Dethonray Clarinet vs Onix Mystic

I don’t have a lot of AKM based devices. I do have the Mystic at hand. So, why not have an unfair comparison?

Test Gear: iMac, SMSL PO100 optical, AüR Aehta, Goldie Prototype Cable.

Both units are fed via optical input. Some comments are in comparison on AB, others general comments. Listened to a mix of acoustic, modern pop, electronic dance, and canto pop.

Dethonray Clarinet

• Stage is closer.
• Warm
• Female vocals are very engaging.
• Strings like guitars are imaged right outside my ears, but bite.
• Resolution is mid tier and rendered on the smooth side
• Energetic, highly dynamic
• Electronic baselines sound amazing
• Mid bass is boosted
• Thick and rich presentation

Onix Mystic

• Very wide stage and separation
• Linear image placement
• Highly resolving
• High clarity
• A more laid back presentation
• Overall there is a sense of maturity to the presentation
• Female vocals are very pleasantly textured. Which is unusual for AKM
• Dynamics is lower, but the high resolution makes it engaging
• Bass is lighter, both mid and sub
• Instruments have a feel they’re presented at the correct levels in comparison to the vocals.
• Layering is first class. At no point in a busy track does it bunch up. I can clearly hear the lead vocals and backup vocals imaged at the same time. I can tell electric guitars and acoustic guitars overlapping.

Conclusion

The Clarinet sounds excellent with any genre. It’s a great example of good tuning over technical specs. While it may not deliver hyper-resolution, its tuning is so impressive that you'll find yourself listening for hours.

I've tried to find some drawbacks with the Clarinet for a balanced view. There are a couple of annoying quirks with the volume knob, and plugging in the IEM can cause some loud clicking sounds. Honestly, these don't bother me much. It sounds amazing musically, and that's what really counts.

On the other hand, the Mystic is the mature choice. It offers a technically skilled and refined version of the AKM sound. Instead of a young rock band, you get an experienced performer with total control and a perfect presentation.

So, which one is better? The Clarinet delivers warmth, dynamic female vocals, and a rich tonality. In contrast, the Mystic provides high resolution and a flawless technical performance without sounding dry. They are both so different that it's tough to choose. But if I have to pick, I go with the Clarinet. At the price of a dinner, it sounds great with every song. You really can't beat that.

#Amps #Dac #Dethonray #Onix