Highlights Part 2:
I did some listening to the Denon D5000 that zenman brought. They were quite fun to listen to out of the Cayin and Yamamoto, although I think the Balanced Desktop managed to cut through the fat a little better. I definitely see what people mean when they compare them to Senns. Denon may have lifted their model-numbering scheme from Audio-Technica, but they have a fit and finish all their own.
The Sony SA5000 may have been the biggest surprise of all this time around. I'm sensitive to emphasized treble (I like my Grado at low volumes) and I never expected to like these cans very much. I thought they sounded simply lovely out of the Yamamoto. Somewhat thin, sure, but still a stellar mix of liquidity, air and tiny detail that had Chan Marshall sounding angelic. I feel like I need more time with these (hint, hint
). I've always wondered if Drarthurwells was onto something pairing them with the Bada PH-12; perhaps the Yammy gets them sounding sweet in a similar way.
I briefly listened to a couple portable amps with the HF-1 including threEchelon's PINT, my SuperMacro as well as using just a Radioshack volume control cable out of my iMod. The SuperMacro seemed to have a cleaner, darker, more controlled sound, but the PINT seemed more transparent, maintaining the iMod's sound signature better. I am surprised at how good the iMod sounds without any amp at all. The SuperMacro definitely adds some fullness and its own slightly warm, dark character, noticeably refining the highs, but I could be happy with just the iMod and a crappy in-line volume Radioshack cable.
Later I listened to the MiniBox E using the K701 and I was impressed by how it went up against the SuperMacro. It also looks gorgeous. All this portable amp listening had me questioning the usefulness of spending large amounts of money on an amp to drive headphones or IEMs for casual listening.
I listened to the B-52 only briefly, but in terms of appearance it is a pure work of art.
The Darkvoice 332 definitely seems geared towards Senns. It made music with the HD580 and not so much with the K701. It also seemed to do okay with the D5000, although I think I prefer both the Cayin and the Balanced Desktop.
I also had a few seconds with the GS-1000 and the Cayin, and my cursory impression is that the match was good. Ken, you seemed to have more time with the pairing, so you would have a better idea. I'm curious as to whether you found any amps or sources that satisfied you.
Oh yeah, and threEchelon's vintage RS-1. I had a few moments with it and the Yammy in the early morning hours before Barry and Fang stormed the building. I liked what I heard, but unfortunately forgot to go back and listen again. I think I was on sonic overload by the end of the day. Barry, I think you were onto something when you said it would better to spend more time with less equipment (forgive the paraphrase).
Hilariously, there was a repetitive phenomenon at this meet. I'd watch someone remove his headphones and, not having heard the conversation already under way, begin talking to someone who was already engrossed in conversation with someone else. It was very funny to see again and again.
Nytryder, I promise you will love this picture!
Linear Mode
