Support Head-Fi.org by
starting all of your
Amazon.com shopping by
clicking here.
____________________________________________________________________
Today's Featured Head-Fi Blog: Jude's Blog
____________________________________________________________________
Please help
support Head-Fi by becoming a Contributing Member
CLICK
HERE -- Contributing Members, thank you
for your generous support! --
Well then it would only to stand to reason that the Pico will also continue to blossom with more hours on it
__________________ HOME/PORTABLE SOURCE: Apple 16Gb iPhone, IPod Video 30Gb CABLES: My own custom built Cardas LOD for iPhone AMP: Qables iQube IEM: Ultimate Ears UE-11's
Well then it would only to stand to reason that the Pico will also continue to blossom with more hours on it
There is a big difference because of the 15,000uf cap in the Predator, which requires much time to form and the lack of a cap of this type in the Pico. So break-in time will, in my opinion, be very different with the Predator taking much longer to mature.
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama Photo gallery at:www.pbase.com/jamato8
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. Sand is sand no matter where it is found. Listening to: The Greatful Dead, The Closing of Winterland 1978, Fillmore West 1969, Lucinda Williams, The Cars Favorite headphone: Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010 Listening to: RSA SR-71A, iBasso D3, Woo 6 Modified-pseudo dual PS Portable amp ratings: *1. SR-71A *2. iBasso D3 *2b RSA Predator *3. Xin Micro *5 iBasso P3 *5b. Mini IV *6. D1 iBasso upgraded amp *6b. iBasso P2 (upgraded opamps) *8. C & C Box (good decay, tilted up high frequency, slightly synthetic) *9 iBasso T1 *10. iBasso T2 *11. XTRA X-1 (warm not neutral, very musical) *12. LD M+ These amps are enjoyable to listen to and present a slightly different interpretation of the musical signal. Portable monitor ratings: *1. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *2. Amadana P-117 bamboo *3. UM2 (respond to top quality amplification but I don't enjoy their sound) *4. OVC 8+ 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: Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac. Headphone Amplifiers: iBasso D1, IV Micro, IV Mini, Xin Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 Xin (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, LD Micro +, LD Micro Tube, C&C Box, iBasso P1, P2, D1, D2, Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 Modified Pseudo dual PS - Headphones: Ultra Ed. 9, HD650, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
Sorry, I'm not inclined to wait 600 hours to make my decision. I don't doubt there are some differences that will occur, but not enough in my mind to justify it!
__________________ HOME/PORTABLE SOURCE: Apple 16Gb iPhone, IPod Video 30Gb CABLES: My own custom built Cardas LOD for iPhone AMP: Qables iQube IEM: Ultimate Ears UE-11's
Sure, I don't care. I mention it as I would on any type of equipment from tube amps to anything else when I know that there will be changes. I don't think it takes 600 hours to hear the changes but the clarity and transparency that occurs is not subtle. To be sure the two amps are based on a different approach.
Any more images of the different colors of the Pico?? knock out looks, that's for sure.
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama Photo gallery at:www.pbase.com/jamato8
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. Sand is sand no matter where it is found. Listening to: The Greatful Dead, The Closing of Winterland 1978, Fillmore West 1969, Lucinda Williams, The Cars Favorite headphone: Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010 Listening to: RSA SR-71A, iBasso D3, Woo 6 Modified-pseudo dual PS Portable amp ratings: *1. SR-71A *2. iBasso D3 *2b RSA Predator *3. Xin Micro *5 iBasso P3 *5b. Mini IV *6. D1 iBasso upgraded amp *6b. iBasso P2 (upgraded opamps) *8. C & C Box (good decay, tilted up high frequency, slightly synthetic) *9 iBasso T1 *10. iBasso T2 *11. XTRA X-1 (warm not neutral, very musical) *12. LD M+ These amps are enjoyable to listen to and present a slightly different interpretation of the musical signal. Portable monitor ratings: *1. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *2. Amadana P-117 bamboo *3. UM2 (respond to top quality amplification but I don't enjoy their sound) *4. OVC 8+ 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: Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac. Headphone Amplifiers: iBasso D1, IV Micro, IV Mini, Xin Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 Xin (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, LD Micro +, LD Micro Tube, C&C Box, iBasso P1, P2, D1, D2, Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 Modified Pseudo dual PS - Headphones: Ultra Ed. 9, HD650, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
Sorry, I'm not inclined to wait 600 hours to make my decision. I don't doubt there are some differences that will occur, but not enough in my mind to justify it!
I honestly don't think it will take all of 600 hours for the Predator to take its set. I have about 120 hours on mine and it's already sounding pretty good through a pair of well burned in Edition 9s. I have an order in for a Pico as well. With Justin as busy as he is getting them out, I am still a couple of weeks or so away from delivery. The comparison between the two should be interesting and I am looking forward to it.
From what I am reading so far, it would be easy to believe that the Pico is going to have the advantage, particularly in terms of its DAC. I'm not so sure that the amp section would be as dramatically different. I see myself ultimately keeping both; one for the road (the Predator with its insane battery life as I don't want to carry the charger) and one primarily for when I am closer to home (the Pico).
I can tell you for a fact, no amount of burn-in will rectify the descrepancy between their DAC units! The Pico is clearly superior. Wasn't jamato8 approaching 500 + hours and just starting to report the Predator was just showing signs of finally settling in? Please note, it is not my intention here to slight the Predator, I'm just reporting my findings and my opinion.
