I'm going for the Black Lion Premium Apollo Mod

Other than the clock, and that depends on how you view the clock as a component, all of the other mod components are analog components, so there wouldn't really be any parts that could be "checked" by the system.

I'm curious about this mod. I've considered it before, but never pulled the trigger. It's not even because I necessarily had any complaints about the sound. It was mostly just FOMO, but that always got cured when I looked at the price and wondered if it actually made a difference.

That said, I do own two x16s, so I would actually be able to mod just one and then do a true A/B comparison. That's always been part of my reason for not doing the mod. Before I got a second x16s, I was always put off by the ability to do a real comparison, and was otherwise left to reading opinions or listening to loopback files which were still passing thru my own Apollo. So I never could be convinced to pull the trigger. Maybe one of these days. I'll be curious to see what John thinks.

Don’t know if the embedded link still works?

realgearonline.com/thread/3817/black-lion-audio-premium-apollo

British and Sting is supposed to be a big fan .

I bet it will be great.

I think at minimum it raises the floor of the system. Worst case? You have more, higher quality channels to work with, or a fall back should you encounter a technical problem or need service on other components. Best case? it satisfies the quality bar and streamlines the process to how you like to work.

This is ultimately where I ended up. I had my BLA modded rack unit as the centerpiece with a 2192 front end and an Antelope and/or benchmark DAC1 DA. When the power supply went out on my 2192, I found what I lost in sound quality I made up for in speed and ease. I found I mixed worse through the Antelope, and found the modded Apollo and the Benchmark were extremely similar. So I eventually sold all the other components and bought mics.

When I downsized, I just downsized from an BLA Apollo Rack to a BLA Apollo twin. I actually found the headphone outs better on the twin. Probably just a more recent mod, but that was not real subtle.

Anyway, seems like a win win for a lot less money that we spend on most things, yet with the ability to even save some money if it meets or exceeds expectations. Looking forward to hearing how it goes - you certainly have a wealth of experience with which to compare - you will be in a unique position to provide great feedback.

We definitely mod the x16. It was the last gen black 16 that we didn’t mod

Thx, for the clarification !

Well.... ? Johnkenn

8)


cheers

Wiz

Just got it back this morning...and have been super excited to try it out!

I get it set up enough to take a preliminary listen...and my phone rings. It's my neighbor writhing in pain because he'd just called 911. So I ran over and he had just about cut his big toe off with the lawnmower. It was not what one would describe as "good."

Once the ambulance left, I rejoined my pursuit of sonic bliss (or something that will make me some money) and pushed play...and the image is slightly to the left. Ruh Roh. I'd just been using the Hilo this morning and everything was totally fine. But now, image shifts to the left. So the first thing I did was take the monitor controller out of the path and when I did that, everything was fine and centered. After about 30 minutes, I figure out the $65 Mogami Gold cable on the right monitor out just all of a sudden has less output. Once I replaced that, I could finally switch back and forth between the Apollo modded DA and the Hilo.

I should just get this out of the way: the Apollo no longer has that "bite."

(This is all without the Trinnov in the path.)

And they are super, super close. They sound like brothers, honestly. The Apollo has a little tighter bottom end - and I would say objectively tighter. Listening to Sade "No Ordinary Love." It has this sub synth part all the way through the song. Here's what I mean by "tight." (I'm typing as I listen) The Hilo sounds like it has more sub information, but it sounds like it's smearing a bit. That's probably the wrong word, but it's like slightly out of focus. Sometimes I can get the sense listening to thaat synth bassline that I'm not hearing the attacks as well as on the Apollo. Like it has a tiny bit of diffusion on it...or like when you use a linear EQ and you lose attack on the bottom. BTW - all of this is nitpicking. Both of these units are just killer.
As for the top end, the Apollo is still brighter. More presence. It's just enough that you notice it. If I had ONE complaint with the Hilo, it's that it can sound a little boring and flat. Which - hey - you want your DA flat, right? The Apollo is just a tad lifted in comparison. Again - nitpicking. Honestly, I'd rather err on the side of mixes ending up a little less bright...so that doesn't bother me. And which one is more correct? No idea. Again - I'm really talking about small, small differences. I'm not totally sure I could pick these blind...but that's what I think I hear. If I had to say which was the winner for the top, I'd probably say the Hilo handles it a little more effortlessly.

I do love the Hilo - considering it's below $2k for a used one, it's obviously cheaper than buying an Apollo and then the mod. But if I can get away with one interface - just to cut down on all the digital ins and outs etc...and pocket the money from selling the Hilo...that's a win.

XB Mod (Premium Analog I/O & XB Clock)

Analog

– New, high performance op-amps on all analog inputs and outputs
– New, high-grade signal path capacitors on analog inputs (not available on X16)
– New, high-grade decoupling capacitors on mic preamps, Hi-Z inputs, and headphone amplifiers (not available on X16)
– New, high-grade decoupling capacitors on line outputs (X16 only)
– New, high-grade decoupling capacitors used for global power filtration
– Improving the performance of the analog stage circuits makes a drastic difference for tracking, mixing, and mastering (expect amazing micro-dynamics and space)!
Digital

– New internal, ultra-low-jitter, XB word clock with proprietary implementation
– The clock modification makes a big difference to the A/D and D/A conversion stages. It opens up the soundstage and removes grit!
– Proprietary decoupling on all A/D and D/A converters using methods found in our Signature, FM, and XB modifications
– Our approach to converter decoupling reduces noise generated during the conversion process, leaving you with crisp, clear audio!

Noticed this immediately

Thanks for the update. Sounds like a good value.

Curious to hear your thoughts on how the AD sounds now... would also be great if it could improve the microphone preamps, hi-z inputs and headphone amps which are mediocre at best on my x6 to my ears....

I listened (I use a Hearback system) and it's louder, with less distortion.