THE ALLO KATANA 1.2 DAC REVIEW - A new ball game

[The Black Adder]

A few weeks ago I received the new DAC from Allo, the Katana 1.2!

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As some of you may know I've been using the Allo DAC products from the start and although there was some very understandable development hic-ups on the way Allo now have flourished in to a plethora of high quality audiophile products and the Katana is one which really stands out from the crowd.

On my last review of the Allo Boss DAC you may remember me asking how things could get any better? Well needless to say things have just got better, a truck load better.

Digital always surprises me in it's steps forward in sonic performance, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Jumping right back to the IQ Audio DAC I was quite amazed how great it sounded. I was hooked pretty quickly. But back then things were a little confusing and sometimes frustrating when setting up due to the early development of software.

The Katana 1.2 is simply brilliant in it's set up. Mine came with an RPI 3 and I also got the new Isolator fitted which some of you may have read about in my previous reviews. The Isolator is simply a must IMO.

So, lets unpacking the Katana 1.2.

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It's worth me mentioning at this point that you don't need a christmas tree, it's very pretty with lots of little lights... lol

The Katana arrived ready made but I felt you needed to see the individual parts as you guys like to see so I carefully disassembled it for your pleasure.

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The assembly is really easy but because some of the cards are now using smaller multi-pin connectors it certainly aquires more care but if one takes time it fits together perfectly.

The case is really easy to assemble as most of you know. It's a jig-saw sort of affair and clicks together perfectly around the unit. It's also nice and strong and sturdy.

My reviews are based on using the bog standard power supplies. Although I'm a big believer in what a good PSU can do I find this to be the best way to give an honest account.

So let's get down to the switch on and most importantly, the sound.

I've been waiting for this for quite a while and I kind of knew that I wouldn't be disappointed but I didn't expect the advancement since the Boss DAC.

I have a selection of albums I use as a benchmark which IMO give a good breadth of styles from 1960/70s to modern day dance and Goa trance.

The first albums were Demon Fuzz, Afreaka! and Pink Floyd, Meddle.

As soon as the first track hit my speakers I simply thought it was the Boss DAC, not much in difference at all. Maybe a little more space in the stage but nothing to write home about and still amazingly good as ever. But after only a few songs in on Meddle things started to change. I wasn't expecting the sound to form so quickly out of the box as well all know these things need around 100 hours to really start to boogie.

So, when the track Echoes hit things were getting a little scary... in a good way. I had to get up a few times, walk around a bit to make sure I wasn't hearing things. The bass was lovely with a gorgeous 'Floooowmmm' which really resonated whilst the mids were coming through nice and easy. It immediately made me want to hear a more modern album because the bass was so nice. But at the same time I simply had to just keep listening.

At this point things were getting very exciting so on went Shpongle Codex IV. I love Shpongle, the ambiance and the textures are really amazing, kinda messes wiv ya head. :)

So when the bass kicked in I was blown away. I have the same album on vinyl which I thought was the best sound but I must admit this is trumping it somewhat.

When previously hearing this using the Boss DAC the sound was great, detailed and wholesome. Hearing it through the Katana 1.2 is a new experience IMO. The pace and the transient detail is upped in accuracy and the smoothness is very analogue sounding.

The word 'harshness' doesn't even come in to it. It just doesn't sound digitally over thought which has always been the real bug bear of digital sound.

The thing I believe makes a massive difference with the ALLO DAC hardware is the Isolator. It really does make a huge difference and well worth the extra outlay. Without it, the sound is flatter and not as smooth. With the Isolator you need an extra PSU as it feeds the RPI.

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Because I'm currently using bog standard PSU's I can only imagine how much improvement there is to come using the Katana 1.2 and I'll be updating this thread when I get a nice linear regulated PSU.

I started this review a few weeks ago and I've had it running most days and since then the sound has grown even more in every way. The highs have really come in to their own. The whole image is nicely balanced and it really is something to admire.

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As you can see, it's grown up. Now with 5 boards including the Pi it now certainly looks like a serious bit of kit.

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What are my bad points?

It's really difficult to pick it apart at the moment.

