Since the new lineup of micro amps doesn't really use the other amp modules per sé I was wondering how the new Micro and Ultra Micro amps compare to other modules/amps in the Headroom line. Particularly, "Would the Ultra Micro amp really sound as good as a Max amp if plugged into the DPS?" If not is the Ultra Micro's SQ better than most of the other amps since it essentially has the Max electronics? Ex. would it sound better than the Home and Desktop amps at least? I guess Tyll if you make a response to this could you just list the Headroom Amps in order of increasing SQ. I'm kinda curious I guess. I have an Ultra Micro and I love the little thing to death, but am wanting another amp for more permanent home use as I have a large desk in my room. The Ultra Micro goes with me on trips and such (first thing to come out of my suitcase). Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated.
Since the new lineup of micro amps doesn't really use the other amp modules per sé I was wondering how the new Micro and Ultra Micro amps compare to other modules/amps in the Headroom line. Particularly, "Would the Ultra Micro amp really sound as good as a Max amp if plugged into the DPS?" If not is the Ultra Micro's SQ better than most of the other amps since it essentially has the Max electronics? Ex. would it sound better than the Home and Desktop amps at least? I guess Tyll if you make a response to this could you just list the Headroom Amps in order of increasing SQ. I'm kinda curious I guess. I have an Ultra Micro and I love the little thing to death, but am wanting another amp for more permanent home use as I have a large desk in my room. The Ultra Micro goes with me on trips and such (first thing to come out of my suitcase). Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated.
OK. This is a bit complicated, but it's sort of my area so I'll have a crack at it...
Though there are no modules in the Micro line, the electronics themselves are equivalent to modules used in other lines, more or less.
The 07 Micro has electronics that are somewhere between a Desktop module and a Home module in terms of circuit design - pobably closer to Home module. The output transistors are top of the line though, unlike any 'modules' except for the Max module.
The 07 Ultra Micro has the same electronics design and components as a Max Module. There may be some slight differences in biasing to accomodate heat in the small space, though there may not - HR will have to confirm that.
Will an Ultra Micro sound as good as Max if you run it using a DPS? No. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the DPS is a smilar supply to that used in the Home and Max lines, however is a single power supply for both channels of audio. In the Home and Max amps, there are dual supplies for separation of the left and right channels right back to the power connector.
Secondly, there is much less capacticance on the power input in the Micro (as you can see from those 4 small caps in the photos - compare with the final row of caps nearest the module in a Home or Max). The quality of these caps is significantly improved in the Max amp itself as well, though these two points together account for only a relatively small difference.
The quality of the volume potentiometer is much lower in the Micro, not by intentionally trying to select a bad one, but by the limits of size. The little alps pot in there is actually the best in its size class, but is less transparent than the larger continuous potentiometers and particularly the standard Stepped Attenuator in the Max.
I would also hazard a small guess that with the thinner panels and more condensed circuitry in the little Micro, it will be a little less immune to RFI and other environmental problems than a Home or Max, though that's really grasping at straws a bit.
How much of a difference does that add up to? You'd really have to sit them side by side and decide for yourself, but the differences will be small but detectable. For the price difference, I'd say they would be surprisingly close.
And if you really want a HR sound quality line up, here's my opinion:
(assuming a DPS as power supply where appropriate...)
Micro -> Desktop w/Home Module -> Ultra Micro -> Desktop w/Max Module -> Home with Max Module -> Max
Will an Ultra Micro sound as good as Max if you run it using a DPS? No. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the DPS is a smilar supply to that used in the Home and Max lines, however is a single power supply for both channels of audio. In the Home and Max amps, there are dual supplies for separation of the left and right channels right back to the power connector.
Secondly, there is much less capacticance on the power input in the Micro (as you can see from those 4 small caps in the photos - compare with the final row of caps nearest the module in a Home or Max). The quality of these caps is significantly improved in the Max amp itself as well, though these two points together account for only a relatively small difference.
