the finest out there, but there are a bit too few reviews of them. Yet. Keep up the good work!
Z10E is going to be the next energiser coming to the channel with a bit of luck by February latest
I’ve got my eye on it and preparing for it
@@ConvinceMeAudio Awesome! Looking forward to that and all the other reviews. Take care, and best of luck!
Thanks!! I appreciate your review of the 23-R. I've been tempted to get one or a Bakoon 13-R, but the fact it is singled ended only has kept me from it, and I've not heard before that it is fussy with DACs, but it does explain why I've seen some get the 23-R but then within a month or 2 sell it off. Also, hearing that it is V shaped I think helps explain why so many like it with the Susvara because it elevates the lower end, but a dip in the mids would bother me personally. I think for now I will continue with the Ferrum OOR/Hypsos (DAC is Spring3 KTE) for my Susvara and I may check out the Holo Bliss after a bit.
Watching this again cos a used unit just appeared locally. So interesting that you’d mentioned CanJam London cos CanJam is happening next week here in Singapore.
As always, very good review. When I learn about new hardware, I search for your videos first. F*** the algorithm!
A deep and heartfelt, thank you, you have no idea how much this means to me and how much here at CMA. We appreciate our viewers.
Yes, it’s been rather difficult I must admit over the last three or four months ever since we did a few shorts, it seem to have tanked the channel for some reason but it’s back on the rise since tungsten. I am glad to say
I was thinking about Enleum or Ferrum stack more then two months ago (I wrote with you about it in Ferrum stack review). In the end I decided against what my head told me and I bought Amp-23R. My main DAC is also Holo Audio May and one of the headphones that I like are LCD-5. I must agree that May and LCD-5 aren't the best match with Enleum. LCD-5 with Cayin HA-300 are wonderful, but they lack a bit of bass. 23R fix this, but the headphones are too shouty. It seems that after some time I got used to it a bit and by giving time for May to warm up also helps but still it's not ideal combo. LCD-4 are better here (but still prefer Cayin, it's beautiful, lifelike and magical combination for me). My biggest surprise was that Abyss 1266 TC pair with it great! I thought that Enleum and Abyss have both V shaped character so it would be bad. It's not, it's better then HA-300 (for me 1266 with it tend to be picky with music, especially track that have large soundstage are even larger and it's too far) to the point that I started to like 1266 more then I did. Also when I was testing Enleum in the shop I noticed that Sonnet Morpheus was better fitted to this amp.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your set up, LCD5 Dave, and OOR for me all the way synergy wise
Otherwise, yes, you do get that tiny bit of shout
The 23 is an amplifier. You really do have to hunt for the right synergy for
WOW. Was not expecting this. I guess Ferrum has the soul and Enleum does not. I can't believe how scooped the midrange is. I think a bit more forward mid range has better synergy with the Susvara. I went AHB2, Ferrum and now bought the Envy. We shall see how it goes.
you are the best 😀
Hallo, great in depth review!
I have the first gen Enleum with the crapy plastic remote, combined with a Holo Spring 2 and it is a match made in heaven….
The midrange is as detailed, transparent and engaging as the treble and base. I would even say that the midrange is the star of the show.
Could be a unit issue or a generation issue!
Thank you for dropping the comment, I am curious is it the 23R v1 or the 13R
It is the Enleum Amp 23r first gen. Not the Bakoon
@@stifoli fantastic, so I was correct. There are two variance, and the second variant is definitely very different.
It looks like it. But great job in differentiating and addressing this possible problem.
Good honest review. Was thinking of buying this for my meze elites, did you get a chance to test them with it? Also was going to use a hugo 2 as a dac.
I’ll be honest with you mate, elite sounds pleasant on everything, and the scale ability is less than most
I don’t think he will have any trouble with that, but my problem, with that set up is the DAC, it hates most DAC unit that we tested here
It was very very difficult, finding the right DAC to synergise well i’ll be honest with you I don’t think I succeeded
I really do need to get to the bottom of this V1 and V2 variance as well
@@ConvinceMeAudio Cheers mate, thanks for the reply. I hope you do get to the bottom of the v1 and v2 differences as most people buying new will end up with a v2.
I want this also for some sensitive speakers later for my apartment.
Biggest draw back from your review to me was the gain switch having to be set each time when you plug in your headphones. I have to put my headphones away when i don't use them because my cat wants to eat them. So fiddling around each time I plug them in would suck. Thanks for pointing this out.
I will most likely have to test this amp before purchase.
