Asus ROG Maximus VII Impact

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Icer Jo

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Official Page is now on the ASUS Website!: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/MAXIMUS_VII_IMPACT/

From Asus's Rog Website(http://rog.asus.com/324662014/maximus-motherboards/maximus-vii-impact-mini-itx-max-spec/)

2nd Generation No Compromise Design
mPCIe Combo III card with 802.11ac and M.2 (up to PCIe 4x M.2 SSDs supported);
Intel GigE+LANGuard+GameFirst III;
SupremeFX Impact II (Sonic SenseAMP, Sonic SoundStage, Sonic Studio and Sonic Radar II);
Impact Control Card: KeyBot + SoundStage buttons
Impact CoolHub Card: 2x 4pin fan headers + LN2 mode switch
ROG UEFI BIOS Enhancements, including Secure Erase.

Five Exclusive Daughterboards

In order to maximize features, there are five exclusively designed vertical ‘daughterboards’ that provide power, sound, fan control, WiFi/SSD, ROG IO buttons. Their ultra-minimal design does not impede on component install.

Gaming or Overclocking: Built for Devil’s Canyon
Optimized for upcoming Devil’s Canyon, the new Impact overclocks like an ATX-class motherboard. The only mini-ITX Z97 with LN2 mode support.
Available: Officially Launched August 13th/14th 2014 now waiting for pricing and availablity.

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Higher Quality Motherboard Image via Anandtech


Images from The PC Enthusiast (article link- http://thepcenthusiast.com/asus-maximus-vii-impact-z97-mini-itx-motherboard/)

Top view
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Rear Panel
Asus-ROG-Maximus-VII-Impact-Rear-IO-Ports_zpsc1c2789d.jpg


Information From Techpowerup.com
ROG Maximus VII Impact gaming motherboard
Maximus VII Impact is the most powerful and maximum spec Z97-based mini-ITX gaming motherboard with a layout that delivers maximum compatibility with CPU coolers and expansion cards. It includes Impact Power II, a specially engineered full-scale power card for exceptional overclocking performance.

The Maximus VII Impact also features the SupremeFX Impact II dedicated audio card and a mPCIe Combo IV + 802.11ac/ Bluetooth 4.0 module with PCIe x4 bandwidth. ROG introduces Impact CoolHub on this motherboard, an optional card with two additional 4-pin fan headers along with an LN2 header for ultra-low-temperature overclocking adventures.

Official Specifications from the ASUS Website

CPU
Intel® Socket 1150 for the 5th/New 4th/4th Generation Core™ i7/Core™ i5/Core™ i3/Pentium®/Celeron® Processors
Supports Intel® 22 nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
* The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list

Chipset
Intel® Z97

Memory
2 x DIMM, Max. 16GB, DDR3 3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3100(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666(O.C.)/2600(O.C.)/2500(O.C.)/2400(O.C.)/2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).

Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor- Intel® HD Graphics support
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
- Supports HDMI with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 24 Hz / 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
Maximum shared memory of 512 MB
Supports Intel® InTru™ 3D, Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Insider™
DP 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport compliant, supports DP 1.2 monitor daisy chain up to 3 displays

Expansion Slots
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 *1
1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 *2

Storage
Intel® Z97 chipset :
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s), red,
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start Technology, Intel® Smart Connect Technology *3
PCI Express gen 3.0 : *1
1 x M.2 Socket 3 on mPCIe Combo IV expansion card(s), black, *4
Support M.2 Type 2242/2260/2280/22110 SSD card (up to 110mm in length), support PCI express 3.0 x4 standard

LAN
Intel® I218V, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s), featuring GAMEFIRST III
Intel® LAN- Dual interconnect between the Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)
Anti-surge LANGuard

Wireless Data Network
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac*5
Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz
Support ASUS Wi-Fi Go! Utility

Bluetooth
Bluetooth V4.0

Audio
ROG SupremeFX Impact II 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC *6
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology
- ELNA premium audio capacitors
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- DTS Connect
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Sonic SoundStage
- Sonic SenseAmp
- Sonic Studio
- Sonic Radar II

USB Ports
Intel® Z97 chipset : *7
6 x USB 3.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, blue, 2 at mid-board)
Intel® Z97 chipset : *8
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (4 at back panel, black, 2 at mid-board)

