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| Portable Headphone Amps Discussion of portable headphone amps. |
03-15-2008, 03:21 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Posts: 145
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Good review 
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03-15-2008, 04:41 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,553
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 909
that basically would be 50 days of straight burn in--absolutely amazing, i wonder if ray even knows its full potential. thank goodness, it only got better for you (funny we never hear negative burn-in attributes always positive). anyway, color me a big time skeptic, but more power to you. |
About the burn-in I agree. I even find it strange about the non negative. In the first few hundred hours it went up and down some but then it just formed better and better, which is not my normal experience if an amp is still forming (cap). The length of time seems daunting and I still find it hard to believe but what can I say? It has been born out by a number of other ears. I am just glad it ages the way it does, it is kind of fun in a way as even at 800 hours it sounds very good.
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama
Photo gallery at: www.pbase.com/jamato8 Recent publication: Ethnobotany Research & Applications, Vol 7 (2009) Kam Guilzhouh nyim Guangxxih di Benxtux Wenchual nyim Zihyuanc dih Gonxliix: Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China http://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/
The one constant in life is change, so will that change?
Feel with your own heart, see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears.
JH13's > Why stay home when you can go to the concert?
Listening with: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2 #469
Digital conversion: the all new MB-1 optical dual Wolfson portable dac
Amps I am currently listening with: RSA P-51 Mustang, SR 71A, iBasso D10, Lisa III, OEM BLack Gate, Non Black Gate, iBasso P3+, iBasso T3 (new version), RSA Shadow, iBasso D4
Favorite monitors: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2, Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010, ATH-ESW10JPN
Portable monitor ratings: 1. JH 13 Pro 2. ESW10 JPN 3. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *4. UM2
Source: iRiver H130,140, D303 optical out, D-EJ955, D-EJ1000, D-EJ2000, 25s, 25, D-303, D-777 and others (optical out if available)
Digital Conversion: MB-1 optical Dac, Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac, iBasso D10
Headphone Amplifiers:RSA: Shadow, Predator, P-51 Mustang, SR71A, Xin: IV Micro, IV Mini, Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, C&C Box, iBasso: P1, P2, P3, P3+, T1, T2, T3, T4 D1, D2, D3, D4, D10 Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 with the original Pseudo dual PS -
Ear Monitors: JH13 Pro, Ultra Ed. 9, Grado HF-2/F1 #469, HD650, ATH-ESW10 JPN, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
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03-15-2008, 04:49 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cincy Oh
Posts: 212
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Good stuff. I still may get me a Leckerton just to compare with the D2. If I do I'll let you borrow it for review
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03-15-2008, 06:03 PM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 1,037
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I'm wondering why it is that so many folks listen to both and are so sold on the Pico based on the upsampling DAC. A lot of what I've read in the other threads has the Pico as the "obvious winner" due to the clean and detailed sound of the DAC.
I know we all have our own preferences, and I don't regret my decision going with the Predator one bit... but I'm curious what HeadphoneAddict and others' opinions are on this. Does the amp in the Predator give it such a great sound sig that we forgive it for the DAC?
I was close to picking up a Pico to do my own comparison, but meh... don't think I'll go there (right now).
And great review, HeadphoneAddict. I enjoyed it!
__________________
"For the love of the music!" -- MC Flipside
HR Ultra Micro Dac » RSA SR-71A / P-51 Mustang » Edition 8 / ESW10JPN / UE11 / JH13
PSA DL3, Cullen Level III » RudiStor RPX-33 » Edition 8 / ESW10JPN / JH13
PSA DL3, Cullen Level III » RudiStor RPX-33 » Emotiva RPA-1 » Onix Strata Mini Loudspeakers
My Blog ¤ djthread@twitter ¤ Feedback: Head-Fi / Ebay
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03-15-2008, 08:10 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocky Mountains, CO
Posts: 11,663
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrarroyo
Any chance you can compare them again when the D2 is at 500 hours and the Predator at 1200? Thanks.
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I see no reason why not, but I am not sure how long I will do the continuous burn-in with the D2's stock opamps, as I was planning to roll in some new ones at about 250-300 hours.