Hello! Great review as always. But I am puzzled: over 10 months since the review, and no comment from Enleum about the change in mids presentation with the versions?
Unfortunately, they took the stance that we were trying to be either controversial, or just simply a hater, which isnt true in neither case
So we just left the unit, very sad, because I would’ve loved to try the V3
I am neither about controversial, drama, or saying things for the sake of the same things. There are too many audio products on the market, for me to care so much LOL
I can only go so far mate
Thanks Koji, that’s a surprising choice from Enleum… I guess there won’t be a 23RM review haha. Keep up the amazing work! Bought a Susvara because of you.
@@_DeepGroove_ unless somebody sends it in for review directly from them no, I think they might have blacklisted us which is very unfair because I felt as though I was being very honest and like every other review, I do here thoroughly testing and then come into the assessment in the end
I do not show products or hype products, unless it deserves it, too many good audio equipment comes through the channel for me to become biased LOL after awhile, you just become desensitised
So was there in fact an issue with your example of the amp or is it truly. a V shaped sound profile? I'm new to your channel and quite enjoyed your presentations. Lots of good info or rather insight into the reality of the performance. Thanks
That unit, most certainly have that characteristic, in a few of weeks, I will be getting another 23 in for testing, and I will update
I commented earlier on here that I had concerns about this specific review and, although initially treated as a troll, a sensible conversation followed. I’ve since reached out to Soo and he’s made it clear there are only 2 variants and that he’s not inclined to especially engage with negative reviews (as is his right I guess). However, since then I’ve been studying the data within other reviews on the Enleum and especially on the Susvara. It is apparent that the Enleum has no V shaped dip but the Susvara does. It also becomes apparent that if your amp can power the Susvara, but not brilliantly, then 1 feature of that slight under powering is that the Susvara appears to have more of a mid range than it actually does. Ergo when you get an amp like the Enleum you get to hear the actual sound signature of the Susvara and… may not like it much.
My guess is that, for the above reason, when the next review copy is received the outcome is unlikely to be much different to the 1st review. It would be very interesting if that were not the case.
I’d strongly urge anyone commenting here to go look at the data for the Susvara and the Enleum before commenting. It paints a very clear picture. Based on that alone I would have expected the emotional response our reviewer described here i.e. not really that impressive and actually unengaging. The culprit seems likely to be h the headphones rather than the amp though.
All that said, very much looking forward to hearing the further review.
@@mikehughescq what I find disappointing is that he would consider this review a negative one or that it came across as a negative review,
Highlighting problems with the unit does not mean it’s a bad review and it does not certainly mean there is some agenda behind it
We have to take into account. These units are very expensive and they need to go through intense scrutiny. , especially when there are multitude of other units of similar calibre around the studio at the same time
I have two people in the CMA chat. you guys are welcome to join who own this and have had found the same experience.
@@mikehughescq within the frequency response of SUS, there is a dip around 1.5 K.. but it is so minor it is to be negligible, this amplifier. The 23 is actually a warm sounding unit., finding the right DAC to pair with this unit has been rather challenging and difficult, not just via me with other units reviewers, too
It does have some amazing aspect, but unfortunately this unit had those glaring issues, which I found problematic others might not
HM1 bliss mono block Benchmark ahb2 OOR HYPSOS and multitude of others, have been tested in comparison with the same set of headphones
@@ConvinceMeAudio Hi Koji, did you get another 23-R in by now? Really curious to find out if a new device would change your perception.
Sounds very similar to my impressions of the burson soloist 3xgt. Sucked out and thin sounding mid range, which is a no go for my tastes.
Here is your 1 box solution: T+A HA200
Interesting to note that 6 Moons now report we’re effectively on v3 and still don’t describe these issues.
Consensus seems to be divided, with nothing down the middle. it might be worth reaching out for a second unit to address another review. Maybe, I’ll attempt to do this after the Christmas holidays, we have 25 to 30 reviews to shoot, I can’t revisit it just yet
That seems a sensible approach. I’ll be getting a home demo some time in the new year and will be happy to report back also.
I hope it was just that unit, or just the V2 variant, because its form factor is incredible
And it’s got a beautiful holographic tube like presentation, including all the detail and texture information in bass and treble like I mention
@@mikehughescq perfect
Golden wotsit now reporting a DC offset which could destroy headphones. Ever more fascinating.
Funny there's no hint of V shape in its measured frequency response.
