Review: Entire Meier Audio Headphone Amp Line Compared - Page 6 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Audio Jester · #76 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 08:34 AM

Great work as usual Skylab. I am really gonna miss my Arietta (as I am moving onto the opera) it has been such a great little unit. My D2000's sound fantastic out of it and the crossfeed is a beautiful feature. Dr Meier really knows his shiznit.

Bozz_Keren · #77 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 09:24 AM

nice review Skylab
i wonder what's the comparo between iBasso D1 and Arietta,
i know they're different, one is portable other is home, but they're in same price league, and which one will u choose regarding SQ only

Skylab · #78 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 01:41 PM

It's impossible to compare the two, because the iBasso really only sounds good from it's built in DAC, where it sounds very good indeed, and the Arietta has no DAC.

Bozz_Keren · #79 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 02:31 PM

if im going to have home amps and already had nice DAC from my SC then i'm good with arietta?
also did anybody have tried grado with corda amp?

donunus · #80 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab

The Arietta is better than the Headfive. I had a Headfive, and it was a nice little amp, but the Arietta is a different amp aside from the chassis, and it sounds better. The Headfive is the warmest sounding Meier amp ever. Some felt it was too warm. I think that depends on what headphones it's used with, etc. I liked the Headfive, but the Arietta is better.

Besides being warmer, what else makes the headfive less of an amp than the arietta? Is it less powerful, less impactful, etc... I was wondering cause I am going to be pairing it to my coming k701. People say that the k701 can benefit from a warm amp since it is supposed to be leaner than neutral... wouldn't the headfive be better for the k701 or is the warmness factor less of a concern than all other things the arietta has going for it?

Skylab · #81 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 05:07 PM

I really can't answer your question, since I did not have the H5 to directly compare to the Arietta.

V-Duh · #82 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 10:19 PM

Skylab,
Thanks for the review. Very interesting as always.
I have a quick question about these two statements:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab

....I use mostly the Denon D5000 for the review....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab

....The Arietta sounds very good with Darth Beyers IMO, as do all Meier amps....

It seems people think of you as being primarily a Darth Beyer aficionado - so why use the D5000 instead of a Darth Beyer 250ohm?

I use a MOVE/D5000 combo and I believe there is good synergy between the two. My HD600, however, is much more enjoyable with my ASL MG HEAD DT OTL MKIII. I think the unique sound signature of a Darth Beyer may also be quite enjoyable, just not sure what amp.

So...I'm curious about your D5000 choice.
I'm always looking for new information.

Thanks!

Skylab · #83 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-Duh

It seems people think of you as being primarily a Darth Beyer aficionado - so why use the D5000 instead of a Darth Beyer 250ohm?

I use a MOVE/D5000 combo and I believe there is good synergy between the two. My HD600, however, is much more enjoyable with my ASL MG HEAD DT OTL MKIII. I think the unique sound signature of a Darth Beyer may also be quite enjoyable, just not sure what amp.

So...I'm curious about your D5000 choice.
I'm always looking for new information.

Thanks!

That's easy - the D5000 is much more neutral sounding than the Darth Beyer, and as such is much better for reviewing amps with.

That isn't to say I LIKE the Denon better, just that's it a better headphone to use when reviewing amps.

mrwinick · #84 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007, 12:05 AM

I ordered (and paid for) an Arietta on the 21st and I received it today. It is in the process of burning in. Amazingly fast turnaround.

Ricey20 · #85 (**permalink**) 09-27-2007, 03:20 PM

anyone have any experience between the opera's DAC to a dedicated DAC like the Ori Moded Zhalou? Im torn between saving for an Opera or getting a OMZ (or other dedicated DAC) + Arietta or Lisa III. Would it be a good idea to just keep the components seperate in case for future upgrades?

Henmyr · #86 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 03:49 PM

Would an Opera sound good/really good using Dt880/990/ms2i and maybe a future rs1?

I listen to everything, but mostly metal and progressive metal. If I say like this; I need it to sound godly with metal, if it sounds great on other stuff than thats a big bonus, but if is not good for metal then it's not for me.

Use Opeth as an exemple. My Arms and Blackwater park do not have the best soundquality ever, so will the Opera sound very bad with them?

I think I have outgrown my h5 and have started to look at other amplifiers. I think that h5 is a little too lean for my taste and a bigger soundstage would be nice. It sounds just a little bit muddy at times with both ms2 and dt880. This might also be very much dependent on my mood. I want a crystal clear sound, but not fatiguing.

I am looking at an upgrade which will last me many many years (said the same thing when buying h5).

I use an xtreme music now as source and will be using Operas dac if I get one.

OR, I'm I searching for the impossible (excellent sounding metal)?

Will Opera WOW! me?

ManAtWork · #87 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henmyr

Would an Opera sound good/really good using Dt880/990/ms2i and maybe a future rs1?

I listen to everything, but mostly metal and progressive metal. If I say like this; I need it to sound godly with metal, if it sounds great on other stuff than thats a big bonus, but if is not good for metal then it's not for me.

I believe you should like the sound signature of Beyer cans, if so, the Opera should able to WOW you. With the DT880, you will be shock why the DT880 has such better sound during the first several minutes with Opera. Yes, even just the first several minutes, you can feel your DT880 is upgraded to another superior standard. The sound will get improved continuously in first two weeks. Only Opera doesn't come with forwarding or brighter sound, which someone may not favor of. But as you mention you listen everything, then Opera is suitable for you.

Negatron · #88 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 07:24 PM

Thanks for a very informative write up. The Meier Amps have been the only SS ones that have called loud enough to be considered seriously into my house full of tubes. I've been real close a few times. Consistant design with warmth and detail is an art, not happenstance. You have added fuel to the fire.

daveDerek · #89 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 08:01 PM

as usual, nice job Rob. could you comment on how you feel any of the newer amps compare to any of Jan's older amps since you did have some of them at the same time.

Skylab · #90 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 09:07 PM

Thanks Dave. I had the Opera and the HA-2 II/SE at the same time, and the Opera was a significant improvement, so much so that I sold the HA-2. The Opera was maybe even more detailed, but with a more naturally warm sonic signature.