Yesss that amp and the OG version are one of the best solid state amps. It has a lot of interesting character. The circuit does something creative with tech usually used for microphones I think. The treble has this very unique shimmery liquid quality. I liked it with all the headphones I tried...

I got the upgrade fuse from Gustard when I first got the DAC. It seemed like it did good things. Then I switched out the power cable to something beefier and plugged it into my PS Audio Powerplant. It feels dead silent to me. Do you all find the external clocks hugely beneficial?

I need to catch up on all the mod opportunities. I've been using the Gustard since it came out. I finally upgraded to the firmware where I can use Tidal Connect. I love this DAC. Has anyone collected a comprehensive list of mod options? I appreciate that the front of this thread gets updated...

I think this is smart...and I absolutely did not do that lol. I will say that Zach and Keenan are very thoughtful and I'm sure they tested out a bunch of different tube options before arriving at that standard load out. The JJs sound great for new production tubes. This is a great question. I...

Interesting that the EL37s and 38s are that different. I guess that makes sense since they are physically different too. I also scooped some cheap Russian tubes that are very smooth. I've mostly been preferring the EL38s in this position. These are the EL38 adapted: This load out is pretty...

You can buy them on ebay OR @Deyan makes the best adapters. These ones are from him.

I haven't heard the EL37s, but I read the EL38s are similar so I got some adapters for t hose and ordered some Mullard EL38s. They sound very nice. Someone actually preferred the EL38s somewhere on here.

Is there a special pre-order price or discount on the first run of the amp? I absolutely loved this amp at CanJam SoCal. Been waiting to see where the price lands.

Man that review link is like crack for me. I did have the opposite experience between my Brimar and RCA black plate 5rgy. The RCA is much warmer and fuller. I guess sometimes there is variation. Are you trying to find some extra info out about the Marconi? I’ve been making an audiophile tube...

Wow big win for my favorite headphone and brand! So many good headphones on that list.

Did you find one? I was about to list mine.

Yeah one thing I love about ZMF closed backs is they don't skimp on dynamics. The MDR-Z1R is a very nice closed back. I think the CC is amazing for separation and space so it'd probably be nice for gaming and movies.

Yeah it really is so good. What mesh are you using with the Aegis? Are you going off the 1/4 on L usually? I’ve mostly been using the thinner black mesh with the Bokeh protein pads. I’ve said this elsewhere, but I have the Burson Soloist GT here from the Headfi review tour and that has a real...

Yeah RF is a frequent thing with my HA-300 because my gear is near my workstation and router because… that is where I am. The Aegis is literally sitting right next to a router mesh point and I’m getting no disturbances whatsoever.

Oh wow this is cool. How I'm dealing with it is like a switchboard operator...

Yeah I'm excited to test a lot of NOS stuff over time, but I agree the Aegis has more sparkle on top than the HA-300mk II. It is bright, but not "hifi" or exaggerated. Overall the impression is still warmth. Cymbal hits are crisp. @AcousticMatt how does the tube noise floor compare with the...

On Aegis I'm usually M or L with Caldera. On HA-300 I was always H. I also notice the PCM filters on my Gustard R26 make a pretty big difference in the sound. Some amps you don't notice that sort of thing as much.

Yes! It is astoundingly quiet for a tube amp. I had a hard time using dynamics on the HA-300mk ii on H gain. Aegis is dead quiet. That really helps with separation too.

I just switched between HA-300mk ii and Aegis to try to get the freshest memory. The HA-300 has a smoother overall sound with my current load out of the WE tubes. The Aegis has just as much mid bass punch, but it is more controlled and focused. The treble clarity is more noticeable on the Aegis...

Yeah I have the M1 fuse in my HA-300mk ii. It sounds great. I haven't messed with fuses or anything in the Aegis. The Aegis is much less finicky than the HA-300mkii so far. My particular HA-300 has had buzz issues and has blown some tubes and fuses.

I always trust Wes too haha. He and I were HA-300mk ii buds and we are rolling over to Aegis buds.

This is complicated for me of course. The Aegis sounds good with all my headphones, but I think I still slightly prefer the Caldera Open on the HA-300mk ii for that increased mid bass oomf from the 300b. I think you obviously wouldn't be disappointed with the warmth and full body sound of the...

I love this

So I haven't had a lot of free time to chime in on here but the Aegis is amazing and I LOVE it. Compared to the HA-300 mkii the big difference with my load out so far has been how those amps deal with space. I feel like the HA-300 felt a bit deeper front to back, whereas the Aegis is a bit more...

Oh this is a great idea. I've never thought of a name tag with headfi name haha. I'm in SoCal and my dad usually flies in from the east coast and we go together. I've probably talked to some of you IRL and not known it. I'm gonna work on my name tag for SoCal CanJam.