I suppose it would be down to the look and the usability of the case maybe? If the case was larger to allow all cables to enter and exit from the back and made of aluminium that would be great. Make it look 'not like an RPI' package. It would also make it easier to dust.

It gets quite warm and although the plastic case covers most of the board it still looks quite exposed so again, to have this in a nice aluminium case would be really nice.

Also as noted previously, if you are going to assemble it yourself then do take care with the smaller connectors on the boards.

A genuine ALLO PSU would be perfect and is in development. Hopefully the PSU will have two or more power outputs and to have that in a matching aluminium case with the DAC would be lovely too. (wishes)

My closing comment - The Katana is a fantastic DAC with a whole lotta soul.

Thanks :)

[AJSki2fly]

Great review Josie. I was wondering what one of these would be like, I may be tempted in the future to see if is an upgrade to my current set up.

[mightymonoped]

Thanks Josie,

Looks like my next upgrade is planned then! :-)

Tony

[Yatsushiro]

Hi Josie

Which output stage are you using? Did Allo send you both to try? Which do you prefer?

[antonio]

Very nice review, and pleased your happy with the new Allo. I have read that using a good LPSU makes worthwhile improvements with these products, it certainly did with my Project cdp and Calyx dac.

[The Black Adder]

Thanks guys. Glad you like it. :)

Its certainly worth the upgrade.

Hi Paul. I don't use the ALLO output stage products but I am curious to try them to be honest.

[mikmas]

Great review Josie - thank you :)
Been very interested in this development so is good to hear your (positive) experience.

Also agree about a more robust and professional looking casing .... this DIY lego-like structure I find very off putting.

[Yatsushiro]

Thanks guys. Glad you like it. :)

Its certainly worth the upgrade.

Hi Paul. I don't use the ALLO output stage products but I am curious to try them to be honest.

Hi Josie

Apologies, I wasn't clear in my question. Allo supply the Katana with one of two (or both) output stages, one based on the best THD numbers, one that apparently sounds the best. Looking at your packaging, it would seem that you've got the THD output stage. Some reviewers have been sent both, and there is a difference, sonically; I just wondered whether you had both available, and could offer your opinion.

[The Black Adder]

Hi Paul.

I was only sent the THD version but will ask if the other version is available to review too. :)

[The Black Adder]

Great review Josie - thank you :)
Been very interested in this development so is good to hear your (positive) experience.

Also agree about a more robust and professional looking casing .... this DIY lego-like structure I find very off putting.

Thanks, Mike. Your welcome.

Yes, the case work is rather simple. I now feel this Allo package now needs to be presented much more professionally. To be able to buy a nicely designed case which fixes the wiring direction issue would be superb. :)

It's all good feedback for Allo.

[Yatsushiro]

Hi Josie

What OS are you running on the RPi3, Moode?

[The Black Adder]

Hi Paul.

Currently using Volumio which isn't my favorite. I used to use Moode but it got all fiddly to install but now I believe it's back as a straight forward install so when I get time I'll install Moode.

I have it downloaded but just not got round to using it.

Which are you using?

[Yatsushiro]

Currently on PiCorePlayer, having been through Rune, Moode and Volumio. Never got on too well with Volumio, always preferred Rune until I discovered PCP. I have an RPi based LMS, supporting 5 different RPi/DAC combinations in various rooms.

It's extremely stable, very easy to install and configure. It runs totally in RAM, so easily survives a planned or unplanned powerdown, and doesn't end up corrupting your SD card file system.

Have a look: https://picoreplayer.org/

[smallangryboy]

Stupid question but do you know the height for all the stacked boards and including the Raspberry PI? I'm auditioning DACS at the moment and am on the Allo ones. This one is on my hit list but the case with the supply where it's going isn't very tall...

[Alp]

I have an Allo DigiOne feeding a Caiman SEG DAC. I have been considering an upgrade to the Digione Signature but, for not much more money I could have a "single box" solution using the Katana.

It would be interesting if anyone compared the Katana against the DigiOne/Caiman SEG or Digione Signature/Caiman SEG combos.