__________________ HOME/PORTABLE SOURCE: Apple 16Gb iPhone, IPod Video 30Gb CABLES: My own custom built Cardas LOD for iPhone AMP: Qables iQube IEM: Ultimate Ears UE-11's
Just curious if you found the AE-2 to be bright with the ES2's as well. I had a AE-2 on loan from Asr a few months back and didn't find it too bright with the ES2's. You know what they say: one man's brightness is another's detail.
Not at all, this was one of the reasons I was going to buy an AE-2, I really liked the synergy with the ES2 but felt the Hornet presented the vocals with more clarity. I ended up with a Lisa until I got my UE-11's which threw a wrench in my rig and has landed me here.
My listening habits have also changed a lot. I do most of my listening while at work now and only a small amount at home. I've put more into a rig that I can use in either place, has good synergy with the headphones I use most, can be used for late night movies or gaming, and can travel with me with ease regardless of where I am going. Lifestyle is of course a big player for everyone here. Because I do less listening at home and have a baby due any day now I've chosen not to invest into a big home rig and opt for a simple and portable amp/dac solution. I am also spending more $$ on my HD collection
As far as the Predator is concerned I'm sure the burn-in would make a difference and would probably impact the dac section as well since the dac feeds the amp section. Logic would dictate that as the amp settled in the listener would have a better idea of how the whole package sounded working together once matured. If the amp has not had time to open up it would bottleneck the SQ of the dac. I know the Hornet goes through some major changes between 0-400 hours.
The bottom line is that this is really splitting hairs of personal preference and synergy. Both of these amp/dacs are made very well by guys that have excellent reputations for their products. I think most would be very happy with either from what I've read. As for the Pico I stand by my opinion that it is a one stop shop for me and I am very happy with how amazing it sounds.
__________________
"That's the problem with people like you, you want results but you never want to get your hands dirty. You'd better start rolling up your sleeves. I'm gonna need a hacksaw." - Jack Bauer
---------------------------------------------------- Headphones - UE-11 - Westone ES2 - Grado PS-1 (reversed bowls) Amps - Headamp Pico in Slate Gray (yup, that be all I need!)
Do you have any other images of the Pico? I am trying to get a hold of the color but I can't quite tell from the photo in your review. Does anyone know how many or what colors are available?
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama Photo gallery at:www.pbase.com/jamato8
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. Sand is sand no matter where it is found. Listening to: The Greatful Dead, The Closing of Winterland 1978, Fillmore West 1969, Lucinda Williams, The Cars Favorite headphone: Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010 Listening to: RSA SR-71A, iBasso D3, Woo 6 Modified-pseudo dual PS Portable amp ratings: *1. SR-71A *2. iBasso D3 *2b RSA Predator *3. Xin Micro *5 iBasso P3 *5b. Mini IV *6. D1 iBasso upgraded amp *6b. iBasso P2 (upgraded opamps) *8. C & C Box (good decay, tilted up high frequency, slightly synthetic) *9 iBasso T1 *10. iBasso T2 *11. XTRA X-1 (warm not neutral, very musical) *12. LD M+ These amps are enjoyable to listen to and present a slightly different interpretation of the musical signal. Portable monitor ratings: *1. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *2. Amadana P-117 bamboo *3. UM2 (respond to top quality amplification but I don't enjoy their sound) *4. OVC 8+ 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: Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac. Headphone Amplifiers: iBasso D1, IV Micro, IV Mini, Xin Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 Xin (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, LD Micro +, LD Micro Tube, C&C Box, iBasso P1, P2, D1, D2, Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 Modified Pseudo dual PS - Headphones: Ultra Ed. 9, HD650, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
wakeride74,
We disagree my friend. I can tell you that no amount of burn-in by the Predator will make its DAC section on par with the Pico's. The Pico's is a superior design. However, we agree on our satisfaction with our Pico purchase, that it is just our opinions, and both parties make a wonder product!
__________________ HOME/PORTABLE SOURCE: Apple 16Gb iPhone, IPod Video 30Gb CABLES: My own custom built Cardas LOD for iPhone AMP: Qables iQube IEM: Ultimate Ears UE-11's
Do you have any other images of the Pico? I am trying to get a hold of the color but I can't quite tell from the photo in your review. Does anyone know how many or what colors are available?
I think Justin may have additional colors available later down the road but as far as I know the options now are Gray (mine), Clear (white/silver), Black and Bronze (Rootbeer).
Here are some additional shots of mine that I tried to take in the bathroom where we have the white fluorescents vs. the yellowish lights in the rest of the house. The pictures show the color pretty true and I put my lens black cap next to it for comparo. I would not call it gray... it's really a cross between a dark slate type color and a midnight blue. I'm very happy with the way it looks... it's a damn sexy little thing!
flashback - I did not mean to imply that the Predator would or would not be on par with the Pico as far as the dac is concerned. All I was saying is that if the amp section needs time to mature it could act as a bottle neck out of the box. I know nothing of internal amp/dac design but I have read that the Pico's dac is likened to chips found in high end CDP's costing thousands.
__________________
"That's the problem with people like you, you want results but you never want to get your hands dirty. You'd better start rolling up your sleeves. I'm gonna need a hacksaw." - Jack Bauer
---------------------------------------------------- Headphones - UE-11 - Westone ES2 - Grado PS-1 (reversed bowls) Amps - Headamp Pico in Slate Gray (yup, that be all I need!)
Last edited by wakeride74; 01-01-2008 at 01:23 AM..
Linear Mode
