Support Head-Fi.org by
starting all of your
Amazon.com shopping by
clicking here.
____________________________________________________________________
Today's Featured Head-Fi Blog: A Japanese headfier's monologue (Sasaki)
____________________________________________________________________
Please help
support Head-Fi by becoming a Contributing Member
CLICK
HERE -- Contributing Members, thank you
for your generous support! --
I have a Platinum Extreme with stepped attenuator and Black Gate output upgrade. I consider it in the same league as the Zana Deux and jp#'s H2 (he wouldn't ). This is either just below high end or "low-end" high end. I prefer to think of them as the latter.
Headphoneus Supremus: Why is there a chaplain standing over his wallet?
What's high end? A lot of people have really liked my stock PPX-3, especially me. Does the lower price tag disqualify it as high-end? Lack of higher-priced options? It is what it is, and it sounds high-end to me. You get more detail going up the line, but lose some of the kick-ass PRAT. The PPX-3 gets your feet moving. I like an amp that's just plain fun sometimes. The SDS works a bit differently, as it can very subtly make you forget everything but the music. Also high-end, but in a different way.
It's important to realize that "high-end" is defined by the listener and the sound, not the price tag.
__________________
My PM is turned OFF. Please reach me by using my e-mail link. Thanks!
That is why i am passing on an Extreme and looking for a good PPX3 SLAM.It was my first high end amp and regret selling it even today.That's it in my avatar *cries*.
What's high end? A lot of people have really liked my stock PPX-3, especially me. Does the lower price tag disqualify it as high-end? Lack of higher-priced options? It is what it is, and it sounds high-end to me. You get more detail going up the line, but lose some of the kick-ass PRAT. The PPX-3 gets your feet moving. I like an amp that's just plain fun sometimes. The SDS works a bit differently, as it can very subtly make you forget everything but the music. Also high-end, but in a different way.
It's important to realize that "high-end" is defined by the listener and the sound, not the price tag.
Well in regards to it's sound, imo it is not high end. I had the ppx3 slam and really enjoyed it, but in comparison to some other amps(which happen to be more expensive) it is a bit closed in and lacking detail. However it is probably the best amp for the money, especially used.
Headphones Sold: AKG k501, k340, k701 and k1000(twice), Denon D5000, Senn HD580 and HD650, Sony SA5000 and CD3000, Audio Technica W5000, Grado 325i, RS1(twice), RS2 and Allesandro MS-2i, Headphile hp3000(Grado hp1000 drivers in a Sony CD3K shell) and k3000(AKG K1000 drivers in a Sony CD3K shell)
Well in regards to it's sound, imo it is not high end. I had the ppx3 slam and really enjoyed it, but in comparison to some other amps(which happen to be more expensive) it is a bit closed in and lacking detail. However it is probably the best amp for the money, especially used.
Did you ever try the Sylvania or Raytheon 6GU7 tube for gain in the PPX3? That makes a world of difference. The 6GU7 definitely addresses the closed in character you mention .... and the 6GU7 also has better current output used as an output tube with low impedance headphones in the standard PPX3. The 5687 output tubes with a 6GU7 for gain in the PPX3 SLAM is an amazing combo with my woodied Alessandro MS1s. The SP amps are so musically satisfying I could live with any of them long term; including the PPX3.
Personanally, I have yet to hear a SP amp I would not characterize as high end, once I dialed the amp in. The SPs do get even better as you move up the line and I especially like the high voltage 6BL7GTA output tube in any of the standard amps .... PPX3/MPX3 or Supra. The Supra with 6AS7G output tubes and the Extreme throw an absolutely huge soundstage.
Interestingly, I recently procured one of the few Mini-Tube prototypes that uses all subminature tubes. I had read reports that seemed only to focus on how hot the amp ran,which is true. But a bigger case would fix that.
Given that and the fact the amp had a 1/8" input which forced me to use a cheap RS rca> mini jack .... I didnt expect as much. I have to tell you the little amp absolutely rocks. The bass punch of this little marvel rivals the high voltage 6B7GTA Supra. Once I obtained a good rca> mini jack cable from Enigma Audio this amp stands toe to toe with with any of my SP amps short of the Supras.
Amp + power supply
Mini-Tube sitting on an Eastsound E5 to give you an idea of the amps actual size.
A couple closeups of the Mini-Tube ....
__________________
Particularly Cool Head-Fiers in no particular order:
Did you ever try the Sylvania or Raytheon 6GU7 tube for gain in the PPX3? That makes a world of difference. The 6GU7 definitely addresses the closed in character you mention .... and the 6GU7 also has better current output used as an output tube with low impedance headphones in the standard PPX3. The 5687 output tubes with a 6GU7 for gain in the PPX3 SLAM is an amazing combo with my woodied Alessandro MS1s. The SP amps are so musically satisfying I could live with any of them long term; including the PPX3.
Yea, I bought all the tubes you originally recommended me and I found the amperex(can't remember the number) driver to address the problem most. It did indeed help, but I just don't think I'd classify the ppx3 as high end because it just isn't refined enough. It is very, very fun in terms of liveliness and bass response though.
From what I've read, I think that the extreme and the mpx3 adds that refinement.
Headphones Sold: AKG k501, k340, k701 and k1000(twice), Denon D5000, Senn HD580 and HD650, Sony SA5000 and CD3000, Audio Technica W5000, Grado 325i, RS1(twice), RS2 and Allesandro MS-2i, Headphile hp3000(Grado hp1000 drivers in a Sony CD3K shell) and k3000(AKG K1000 drivers in a Sony CD3K shell)
Yea, I bought all the tubes you originally recommended me and I found the amperex(can't remember the number) driver to address the problem most. It did indeed help, but I just don't think I'd classify the ppx3 as high end because it just isn't refined enough. It is very, very fun in terms of liveliness and bass response though.
From what I've read, I think that the extreme and the mpx3 adds that refinement.
What were you using for your source and headphone with the PPX3?
You tend to change your equipment frequently and I have lost track.
__________________
Particularly Cool Head-Fiers in no particular order:
Where does high end start in the SP lineup?
). This is either just below high end or "low-end" high end. I prefer to think of them as the latter. 
Linear Mode
