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| Headphone Amps (full-size) Discussion of desktop headphone amps. |
12-10-2007, 02:49 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamato8
Do you know if this is the latest version with the larger toroidal transformer?
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Last month, when both sellers were up on eBay, they were identical units. Now, hummm, maybe one of these guys getting ready to purchase wouldn't mind asking the seller if they've been upgraded? You thinking about one? 
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12-10-2007, 02:57 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,601
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Well it looks very interesting. I would like to read more about the sound compared to some higher end products. The look of things and the components used would seem to lend to very good sound. Good caps, chips etc. I wonder if those are carbon resistors? I prefer those to common metal film resistors and they cost about the same or less.
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12-10-2007, 03:12 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamato8
Well it looks very interesting. I would like to read more about the sound compared to some higher end products. The look of things and the components used would seem to lend to very good sound. Good caps, chips etc. I wonder if those are carbon resistors? I prefer those to common metal film resistors and they cost about the same or less.
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The most reveling photos (way better than mine) I have seen are the ones here on ebay: ZERO NEW 24BIT 192KHZ DAC +HEAD PHONE AMP - (eBay item 140188390838 end time Dec-15-07 21:00:57 PST)
He says alot about it's contents.
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12-10-2007, 03:58 AM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Deep South Texas
Posts: 139
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I just got this response from Lawrence about my order:
Dear Sir ,
You need to wait for around 10 days , your dac will be the new version upgraded dac.
Thank you veyr much !
Best regrads,
Lawrence
So, I will be getting the upgraded toroidal power supply as well! Ten days has now become eternity for me!!
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12-10-2007, 04:06 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,601
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Penchum
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Great shots and components. It would still be nice to read a comparo to something well respected but the thing looks like great fun and it should be musical.
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama
Photo gallery at: www.pbase.com/jamato8 Recent publication: Ethnobotany Research & Applications, Vol 7 (2009) Kam Guilzhouh nyim Guangxxih di Benxtux Wenchual nyim Zihyuanc dih Gonxliix: Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China http://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/
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.
JH13's > Why stay home when you can go to the concert?
Listening with: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2 #469
Digital conversion: the all new MB-1 optical dual Wolfson portable dac
Amps I am currently listening with: RSA P-51 Mustang, SR 71A, iBasso D10, Lisa III, OEM BLack Gate, Non Black Gate, iBasso P3+, iBasso T3 (new version), RSA Shadow, iBasso D4
Favorite monitors: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2, Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010, ATH-ESW10JPN
Portable monitor ratings: 1. JH 13 Pro 2. ESW10 JPN 3. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *4. UM2
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: MB-1 optical Dac, Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac, iBasso D10
Headphone Amplifiers:RSA: Shadow, Predator, P-51 Mustang, SR71A, Xin: IV Micro, IV Mini, Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, C&C Box, iBasso: P1, P2, P3, P3+, T1, T2, T3, T4 D1, D2, D3, D4, D10 Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 with the original Pseudo dual PS -
Ear Monitors: JH13 Pro, Ultra Ed. 9, Grado HF-2/F1 #469, HD650, ATH-ESW10 JPN, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
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12-10-2007, 06:05 AM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 692
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i am still looking for an amp, have another question about this one. I would like something that would add weight to the sounds/music that is coming through my phones. How well does this amp do in that department? Also im sure this was asked before, but how is the clarity?
thanks!
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12-10-2007, 07:02 AM
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Junior Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Flushing, NY
Posts: 22
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That looks like the upgraded toroidal transformer, right?
I'm pretty firm on purchasing this great unit now thanks to the wonderful review 
Last edited by sushicide; 12-10-2007 at 07:41 AM.
Reason: dang, pwned by hotlinking
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12-10-2007, 07:11 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Camberley, UK
Posts: 1,563
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Its amazing how chinese AUDIO manufacutres able to produce very cost effective high end audio gear!!
__________________
Sources
PC : AV 710 DAP: SQUEEZEBOX 3, iAudio G3, Sony NWZ-S639F, Sansa FUZE 8GB DAC: Stello DA100, iBasso D10, POPPLUS Link2, Musiland Monitor 01 USD
ICs IXOS STUDIO Twisted-Pair, Cardas HPI, QED Qunex 3, SonicWave Glass Toslink
AMPs: XIN Supermini IV, XIN Reference, Headamp GS-1, Stello S100
CANs: Koss KSC35, KOSS KSC75, Westone3, Westone UM3X, Senn HD650 with Equinox cable
Speakers: Usher X-718, SVS SB12+
MY FEEDBACK
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12-10-2007, 07:17 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,601
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In the review it states don't expect this to compete with a 600 dollar plus unit but why not? If everything is implemented correctly it could compete with more than that but does it? It will be nice to see this compared to so existing respected units.
