Review of the Little-Dot MKIII Tube Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp

[rpveld]

Originally Posted by oatmeal769

I think he means that one may add the HD600 grilles to the phones and make them identical to the HD600. - At least that's what I've read.

Thanks, I read about that too.
What I don’t get and would really like to know is what he means in combination with the MK III.
Is this an extraordinary combination of HP and Amp?
I’ve been trying to find out since he posted this, but I don’t get it.
I hate the time difference at the moment, I am very curious.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by rpveld

Thanks, I read about that too.
What I don’t get and would really like to know is what he means in combination with the MK III.
Is this an extraordinary combination of HP and Amp?
I’ve been trying to find out since he posted this, but I don’t get it.
I hate the time difference at the moment, I am very curious.

Sorry rpveld, I've been tied up elsewhere. What I mean is: Many Senn lovers will buy HD-580s for cheap, and mod them to HD-600 level sound. These work fantastic as a second set of phones. If you decided to do this, let me know and I have a few parts here that will help.

On a positive note, there are days that I like the HD-600 sound better than the HD-650 sound. I don't even understand why, but it is nice to have the option to switch out when I want too.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by absolutlemur

Very happy with my MKIII! Looking to explore different tubes soon, maybe Mullards.

One question though - I don't use the preamp out. Should I get RCA caps for the output?

There hasn't been much debate on the RCA caps. I think common sense is the best approach. In my home office/lab here, I have a much higher possibility of interference from other equipment in the room, so I use low cost caps on all unused RCA's. This is a preventative measure only. I got lucky and found a Chinese seller who sold quantity to keep the cost low.

If you don't have a problem with interference, these would be a "low priority" prevention item IMHO. If you do have interference problems, RCA caps can help cut down the amount of interference.

[rpveld]

Ah, thank you Penchum for explaining this to me.
I must say I was tempted to buy the HD 580 at Ebay's where there is a sale going on. (and I still might do that, not sure yet)
But with the AKG 701 (if it will arrive eventually) the HD 650 and the HFI 780 I think I have the spectrum of the music I listen to covered.

If I do decide to buy the HD 580 after all I will PM you so we can make a deal.
Thanks for the offer.

I really like the Little DOT MK III, it has about 40 hours of playing time and I already like the sound of it.
You have a keen eye for gear that is not so expensive and yet very good.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by rpveld

Ah, thank you Penchum for explaining this to me.
I must say I was tempted to buy the HD 580 at Ebay's where there is a sale going on. (and I still might do that, not sure yet)
But with the AKG 701 (if it will arrive eventually) the HD 650 and the HFI 780 I think I have the spectrum of the music I listen to covered.

If I do decide to buy the HD 580 after all I will PM you so we can make a deal.
Thanks for the offer.

I really like the Little DOT MK III, it has about 40 hours of playing time and I already like the sound of it.
You have a keen eye for gear that is not so expensive and yet very good.

Thanks! This is what I've been trying to get the message out on for quite some time. It does fly in the face of what many folks here believe, but it is a proven fact that quality (new) audio can be had for less money, if you know where to look. I keep my eyes open for new possibilities all the time. I actually buy my own before reviewing them, which is something that isn't always done.

[rpveld]

Hi all,
I have a question about the Little Dot MK III and MK V.
It’s probably a stupid question but I just don’t understand.

I hope I can describe the question clear enough.

I have both these amps connected to a Beresford DAC/AMP.
So analog output 1 to the MK V and analog out 2 to the MK III.
Now if I listen to the MK V I can use the volume control on the Beresford and the volume on the MK V.
However, on the MK III the volume on the Beresford doesn’t do anything. Only the volume on the MK III works.
I really don’t understand how this works. Obviously there is a difference in both amps.
Could someone please explain this to me?

[ethebull]

Sounds like one of the outputs on the Beresford is "fixed" (non-variable). Check your manual. In any case, set the output on the Beresford to max and then use either amp's volume to achieve the desired level.

Edit: Or if the Beresford has an amp section that can induce more gain - overloading the amp input could cause a problem. In that case, set the volume level on the Beresford for "unity gain" - (no perceivable difference in level between the two Little dots.)

[rpveld]

Originally Posted by ethebull

Sounds like one of the outputs on the Beresford is "fixed" (non-variable). Check your manual. In any case, set the output on the Beresford to max and then use either amp's volume to achieve the desired level.

Edit: Or if the Beresford has an amp section that can induce more gain - overloading the amp input could cause a problem. In that case, set the volume level on the Beresford for "unity gain" - (no perceivable difference in level between the two Little dots.)

Thanks ethebull,
You are right about the fixed output.
I switched the two outputs and now it works on the MK III and not on the MK V.
Learning all the time.

[ethebull]

Cool. Now if you want to listen and compare the two amps on an even playing field, set the volume on the Beresford to achieve a zero sum gain. (though the fixed output might pass through a few fewer active elements - giving that pathway a sonic advantage, at least in theory)

Happy listening,

E

[Mike_TNT]

Originally Posted by Penchum

Sorry rpveld, I've been tied up elsewhere. What I mean is: Many Senn lovers will buy HD-580s for cheap, and mod them to HD-600 level sound. These work fantastic as a second set of phones. If you decided to do this, let me know and I have a few parts here that will help.

Well I finally ordered my amp a few hours ago. I was expecting the fast communication from David but I was still surprised at how fast he replied to my emails.

BTW I have an un-moded pair of 580s. So I'll take you up on that offer if you'd be so obliged.

[Penchum]

Originally Posted by Mike_TNT

Well I finally ordered my amp a few hours ago. I was expecting the fast communication from David but I was still surprised at how fast he replied to my emails.

BTW I have an un-moded pair of 580s. So I'll take you up on that offer if you'd be so obliged.

Tell you what. Ask rpveld if he minds. If it is ok, then PM me.

[Mike_TNT]

I sent a pm to rpveld. Thanks.

[rpveld]

Originally Posted by Penchum

Tell you what. Ask rpveld if he minds. If it is ok, then PM me.

Very considerate of you Penchum, I told him it's ok.

[Simpsoid]

Hi,

I am new to the audiophile league and want to invest in one of these.
However I'm from Australia where we run 240V A/C power (I know Americans run 120V power).
Is this amp compatible with the power we run (without any mods out of the box)?

Also could someone please post some images of the back and the input of the amp (all the pics seem to be of the front dials/output but nothing of the back where the power/audio actually goes in).

I'm thinking of getting a pair of AKG K701's for headphones and just bought a Auzentech X-FI Prelude 7.1 Sound Card to hook them all up to my PC.

Mostly listen to music on PC as well as gaming. Good sound can be the difference between life and death especially when you can hear where that pesky sniper is

Anyway this is a great review. I don't know much about audio gear but I am keen to get into it. I figure I'll get these few moderatly priced things to start with and see where it goes from there.

[rpveld]

Don't know about 220/240. You could ask David about that.
little.tube@gmail.com

Here is a picture of the back (From the Little Dot website Little-Tube)



Hope this helps.