[The Black Adder]

Stupid question but do you know the height for all the stacked boards and including the Raspberry PI? I'm auditioning DACS at the moment and am on the Allo ones. This one is on my hit list but the case with the supply where it's going isn't very tall...Will find that out for you, no probs.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[The Black Adder]

Stupid question but do you know the height for all the stacked boards and including the Raspberry PI? I'm auditioning DACS at the moment and am on the Allo ones. This one is on my hit list but the case with the supply where it's going isn't very tall...

I'd say 7.5cm high to be safe, 8cm to be safer. That's from the top of the bottom plate (including standoffs to the Pi) to the highest point on the top board.

Hope that helps.

[smallangryboy]

That's great, but not so great as my case is 55mm high internally 🤔

Thanks though!

[The Black Adder]

Your very welcome. Time to get a bigger case maybe? ... Lol

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[smallangryboy]

Looks that way 😁 Currently reasonable happy with the Boss 1.2 and a cheap Chinese linear supply, I'm wondering if the katana gives that much more at 4 times the price?

Do you have any experience using the Allo isolator? I'm wondering if this will add anything to my setup...

[Damian]

Those Allo products are bloody good. Picked up a Allo DigiOne and paired it up to a RPi 3B+ and the 7" touchscreen and with a little bit of effort (Stanley knife) got them all connected inside the official 7" case powered with a iFi iPower power supply.

The sound quality is truly excellent and certainly a rival for my Cambridge Audio CXN and gives me a chance to start using my DAC again.

[The Black Adder]

Looks that way [emoji16] Currently reasonable happy with the Boss 1.2 and a cheap Chinese linear supply, I'm wondering if the katana gives that much more at 4 times the price?

Do you have any experience using the Allo isolator? I'm wondering if this will add anything to my setup...I recommend the isolator for sure.

It certainly adds more body to the sound.

The katana is a great upgrade from the Boss 1.2. But the Boss is a superb dac so just take your time with things.





Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[Bigman80]

I'm sitting here listening to a Allo Boss? Stuck on top of some raspberry pie, courtesy of a loan from Mikeyb.

I'm very impressed.

[The Black Adder]

I'm sitting here listening to a Allo Boss? Stuck on top of some raspberry pie, courtesy of a loan from Mikeyb.

I'm very impressed.Yep the boss dac is really something special IMO. The katana 1.2 simply adds to it.



Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[smallangryboy]

I recommend the isolator for sure.

It certainly adds more body to the sound.

The katana is a great upgrade from the Boss 1.2. But the Boss is a superb dac so just take your time with things.

Cheers! I will, I'm enjoying the journey. The aim is to build a Naim ND5XS2 but a little cheaper 😁

[The Black Adder]

Cheers! I will, I'm enjoying the journey. The aim is to build a Naim ND5XS2 but a little cheaper [emoji16]Lol.. A LOT cheaper... [emoji3]

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[Bigman80]

I have a pi question or two.

1) IF I were to use a SSD with the Pi to store the music files, would it need any extra power?

2) IF I were to use a Linear PSU, What king of spec would be required and does anyone have a handy link?

[mightymonoped]

Yep the boss dac is really something special IMO. The katana 1.2 simply adds to it.



Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

Couldn’t stop smiling first time I heard the Boss in action. It still amazes me now, every time I listen it pulls out something new. My other sources have all been relegated. Love it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bourneendboy]

I'm also using a Boss V1.2 and am very impressed with it. Thinking about buying an external DAC but can't bring myself to do it at the moment.

The isolator board has been mentioned, I have read this is not suitable for the Boss, is that not correct?

[sourplum]

I'm also using a Boss V1.2 and am very impressed with it. Thinking about buying an external DAC but can't bring myself to do it at the moment.

The isolator board has been mentioned, I have read this is not suitable for the Boss, is that not correct?

I am using the isolator with the Boss, works like a charm

[Bourneendboy]

I am using the isolator with the Boss, works like a charm

Does it fit between the Pi and Boss or on top?

I guess it won't fit inside the aluminium case?

[Alp]

I have a pi question or two.

1) IF I were to use a SSD with the Pi to store the music files, would it need any extra power?

