What actually matters

First thing I want to mention is that I believe headphone amplifiers are 99% snake oil. I own an hd600 and dt1990 both of which many people believe require/benefit from amplification which is false, they sound the same out of any average source as they do fancy amps. So why did I buy the liquid spark? Surprisingly the options for a good-looking audio knob are slim and word on the street is that this amp both looks and feels pretty good for the price. I think $109 is steep for a metal box with volume knob, but the aesthetics, chassis, and knob feel all beat everything else this cheap. The schiit magni, fiio k5 pro, and o2 all lose in these categories imo. The k5 chassis is very good, but the others just get trashed by the LS. The k5 has a larger knob but it has a bit of a stuck-in-jello feel while the liquid spark knob is very smooth and feels especially good to operate with a fingertip. The other budget amp knobs are all garbage in comparison. These glorified volume knobs should at least do that well, and the LS does.



Things no one mentions:

1. Yes, the LS is usable with sensitive gear. You can be very accurate with the knob

2. The finish on the front and back is lighter than the rest. It’s not an angle thing.

3. The knob will be slightly noticeably warm but it’s pleasant if anything.

4. Don’t be alarmed when you pick it up out of the box and it feels too light and cheap. All budget amps feel like that and are much better when they are on a desk. The LS is heavy enough to stay put with some cable movement.

5. The LED is super dim. Love it.

6. The texture has a great soft feel. It’s between a glossy and matte finish and barely shows fingerprints. The buttons and knob have the same nice textured finish.