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New HeadRoom Micro Stack Arrived...

post #1 of 148
6/8/05 at 5:24pm
Thread Starter 
I received a big box from HeadRoom just over an hour ago...

Yeah, it's my new Micro amp (w/desktop module) and Micro DAC. I've been preparing for their arrival by purchasing the Senn HD 650's and a new Sony PCDP (D-NE920) with optical output. This is my new "transportable" rig.

Well, I hooked everything up, popped in the new Rippington's CD and...

...my mind is blown. This sound is much too sweet to be coming from all this little stuff. From what I had heard from others that had a chance to preview these units courtesy of the new HeadRoom tour, I had a feeling I would be in for a treat. However, I must say that what I'm hearing now is beyond my wildest expectations.

I know some others here at Head-Fi ordered the stack, the amp, or the DAC. I'd like to encourage you to chime in with your thoughts and impressions as your equipment arrives. My hat's off to you Tyll and gang at HeadRoom. From what I've heard so far, it seems to me that you've created something really special here.

I'll have some more observations later. At the moment, I need to change my underwear and clean up the couch a bit...
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post #2 of 148
6/8/05 at 6:29pm
So it's well worth the price of admission, huh?

Do we have a serious competitor to go up against the SR-71 and SM3?

Also how does it sound using just the regular line out of your pcdp to the Micro? I probably won't be purchasing the DAC since I'll just be using with my iPod mini, so I'd love to hear some more in-depth details on the sound of just the Micro.

How long did it take to arrive?

Congrats on the purchase!
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post #3 of 148
6/8/05 at 6:57pm
I'm also interested in more details.

I ordered just the Amp for myself, since I didn't have the loot to order the DAC, and the ipod (which is what I will use it for most) does not have a digital line out.

I ordered one with the Micro module though, since I was told the improvement in sound would not be worth the loss in battery life if I was mainly to use the amp as a portable.

I can't wait!
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post #4 of 148
6/8/05 at 7:05pm
How does the stack compare to a Gilmore Lite w/ EMU 0404?

VERY interested in the DAC!

VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY interested in your review! YAY!
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post #5 of 148
6/8/05 at 8:14pm
I just received confirmation that my Amp was shipped today!!!!!!

I have nothing to compare it to, but if anyone is interested, I will share my thoughts soon.

YEAH!!!!! I'm Excited!!!!
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post #6 of 148
6/8/05 at 8:19pm
I spent some time with the micro stack and desktop portable with dac and I was impressed. A lot of sound out of a small package. I didn't compare to the sr-71 so can't comment. I can say the both dacs work well with the Airport Express using Apples lossless files. I will be picking up the dac at some point.
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post #7 of 148
6/8/05 at 8:25pm
Request for a DAC vs EMU0404 analog out please!
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post #8 of 148
6/8/05 at 8:27pm
oh man, I just received my SM3 and comparing to SR-71 and now this... NO NO NO.... must resist a 3 way shootout.... NOOOOOO!!!

However if Tyll wants to send me a Micro Amp so I can do a battle of the portable titans review i surely wouldn't mind!!

NOOOOOOOO must resist...
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post #9 of 148
6/8/05 at 8:58pm
I continue to be impressed with the sound of my coda/overture stack, I was very lucky that it was offered soon after I bought my TBH, and I had a chance to compare the two. Needless to say, after hearing the stack, there was no way I was going back to the bithead. It seriously sounds a lot like mp3's are sampled at a higher bitrate than they were on my audigy. 128kbs sounds like 160, and 160 sounds like 192, etc. It sounds so thick but also very fast and detailed. Honestly, I really didn't want to own any more than one nice pair of headphones (which was the dt880) but already I bought some hd280s and am seriously considering hd650s, so I guess you could say I'm diggin the micro stack. I hope those desktop modules are ready soon...


BTW RickG, I see you have a nice speaker setup as well, if you have an rca->mini on hand try the micro DAC through that. I use mine through my speaks a lot.
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post #10 of 148
6/8/05 at 9:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by akwok
Request for a DAC vs EMU0404 analog out please!

I'd be mighty interested in hearing the diff tween my 0404 analog out versus the 0404 digital out to the microstack myself...
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post #11 of 148
6/8/05 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jahn
I'd be mighty interested in hearing the diff tween my 0404 analog out versus the 0404 digital out to the microstack myself...
That's what I meant.. I think.. O_o
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post #12 of 148
6/8/05 at 9:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by YngwieJMalmsteen
Honestly, I really didn't want to own any more than one nice pair of headphones (which was the dt880) but already I bought some hd280s and am seriously considering hd650s, so I guess you could say I'm diggin the micro stack. I hope those desktop modules are ready soon...
So your main cans are the DT880's? Are you satisfied w/ the sound of those paired with the Coda & Overture? I'm thinking of eventually moving towards a Micro + DT880 combo.
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post #13 of 148
6/8/05 at 9:51pm
Congrats Rick!! As a humble "prototype" owner (Coda/Overture), I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
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post #14 of 148
6/8/05 at 10:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by YngwieJMalmsteen
BTW RickG, I see you have a nice speaker setup as well, if you have an rca->mini on hand try the micro DAC through that. I use mine through my speaks a lot.
Thanks for the suggestion. I plan on playing around with different configurations.

At the moment, I can't pry my jaw off the floor from just listening with the little Sony PCDP and the the 650's/Equinox. The Micro DAC sounds so much fatter than the converter in the Sony, it's unreal.

I have done some quick sonic comparisons between the Micro amp and the SR-71 and all I can say is they are undoubtedly unique beast. I honestly can't say one sounds better than the other.

While both have a jet black background, deep bass extension, and a clean top end, the mids on the Micro seem a little more pronounced. The SR-71 sounds just a bit brighter...

Keep in mind these are early impressions. I don't plan on parting with either one. Both amps are exceptional...just different.

I'm most anxious to read some observations and comparisons from other Head-Fier's. Needless to say, I'm really enjoying the new toys!



edit:
Quote:
Originally Posted by elrod-tom
Congrats Rick!! As a humble "prototype" owner (Coda/Overture), I'm sure you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Thanks, Tom! Of this, there is no doubt.
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post #15 of 148
6/8/05 at 10:38pm
What?? No pics? Someone needs to report this to Jude at once! This is grounds for revoking supremous status IMO! We want pics....we want pics....
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