ROG Exclusive Features
SupremeFX Impact II
Impact CoolHub
mPCIe Combo IV (mPCIe/M.2 combo card)
Impact Power II :
- 8 + 2 phase power design
- NexFET™ Power Block MOSFET
- 60A BlackWing Chokes
- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
Mem TweakIt
ROG Extreme OC kit :
- LN2 Mode *9
ProbeIt
KeyBot
- CPU Level Up
- XMP
- Direct Key
UEFI BIOS features :
- GPU.DIMM Post
- Tweakers' Paradise
- ROG SSD Secure Erase
- Graphic Card Information Preview
ROG RAMDisk
GameFirst III
Extreme Tweaker

Special Features
5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ Power Control, Fan Xpert 2, and Turbo App together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app usages.
Gamer's Guardian:
- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB3.0/2.0 ports
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
- Stainless Steel Back I/O
ASUS Wi-Fi GO!
- Wi-Fi GO! Function: Cloud GO!, Remote Desktop, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, File Transfer
- Wi-Fi GO! & NFC Remote app for portable smartphone/tablet, supporting iOS 7 & Android 4.0 systems
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- USB BIOS Flashback
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- USB Charger+
- USB 3.0 Boost
- Disk Unlocker
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS USB BIOS Flashback
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
- Push Notice
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Cable
- ASUS Q-Code
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-DIMM
Overclocking Protection :
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Media Streamer
Turbo App

Operating System Support
Windows® 8.1
Windows® 8
Windows® 7

Back I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.0 (blue)
4 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to ROG Connect)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
3 x Audio jack(s)
1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
1 x ROG Connect On/ Off switch(es)
1 x Q-Code LED
1 x Sonic SoundStage button
1 x KeyBot button

Internal I/O Ports
1 x USB 3.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.0 port(s)
1 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x TPM connector(s)
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s) *9
1 x 8-pin EATX 12 V Power connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)*10
1 x System panel(s)
10 x ProbeIt Measurement Points
1 x LN2 Mode header(s)*9
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Reset button(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo IV connector(s)
1 x LN2 Mode jumper(s)
1 x ROG extension (ROG_EXT) header(s)
1 x Impact CoolHub connector(s)
1 x SupremeFX Impact II connector(s)

Accessories
User's manual
1 x ASUS Q-Cable
1 x SupremeFX Impact II audio card(s)
1 x Optional 4-in-1 washers for CPU cooler backplate
I/O Shield
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
1 x 12 in 1 ROG Cable Label(s)
1 x mPCIe Combo IV card(s) with dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth v4.0 module
1 x Impact CoolHub card(s)

BIOS
64Mb UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.7, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.8, ACPI5.0 Multi-Language BIOS

Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.7, WOL by PME, PXE

Support Disc
Drivers
ROG GameFirst III
ROG RAMDisk
ROG CPU-Z
ROG Mem TweakIt
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus
DAEMON Tools Pro Standard
ASUS WebStorage
Home Cloud
ASUS Utilities

Form Factor
Mini ITX Form Factor
6.7 inch x 6.7 inch ( 17 cm x 17 cm )

Note
*1: The M.2 slot shares bandwidth with PCIe 3.0/2.0 X16 slot. Bandwidth on the PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slot becomes x8 when M.2 device is inserted.
*2: The mini-PCIe slot is pre-installed with a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module on mPCIe Combo IV expansion card.
*3: The functions support depends on the CPU types.
*4: M.2 slot supports PCIE mode storage device only.
*5: The module is pre-installed on mPCIe Combo IV expansion card.
*6: 8-channel audio output is supported by jack-retasking using a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel.
*7: Support ASUS USB 3.0 Boost, UASP standard on the Intel native USB 3.0 is only supported under WindowsR 8.1/8.
*8: 2 x USB2.0 ports at mid-board (USB1213) shares with ROG extension (ROG_EXT) port.
*9: 1 x LN2 mode header and CHAFAN_2/3 locate on Impact CoolHub card.
*10: AAFP header locates on the SupremeFX Impact II card.
 
