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Quick question on Micro and Desktop amps

post #1 of 8
9/19/05 at 6:39am
Thread Starter 
Other than price, what is the significant difference between:

1. Headroom Micro Amp with Desktop Module installed ($300)

and

2. Headroom Desktop Portable Amp ($600)



Also, aren't the modules the main factor in how well the amp sounds? (other than cutting battery life).
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post #2 of 8
9/19/05 at 6:53am
why don't you just email customer service?

i heard they have very good service at headroom, so they should respond quickly
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post #3 of 8
9/19/05 at 7:59am
Thread Starter 
Good idea...just did. Thanks.
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post #4 of 8
9/19/05 at 11:45am
The Desktop Portable has more features such as the nice Cardas RCA input jacks, the option to have a DAC in the unit, two headphone jacks (one 1/4" and one 1/8"). When considering sonic quality, they're pretty identical until you start upgrading the Desktop Portable with a DAC or Home Module.
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post #5 of 8
9/19/05 at 12:33pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks. I got a reply back from Headroom as well. Here it is:

Hello

The Desktop line would be closer to the performance of the old Supremes,
if not a bit better. Although the modules are important, the crucial
difference in sound between the Micro and Desktop lines comes from the
different power supply delivery system and circuit board designs of each
unit.

Thanks for your interest in HeadRoom.

Cheers,
Jorge Cervera
Sales
Headroom Corporation
Bozeman Montana USA

I'm just looking around for something that will REALLY kick my ol' HD580's into high gear. I'm hoping I can achieve close to the sound of the HD600's I heard years back.


EDIT: Jamey, also just noticed you were a Headroom Product Manager! Oops!
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post #6 of 8
9/19/05 at 12:41pm
Well, they both come with the same power supply. If you were to upgrade to the Desktop Power supply, they would both sound better. The Desktop Portable does use a DC-DC converter which provides higher voltages to the module which could yield more dynamic range. I think the Micro works great on two 9V's. If you're using it of of wall power, it doesn't make much difference and I'm sure you'd have a hard time telling the two apart. I sure do. Unless of course, the DAC is added.

Cheers,
Jamey

Either amp would kick your HD580's up a notch.
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post #7 of 8
9/19/05 at 9:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamey
Either amp would kick your HD580's up a notch.
And as Emmeril would say......BAM!


I had to say it.
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post #8 of 8
9/20/05 at 12:58pm
Would you say that the Desktop Portable with a DAC sounds better than the Micro Stack?

I would prefer the one unit for my desk top, but will the extra $250 buy a sonic improvement too?
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