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03-15-2008, 08:19 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocky Mountains, CO
Posts: 11,663
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thread
I'm wondering why it is that so many folks listen to both and are so sold on the Pico based on the upsampling DAC. A lot of what I've read in the other threads has the Pico as the "obvious winner" due to the clean and detailed sound of the DAC.
I know we all have our own preferences, and I don't regret my decision going with the Predator one bit... but I'm curious what HeadphoneAddict and others' opinions are on this. Does the amp in the Predator give it such a great sound sig that we forgive it for the DAC?
I was close to picking up a Pico to do my own comparison, but meh... don't think I'll go there (right now).
And great review, HeadphoneAddict. I enjoyed it!
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I think that I covered that in my review pretty well, no argument from me here. I tend to think of the Predator as a musical amp, and the Pico as a neutral source.
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03-15-2008, 08:20 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,553
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thread
I'm wondering why it is that so many folks listen to both and are so sold on the Pico based on the upsampling DAC. A lot of what I've read in the other threads has the Pico as the "obvious winner" due to the clean and detailed sound of the DAC.
I know we all have our own preferences, and I don't regret my decision going with the Predator one bit... but I'm curious what HeadphoneAddict and others' opinions are on this. Does the amp in the Predator give it such a great sound sig that we forgive it for the DAC?
I was close to picking up a Pico to do my own comparison, but meh... don't think I'll go there (right now).
And great review, HeadphoneAddict. I enjoyed it!
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I have not read that the Pico is an obvious winner and although the dacs are different I do not know that one is superior in sound to the other. Specs are one thing, implementation is another. I have not read that many accounts comparing the two and there are still not that many Predators out there with enough hours on them. AGain, what is there to forgive on the dac? Just questions but I don't see a position either way as supported by time born out comparisons as both are still fairly new.
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama
Photo gallery at: www.pbase.com/jamato8 Recent publication: Ethnobotany Research & Applications, Vol 7 (2009) Kam Guilzhouh nyim Guangxxih di Benxtux Wenchual nyim Zihyuanc dih Gonxliix: Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China http://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/
The one constant in life is change, so will that change?
Feel with your own heart, see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears.
JH13's > Why stay home when you can go to the concert?
Listening with: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2 #469
Digital conversion: the all new MB-1 optical dual Wolfson portable dac
Amps I am currently listening with: RSA P-51 Mustang, SR 71A, iBasso D10, Lisa III, OEM BLack Gate, Non Black Gate, iBasso P3+, iBasso T3 (new version), RSA Shadow, iBasso D4
Favorite monitors: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2, Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010, ATH-ESW10JPN
Portable monitor ratings: 1. JH 13 Pro 2. ESW10 JPN 3. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *4. UM2
Source: iRiver H130,140, D303 optical out, D-EJ955, D-EJ1000, D-EJ2000, 25s, 25, D-303, D-777 and others (optical out if available)
Digital Conversion: MB-1 optical Dac, Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac, iBasso D10
Headphone Amplifiers:RSA: Shadow, Predator, P-51 Mustang, SR71A, Xin: IV Micro, IV Mini, Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, C&C Box, iBasso: P1, P2, P3, P3+, T1, T2, T3, T4 D1, D2, D3, D4, D10 Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 with the original Pseudo dual PS -
Ear Monitors: JH13 Pro, Ultra Ed. 9, Grado HF-2/F1 #469, HD650, ATH-ESW10 JPN, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
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03-15-2008, 08:20 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocky Mountains, CO
Posts: 11,663
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It looks like after mrarroyo is done reviewing Skylab's 2MOVE that I will be doing so too. Should be interesting.
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03-15-2008, 08:33 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Turkey (Istanbul)
Posts: 351
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Great review. I was wondering how would Headroom Micro amp with DAC compares to the Predator and Pico. For sure, it is bigger than the other two but would it provide a sound closer to a home amp ??? Thanks..
__________________
...and I am out :(
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03-15-2008, 10:08 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocky Mountains, CO
Posts: 11,663
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I have the Micro Stack (2006) portable DAC and Amp, and I am burning in the amp right now. It sounds VERY good, but I haven't done a detailed evaluation of the Amp. So I don't want to comment about that section yet vs these.
