The Vampire 780's have 544 hours on them and still sound fantastic. I haven't heard any major changes since 200 hours, just a little smoother and more refined.
Using the same Marantz CD5001, I am currently running the Edition 9 via Apogee mini-DAC (S/PDIF on the coax) to the Woo WA6 with a highflyin9 silver plated copper RCA-mini. AT THE SAME TIME I am playing the Vampire 780's through just the Headroom Micro Amp which is connected directly to the Marantz CD player RCA outs with a Headphile silver cpu RCA-mini. I also tried swapping the headphones between the two rigs.
The Results: Well, there were two different comparisons - the rigs and the phones. Until the Woo's huge V-caps and BlackGates burns in, the $2500 rig isn't a whole lot better than the $600 rig (not including headphones). I also need to get the $200 Jensen Transformers XLR to RCA out 4:1 transformer, since the XLR is better than the mini-out on the Apogee.
Next, the Edition 9 are still better, but not massively better. I assumed this was due to the relatively low hours on the WA6 (63 hours), but the Micro only has 125 hours and hasn't changed much out of the box while the Woo has made big changes. Switching the headphones between the two rigs doesn't have a dramatic change, and the Edition 9 continue to better the 780's, but only by the same difference. It's the same increased body, soundstage, and refinement that I've mentioned before. But it's amazing that these truly are 90% of an Edition 9. It's seems to be that last 10% that makes or breaks them (another ALO780 owner sold me his ALO 780 and bought Edition 9 after hearing mine). It's even more amazing how good either one can sound with a $299 CDP and $299 amp (2006 model) - resolving, detailed, transparent, punchy, crisp, accurate, exciting, hypnotizing, and engaging.
Of course the WA6 is gonna sound a lot different in 1,000 hours when the V-caps and BlackGates are burned-in, and I install my Aperex Bugle Boy GZ34 in it, and I am pushing it with XLR>RCA transformers.
Just my thoughts.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sovkiller
There is no doubt that getting older is mandatory, but to mature remains still optional...
LarryHead-Fi Feedback Public Profile AKA My Toys 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 >>> 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. BASEMENT RIG: iBook > USB PICO > barqy built silver and copper mini-RCA > DarkVoice 336i > Ultrasone Edition 9 #440 with APS V3 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 > Headphile HF-1 with BlackMax cable. Selling Sony D-5 CD player CO regional meet 7/26/08
No, not surprised... just heartbroken and needed an outlet to vent..
Heartbroken? This is a real downer to take it that hard. I hope you endure the process to at least 200 hours and let us know what you think then. Just put them in a drawer for the next week and then listen to them this time next week without any intermediate concerns.
Is this a stock one or modified by someone...again not wanting to run back and check the history within this thread. I know I am lazy not to do this!
Heartbroken? This is a real downer to take it that hard. I hope you endure the process to at least 200 hours and let us know what you think then. Just put them in a drawer for the next week and then listen to them this time next week without any intermediate concerns.
Is this a stock one or modified by someone...again not wanting to run back and check the history within this thread. I know I am lazy not to do this!
I see now the ALO-780J.
Haha, I don't want to give the wrong impression, I can tell the phones have potential!! One thing that's weird is even when the SQ starts going south, the details (low level also) are still very much present..
I'll put them aside for another week, I throw on a "bass" heavy CD this morning and cranked the volume to the 1 o'clock position.. maybe that'll help loosen things up!
__________________ Home Rig: Coby mp3 -> Boostaroo -> Bose Triports!
Sent my Jenna Labs 780's (400 hour drivers/150 hour cable) to be re-terminated in a 1/4" plug, then sent on to greydragon, and here are the initial impressions:
Quote:
Ken did a superb job re-terminating it with a hefty silver 1/4" plug. And in all, it looks totally mint I'm surprised at how beautiful the JL cabling is.
After plugging them into the Hi-Z plug of the Opera.... (breathless) I can't really described what I'm hearing... its like nothing I've heard before, with its wide headstage, resolution, and cohesiveness of the sound signature is amazing. Soundwise, everything about these phones was done right. I think I'm going to develop serious insomnia from these phones! Unbelievable.
So, I am not making this stuff up. These phones are great!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sovkiller
There is no doubt that getting older is mandatory, but to mature remains still optional...