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I was partial towards the ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac until I saw the limited M.2 spec (PCIe 2x and Type 2242 or 2230 only). If this ticks my other boxes (Intel LAN, ALC 1150 or better sound chip), I'll be getting this instead.
 
Phuncz said:
I was partial towards the ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac until I saw the limited M.2 spec (PCIe 2x and Type 2242 or 2230 only). If this ticks my other boxes (Intel LAN, ALC 1150 or better sound chip), I'll be getting this instead.
Click to expand...
Only reason to get the ASRock is most likely price will be cheaper and the pass-through HDMI. I don't know what people actually use the pass-through HDMI for... can someone tell me?
 
Phuncz said:
I was partial towards the ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac until I saw the limited M.2 spec (PCIe 2x and Type 2242 or 2230 only). If this ticks my other boxes (Intel LAN, ALC 1150 or better sound chip), I'll be getting this instead.
Click to expand...

As Per a review by OCDrift it is Realtek 1150-based, But I will email ASUS on my lunch break, or later tonight for reassurance.
 
How does this board get PCIe 4x while other Z97 boards only get PCIe 2x? I'm assuming it's taking those extra lanes from something else?
 
You can get up to 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from Z97. There shouldn't be anything else on the Impact other than LAN, WiFi, and sound that needs lanes.
 
vipz said:
You can get up to 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from Z97. There shouldn't be anything else on the Impact other than LAN, WiFi, and sound that needs lanes.
Click to expand...
Good to know.

I wonder if the "MPCIE Combo" also has the Wifi adapter on it like the original Impact. If it doesn't I might try to pick one up since it has a "cleaner" look.
 
It's also possible that the M.2 slot is powered by PCIe 3.0 lanes off the CPU directly like with the Asrock Extreme 6, in that case the GPU would be limited to 8 lanes.
 
Phuncz said:
Which is not an issue, since it won't noticeably affect framerates: http://www.anandtech.com/show/8045/asrock-z97-extreme6-review-ultra-m2-x4-tested-with-xp941/11 (halfway through the page).
Click to expand...

Is this true for dual-GPU cards as well (R9 295x2, GTX 690)? I would think so, but a casual Google search doesn't turn up anyone actually testing this.

Anyway, I've been really impressed with how full-featured mITX motherboards have become! For this one in particular I struggle to think of anything else they could have added as a feature - not because of constraints, but because there literally aren't other features to be added. Just about the only thing I wish it had was a Thunderbolt port, though that's hardly of great concern.
 
PlayfulPhoenix said:
Just about the only thing I wish it had was a Thunderbolt port, though that's hardly of great concern.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about this as well, and would have liked to see it added (I'm a sucker for upgradeability and future-proofing), but I don't think it's possible with Z97 without sacrificing the PCI express 3.0 lanes to the GPU. Judging by the general feeling on this forum, that wouldn't fly with a lot of gamers (the target customer). The low PCIe 2.0 count (8 lanes) for Z97 also seems odd to me, since a full ATX board would only ever be able to use half of its features & expansion slots at a time.

I'm planning to put an Impact VII in my NCASE v2, and use an M.2 SSD (so x4 lanes is great). Besides the Wi-Fi card and M.2, is anything else using PCIe 2.0 lanes? If the Wi-Fi is x1, that leaves 3 lanes for other things. I'm just wondering if they used them all for something, which would make this board literally full-featured.
 
Kawi said:
I was thinking about this as well, and would have liked to see it added (I'm a sucker for upgradeability and future-proofing), but I don't think it's possible with Z97 without sacrificing the PCI express 3.0 lanes to the GPU. Judging by the general feeling on this forum, that wouldn't fly with a lot of gamers (the target customer). The low PCIe 2.0 count (8 lanes) for Z97 also seems odd to me, since a full ATX board would only ever be able to use half of its features & expansion slots at a time.

I'm planning to put an Impact VII in my NCASE v2, and use an M.2 SSD (so x4 lanes is great). Besides the Wi-Fi card and M.2, is anything else using PCIe 2.0 lanes? If the Wi-Fi is x1, that leaves 3 lanes for other things. I'm just wondering if they used them all for something, which would make this board literally full-featured.
Click to expand...

