Stab in the dark here because, of course, YOU SHOULD GET BOTH!
Sorry, don't get promotional much, but every once in a while one slips out.
Seriously (HA!) I think the source is more important than the amp, but that's old news around here isn't it?
Get both! (%
getting both is the goal but with the Micro line it's easy to upgrade to one unit at a time. I already own the 2006 Micro Amp and DAC and me various sources will not always allow me to use me DAC. even though through me iMac/ DAC I will use the most I want to bring out the best in the RS-1's first and foremost.
Tyll "Nose, you can have both for the price of one with the trade in of your 2006 Stack".
I'm curious as to what would be better to upgrade first(ultra microamp or microDAC). I've got a Corda MOVE at the moment.
(Bump)
If you're running your move right out of the G4 mac, then for sure start with the DAC if you can't afford both. Although the MOVE and the MicroAmp are in different size classifications, as the microamp is borderline portable. But it's likely you'll benefit more from a better USB DAC with a good source.
I've read two seemingly different statements about the Class A Biasing in the 2007 Micro (not Ultra) Amp.
On the webpage describing the 2007 Micro Amp (Electronics) it says:
"The excellent Texas Instruments OPA134 op-amp is used throughout, and all resistors are of truly extraordinary audio quality; Rest assured, all Micro Amp stages are fully biased into true 'Class-A' audio performance!"
In the Manual describing the 2007 Micro (and Ultra Micro) Amps it says:
"The major difference between the Micro Amp and Ultra Micro Amp is that the Ultra Micro Amp uses TI 627s instead of TI 134s, and that all the op-amps are biased into class-A operation with JFET CCDs. The result is improved musical detail resolution, quicker dynamics, more precise tonal presentation, and better soundstage imaging." (And the picture of the PCB's of the two amps encircles the JFET CCDs on the image of the Ultra Micro Amp, with no such circles on the Micro Amp image.)
Also in the Manual describing the features common to Micro and Ultra Micro Amps is says:
"Discrete emitter follower ouput stage, biased into class A operation (the Diamond buffer)"
It would appear from the manual that only the output stage of the Micro Amp is biased into Class A operation, and not the stage in which the TI 134 opamps are used.
Is the statement on the webpage that all stages of the Micro Amp are fully biased into Class A a "copy and paste" error from material intended only for the Ultra Micro Amp page?
My asking this question is not academic. I've placed an order for the Micro Amp and I'd like to know the extent to which its stages are biased into Class A operation.
Thanks very much for any information you can provide to clear this up for me.
__________________ Offline Rig: Pioneer DV563A, DV578A (VD David 1.0 PC) -> Sonicwave Glass Toslink -> Headroom 2007 Ultra Micro DAC (Desktop PSU, VD Nite II PC) -> VD Master 2.0 IC -> Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD (VD Nite Platinum PC), -> ALO Modded Grado SR225, Senn HD650 (Equinox Cable), Yuin PK1 Computer Rig: Terratec EWX 2496 (VD Nite Platinum PC) -> Glass Toslink-> Same downstream as Offline Rig Work Rig: Creative MP3+ USB Sound Card -> Cardas HPI Mini-to-Mini -> Fiio Amp (Eneloop AAA) -> Yuin PK1, Shure SE530 Bedside Rig: 5.5G Redwine iMod -> ALO VCap Dock (VHAudio OIMP) -> VD Nite 2.0 IC -> KICAS Caliente, TTVJ Portable Millett Hybrid Amp -> HD650(Equinox), HD600(Cardas)
I've read two seemingly different statements about the Class A Biasing in the 2007 Micro (not Ultra) Amp.
On the webpage describing the 2007 Micro Amp (Electronics) it says:
"The excellent Texas Instruments OPA134 op-amp is used throughout, and all resistors are of truly extraordinary audio quality; Rest assured, all Micro Amp stages are fully biased into true 'Class-A' audio performance!"
In the Manual describing the 2007 Micro (and Ultra Micro) Amps it says:
"The major difference between the Micro Amp and Ultra Micro Amp is that the Ultra Micro Amp uses TI 627s instead of TI 134s, and that all the op-amps are biased into class-A operation with JFET CCDs. The result is improved musical detail resolution, quicker dynamics, more precise tonal presentation, and better soundstage imaging." (And the picture of the PCB's of the two amps encircles the JFET CCDs on the image of the Ultra Micro Amp, with no such circles on the Micro Amp image.)
Also in the Manual describing the features common to Micro and Ultra Micro Amps is says:
"Discrete emitter follower ouput stage, biased into class A operation (the Diamond buffer)"
It would appear from the manual that only the output stage of the Micro Amp is biased into Class A operation, and not the stage in which the TI 134 opamps are used.
Is the statement on the webpage that all stages of the Micro Amp are fully biased into Class A a "copy and paste" error from material intended only for the Ultra Micro Amp page?
My asking this question is not academic. I've placed an order for the Micro Amp and I'd like to know the extent to which its stages are biased into Class A operation.
Sorry about the confusion! The HeadRoom Ultra Micro and 'standard' Micro Amp are both technically biased into Class-A, constant-current-sourced operation for their Diamond-Buffer output stages.
However, the Ultra Micro edition has all active-stage Burr-Brown 627 op-amps (summing/gain/crossfeed/output, etc) biased into Class-A operation using JFETT CCDs while the BB 134OPA gain stage of the 'standard' Micro is actually in Class A/B and does not use the JFETT topology... Otherwise, they are basically identical units!
If you're running your move right out of the G4 mac, then for sure start with the DAC if you can't afford both. Although the MOVE and the MicroAmp are in different size classifications, as the microamp is borderline portable. But it's likely you'll benefit more from a better USB DAC with a good source.
AGREED!.. If digital/computer audio is your main listening source(s), the DAC will likely deliver more sonic improvement benefits right off the bat; the upgraded headphone amp can always come later
...The HeadRoom Ultra Micro and 'standard' Micro Amp are both technically biased into Class-A, constant-current-sourced operation for their Diamond-Buffer output stages...
Hope that helps!
It sure does, Jorge. Thanks for confirming the content of the Micro Amp Manual and clearing that up for me. When the Micro Amp and power cable you helped me to order arrive, I'll get to hear that output stage biased into Class A (powered by no less than the DPS). The anticipation is simply delicious!!!
__________________ Offline Rig: Pioneer DV563A, DV578A (VD David 1.0 PC) -> Sonicwave Glass Toslink -> Headroom 2007 Ultra Micro DAC (Desktop PSU, VD Nite II PC) -> VD Master 2.0 IC -> Mapletree Ear+ Purist HD (VD Nite Platinum PC), -> ALO Modded Grado SR225, Senn HD650 (Equinox Cable), Yuin PK1 Computer Rig: Terratec EWX 2496 (VD Nite Platinum PC) -> Glass Toslink-> Same downstream as Offline Rig Work Rig: Creative MP3+ USB Sound Card -> Cardas HPI Mini-to-Mini -> Fiio Amp (Eneloop AAA) -> Yuin PK1, Shure SE530 Bedside Rig: 5.5G Redwine iMod -> ALO VCap Dock (VHAudio OIMP) -> VD Nite 2.0 IC -> KICAS Caliente, TTVJ Portable Millett Hybrid Amp -> HD650(Equinox), HD600(Cardas)
I have an older Micro DAC (9V) and the output seems rather strong compared to any other output device I own. Even with my Micro Amp on low gain, I barely have to turn the volume control on my headphones or speakers to get too loud sound.
Would it be a poor idea to stick an attenuator on the output of the Micro Dac?
Linear Mode