LarryHead-Fi Feedback Public Profile AKA My Toys 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 >>> 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. BASEMENT RIG: iBook > USB PICO > barqy built silver and copper mini-RCA > DarkVoice 336i > Ultrasone Edition 9 #440 with APS V3 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 > Headphile HF-1 with BlackMax cable. Selling Sony D-5 CD player CO regional meet 7/26/08
Just 24 hours after the previous (shocked) post above, I again picked up my ALO-780J during burn-in, and they sounded so good (!) THIS time, that I just left them on, and put on one of my best female vocal CD's (that also has lots of dynamic range in the music, along with the good vocals.
To make a long story short, during the first two tracks, I had tears in my eyes -- needed to wipe them at least 4-5 times -- the vocals sounded like the voice of an angel, and the music was out-of-this world! I never heard this CD sound this good before, with ANY of my cans -- including my stock 780's or any of my other very good cans. I guess I had one of those famous "eargasms" mentioned here on Head-Fi.
I only rarely get so moved by a piece of music, but I sure did yesterday.
Getting teary-eyed again as I type this, remembering! As an ex-musician, songwriter and composer, I know great music when I hear it.
Damn, these are good cans! There, I said it.
If these can actually get any better during more burn-in....wow!
__________________
An ex-pro rock guitarist, so I know what live music REALLY sounds like!
I had the same feeling (eargasms ?) last night while I was listening Scenes From A Memory from Dream theater
Cheers
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverrain
Just 24 hours after the previous (shocked) post above, I again picked up my ALO-780J during burn-in, and they sounded so good (!) THIS time, that I just left them on, and put on one of my best female vocal CD's (that also has lots of dynamic range in the music, along with the good vocals.
To make a long story short, during the first two tracks, I had tears in my eyes -- needed to wipe them at least 4-5 times -- the vocals sounded like the voice of an angel, and the music was out-of-this world! I never heard this CD sound this good before, with ANY of my cans -- including my stock 780's or any of my other very good cans. I guess I had one of those famous "eargasms" mentioned here on Head-Fi.
I only rarely get so moved by a piece of music, but I sure did yesterday.
Getting teary-eyed again as I type this, remembering! As an ex-musician, songwriter and composer, I know great music when I hear it.
Damn, these are good cans! There, I said it.
If these can actually get any better during more burn-in....wow!
__________________
Source: Marantz CD5001, iPod Touch 8G Cables: Blue Jeans LC-1, ALO Cryo Dock Amps: Little-Dot MKV Dual Mono, RSA Predator Phones: Ultrasone Edition 9 #1029, Grado SR225
Yeah I was hearing my alo 780V's and just in awe of the sound from these can's. I just want to enjoy them and stop thinking of bettering them for awhile hehehe. Dang upgraditus!
hmmm it doesn't help knowing there are the Jena and the Edition 9 out there hahaha
But bang for the buck these are really way cool. I heard the potential in these and am glad I went for the upgrade.
Yeah I was hearing my alo 780V's and just in awe of the sound from these can's. I just want to enjoy them and stop thinking of bettering them for awhile hehehe. Dang upgraditus!
hmmm it doesn't help knowing there are the Jena and the Edition 9 out there hahaha
But bang for the buck these are really way cool. I heard the potential in these and am glad I went for the upgrade.
Just sit back a while and enjoy the music. As long as you are enjoying the music that is what is all that is required.
Just 24 hours after the previous (shocked) post above, I again picked up my ALO-780J during burn-in, and they sounded so good (!) THIS time, that I just left them on, and put on one of my best female vocal CD's (that also has lots of dynamic range in the music, along with the good vocals.
To make a long story short, during the first two tracks, I had tears in my eyes -- needed to wipe them at least 4-5 times -- the vocals sounded like the voice of an angel, and the music was out-of-this world! I never heard this CD sound this good before, with ANY of my cans -- including my stock 780's or any of my other very good cans. I guess I had one of those famous "eargasms" mentioned here on Head-Fi.
I only rarely get so moved by a piece of music, but I sure did yesterday.
Getting teary-eyed again as I type this, remembering! As an ex-musician, songwriter and composer, I know great music when I hear it.
Damn, these are good cans! There, I said it.
If these can actually get any better during more burn-in....wow!
EARGASMS! Try the Imod Ipod with the new AURA TEFLON Imod Dock - The JENA LABS FUGUE cables (just burned in) thru RSA RAPTOR (waiting on the WA6 MAXED wired with solid silver wire from KEN at ALO sent to JACK WU) thru ALOs JENA CRYO cabled EDITION 9s with your favorite LOSSLESS songs. NOW that's EARGASMS. Can't wait to try the WA6 from BENCHMARK DAC1 USB
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Audio Disorder (CANT STOP)
Last edited by charlie1 : 03-21-2008 at 11:32 PM.
Reason: wrong word
Linear Mode