In the limited time I've had it I do think the DAC's line out is more balanced and warm than the DAC line out from the iBasso D1, despite trying 4 different opamps in the iBasso DAC section. I bought this mainly for a better portable optical DAC, and I use it with the iRiver H140 and Predator, which all fits in a headroom Micro Bag. I could not fit the iRiver AND Micro Amp in the bag at the same time with the Micro DAC, and I can't really fit the D2 in there either (stretches the clear plastic and might rip it).
The 2007 Micro portable is now a 2 in 1, but they changed the DAC chip from the flagship Cirrus Logic to another chip, and several other changes were made which I don't know the effect on performance. I haven't seen reviews yet. It certainly is a bigger package, and I consider it more of a transportable, like the D1. The 20 hour re-chargable battery is a plus, over a FOUR 250 mah 9v re-chargables for the "stack" that need a separate charger.
I only bought the Micro Amp as an afterthought because of the $120 discount for the package deal, and already like it better than my HeadFive or Meier HA-1, which aren't portable. Then again, I've said the Predator is better than those two also.
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03-15-2008, 11:45 PM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Livonia, Michigan
Posts: 1,037
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Looking back at the review, I suppose you did make the direct comparison between the pico/predator sound sigs that I was asking for. My apologies for missing that. And it makes sense... Some people will prefer the neutral sig of the Pico, while some will enjoy the added flavor of the Predator.
__________________
"For the love of the music!" -- MC Flipside
HR Ultra Micro Dac » RSA SR-71A / P-51 Mustang » Edition 8 / ESW10JPN / UE11 / JH13
PSA DL3, Cullen Level III » RudiStor RPX-33 » Edition 8 / ESW10JPN / JH13
PSA DL3, Cullen Level III » RudiStor RPX-33 » Emotiva RPA-1 » Onix Strata Mini Loudspeakers
My Blog ¤ djthread@twitter ¤ Feedback: Head-Fi / Ebay
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03-16-2008, 04:31 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocky Mountains, CO
Posts: 11,663
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awfully quiet here.
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03-16-2008, 05:19 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Jose/Orange, CA
Posts: 8,187
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict
awfully quiet here.
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lol probably because the majority (like me) are out at some kind of party. 
But ironically, I spend the time to check up on Head-Fi and post. 
Thanks for the review...I'm just frustrated right now because I can't afford either the Predator right now...I had the funds, but I decided to blow it on a Little Dot MK IV SE instead.
Hopefully someday I'll buy an iMod dock, Predator, and UE triple.fi 10 Pro before I go to college.
Thanks again for making me salivate over audio equipment. 
__________________
Home: KECES-151 + Gilmore Lite + Shure SHR840
Home(2): KECES-151 + Little Dot I+ + Grado SR225
Portable: iPod Classic 160GB/Sansa Clip 2GB + Yuin PK3/Koss KSC75/Shure SE530
College: Pico DAC + Gilmore Lite + SR225/SRH840
College(2): Pico DAC + Audioengine A2
Speakers: Marantz CC4001 + NAD C325BEE + Monitor Audio Silver RS6
There are those who treat music as a convenience,
and then there are those who recognize it as an art.
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03-16-2008, 06:12 AM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 767
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Great review !
I just past 410 hours on my Predator and the bass is still improving,as seems to be the midrange as well.
__________________
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Home:Arcam Solo+McIntosh LS340+Pro-Ject RPM 9.1+JA Michell TecnoDec w/upgraded RB250+Dynavector 10x5+Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE
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Portable Sources:Ipod 40Gb 3G+Black Ipod 80Gb Classic x2 with Belkin Re-Mix Black x2 +3G 8gb Green Nano
Ordered : "Financial Self Restraint 1.0" from my wife !!
Not so new stuff : RSA Predator X2
Lusting After: Rare vinyl Hip Hop records
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03-16-2008, 05:52 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 225
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Hey Manny,
How does the Predator sound with the ESW9s? I have heard the ESW9s are warm sounding and so is the Predator. Is it too much warmth.
Thanks
__________________
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GONNERS : Denon C751, SE530, Klipsch Custom-3, HFI-780, iPod Classic, Sony A818, (going soon : iBasso D2, ESW9).
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