*CAVEAT: Please be aware that upgraded Home and Max modules and DACs will require the use of the separately-sold Desktop Power Supply (DPS, $399.00usd) in order to truly realize the full sonic potential of the upgraded module/DAC.
Yet on the page for the Balanced Desktop it does not seem to need the DPS because it comes with the new Astrodyne power supply that will offer more current on demand for the Balanced Desktop Amp without having to shell out for the HeadRoom DPS. Right?
So:
Balanced Desktop amp with Home Module and Home Balanced DAC = $1497.00
Single ended Desktop amp with Home Module, Max DAC and DPS = $1496.00
Would the Single Ended have any advantage over the Balanced at this point, or would the Balanced still be better (using balanced HD-650's W/Cardas cable)
Thanks,
TR
__________________
CHENEY: On the security front, I think there’s a general consensus that we’ve made major progress, that the surge has worked. That’s been a major success.
RADDATZ: Two-third of Americans say it’s not worth fighting.
CHENEY: So?
RADDATZ So? You don’t care what the American people think?
CHENEY: No. I think you cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations in the public opinion polls.
...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Abe Lincoln, Gettysburg Address
Home: Marantz SA-11S1 CD/SACD player, Linn LP12, Bottlehead SEX amp, Sennheiser HD-650 W/ Cardas cable. deHavilland Ultraverve preamp, Bottlehead Paramount Mono Blocks, Zu Druid speakers.
Portable/computer desk: iPod Classic 80 Gig, Headroom Micro amp & Micro DAC, MS-1 or SE530
*CAVEAT: Please be aware that upgraded Home and Max modules and DACs will require the use of the separately-sold Desktop Power Supply (DPS, $399.00usd) in order to truly realize the full sonic potential of the upgraded module/DAC.
Yet on the page for the Balanced Desktop it does not seem to need the DPS because it comes with the new Astrodyne power supply that will offer more current on demand for the Balanced Desktop Amp without having to shell out for the HeadRoom DPS. Right?
So:
Balanced Desktop amp with Home Module and Home Balanced DAC = $1497.00
Single ended Desktop amp with Home Module, Max DAC and DPS = $1496.00
Would the Single Ended have any advantage over the Balanced at this point, or would the Balanced still be better (using balanced HD-650's W/Cardas cable)
Thanks,
TR
Hi Todd,
Boy.., this is a very frequent question we get that, unfortunately, has no real objective answer...:veryevil:
I personally would lean towards the balanced rig simply because the soundstage 'depth' & immersiveness and the dynamic tonal accuracy offered by balanced-drive is an impressive listening experience that'll likely be full of new musical details you never quite heard before... To me, that's what audiophile headphone systems are all about!:600smile:
The loaded single-ended Desktop Amp rig offers the true upsampling D-A stage of the Max DAC (great for lower bitrate Mp3 files) plus the superb 627 Burr-Brown op-amps of the Max electronics module. Also, if driving powered desktop/computer speakers, the singled-ended Desktop's variable RCA-outs can serve as an excellent pre-amp control. But, again, we are talking about very subtle nuanced sonic differences between either 'hot-rodded' balanced/unbalanced HR Desktop...
The international Astrodyne power supply is an excellent, robust PS and satisfactory for the Balanced Desktop in any configuration. However, as indicated in the website writing, the high road for discriminating listeners remains the $399 HeadRoom DPS for fully maximized audio performance when selecting the power-hungry Class-A internals in any Desktop Amp. In fact, the Max DAC will not even function properly in the Desktop Amp w/o the DPS! ... To my ears, the DPS delivers a small (but noticeable) audio improvement over the Astrodyne with a slightly more liquid & dynamic overall sound, improved tonal presentation textures, and an ultra-quiet background noise floor....
^ Would an astrodyne improve the sound of the new ultra micro dac? Where would I find one? Do you have a link
The Astrodyne would likely only provide a very small, highly nuanced audible sonic improvement over the provided Ultra Micro ps. In tests here at HR, the Astrodyne proves to be somewhat more stable with slightly less current 'ripple' versus the included power supply -- but whether or not these tiny, barely measurable artifacts while on the lab bench become actually detectable in normal listening is probably up for debate :blink:
Power supply for Desktop SE or Balanced?
Linear Mode