Onboard LAN does, I believe, and onboard sound?
 
PlayfulPhoenix said:
Is this true for dual-GPU cards as well (R9 295x2, GTX 690)? I would think so, but a casual Google search doesn't turn up anyone actually testing this.
Click to expand...
These use on-board switching, so the signal doesn't "loopback" over the PCIe bus.

Just about the only thing I wish it had was a Thunderbolt port, though that's hardly of great concern.
Click to expand...
I would have also loved that, 20Gb/s ports :D

Prelector said:
While this is true at 1080p gaming, when you move up to higher resolutions the impact becomes greater.
Click to expand...
True for SLI/Crossfire, but not for a single-card setup.
 
Checked with ASUS about the audio, all that they would confirm was that the Gene version uses a realtek driver and thus its realtek based :rolleyes: but they cannot speak of products that have not been released yet.
 
The Realtek ALC-1150 is very good in my opinion. With my Sennheiser HD555 headphones plugged into the front port (with the headphone amp) at 100% volume I have absolutely no hiss or noise. Or atleast none that I can hear in complete silence.

So I'm hoping it's that chip and not the ALC-892.
 
Phuncz said:
The Realtek ALC-1150 is very good in my opinion. With my Sennheiser HD555 headphones plugged into the front port (with the headphone amp) at 100% volume I have absolutely no hiss or noise. Or atleast none that I can hear in complete silence.

So I'm hoping it's that chip and not the ALC-892.
Click to expand...

I hope so too! and I just confirmed via Asus's new ROG Page dedicated to the VII Impact that it does indeed have an Intel Ethernet, I have also updated the initial post with the new updates.
 
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Hanakuso said:
How does this board get PCIe 4x while other Z97 boards only get PCIe 2x? I'm assuming it's taking those extra lanes from something else?
Click to expand...

vipz said:
You can get up to 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes from Z97. There shouldn't be anything else on the Impact other than LAN, WiFi, and sound that needs lanes.
Click to expand...

Also, probably because it only has 4 onboard SATA connectors, while other Z97 boards usually have at least 6 from the z97 chipset.
 
Icer Jo said:
I hope so too! and I just confirmed via Asus's new ROG Page dedicated to the VII Impact that it does indeed has an Intel Ethernet, I have also updated the initial post with the new updates.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the confirmation, I'm looking forward to this board !
 
Isn't the sound hardware based on Realtek (ALC1150)?

Is this board closely based on the Z87 ver.? Owners of that should be able to confirm the sound hardware then, maybe?
 
pavel said:
Isn't the sound hardware based on Realtek (ALC1150)?

Is this board closely based on the Z87 ver.? Owners of that should be able to confirm the sound hardware then, maybe?
Click to expand...

Closely based yes, but this is the second version, SupremeFX Impact II which hopefully resolved issues with the first version? I recall a lot of people saying they where getting pops and crackles in the first batch.
If a z87 owner could chime in or if a Maximus VII Gene owner could chime in that would be perfect!
 
Icer Jo said:
Closely based yes, but this is the second version, SupremeFX Impact II which hopefully resolved issues with the first version? I recall a lot of people saying they where getting pops and crackles in the first batch.
If a z87 owner could chime in or if a Maximus VII Gene owner could chime in that would be perfect!
Click to expand...
The pops/crackles is when you shut down the PC. I believe it happens to all Impact VI
 
So only when you shut down the PC or maybe even restart it? Other then that, like listening to music or playing games there's no sound issues?

If that's the case then it isnt that bad honestly
 
Nivaku said:
So only when you shut down the PC or maybe even restart it? Other then that, like listening to music or playing games there's no sound issues?

If that's the case then it isnt that bad honestly
Click to expand...

It's a real loud pop on shutdown, it's loud enough that I'd be worried about damaging sensitive headphones at high volume.
 
Phuncz said:
I was partial towards the ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac until I saw the limited M.2 spec (PCIe 2x and Type 2242 or 2230 only). If this ticks my other boxes (Intel LAN, ALC 1150 or better sound chip), I'll be getting this instead.
Click to expand...

