I'm a Happy Camper!
After a few weeks, I'm still very pleased with the Sig 30, and find it hard to imagine finding a better amp for my needs (maybe an expensive SET?). The sound is natural, warm, full, detailed, open and VERY easy on the ears. There are times I find myself repeating the same cut 2-3 times, just to hear a piano rif or saxophone solo one more time.
Update on earlier my comments...Wadia Setting
I'm running my 830 on the middle internal gain setting (1 Volt RMS). I listen with the 830 at or near its maximum digital volume. At these settings, the Sig 30 runs between approx. 12:00 and 2:00 depending on the source.
K1000 Driver Angle
With my V-3, I used my K1000s fully open (toed-out). With the Sig 30 I now listen with the drivers closer to my ears (about 40% closed). I find this setting helps improve the image, and adds a wee bit more detail.
Warm-up
Unless I'm imagining things, the amp appears to be more transparent with sufficient warm up. So I let my unit run for about an hour prior to critical listening.
Isolation
I'm using three Ayre myrtle wood blocks under both the Sig 30 and my CDP ($5 each).
I'm also using two large Mapleshade brass weights, placed directly over the wood blocks (the two wood blocks on the transport end of my Wadia) ($29 for set).
Sub Woofer
I am very satisfied with the bass, and don't even think about the need to use a sub.
2ch Speakers
Earlier I reported a favorable initial impression using the Sig 1 with my
AE1 monitors. After additional experimentation, I've concluded that the AE1s need more power to really come to life on a wide spectrum of music. Based on my experience, speakers with 90 db or greater efficiency will probably work fine (AE-1s = sensitivity: 84dB/W/m).
Bottom Line
The Sig 30 was my cure for Headfi. I now spend most of my free time listening, and very little time on this Web site.
