exX08
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2006
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- 16
Nice Review!
Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif That reminds me of a point I've been trying to discern during my listening. What headphones are you using to gauge the amp's timbral complexity? I've been using the K701 predominantly but I just don't detect much timbral complexity with it - as far as I can tell it's quite a limiting factor in that aspect. I'm wondering if you're using the DT880 or maybe another headphone, as I don't find the K701 to be very good at micro-detail with aspects such as extremely nuanced timbre (and I'm a musician so I'm used to hearing it live). |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Besides voices, one other area in which the Hornet seems richer than the Portaphile is with wood-cased instruments, especially the larger ones such as Piano, cello, acoustic string bass - which the Hornet presents with more weight and size. The Portaphile, however, still presents the most distinct and complex notes with percussion instruments. One little test I have is on Bob Dylan's "Love & Theft", track: "High Water", which has a repeating fast tympani run. The Portaphile recreates this with the best definition and most distinct notes. It also presents acoustic guitars with the greatest "twang" and most complex harmonic structure (at least to my ears). |
Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif I definitely agree with this, as I find the V2^2 Maxxed's treble extremely precise, helpful for giving an excellent sense of blackness between attacks and giving it a crisper transient response. I might have to call it colored though, as the GS-1 doesn't sound like that, and nearly everyone agrees the GS-1 is extremely close to being fully transparent. Still, I'm finding it somewhat enjoyable, especially with the AD2000 (which I just got in yesterday back from Mercuttio). It's actually a really great amp for the AD2K, I'll have to put in some more listening time. We may get a chance to compare setups yet Romanee, I'm thinking about attending that NYC Bi-Annual Meet, not entirely sure yet tho. Would love to see NYC again. Anyway I'm not going to be able to post in this thread again until after Christmas so I'll have to hold off on further comments. All I'm going to say is that you might want to keep an eye on the Headphones forum for post #2500. |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow! I have not been able to hear a current Xin amp, and every earlier amp I heard had technical problems. That's a wonderful offer. |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm not sure what would be the "ideal" op-amp in the SM IV. I expect the 627 may be lush and warm, but does it provide excellent layered imaging, separation, air, clarity and definition in addition to liquidity? Perhaps Filburt -- the Xin Maven par Excellence -- has some pertinent recommendations? I wonder if the modified AD744 that Larry & Phil have settled on for their "final" PRII is applicable to the SM IV? |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif BTW - do you have the PV2^2 Maxxed with 1500uf BlackGate NX's + LT1210? |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...My Portaphile, with its plenitude of information & detail, is also great with the HD600 and 650, clearing away more subtle veils and almost turning the Senns into different phones, and the Senns compensate for/neutralize the lack of warmth in the Portaphile's mids... |
Originally Posted by takezo /img/forum/go_quote.gif hello romanee, i really enjoy your posts for it's detailed, yet insightful comments on the subject. i currently have the portaphile maxxed with all the trimming and think it's a keeper too. i use the hd 580 and am thinking of purchasing the westone UM2. i believe i read somewhere that you have the UM2. can you give me a thumbs up or down regarding the synergy between portaphile v2^2 and westone UM2? thanks in advance. |
Originally Posted by Andrea /img/forum/go_quote.gif I perfectly share your feelings about the Portaphile midrange, as well as those about the AD8397 midrange (when well implemented). Just a slight but due correction... Say, for instance... you haven't heard my customised Xenos 0HA-REP (though the AD823 + LMH6654 customisation can be requested to Alberto directly, cost is $122) which notwithstanding the achievements I'm nonetheless planning on improving even further with new chips; I think you haven't heard any Xenos amp for that matter, especially the fresh new 1HA (which in truth you couldn't have). And, Romanee, what was that Let's get the thread back on track. opening line intended to mean? I ask because, in my eyes, it did just ever-so-slightly taste of hypocritical... |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ooops! Sorry I missed your post, Andrea. No, I have not yet (unfortunately) been able to hear the Xenos amps. As you may know by now, I love to hear everything I can manage to get close to. As soon as I win a big lotto jackpot I'll buy all the toys. Sorry if my "back on track" comment offended you. It wasn't hypocritical since it was mainly directed at myself, and it was probably incorrect anyway since our mini-discussion was related to the LT1210's function in this system. |
Originally Posted by Andrea /img/forum/go_quote.gif In fact, I envy you for being able to get your hands on all those toys without necessarily having to buy them all! Thanks for the clarification about that line. |
Originally Posted by hYdrociTy /img/forum/go_quote.gif ASR- Im eagerly awaiting impressions with the AD2000's! Ill be getting the AD1000 soon. Have you tried playing with the switches? Romanee- You have the ipowerus 500mah li-polys right? Does your real panel actually screw closed, because when my screw is tight, the panel is kind of bent in the middle, otherwise if the screw is loose everything moves. Unlike stated earlier by someone that it is to fat, and the screws get in the way, mine are too long, and not fat at all. Just around 4mm too long.. Ill start listening more carefully and play with the switches, since Im almost getting to the 400 hour mark? Im guesstimating because the prev owner didnt keep track and only gave me a general burn in status.. |
Originally Posted by Romanee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Machead told me at the last meet that iPower made the 500mAh Li-Po batteries narrower. Perhaps they made them longer as well! Mine fit perfectly in my PV2^2 - but just so with no air to spare. Some owners have noted that the iPower 500mAh were a tight fit width-wise. Your description may mean that you have the newest batteries that are narrower and apparently longer. Just my guess. A note for all: I've found very minimal improvement with Wide Bandwidth ON, and then only with the best recordings, best source, and best cables -- and then only perhaps a bit more texture and air, if that. I now keep Wide Bandwidth OFF and get 8-9 hours playtime with the iPower 500mAh, and about 20 hours from Ultralife 1200mAh disposable Lithium 9V. If anyone does prefer the sound with Wide Bandwidth ON in their system, by all means enjoy it. With an AC adapter battery life isn't an issue so I'd leave all ON in that case. Otherwise, just use Class A biasing on and enjoy more battery life. |
Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you tried this iPower 500 mAh battery on The Hornet? Does it fit well? Can we use the charger supplied with The Hornet for the iPower 500 mAh? Thanks. |
Originally Posted by Ray Samuels Audio Website DO NOT charge 9 volts lithium ion rechargeable batteries in the Hornet as it is not designed to charge those batteries, doing so will heat the charging components and damage the amp. |