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12-10-2007, 02:11 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arteom
i am still looking for an amp, have another question about this one. I would like something that would add weight to the sounds/music that is coming through my phones. How well does this amp do in that department? Also im sure this was asked before, but how is the clarity?
thanks!
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Hi! I guess I'm a little unsure of what you mean by weight. With the default Opamp, it brings out the best of your clean source. I would call it transparent, pure amplification. With a Opamp change, you can make it sound more like a tube amp, super crystal clear solid state and many more. Does that help?
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12-10-2007, 02:20 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Norway
Posts: 2,124
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I asked Chan Lawrence about the transformer yesterday, and he told me it is upgraded...
__________________
nor_spoon
"Stupidity got us into this mess - and stupidity will get us out." - Homer
SOURCE Ontech Monster Dual Mono AMP EC Zana Deux HEADPHONES Sennheiser HD800 , HD650 w/SAA Equinox, Grado RS-1, Victor/JVC HP-DX1000 CABLES Zu Gede, Zu Firemine
Last edited by nor_spoon; 12-10-2007 at 02:24 PM.
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12-10-2007, 02:27 PM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by enigma1406
Exact same thing here. He emailed me back within 20 minutes. Paypal is sent and now I'm just waiting for it to ship. |
hehe yep, enough was enough, all this deciding - I mailed Tianyun directly and the two eBay sellers who had previously been selling them - bought from the first one to reply (Lawrence again ) - £90 shipped </childishly_overexcited!>
(could have saved about £50 of that plus shipping by buying direct, but the quick response - on a weekend too - kind of suggested I'd get it much much quicker via Mr Chan and besides, didn't even know if Tianyun will sell them individually and/or ship internationally, but I'll post here if/when they get back to me about that)
Last edited by dsmudger; 12-10-2007 at 02:48 PM.
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12-10-2007, 02:41 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamato8
In the review it states don't expect this to compete with a 600 dollar plus unit but why not? If everything is implemented correctly it could compete with more than that but does it? It will be nice to see this compared to so existing respected units.
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Well, for the purpose of the "impressionistic" review, I didn't want to assume how high up the quality ladder the Zero could compete with directly. I knew for sure it stomped all over my Entec 205.5, so I tried to keep a level playing field around that. I agree there is NO reason why it couldn't compete with $600 or higher units, I just didn't have a way to substantiate that high of an impression. I can say with confidence that it's quality and performance suggest to me that it CAN compete at that level, but like I said in the review, I wouldn't go as far as expecting it too.
I know that the Zero represents a change in inexpensive audio from China. Much like Little-Dot and many portable units, the desire to produce quality audio that satisfies the end user has come into focus with great speed. I also realize this may upset some audio users especially if it seems to "fly in the face of established norms". I just hope that a few long time members with unbiased views, purchase the Zero and share with others how great a unit it is.
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12-10-2007, 03:30 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 3,262
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One thing I have upgraded on my Zero is the volume knob. The stock one is OK, but light weight. I like to have a heavier knob so I can feel the smoothness of the pot. If you look at my pics in the review, you will see the upgraded knob on the unit.
If anyone is interested in the same upgrade, here is the link to that knob:
http://www.partsconnexion.com/catalo...sandknobs.html
Scroll down the page until you see the knob and this line:
KNOBS- 64392 Solid Brass - matte silver, 6mm - shaft diameter with Allen/socket screw mount 26 $13.75
The pic on their site makes the knob look tapered, but it isn't. It has a nice notch cut in it so you can feel where the knob is in relation to the volume you are hearing. This is great if you like listening in low light situations.
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12-10-2007, 05:54 PM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 692
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Penchum
Hi! I guess I'm a little unsure of what you mean by weight. With the default Opamp, it brings out the best of your clean source. I would call it transparent, pure amplification. With a Opamp change, you can make it sound more like a tube amp, super crystal clear solid state and many more. Does that help? |
perhaps a better way to describe the sound that I'm looking for would be to say that I want something that adds body to the sound, the sound I am experiencing out of my soundcard is thin. From what I understand perhaps I am better off getting a tube amp, I have been thinking about a darkvoice 336i. I have very little experience soldering so dont know how easy it would be for me to change opamps, but I imagine changing a tube would be easy as unplugging it.
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