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Headroom Desktop Portable vs. Micro + Desktop Module

post #1 of 4
12/8/06 at 3:55pm
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone! This is my first post to head-fi, but I'm a longtime audio addict.

My venerable HD580's recently died, and I just ordered a new pair of HD650s (only $280!). I also have Shure E4Gs.

I'm looking for an amp to pair with these phones, and the Headroom amps look great. (Before I proceed, let me state that I've thoroughly searched and read the archives on this topic before posting here)

I use my phones at the office, so I need an amp with a small footprint. I'm looking at the Headroom Desktop Portable ($599) or Headroom Micro w/ Desktop module ($299), partly because this forum claims HeadRoom (and the 2006 version of the Desktop Module) is a great match with the HD650's. I listen to electronic music mostly, so detail, space, and soundstage are more important to me than warmth or smoothness.

Anyway, here is my question: For $599, I can get the Desktop Portable, which includes the desktop module by default. For $299, I can get the Micro with optional desktop module. As I understand it, the module is what provides HeadRoom amps with the 'heart' of the sound.

I'm wondering what additional value I get by spending $300 more for the desktop portable? I understand that the desktop portable has a larger chassis, more inputs/outputs, and is internally upgradeable to the 'home' module and the desktop DAC. Nonetheless, those all seem like minor tweaks compared to the 'core' sound offered by the module etc.

My main question then, is, do the folks on this forum think the features of the Desktop Portable are really worth an additional $300 over the Micro +Desktop module?

Thank you!!!
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post #2 of 4
12/8/06 at 4:01pm
I've wondered the same thing -- any actual sound or internals difference between the 2 amps with the desktop module?
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post #3 of 4
12/8/06 at 4:13pm
I've read the same threads, I think! I've got HD 650s on order and placed my order for the Micro Stack yesterday.

Obviously I considered the Desktop Portable as well: my reasons for not getting it were partly cost, and the fact that I wanted a DAC but didn't want to have to lug the DAC gubbins around me when I was only travelling with an analogue source.

The Portable's advantages are to my mind the "better" (i.e. more commonly used) inputs, more usefully placed on the rear of the unit, the fact that it can be upgraded to Home module, and the fact that the DAC can be integrated (if you want that). I think that it's got a couple of filter circuits as well, although they don't attract me anywhere near as much as the crossfeed, which both products have in common.

I decided that portability was more of a value to me than absolute SQ, although my assumption that the Portable might have better sound was really no more than that: an assumption. Anyway, many Head-Fiers seem to have trodden this path and doubtless many more will do so in the future!
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post #4 of 4
12/8/06 at 4:22pm
I've got the 650s and the MicroAmp ('05 desktop module). I say it's a great office amp! Since you just want something small that you can plugin, the desktop module is the best bet. BTW, on the '06 desktop module, I read that it was more of an improvement of the 05 more for low imedance cans. Whatever, the little amp can really drive some cans!!!

I'm just making a big rig now, so I'm looking at bigger fish: mainly the Single Power series. Crossfeed was a nice feature for my sources....until I got a DAC1: so lively and impactful, you don't want anything messing with it!
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