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Lavry DA10 headphone amp vs Headamp GS1 question

post #1 of 11
2/6/07 at 9:35pm
Thread Starter 
Ok folks I am considering consolidating my system which is currently a Zhaolu 2.5c and a headamp GS-1 driving both the Grado RS-1 and Senn 650. I want to eliminate the amp and run a dac amp combo if its up to the task. I have the Zhaolu with the upgraded discret amp but it isnt nearly as good as the GS-1.

So the question is, Is the headamp in the DAC1 or Larvry DA10 up to the task of driving my headphones at the same quality level as the GS-1? And yes I have done the searchy thing but havent found this question directly answered. Thanks for your opinions in advance.
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post #2 of 11
2/7/07 at 1:38am
No, there is absolutely no comparison between the Lavry's internal amp and the GS-1. BUT... you can add in a discrete headphone output inside the Zhaolu. This one is on par with the Dynalo:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...ghlight=E-100A
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post #3 of 11
2/7/07 at 2:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cotdt View Post
No, there is absolutely no comparison between the Lavry's internal amp and the GS-1. BUT... you can add in a discrete headphone output inside the Zhaolu. This one is on par with the Dynalo:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...ghlight=E-100A
Are you saying balanced out of DA10 is inferior to single ended out of GS1?
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post #4 of 11
2/7/07 at 2:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chesebert View Post
Are you saying balanced out of DA10 is inferior to single ended out of GS1?
he's talking about the internal headphone amp, and i don't think the internal headphone amp is in a balanced configuration. actually quite sure of it.
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post #5 of 11
2/8/07 at 9:43pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone using the headphone amp in the Lavry or DAC1 as there primary amp?
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post #6 of 11
2/8/07 at 10:00pm
I used it for quite some time before I got my matching HA5000 for my W5000.

The Lavry DA10 headphone out is very good.

Only with the most critical listening will you be able to tell the difference between it and those costing much higher.
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post #7 of 11
2/8/07 at 10:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by slwiser View Post
I used it for quite some time before I got my matching HA5000 for my W5000.

The Lavry DA10 headphone out is very good.

Only with the most critical listening will you be able to tell the difference between it and those costing much higher.
That depends on the listener though. The Lavry's headamp, I feel, is on par with a Gilmore Lite. It certainly does the job, but it is not showing your headphone's highest potential. But the Lavry itself is a very good source, so it would be really economical to get the Lavry first and then upgrade your amp later, since that amp upgrade can then take advantage of the Lavry's capabilities as a source.
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post #8 of 11
2/8/07 at 10:20pm
I agree 100%.....

Some of us have trouble hearing that last few % of improvement. At least I think I do or it may just not matter to me since I enjoy the music when it is presented well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by humanflyz View Post
That depends on the listener though. The Lavry's headamp, I feel, is on par with a Gilmore Lite. It certainly does the job, but it is not showing your headphone's highest potential. But the Lavry itself is a very good source, so it would be really economical to get the Lavry first and then upgrade your amp later, since that amp upgrade can then take advantage of the Lavry's capabilities as a source.
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post #9 of 11
2/9/07 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 
I guess the question is this, can I replace my Zhaolu 2.5c and Headamp GS-1 with the Lavry Da10 and not miss my GS-1? Or should I ditch the Zhao keep the GS-1 and get the Lavry? I know no one can give me the exact answer being that only I have my ears but I am interested in your thoughts.

My goal is SQ and equipment consolidation.
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post #10 of 11
2/9/07 at 12:51pm
Are you set on getting the Lavry? If not, there are quite a few options as far as amp/DAC combos that can do both very good.

Just off the very top of my head:

PS Audio GCHA
Headroom Desktop
Corda Opera


Those would be very good choices I would think. With the Headroom stuff being the most versitile.
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post #11 of 11
2/9/07 at 1:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by randyruiz View Post
I guess the question is this, can I replace my Zhaolu 2.5c and Headamp GS-1 with the Lavry Da10 and not miss my GS-1? Or should I ditch the Zhao keep the GS-1 and get the Lavry? I know no one can give me the exact answer being that only I have my ears but I am interested in your thoughts.

My goal is SQ and equipment consolidation.
You should ditch the Zhaolu; IMO and comparing it against the DAC-1 and the Lavry, it doesn't really hold up. You can always get an amp later, but source is first.
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