Sloth, so would the $400 DPS be a noticeable upgrade for the Ultra Micro Amp and DAC or would it be best to save the money and stick with the Brick Supply? or spend the $200 on the Switching Supplies?
Sloth, so would the $400 DPS be a noticeable upgrade for the Ultra Micro Amp and DAC or would it be best to save the money and stick with the Brick Supply? or spend the $200 on the Switching Supplies?
Ok so what about the Ultra compared to other amps out there? IMO I think it sounds better than any other amps I've heard in its price range. Better detail, impact, soundstage, the crossfeed is excellent. IMHO great amp for the money and especially size.
And if you really want a HR sound quality line up, here's my opinion:
(assuming a DPS as power supply where appropriate...)
Micro -> Desktop w/Home Module -> Ultra Micro -> Desktop w/Max Module -> Home with Max Module -> Max
Hi TheSloth,
I recently purchased an Ultra Micro DAC that I'm using with a Hornet amp and a MacBook Pro as a source. I'm playing flac files on the MacBook Pro through the optical out. I'm just using this at home, not portable.
I'm thinking of getting trying the Ultra Micro Amp. I also am wondering what might sound and/or work better for me. I guess the other question I have is where do you think the Balanced Desktop with DAC would fit in?
This is just a rough estimation but I would assume the Balanced Desktop amp would be at least on par with the Maxxed out Desktop. I've only heard a balanced setup once but it's amazingly vivid and well...balanced. I don't know how else to explain it everything just sounds so perfect. Keep in mind you'd have to recable all your headphones and get balanced sources to fully take advantage of the balanced amp/headphone setup. Personally I love the Ultra Micro. IMHO it's definitely one of the best amps you can get for less than $1K. Nice and vivid but warm sounding too. I'm sure that changes with what headphones you're listening to it with as well. I use Shure SE530's most of the time. Sometimes I'll give my ear canals a break though and use the Grado SR-60s and while they have a completely different sound signature they still sound excellent. I really love Headroom's crossfeed. It really just opens up the soundstage.
I recently purchased an Ultra Micro DAC that I'm using with a Hornet amp and a MacBook Pro as a source. I'm playing flac files on the MacBook Pro through the optical out. I'm just using this at home, not portable.
I'm thinking of getting trying the Ultra Micro Amp. I also am wondering what might sound and/or work better for me. I guess the other question I have is where do you think the Balanced Desktop with DAC would fit in?
Thanks,
Buddy
The Balanced Desktop with Home modules has a different, but equally good sound as a standard Desktop with Max modules IMO, after some time comparing them. Once you are comparing balanced with single ended, things get a bit tricky, partly because the amount of improvement you will get depends on your headphones (general wisdom is 650's improve the most). So, for example, whilst I wouldn't hesitate to say that the Max module is clearly better sounding than the Home module, but with balanced drive, a balanced set of Home modules is up there with single ended Max modules but with a slightly different signature.
I'd put it like this:
Micro -> Desktop w/Home Module -> Ultra Micro -> (Desktop w/Max Module)/(Balanced Desktop w/Home Module) -> Home with Max Module -> Max -> Balanced Home with Max Module -> Balanced Max
The Balanced Desktop with Home modules has a different, but equally good sound as a standard Desktop with Max modules IMO, after some time comparing them. Once you are comparing balanced with single ended, things get a bit tricky, partly because the amount of improvement you will get depends on your headphones (general wisdom is 650's improve the most). So, for example, whilst I wouldn't hesitate to say that the Max module is clearly better sounding than the Home module, but with balanced drive, a balanced set of Home modules is up there with single ended Max modules but with a slightly different signature.
I'd put it like this:
Micro -> Desktop w/Home Module -> Ultra Micro -> (Desktop w/Max Module)/(Balanced Desktop w/Home Module) -> Home with Max Module -> Max -> Balanced Home with Max Module -> Balanced Max
Thanks,
I have 580's at the moment. I'm hoping they would do fairly well with balanced cables.
07 Micro Amps vs. other modules.
Linear Mode
