Any final advice before I pull the trigger? Should I go for the broke - Opera?

I would say, my MADs acclaim is in its smoothness whereas my S.S. is much more dynamic and clear while doing so. Bass is deep but more rounded and less articulated when compared.Although, the MAD was prefered here to the Canamp. So, I believe you must compare within class/cost then I believe this would be a typical tube vs S.S. presentation. Perhaps if you were to go to the highest tier tube amps and tubes chosen, then perhaps as great or better dynamic swings may be better presented...

Having said that, I know I greatly prefered the MAD and so will you with the cans you similarly posses such as my 990s & RS-2 I had when the MAD was my primary amp.

The MAD is a wonderful piece, but as always that judgement remains only until side by side something else is heard to be better.

I have not heard the LABCL, but from what I read its a well regarded amp for some time here. Hopefully one of its proponents or your research, would reveal its comparison to the MAD.

To bad you cannot get to hear them both, unless you go thru the used F/S subforum for extended audition, which has been my path at times...

Good luck~

P.S. I would chose the presentation of the analog Opera to the MAD, obviously...

Have you asked Dr. Lloyd if he has sold one of his amps to someone close to you. If yes then he could act as an intermediary for you to listen to it.

You could try contacting Ososcan over at Headphonehaven if an audition is possible.

His interesting review of the amp should provide some answers to your questions.

You know, I really did like my k701s played thru the MAD (as well as the Grados which I sold the RS-2s before auditioning the Opera), more than I do now thru the Opera. Thats because I now find the 990s and Denons to be more dynamic, whereas the AKGs are more smooth but not as an exciting presentation but it too shares enjoyable playtime but it just lost top ranking as my favorite.

The Beyer synergies hyper well with the Opera, which I only got a hint of their potential with the MAD/MHDT Labs DAC which was good, but now I hear them at what must be their full potential, beautiful really!

I think you would find the seperation between instruments more distinct and layering of the music becomes moreso obvious with the Opera whereas the MAD doesn't present these qualities as well, which is its beauty also. So, you must become more aware of which you prefer to experience which again, depends not only upon the phone of choice but the recordings / miking etc...

Clear as mud, eh...

Great, enjoy your audition with the LABCL!!! There is nothing like experience or as I say trying the used route for audition or even local meets!

The MAD is a good step up from the stock Xcan3 and its choice of tubes becomes hyper important with either! However what you are terming this word "bland" maybe a combination of reasons part of which is that is somewhat the more analog softness of tubes(at this price point) vs S.S. which should bring more aggressiveness, attack and impact to the presentation in general. Now many do find this to be not as desirable vs the tubey sound.

Next, you do need to look to your source and this will dictate which may be preferable thru your phones of choice as a total system!!!

Good luck~

As good as the Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 may be, it still can be improved upon with the various tweaks available. Please keep in mine NOT to compare this with an out and out valve/tube headphone amp as the X-Can is a hybrid
( tubes and FETs ).

I may seem a little biased, but having built 3 of the MAD Ear + purist's over the last 4 years for myself and friends, it's still the one headphone amp that I prefer and it always brings a smile to my face everytime I sit down to
listen !

The MAD doesnt lack PRaT. It's just that it is not as punchy as an SS. I think Hi-Finthen nailed it when he said that MAD's acclaim is in smoothness whereas an SS is more dynamic. You already have an SS. It's time to experience some tube smoothness

Nothing like hearing for yourself what we each prefer when combined consistently with the same source and music we chose . Again, 'total system" sonic signature and synergy is to be thought of as a whole, even as we search for singular components.

I would not bother trying to listen to a Heed(having owned one), as it doesn't stack up in terms of sound quality or build, IMO...

Hi WarsurferX,

I don't know whether that you noticed that I too own a Darkvoice 336i as stated in my signature block and this is my second rig next to the MAD Ear + purist.

In my honest opinion, both these amps are great and perform beyond their respective price points, the Darkvoice moreso. That said, if all you have have
heard so far in the way of auditioning tube headphone amps have left you thinking they lack drive, punch and verve - the Darkvoice will make you reconsider that opinion, even more so with the "right tube compliment". The Darkvoice 336 has very good bass extension without becomming "loose & wooly like many amps".

I think for most people who have heard what a "poor" sounding tube headphone amps sounds like and then discover the Darkvoice 336i, the search becomes pretty much over as the difference/improvement is generally
vast and conclusive enough for most to say, "I'll have it" !

The MAD Ear + purist is the amp you upgrade to when you have become accustomed to the 336i and start itching for that something extra. You'll have no problems telling them apart upon first listen, but the difference here
doesn't make you think the 336i is a bad amp, just that the Ear gives the same and then some.

I agree with Osocan's comments that the Ear doesn't lack PRat, just that many solid state amps tend to be "quicker" and in some cases "harsher" sounding. You should hear John Cougar Mellencamp sing "R.O.C.K. in the USA" through the MAD Ear+ purist. I've previously owned solid state headphone amps, but for me. They all induced listener fatigue too early and none that I have tried so far can seduce you into listening more even when you know you're tired, that plus a great toe tapping factor. Yup, the MAD does it for me

Hi Hi-Finthen,

I'm very interested to hear of your comparative comments with the Corda Opera you're now using verses the MAD Ear you were previously using. Probably needs a different thread or you can PM me directly. Thanks in advance.