I doubt you’ll ever find such a thing, it’s really bizarre, and apparently it’s got some very strange interactions with its input as well
There is definitely something strange when you say the Utopia's midrange was utterly lost with the enleum 23r, I have it connected to a holo may kte, and the mid range was definitely forward on the Utopia, vocals and string instruments had authority. By the way, I don't see your holo may video. Have you done a May KTE review? Which model May do you have?
We have not managed to grab another unit for review yet, I recommend taking this review with a tiny pinch of salt, because it’s a possibility that the unit was defective in some way or you have the V one or V3
What are the characteristics of this specific unit was exactly how I described, I’ve passed it on to Goldensound after I finished with it and he had the same experience
It’s possible, we just had something slightly strange with this one, but the actual analysis itself you can take seriously
@@ConvinceMeAudio Oh, so both you and Goldensound tested the same unit? I have the V3, the one with the metal remote that feels like a brick of gold and comes with the feet already in the box. What version holo may do you have if you don't mind me asking? Did you have a review on the May?
@@ConvinceMeAudio I believe the unit you have is indeed the v3 version. If it has the metal remote with the feet/stands included that is the V3 to my knowledge. The V2 had a plastic remote and required you to purchase the feet separately. And correct me if I'm wrong, but the V1 you are referring to is the Bakoon 13r?
@@johenkay1129 may kte
Yes, it was the same unit, 20 3R V2
I have heard exceptional things about v1 and good things about V3
V2 definitely, V3 was not out then,
But the treble region on that amplifier was godly
Where detail retrieval was concerned
Midrange excellent think you may have got problematic unit Great with Susvara Utopia etc Using t with Denafrips terminator plus
Which model do you have? V 1 V2/3.
@@ConvinceMeAudio V2/V3. Suggest trying diff unit Great videos by the way
(Holo) Bliss or Bust
Trust.
I use the 23R with a chord TT2/mScaler and I have no clue what he is complaining about in the mid range. Vocals have an uncanny lush and detailed presence. Detail and imaging are off the charts. I LOVE the volume control feature that returns volume to zero. This is a safety feature and I wish all my amps had this. the slightr click during volume change is so so minor. I have a slight hearing loss and need power to drive my Susvaras. The AR23 has more than enough headroom. Not crazy about the manner in which you change gain but I leave mine in high gain all the time so this is a non issue.
There are three variants of the 23 on the market, V1, V2, V3, all with different software..
Trust me, when I tell you, we have too many high-end equipment to compare to, and it’s not randomly out of the blue, everything goes through a deep analysis
I’ll be honest with you, it’s not my job to justify what you have purchased or what you’re happy with, that’s your prerogative your life and I wish you all the best in regards to that
It’s also not my job to reaffirm purchasing decisions, but it is my job to deeply analyse the best way I can, these pieces of equipment that come in for review against other units where they sit on the market
And only when I’ve come to my final decision and understanding does a video get made, randomly things don’t get thrown in and have in my mind change later
Other reviewers found the same story in our community, but the vegan variant, and possibly V3 do not suffer from this situation of a lack of dynamics in the mid range and a Flatsound signature there
Incredible, treble region, fantastic base region
Please don’t cherry pick LOL a lot of people jump into the comments and it might give the wrong impression
@@ConvinceMeAudio No need to defend yourself. I can only compare it to the Sparkos Aries II, the Chord TT2, and the Burson Soloist GT. I'm curious as you are the only reviewer who commented negatively on the mid-range. Perhaps you either had a defective unit or needed a firmware upgrade.
So I’m confused now, you’re saying it has a V sound shape and the mids are missing. But other reviewers are saying the mids are great. Am I missing something?
There are three variants apparently, V1, V2, and V3, and V2 has had some software change, which has had some adverse effect
V1 is supposed to be brilliant, and I am trying to bring it in for review and do reassessment
So you had the V1, and I’m assuming the mids are fine and not missing from V2 & V3 and no V shape sound? Also the V1 software update should have fixed those issues, but you will asses this once you get the unit back for testing. The reason I am concerned is because I am seriously considering of purchasing the Susvara and the Enleum. By the way which other amp would you recommend as an alternative pair with the Susvara? Also have you had the chance to listen to the Susvara with a tube amp? I have the Rosson Rad 0 and fedelice precision dac, excellent dac but the headphones have that V shape sound which I’m not a fan of. Sorry for so many questions it’s an expensive hobby and I’m trying to make the best decision possible since you have both the headphones and the amp. I enjoy your channel very much, I appreciate the time you take and the work you put in, thank you🙏 .