It does on both counts. All ROG motherboards use Intel NICs as it proves to be the best solution in ASUS' internal testing. (Granted the Killer NIC E2201 isn't far behind, but the software isn't that great.) It, like most of their boards uses an ALC1150 audio CODEC. The ROG lineup has a new "programmable" OP-AMP that's very interesting.

I'm going to have my hands on one of the ROG boards very soon and so you'll be seeing what I think of their audio improvements this generation before too long. :D

Hanakuso said:
The pops/crackles is when you shut down the PC. I believe it happens to all Impact VI
Click to expand...

I don't think it is supposed to. I am not 100% sure that the Impact has this, but I know some boards in the ROG line have implemented a feature to counteract that problem.

pavel said:
Isn't the sound hardware based on Realtek (ALC1150)?

Is this board closely based on the Z87 ver.? Owners of that should be able to confirm the sound hardware then, maybe?
Click to expand...

In a sense, no. The PCB is a new design, voltage hardware is improved for Devil's Canyon and the Haswell refresh. The audio is based on the Realtek ALC1150, (which ASUS started using last generation) but there are improvements in the design. The OP-AMP is new for this generation and the software for them underwent drastic changes. (This centers around uniformity of applications so they match Ai Suite III and covers customization of audio with the new OP-AMP.) One of the benefits for this is vastly improved virtual surround sound. Drivers are different and there are some other hardware changes. There is also a feature to prevent the loud pops and crackles when you power on or shut down the system. I'm not 100% sure that was carried over to the entire ROG product stack this time, but I know boards like the Hero have it. I'll check into that for you as well. Additionally the ROG boards all "sense" the impedance of connected headphones and adjusts to them automatically on the fly. This has obvious benefits.

Audio is just one of the major places that the ROG line improved this generation. The chipset itself isn't really anything special, but ROG tends to be the driving force behind the most major innovations at ASUS. So improvements and features in the UEFI, audio, LAN etc. will eventually filter down to the rest of the product stack. The Z97 Deluxe for example uses an audio implementation identical to last generations Republic of Gamers boards. This generation of ROG has noticeable audio improvements and redesigned ESD protection on the LAN ports, etc. So no, it isn't the same as last generations Z87 based Impact VI.
 
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Aibohphobia said:
It's a real loud pop on shutdown, it's loud enough that I'd be worried about damaging sensitive headphones at high volume.
Click to expand...
Earphones? What about eardrums?!?

That is a pretty bad issue. That shoud be a knock against Asus if that is still happening. They shouldn't put hardware or a brand/company that doesn't fix such an issue whether it's the hardware or drivers causing the issue. If it occurs with each batch of that particular hardware chipset, then it shouldn't be in newer revisions unless the problem was solved.

I guess I'd wait for a review of this mobo before I'd buy one. Other than that, it looks pretty good.
 
Dan_D said:
I don't think it is supposed to. I am not 100% sure that the Impact has this, but I know some boards in the ROG line have implemented a feature to counteract that problem.
Click to expand...
I hope you are right because it's probably the only issue I have with my Impact. It's a pretty loud pop and isn't pleasant at all.
 
Hanakuso said:
I hope you are right because it's probably the only issue I have with my Impact. It's a pretty loud pop and isn't pleasant at all.
Click to expand...

I'm curious about something. Are you plugging the headphones into the front or the back? The front panel I believe is the only place where they auto-detect the impedance of the connected headphones.
 
Hanakuso said:
The pops/crackles is when you shut down the PC. I believe it happens to all Impact VI
Click to expand...

This is correct. It is due to the board charging/discharging the capacitors in the sound circuit. It happens with some sound cards as well such as the ASUS STX.
 
I wonder if this would fit in an M1, and whether it would interfere with a radiator, given how far those daughterboards project out from the mainboard.
 
That was not a problem with the Impact VI, so I don't see why this has to be a problem with the Impact VII. The daughterboards don't extend out that far, less than some people's RAM modules.
 
Yeah I have an Impact in my M1, everything fits fine (stock cooling for now). There is plenty of clearance for a radiator though. I can confirm the pop noise on shutdown via the rear jack. I will be getting the new 4790k as well as the new Impact VII when it drops. Honestly I'm kind of over the onboard audio/amp. I just ordered a O2 headphone amp from the massdrop they just had.
 
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