ARCHEL 3 PRO Review! Headphone Amp Bargain of Year!
United States of Analog | July 27, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier from Geshelle Labs. The host (Bob) is unboxing and providing his first impressions of this audiophile headphone amp, focusing heavily on its unique aesthetic design and build quality. The review appears to be just getting started with the unboxing portion.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier by Geshelle Labs – features real wood construction with purple heart stripe, clear plexi front panel, metal feet [00:00:51 – 07:01]
- Geshelle Labs J2 DACs – Host mentions owning two of them and loving them [00:01:08]
- Marantz 2245 – Vintage receiver from the 70s with blue lights that the host owns [00:06:12]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Extremely impressed with the build quality and aesthetic design of the Archel 3 Pro [00:03:40 – 04:55]
- Strong appreciation for Geshelle Labs as an American manufacturer with a family operation [00:01:19 – 01:58]
- Values the visual aspect of audio equipment, believes audiophiles “listen with their ears and eyes” [00:06:19 – 06:31]
- Prefers the clear plexi front panel because he likes seeing the internal components [00:06:38]
- Considers the woodwork “spectacular” and describes the internal view as “like a little cityscape” [00:06:53 – 07:01]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Notes that Geshelle Labs amps aren’t conventional and may require consulting online instructions, but reassures viewers “don’t be afraid” as you can “set it and forget it” once you figure it out [00:03:13 – 03:25]
- Mentions potential downside is having to wait for the product [00:00:14]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Tom Petty reference: “Tom Petty said the waiting is the hardest part and he might be right, but what Tom didn’t tell you is that sometimes, just sometimes, waiting can be well worth it” [00:00:18 – 00:00:30]
- Self-deprecating humor: “I don’t have the words because I’m a professional broadcaster and an amateur YouTuber” [00:04:14 – 04:19]
- QVC comparison: “I feel like I’m on QVC right now” while showing off the wood grain [00:04:06]
- Florida Man joke: Says Gino “gives the term Florida man a good name” [00:01:46 – 01:52]
- Childhood anecdote: Mentions taking apart transistor radios as a kid and getting shocked “but it was worth it” [00:06:40 – 06:48]
Summary
This video opens with host Bob’s enthusiastic unboxing and first impressions of the Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier from Geshelle Labs. He immediately establishes his excitement about the product’s uniqueness and hints that waiting for it might be the only downside. Bob reveals his existing relationship with the company, having previously purchased two J2 DACs, and expresses admiration for Geshelle Labs as a small American family operation based in Florida.
The unboxing sequence becomes the highlight of this portion, with Bob genuinely surprised and impressed by the unit’s appearance. The real wood construction with what appears to be a purple heart stripe particularly captivates him, and he spends considerable time describing the craftsmanship and visual appeal. He notes that the cases are handcrafted by “Grandpa Joe” (Gino’s father) and emphasizes that this is real wood, not veneer.
Bob positions himself as a visual audiophile who appreciates equipment that looks as good as it sounds, contrasting modern black and silver boxes with more distinctive designs from the 60s and 70s. He particularly likes the clear plexi front panel that allows him to see the internal components, which he poetically describes as resembling “a little cityscape making music just for me.” The review is clearly just beginning, with Bob having established strong positive first impressions based purely on the aesthetic and build quality.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
[00:07:05-00:08:36] Jusheli Labs Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier ($499 US) with Sparkos Labs SS2590 Pro op amps
[00:12:00-00:12:53] Comparison amplifiers: Schiit Vali, two Schiit Magni units (including Magni 3 Heresy), McIntosh MHA 100, and a Bravo tube amp
[00:13:19-00:13:45] Headphones tested: Sennheiser HD 650, Emotiva GR1, and Focal Clear MG (borrowed from Origin Hi-Fi Austin)
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
[00:07:05-00:07:26] The Archel 3 Pro is described as equipment you’ll “want to hang on to for a long time and maybe pass on” – something to display prominently rather than hide in a cabinet
[00:09:55-00:10:32] Praises Jusheli Labs’ unique design philosophy as “hands-on equipment” that’s “beautiful in its design…form and operation” with excellent tactile feel
[00:12:25-00:12:53] Critical of the McIntosh MHA 100, calling it “not my favorite headphone amp” due to being “a little too warm” and the HXD technology not working for his ears
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
[00:08:41-00:09:27] Detailed walkthrough of front panel controls including power, tone defeat, input selection, gain, and volume/tone controls with tactile click at 12 o’clock positions
[00:08:21-00:08:36] Technical specifications: 124 dB signal-to-noise ratio, 2+ watts into 16 ohms, balanced and RCA inputs, preamp output functionality
[00:09:10-00:09:22] Praises the “very nice knob feel” of the volume and tone controls, describing them as “knurled”
Were there any price/value assessments?
