Well this is just pure speculation on my part but, it could be that the tubes currently in the Raptor are not a good match with the 780's them self.
Thats what I thought too...I know tubes can push as hard as SS, especially with amp like Raptor, but maybe some tube rolling is required to get a good match with the 780?
I figured that tube rolling would have to come into play much like how HeadphoneAddict had posted about his findings opamp rolling with his iBasso D1.(I think he did some tube rolling too with his darkvoice but I cannot confirm that at the moment.)
My friend just got his 780 with the Jena cable, and his amps are the Raptor and the Predator...His initial impressions when compared to his other cans(HHF-1, ALO-701) was for some reason the 780 sounded thin and hollows with the Raptor...the base was good, but not focused at all. He said his ALO-701 actuallys sounded better than the 780...
However, when he changed the amp to the Predator, the 780 sounded awesome!
Could this be the syndetical of the 780 between tubes and solidstates amp?
There is also the issue of burn-in - these headphones NEED burn-in, period.
Ken posted this earlier:
Quote:
Originally Posted by KB
I got to compare yours to a new set I also finished today. Its was neat to hear the differences in yours (burned in) and the brand new ones I did. I was pretty amazed at how much better yours sounded as your drivers are broken in. Obviously the burn in period if very significant for these HFI780s. The thing that stuck out the most between the 2 was how unrelaxed, honky and somewhat tinny the new ones sounded COMPARED to yours (its all relevant). Keep in mind that both had the 18G cable new installed when I was comparing them. I am sure the new one will eventually catch up to yours and they will both sound exactly the same. That driver needs to be softened up before its going to sound like is suppose to sound. Also once your cable gets about 80 or so hours on it, it will also sound a bit better.
And, yes, i did find that certain amps, or tube and opamp combinations worked better for the 780 than others, but as the ALO-780 burn-in the amp selection becomes less important (i.e. by 200-250 hours).
The beautiful thing is that a 48 hour ALO-780 sounds better than a 200+ hour stock 780.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sovkiller
There is no doubt that getting older is mandatory, but to mature remains still optional...
LarryHead-Fi Feedback MAIN RIG: Marantz CD5001 > Synergistic Research Coax > Apogee mini-DAC with Sigma 11 PSU > Neutrik XLR out > Jensen Transformers XLR-RCA > Anti-cables RCA > Stax SRM-1 Mk2 pro (or HEV70) > Sennheiser HE60 >>> or SRM-1 Mk2 Pro (or HEV70) RCA pass-thru > Silver plated copper IC > Woo Audio Maxxed WA6 w/ GZ34 Bugle Boy > Grado RS-1 with APS V3 cable. BEDSIDE RIG: Sony D-303 or iRiver H140 > Sysconcept.ca optical > HeadRoom Micro DAC > ALO cryo silver x mini-mini > TTVJ portable millet hybrid tube amp > Grado HF-1 with Headcoverage woodies and APS V3 cable >>> or DV336i > Edition 9 with APS V3 cable. BASEMENT RIG: iBook > USB PICO > Denon D2000 APS V2 cable. PORTABLE RIG: iMod 80gb 5.5G > barqy silver in silk LOD > ALO portable V-Cap dock > barqy silver in silk mini-mini > RSA Predator > Livewires T1. LAPTOP RIG: MacBook > USB iBasso D2 > Edition 9 with APS V3 cable. CO regional meet 7/26/08
Ultrasone HFI780 ALO Mod using Vampire Cables ,and Tex-Flex
Don't mind the pictures no fancy camera here.
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Thanks for the pictures but have you listened to them yet? I am sure you have some. First impressions are OK here too.
I just got back and sent these pictures,I traveled 200 miles from Cleveland,Ohio
To home traveling through a snow storm,I don't know how I made it through the blizzards but I did.I really haven't settled in yet,and listened as of yet.It may be tomorrow before I can list some first impressions.I am practically brain dead after being without sleep for some twenty hours.
I just got back and sent these pictures,I traveled 200 miles from Cleveland,Ohio
To home traveling through a snow storm,I don't know how I made it through the blizzards but I did.I really haven't settled in yet,and listened as of yet.It may be tomorrow before I can list some first impressions.I am practically brain dead after being without sleep for some twenty hours.
Get some rest that trip was a killer glad it didn't kill you.