2) IF I were to use a Linear PSU, What king of spec would be required and does anyone have a handy link?

You can run the SSD from the USB, no problem. I did that for a while but (apparently) an SSD generates a lot of noise; I have found the sound to be better streaming from my NAS across wifi.

From what I have read, a linear PSU might be wasted on the RPi itself. I recently bought a 50000 mAh MaxOak battery which has high current output and lasts ages and is much cheaper than a quality linear PSU with a high output current. The DigiOne Signature and Katana both isolate the "dirty" power of the RPi from a separate clean power supply (e.g. a battery or linear PSU) and you also need much lower current supply for that part too.

[Bigman80]

You can run the SSD from the USB, no problem. I did that for a while but (apparently) an SSD generates a lot of noise; I have found the sound to be better streaming from my NAS across wifi.

From what I have read, a linear PSU might be wasted on the RPi itself. I recently bought a 50000 mAh MaxOak battery which has high current output and lasts ages and is much cheaper than a quality linear PSU with a high output current. The DigiOne Signature and Katana both isolate the "dirty" power of the RPi from a separate clean power supply (e.g. a battery or linear PSU) and you also need much lower current supply for that part too.Ah, I see.

Thanks for that.

[Sherwood]

Thanks, Mike. Your welcome.

Yes, the case work is rather simple. I now feel this Allo package now needs to be presented much more professionally. To be able to buy a nicely designed case which fixes the wiring direction issue would be superb. :)

It's all good feedback for Allo.

I would have bought this myself if the product was produced in a case ideally with a good LPS to feed each board. At the asking price it needs to excel on ergonomics and not just on SQ!

[atca]

My unstacked stack in 50mm case.

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[walpurgis]

Sugden box, but internals look non-standard to me. Not that I'm familiar with the original.

[Ashmore]

Hello all

I continue to use the Pi3 + IQ Audio DAC combo. I've been (and continue to be) mostly very happy with it. But having been 'away' for a couple of years I see things have moved on somewhat!

I'm not a newcomer but it's hard to assess the merits of digital stuff, and I suppose I have the impossible question - so with apologies in advance for it - in what ways could I expect this modern marvel to exceed my IQaudio setup? (I note we are in a different price bracket here too).

Simon

PS I'm running a lovely Lurcher 300b, and terrific Reiver (Colin Topps) speakers, it's a revealing system. I manage the current pi set up with picore and squeezecommander.

[mikeyb]

Hello all

I continue to use the Pi3 + IQ Audio DAC combo. I've been (and continue to be) mostly very happy with it. But having been 'away' for a couple of years I see things have moved on somewhat!

I'm not a newcomer but it's hard to assess the merits of digital stuff, and I suppose I have the impossible question - so with apologies in advance for it - in what ways could I expect this modern marvel to exceed my IQaudio setup? (I note we are in a different price bracket here too).

Simon

PS I'm running a lovely Lurcher 300b, and terrific Reiver (Colin Topps) speakers, it's a revealing system. I manage the current pi set up with picore and squeezecommander.I've had an IQAudio DAC hat before, in fact it was my first Pi DAC, but I have to say that the Allo kit is better sounding but others might say different.

The Allo kit is more expensive of course so no shame on the IQAudio.

[jonners]

@Ashmore

I think you would find that the Katana is in a different league, and your system is certainly good enough to benefit from it. You need to factor in the cost of at least two decent 5V power supplies though.

[atca]

Sugden box, but internals look non-standard to me. Not that I'm familiar with the original.Pi3b+
Allo Katana 1.2
Allo Isolator
2x 5v linear PSU from MPAudio
240v to 6v AC transformer from MPAudio

[Ashmore]

Thanks both. I have a couple of Lurcher linear supplies. I use one for the Pi now, I imagine I can get an adapter for the other.

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[The Black Adder]

Just updating this thread for you guys.

I've recently been running the SQ version opposed to the THD version lately.

The difference between them both is small. Differences with the SQ is a smoother, more analogue sound. It reminds me of a more vintage DAC but without the bad bits. It has the same presentation, focus and scale as the THD version but with a touch more class. A more ethereal, classic and natural quality.

