Return Ultra Desktop for Balanced Desktop For My 650's? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

northfaceseen · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 12:59 AM

Hey,

I need some help deciding which amp to settle with. I have purchased the Ultra Desktop Amp and I am using this with the HD650's. My question is would I see any improvements by going with the Balanced Desktop Amp over the Ultra Desktop Amp with my 650's (I do realize that the electronics are lesser quality in the balanced but heh it's balanced)? For the time being I will use the factory SE or balanced cables. I just want to make a decision on an amp, cables is a whole different post! Let me know your thoughts please.

Thanks

kboe · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 03:24 AM

Well, my post is basically worthless as I have heard neither the Max Desktop nor the Balanced, but if I could only have one, it would have to be the Max Desktop... ... ...or the Balanced... hmmmm.
Kevin

northfaceseen · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 03:44 AM

lol, my thought exactly!

Someone Help...

Acrog · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 03:51 AM

Preorder the Ultra balanced?

northfaceseen · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 03:57 AM

I have thought of that, but I would be relying on a lesser DAC until I could come up with the funds for the Ultra DAC.

I am torn here as you guys can see....

mkozlows · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 04:36 AM

Listen to it. If you like it, keep it and don't worry about whether or not there's something different that's slightly better.

plonter · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 05:48 AM

i also agree. if you already got it, keep it. i got the ultra micro stack, and i just can't imagine how good is the ultra desktop with the better connections and other stuff,but probably amazing sounding.

penger · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 06:01 AM

I had the Ultra Desktop Amp, but am making the move to balanced... I felt that there was a discernable difference in sound. Then again, if you don't have the funds it might be a better idea to stick with SE for now.

TheSloth · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 11:59 AM

I did this comparison (sort of) with the original prototype Desktop Balanced and my 'convertible' (which was once a prototype Desktop Portable).

In the end I found it to be a matter of taste. There were positives to both. Obviously with the same level of electronics in both, the Balanced would be better, but with better electronics in the single ended version, it's a very tough call.

Overall I find it to be a cross-grade - a slightly different blend of strengths and weaknesses.

mrarroyo · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 03:35 PM

northfaceseen do you have or will have a balance source? If you plan on going to a balance amp you would need a balanced source to get the most out of it. Also your headphones must be wired for balanced to finish the application.

All of this will come at a high price, so I would either go all the way or stay w/ the ultra micro which sounds superb.

northfaceseen · #11 (**permalink**) 03-28-2009, 04:20 PM

I would be using the built in DAC for my balanced source, as I do not have an external balanced source.

feifan · #12 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 10:47 AM

I agree with TheSloth: "Obviously with the same level of electronics in both, the Balanced would be better, but with better electronics in the single ended version, it's a very tough call. Overall I find it to be a cross-grade - a slightly different blend of strengths and weaknesses."

I was planning to sell off the Maxed Desktop after the Balanced arrived, but I've kept them both because they have different strengths. If I could have only one, though, I'd go with the Maxed Desktop. It's much more versatile for my needs. And, as TheSloth says, the electronics are better. In the end, I guess it all depends on what you're looking for.

northfaceseen · #13 (**permalink**) 04-05-2009, 08:34 PM

Thanks all for your thoughts,

I decided to keep the Ultra Desktop and I have no regrets.

Bones13 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 06:44 PM

Are the electronics of the new Ultra DAC the same as the DAC portion of the Ultra Desktop (the AMP+ DAC one, not balanced)? Of course given that the Ultra DAC has circuitry for balanced and the Ultra Desktop does not.

Was considering simplifying one/both of my setups, and as of yet, I am not sure I want to double the price for balanced. Although either would need the better PS probably.

tattoou2 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 09:56 PM

OP: My take on this is that once you reach a certain level of attaining a superb amp as you have, any 'upgrade' is probably more of a side-step. My lowly micro stack does a fine job of driving my HD600 and gives me hours of pleasurable listening. I can only imagine what your current set up can do.

Keep what you have. Unless I'm totally in left field, there is a point of diminishing returns.