[00:07:41-00:07:57] Archel 3 Pro priced at $499 US for most of the 15 handcrafted wood case options, with some premium wood options costing more
[00:12:25-00:12:30] Describes the McIntosh MHA 100 as “a little overkill because it’s a little pricey”
[00:13:35-00:13:45] Notes the borrowed Focal Clear MG headphones retail for $1,200-$1,500, mentioning he’s “pretty much a sub-$500 headphone guy”
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
[00:12:14-00:12:20] Direct comparison between Jusheli Archel 3 Pro and Schiit Magni 3 Heresy, noting both use op amp designs
[00:12:25-00:12:53] Unfavorable comparison of McIntosh MHA 100 to other amps in his collection, citing tonal and feature issues
[00:13:02-00:13:16] Dismissive comparison of a Bravo tube amp purchased from Amazon, describing it as “a little noisy” and giving it away
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
[00:10:50-00:10:59] Idris Muhammad – described as “new release of early 70s kind of funk jazz…really cool…very percussive”
[00:11:01-00:11:08] Billy Cobham Spectrum recent reissue – called “super nice…audiophile all the way”
[00:11:13-00:11:31] More of the Monkees (Rhino reissue) – praised as “great…audiophile Monkees record…great reissue…can’t speak highly enough”
[00:11:31-00:11:44] Abbey Road Half Speed Master and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Willie and the Poor Boys” – described as “real rock and roll, real percussive”
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
[00:09:31-00:09:57] Advice about Jusheli Labs’ unique control layout: “Don’t be overwhelmed…Don’t fear it…They’re here for a reason”
[00:08:54-00:09:00] Practical tip about input selection with humorous “RTFM” (Read The F***ing Manual) reference
[00:10:25-00:10:32] Setup advice: “once you’ve got it dialed in, set it and forget it”
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
[00:09:19-00:09:22] Enthusiastic about knob texture: “They’re knurled. Is that the right word? Knurled? I like saying that, knurled.”
[00:13:02-00:13:09] Self-deprecating about impulse purchase: “Why? Why did I buy that on Amazon? I don’t know because it had a tube in it. You tell me why I bought it.”
[00:11:10-00:11:21] Defending musical choice: “Say what you will. Say what you will. More of the Monkees. What are you laughing at?”
Summary
The host provides an in-depth examination of the Jusheli Labs Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier, praising its distinctive design philosophy and build quality. At $499, the unit offers 15 handcrafted wood case options and features premium Sparkos Labs op amps with comprehensive connectivity including balanced inputs and preamp outputs. The host emphasizes that this is “display-worthy” equipment with excellent tactile controls, including knurled knobs with detent clicks for easy operation in dark conditions.
For testing purposes, the host has been using a diverse selection of rhythm-heavy music including funk jazz from Idris Muhammad, Billy Cobham’s Spectrum reissue, audiophile-quality Monkees recordings, and classic rock from Creedence Clearwater Revival. He’s evaluated the Archel 3 Pro against several competitors using Sennheiser HD 650s, Emotiva GR1s, and borrowed high-end Focal Clear MG headphones, noting his preference for staying in the sub-$500 headphone category.
The comparison landscape includes various Schiit products and a McIntosh MHA 100, with the host expressing particular criticism of the McIntosh unit’s warm sound signature and ineffective HXD speaker simulation technology. He shows special interest in comparing the Archel 3 Pro to the Schiit Magni 3 Heresy since both employ op amp designs, while dismissing cheaper alternatives like an impulse-purchased Amazon tube amp that he’s giving away due to noise issues.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Archel 3 Pro headphone amplifier from Josheli Labs
- Sparkos SS2590 Pro op-amps (two units at $59 each)
- J2 AKM DAC
- Various unnamed headphone amplifiers for comparison
- Billy Cobham record (for testing)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:18:32] The host declares this “a keeper amp” and states it will be his “go-to” amplifier primarily because of the tone controls. [00:19:14] His final verdict is emphatic: “You need to jump on the Archel 3 Pro” and calls it “something special and something that you’ll want to own.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:19:16] Strong buy recommendation: “Get your 499 together, because this is something special”
[00:19:59] “This is the one to own. This is the one to have.”
[00:20:04] “Get one, the Archel 3 Pro from the beautiful people at Josheli Labs”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[00:16:24] Both RCA and XLR connections work well, but RCA is perfectly adequate: “If you can only do RCA, you’re in great shape”
[00:16:10] He preferred RCA over XLR in this case, finding XLR “a little spicy”
[00:17:17] Practical tip about tone controls: Setting treble to “one o’clock” brought out ride cymbals in recordings
How did the video wrap up?
[00:18:54] The host transitioned to his conclusion by saying he needed to wrap up and “get to the net net” as his wife would say. [00:20:08] He closed with the channel sign-off “We’ll see you next time on the United States of Analog” followed by some casual off-camera discussion about clearing out amplifiers.
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:18:48] “This American beauty above all of these amps”
[00:19:08] “Every once in a while, you find a piece of equipment that is so right for your lifestyle, so right for your system, has a sound that is so appealing to you that you just have to jump on it”
[00:19:43] “If everything was just flat-line frequency response, how boring our hobby would be”
[00:18:42] “I’m all about pride of ownership, no one else has one of these”
Summary
In this final portion, the host dives deep into the technical aspects of the Archel 3 Pro, highlighting the premium Sparkos SS2590 Pro op-amps worth $120 total that justify the $499 price point. He emphasizes his preference for emotional connection over pure technical specifications, noting that he doesn’t live in an anechoic chamber and values equipment he can connect with musically. He compares both RCA and XLR inputs, surprisingly preferring the RCA connections despite the XLR offering higher gain.
The host’s enthusiasm peaks when discussing the onboard tone controls, which he considers the amplifier’s standout feature. He provides a practical example of using the treble control at “one o’clock” to bring out ride cymbals in a Billy Cobham recording, demonstrating how the tone controls can fine-tune the listening experience. He describes the sound signature as full, dynamic, with good soundstage and instrument placement, while noting that the tone controls essentially give you “many amps in one” by allowing you to dial in different sonic characteristics.
The review concludes with an emphatic recommendation to purchase the Archel 3 Pro, with the host declaring it will become his go-to amplifier. He emphasizes the pride of ownership that comes with having a unique, handcrafted piece rather than a mass-produced “black box,” and appreciates that the sound has personality rather than being completely linear. His final assessment positions this as essential equipment for audiophiles, worth the $499 investment for its combination of sound quality, flexibility, and uniqueness.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