The bass is somewhat more dynamic too. Still as lovely as THD but with a tad more sway.

So far it's been in my system for just over 3 days and so this is still 'burning in'so I'll be back with more later on.

My preference so far is the SQ is more me but I'll be keeping both to do further experiments.

[Jimbo]

What does SQ and THD stand for Josie?

[Ashmore]

Hi Jimbo

This from the Allo site

Katana gives you the choice between 2 stages:
"Pure THD+N": At -112.9 Thd+n 1Khz A weighted, this stage will satisfy those that want no distortion in music. Board sounds very good.
"Sound quality" stage: 100.5 Thd+n a weighted 1Khz, this board has been optimized for sound quality. While sacrificing some thd+n numbers we found the subjective experience to be, in a word, closer to analog sound.

You can apparently change from one to the other within the same unit by moving jumpers and suchlike.

Simon

[The Black Adder]

Aw.. Thanks Simon.

Sorry, James.. I just kept getting distracted but Simon has explained it better than I.



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[Jimbo]

Thanks for the explanation. I think the SQ may sound better?:)

[The Black Adder]

That's my findings, James.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[Ashmore]

I’ve been using the Katana (SQ version) with Isolator for a few weeks and thought some fellow forum members might appreciate a further user perspective.

For the record I have no relationship with Allo, other than as a customer. I haven’t used their other products and I purchased the Katana with my own cash.

A bit of preamble. I have used the PI & IQ Audio DAC+ combo since whenever it was the DAC+ came out. A couple of years at least. Before that I had streamed to Squeezebox devices from a Vortexbox (NAS). So I am pretty comfortable with streaming solutions.

I use the Katana with the recommended two PSU setup; a Nick Lurcher Linear supply for the isolator/Katana and a switch-mode for the Pi. The rest of the system is a ‘Lurcher’ built 300b SET (super) and Colin Topps Fenwick (wonderful largish stand mounts).

Cutting to the chase, in every respect the Katana is fantastic. My experience fully reflects the improvements and characteristics others have described - timing, separation, sound stage, detail retrieval – large ticks in every box. I have encountered no listener fatigue. Quite the contrary the sound is so engaging that I am spending hours listening. It’s a wonder.

Within my system this is not a small step up. The improvements were instantly very noticeable, as well they might be - the Katana is at least six times the price of the DAC+ - so there’s no dishonour to IQ audio here.

I waited some weeks before writing this up to allow myself time to validate my opinions and observe any burn-in effect. I have to say I’m unsure about burn in, not that I disbelieve the possibility, but I’m not sure to what extent perceived differences are due to physical component changes vs getting used to a sound signature over time. I feel it is sounding smoother.

Further observations:
I use the Katana with Picoreplayer. All works a treat. There are some DSP options that you can do on the fly, but I’ve found the changes (at best) very subtle. A welcome addition is that you can set a maximum volume through Picore, and then tweak volume in player software.

The katana runs warm.

I purchased the pre-made player version, which should effectively be a plug-and-play 2 psu option. That wasn’t quite my experience since the kit is supplied set up as though it were the non-isolator version. To get mine working I had to a) buy a second USBC adaptor (only one is supplied), and b) close a jumper (bung the supplied cap over a couple of prongs – skill level required: toddler). Potential buyers should note that although set up is for two PSU operation, only one is supplied.

None of these things are big deals, but although Allo provide a ‘how to’ guide, I hadn’t appreciated I would need to do them, and so set up involved a bit of swearing and for Paul from Picoreplayer to point out I needed to close off the jumper.

So, a little more refinement needed in Allo’s customer experience, but far from being a bewilderingly complex set up that some have speculated about.

Hope this is useful to some folk.

[Bigman80]

Can the isolator be used with the boss?

[struth]

why those little.... yup agree if you bought it a a up and running unit they should have supplied 2 psu and done thumper or at least added a leaflet with how to.

[Ashmore]

To be fair to Allo, they do provide a leaflet. I just didn't think it applied to me!

