Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd R
Hi Ty & crew.
Have a question:
On the page for the Desktop SE it says:
*CAVEAT: Please be aware that upgraded Home and Max modules and DACs will require the use of the separately-sold Desktop Power Supply (DPS, $399.00usd) in order to truly realize the full sonic potential of the upgraded module/DAC.
Yet on the page for the Balanced Desktop it does not seem to need the DPS because it comes with the new Astrodyne power supply that will offer more current on demand for the Balanced Desktop Amp without having to shell out for the HeadRoom DPS. Right?
So:
Balanced Desktop amp with Home Module and Home Balanced DAC = $1497.00
Single ended Desktop amp with Home Module, Max DAC and DPS = $1496.00
Would the Single Ended have any advantage over the Balanced at this point, or would the Balanced still be better (using balanced HD-650's W/Cardas cable)
Thanks,
TR
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Hi Todd,
Boy.., this is a very frequent question we get that, unfortunately, has no real objective answer...
I personally would lean towards the balanced rig simply because the soundstage 'depth' & immersiveness and the dynamic tonal accuracy offered by balanced-drive is an impressive listening experience that'll likely be full of new musical details you never quite heard before... To me, that's what audiophile headphone systems are all about!
The loaded single-ended Desktop Amp rig offers the true upsampling D-A stage of the Max DAC (great for lower bitrate Mp3 files) plus the superb 627 Burr-Brown op-amps of the Max electronics module. Also, if driving powered desktop/computer speakers, the singled-ended Desktop's variable RCA-outs can serve as an excellent pre-amp control. But, again, we are talking about very subtle nuanced sonic differences between either 'hot-rodded' balanced/unbalanced HR Desktop...
The international Astrodyne power supply is an excellent, robust PS and satisfactory for the Balanced Desktop in any configuration. However, as indicated in the website writing, the high road for discriminating listeners remains the $399 HeadRoom DPS for fully maximized audio performance when selecting the power-hungry Class-A internals in any Desktop Amp. In fact, the Max DAC will not even function properly in the Desktop Amp w/o the DPS! ... To my ears, the DPS delivers a small (but noticeable) audio improvement over the Astrodyne with a slightly more liquid & dynamic overall sound, improved tonal presentation textures, and an ultra-quiet background noise floor....
Cheers!
Jorge
HR Sales & Product Manager