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Today's Featured Head-Fi Blog: A Japanese headfier's monologue (Sasaki)
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Well done, Ron, it's truly a fascinating journey that you and John (kudos also to Miguel) have embarked upon and a real inspiration for those of us looking to cruise along in your wake!
Dex...
Yes, it has been a fun venture! I am pleased that iBasso has chosen to correspond back and forth as things have progressed. They are truly interested in improving an already fine amp. They have some ideas in the works that will be very innovative. More in due time!
Unfortunately, they are hampered in their efforts by the difficulty in getting quality parts, such as opamps, caps, etc. What we take for granted is very hard for them.
I have much enjoyed the feedback from those who have tried some of the different configurations that we have discussed in the forum. So far, I have heard from no one who has been dissatisfied with the results of their opamp changes.
When I began experimenting with the D1, I had LOTS of opamps on hand from my years of playing with my Xin amps. Some of them worked well in the D1, some didn't, but at least I had a starting point and was fairly familiar with the characteristics of quite a few different opamps so it was a natural evolution to try to improve the D1.
I can't think of a more enjoyable way to waste endless hours that could probably be utilized more productively!!!!!
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Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL
iRiverH140&H-CF32, Head-Direct EF1, O1-DAC, iQube, iBasso D1,D2,D3, P3, Decware ZH1, SOHA(JISBOS) SM-Micro, Auri Direct, Sony PFR-V1, Sony F1, ATH-ESW10, Grado RS-1/aps, FreQshows, Sleek SA6, Yuin OK1,2,3, G1, Klipsch Image, ER4P/S.
Well done, Ron, it's truly a fascinating journey that you and John (kudos also to Miguel) have embarked upon and a real inspiration for those of us looking to cruise along in your wake!
John (Jamato8) and I correspond regularly, comparing notes, etc. John is VERY skilled at accomplishing quite extensive circuit modifications utilizing his in-depth knowledge and electronic experience with capacitors and other hardware devices. His modifications always seem to improve the performance of the stock circuit design.
His input has been invaluable both on and off forum. I only wish we were neighbors!
Miguel (Mrarroyo) is personally familiar with a vast number of amplifiers and their capabilities as well as limitations. He has probably owned more audio equipment than I could count. It is always fun to get together with him and attempt to defend our own choices of amp configurations! We also correspond regularly.
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Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL
iRiverH140&H-CF32, Head-Direct EF1, O1-DAC, iQube, iBasso D1,D2,D3, P3, Decware ZH1, SOHA(JISBOS) SM-Micro, Auri Direct, Sony PFR-V1, Sony F1, ATH-ESW10, Grado RS-1/aps, FreQshows, Sleek SA6, Yuin OK1,2,3, G1, Klipsch Image, ER4P/S.
I know its subjective but how is the sound stage and imaging? Also how is the output? With the second combo I was able to get very good hard hitting bass with exceptional volume out of my HD650s. Any other pros and cons when comparing them.
I know its subjective but how is the sound stage and imaging? Also how is the output? With the second combo I was able to get very good hard hitting bass with exceptional volume out of my HD650s. Any other pros and cons when comparing them.
Corey
The LMH6643 buffers have less impact than the AD8397, and are a little smoother and warmer. IMO, they work very nicely for classical and jazz,
whereas the 8397s do a really good job on rock. They also output the most current, although the LMH6643 provide more than enough volume for my HD650s, especially when using the DAC or optical input.
The LTC6241HV is a very tube-like sound, with smooth highs and natural bass that doesn't jump at you, but is there when it is supposed to be.
Very easy to listen to.
The OPA2111 has the largest soundstage, and is an all-around good performer.
The AD746 also has a very wide, deep soundstage with very accurate imaging. A very precise and accurate amplifier. It is the only one that gives a true feeling of the sound being wider than the head. It is a great opamp for classical.
They are all very good performers, I would hate to have to pick the "best". They are among the best that I have found. If one likes presence and great detail, the LT6234 and ADA4841-2 are also very good choices that have very low noise and extremely low current draw.
Decisions..decisions!!! It is difficult to describe sound character of an opamp verbally, but maybe these descriptions will be of some help.
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Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL
iRiverH140&H-CF32, Head-Direct EF1, O1-DAC, iQube, iBasso D1,D2,D3, P3, Decware ZH1, SOHA(JISBOS) SM-Micro, Auri Direct, Sony PFR-V1, Sony F1, ATH-ESW10, Grado RS-1/aps, FreQshows, Sleek SA6, Yuin OK1,2,3, G1, Klipsch Image, ER4P/S.
Do you think that this combo would be good for Rock and have any advantages over the OPA2111.
AD746 L/R
AD8397 Buffers
AD8656 DAC
Also what difference does there exist with the AD8656 vs LMH6643 as a DAC chip.
I think that would be a very good rock combination. The LMH6643 has a faster slew rate which is good for transient response and outputs more power than the 8656. Current draw is also about a third less for the 6643.
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Ron Kerlin
Ft Myers, FL
iRiverH140&H-CF32, Head-Direct EF1, O1-DAC, iQube, iBasso D1,D2,D3, P3, Decware ZH1, SOHA(JISBOS) SM-Micro, Auri Direct, Sony PFR-V1, Sony F1, ATH-ESW10, Grado RS-1/aps, FreQshows, Sleek SA6, Yuin OK1,2,3, G1, Klipsch Image, ER4P/S.
I think that would be a very good rock combination. The LMH6643 has a faster slew rate which is good for transient response and outputs more power than the 8656. Current draw is also about a third less for the 6643.
Like stated by HiFlight above but with some disagreement. It's very neutral in tonality. Has a "true" soundstage to my ears. On the bad side it lacks some energy and details and in the long run I found it a bit boring. This is the dual version of AD744. AD744 can be connected "compensation pin out", i.e. the internal buffer stage is bypassed and the opamp runs classA. This improves the sound quality, and it becomes more energetic and detailed. You can use two AD744's on a BrownDog adapter. This opamp is used in LISAIII - "the best portable ever". This could also be "the final" opamp of choice in D1.
Hasn't the DAC in D1 balanced outputs? When are we going to see a balanced D1?
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