[struth]

fair enough :) still would prefer they sent all the stuff tho. nowt worse than buying something and cant use it because you need something. fine for folk in the know, but they have to idiot proof it really

[Ashmore]

Can the isolator be used with the boss?

Hi Oliver. The Allo website says yes. I have no personal experience of setting one up or using the Boss.

[Bigman80]

Hi Oliver. The Allo website says yes. I have no personal experience of setting one up or using the Boss.Yup, the website doesn't really explain how one would connect the boss from the isolator to be honest, or it does and I haven't found it!

Edit, read the manual, still not sure lol

[Yatsushiro]

Hi Oliver

I use the Isolator V1.2 with the V1.2 Boss DAC. It's very easy to set up, with just one jumper on the Boss in place or not depending up on whether you are powering the Boss or the Isolator (easier to do than to explain). It's a step up frpom the previous Boss, the Boss 1.2 on it's own and perhaps better than the Piano/Kali set up.

[Bigman80]

Hi Oliver

I use the Isolator V1.2 with the V1.2 Boss DAC. It's very easy to set up, with just one jumper on the Boss in place or not depending up on whether you are powering the Boss or the Isolator (easier to do than to explain). It's a step up frpom the previous Boss, the Boss 1.2 on it's own and perhaps better than the Piano/Kali set up.Ok!

Finally, someone who knows.

Right, so the isolator is sandwiched between the pi and Boss yes?

Put the jumper back in the boss and power from the Isolator? I'm currently bpowering boss and pi separately.

[Yatsushiro]

Hi Oliver

Yes, the isolator fits between the Pi and the Boss DAC.

The Isolator requires it's 'primary power' either from a powered Pi, or from the USB C connector (this will then also feed the Pi). Jumper J26 to be set accordingly.

The Isolator requires it's 'secondary' power to be supplied via the Boss DAC, so you use the USB C connector on the Boss, put J25 in place and this will feed the Isolator secondary.

[Bigman80]

Hi Oliver

Yes, the isolator fits between the Pi and the Boss DAC.

The Isolator requires it's 'primary power' either from a powered Pi, or from the USB C connector (this will then also feed the Pi). Jumper J26 to be set accordingly.

The Isolator requires it's 'secondary' power to be supplied via the Boss DAC, so you use the USB C connector on the Boss, put J25 in place and this will feed the Isolator secondary.Ok, I still don't entirely understand because Im not clued up enough of J26 etc.

Stick a pic up?

[Yatsushiro]

Can't do a picture right now, but assuming you have the RPI, Isolator & Boss assembled, then:

1. The Boss must be powered directly with a PSU connected via it's USB C connector. Jumper J25 must be closed/in place to provide the Isolator secondary power.

2. The Isolator can be powered (primary power) either directly by connecting a PSU to it's USB C connector (with J26 closed/in place) OR indirectly by connecting a PSU to the RPi microUSB port (with J26 open/not in place)

As I said, easier to do than to explain...

[Bigman80]

Can't do a picture right now, but assuming you have the RPI, Isolator & Boss assembled, then:

1. The Boss must be powered directly with a PSU connected via it's USB C connector. Jumper J25 must be closed/in place to provide the Isolator secondary power.

2. The Isolator can be powered (primary power) either directly by connecting a PSU to it's USB C connector (with J26 closed/in place) OR indirectly by connecting a PSU to the RPi microUSB port (with J26 open/not in place)

As I said, easier to do than to explain...Ah, now I get it lol.

Thanks for the explanation. I'll be ordering one tomorrow.

O

[struth]

More than I did.. Lol

[Bigman80]

More than I did.. LolLol I had the manual to hand and am starting to get the idea. It's actually a clever bit of kit.

This Allo boss 1.2 board will possibly be up against some stiff competition in a few weeks time.

More on that at the time.

[Yatsushiro]

This Allo boss 1.2 board will possibly be up against some stiff competition in a few weeks time.

Intrigued, I am...

[Bigman80]

Intrigued, I am...Indeed........

I dare not say too much at this point because I don't physically have the device in my hand.

Once i do, I'll be sharing the experience. I've even drafted in someone who's as hard to convince about digital as I am, to offer his thoughts on a comparison between the Boss and the new device.