@@dzemoski45 Cayin ha300 mk ii with Elrog tubes are great with sus envy is another excellent one
Actually, V1 is the great sounding one or supposed to be
Not v2
The best sounding solid-state to date has been monobloc benchmark ahb2
But you have to buy and create a adapter because there speaker amplifiers
Another fantastic one on the lower end is CMA15 excellent price point, superb performance, one of my favourite period
These reviews will be coming up shortly
@@dzemoski45 i’m glad you enjoyed the content
Welcome to the fam
@@ConvinceMeAudio excellent, thanks for the help.
The reason you are hearing a "sucked out" mid-range from the 23R is because you are using the Susvara to review. If you look at the measured FR of the Susvara, it has a MONUMENTAL dip in the mid-range from 1 to 3 kHz (one reason why I think the Susvara's suck). The AMP 23R is driving the Susvara so well, you're finally hearing the real sound profile of the headphone.
The AMP-23R doesn't "suck out" or "boost" anything, its measured spectral response is as flat as black ice to 100kHz++.
Firstly, it's from Korea, not Japan (Bakoon International), secondly you obviously know nothing about mosfet powered amplification to dismiss its low power output. It drives my Wilson Tunetots with ease (87dB) and I have never needed to go past 2 o'clock with the gain dial.
I have the gen2 and the midrange is absolutely superb, and it has no problem driving my Susvaras. Definitely better than the Ferrum by a long way.
You are mistaken, originally it was from Japan, and then this unit was developed in Korea,
The 13R was made in Japan
If you have V1 variant you, most likely, I’ll have an absolutely no problems like a lot of people, this is the V2 variant with a lot of changes
That’s what they advised us when we reached out to them, to the actual individual who created this unit, and please don’t assume things, we thoroughly test unit here and only on headphone applications, not for speakers as the channel is under construction of room, treatment et cetera
I listened susvara, and still dont understand why the cast so much. even LCD-x far away from this ugly sounded headphones. they are usual marketing headphones. not quality at all
Have to ask myself
1 - to what extent do I trust someone who over 2 videos doesn’t really make an effort to pronounce a 3 syllable 6 letter word? It’s insulting to the manufacturer and doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence with regard to attention to detail.
2 - why has literally no other reviewer mentioned the alleged V shaped nature of the reproduction? This is based on what? It doesn’t appear to be based on measurement.
3 - to what extent do I trust someone who doesn’t understand why the attenuator clicks and thus why there is nothing to be fixed? It’s a clear suggestion that any attempt to learn about the amp before hearing it was superficial at best.
4 - where on earth has the V1/V2 thing come from? I think he’s referring to the 13R but… who knows.
5 - I take on board the comments re: switching gain mode. It’s been observed elsewhere. Won’t matter if you have one pair of headphones or one pair of speakers.
6 - Described almost unanimously elsewhere as incredibly musical and yet here they completely lack soul and engagement. The exact opposite of other reviews.
Always good to hear other perspectives but this seems careless at best.
Don’t be absurd, the name of the company gets mentioned correctly at the beginning of the video, you need a touch of levity and comedy in videos it’s called acting don’t be a fool.
Secondly, there are two variants of the 23R there has been a change by the creator, who we contacted in our community.
Thirdly, every unit on the channel goes through 30 hours of testing with more headphones then we can count
Thanks for dropping bye.. please don’t randomly assume without forethought and leave comments when it has no basis
I made 6 points. Genuinely interested in your response to 2, 3 and 6.
@@mikehughescq I do not know which unit variant other reviewers had access to, attempting to guess would be redundant at best
I have a reference desk here, including a multitude of other amplifiers to test against. I do not test in a vacuum
Goldensound found the same experience, including a bunch of other people in our community, who had access to the same, 23
In regards to the attenuator, I have no idea what you were trying to say
Maybe attempt to rephrase your question because it’s convoluted and does not make any sense
Apologies I thought I’d replied.
Please watch the Darko review. Fully explains the attenuator and the clicks. No way around that.
Having read the golden sound commentary I see nothing about a scooped out mud range. Could you highlight that specific chart and paragraph for me?
@@mikehughescq why are you under the impression I want the elimination of the relay clicks? Where the hell has that come from?
If you watch the review carefully, I state every time you increase the volume with every click of the relay you get a crackling sound in the headphones, this is not a normal occurrence for relays
Not that I want them to eliminate the relay clicks, I have the serene which is a relay based attenuator and does not create that horrible noise in the signal path, every time you listen to headphones and increase the volume