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Beta22 vs Dynalo? - Page 2

post #16 of 23
7/21/07 at 2:08am
I've never heard the Dynalo and the Beta22 side by side, but have owned both (the Dynalo in the form of the Headamp Gilmore V2SE). I agree that DIY SS amps all sound pretty similar in the scheme of things, but on the other hand if I were put in a blind AB test I'm quite sure I would be able to pick them apart. From my memory of the Dynalo, the difference should be pretty big actually. The Beta22 is way warmer and has much larger soundstage. But I need to hear them side by side to be sure. I have my CKKIII and the Beta22 side by side and they really do sound different.

Edit: But I would like to add my opinion that decent amps all sound pretty similar such that getting an expensive amp such as the Beta22 (or buying an expensive commercial amp) only makes sense after you settle on a good source and headphones.
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post #17 of 23
7/21/07 at 11:43am
It is hard to compare DIY amps with the variance in parts selection.

One may say "I love my PPA over the M3 I heard". But the PPA has diamond buffers, 627/637 opamps, steps power supply and stepped volume control vs. a pedestrian M3 with Elpac.

However, the Beta does seem to be the most liked DIY amp around here these days. Another brilliant, out of the box design by a great engineer.
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post #18 of 23
7/21/07 at 12:48pm
Quote:
Quote:
I think their sound signatures are pretty similar. You would need some seriously expensive equipment to really differentiate.
Have you heard either? Both? For how long?
Sorry, my mistake there, I thought I had read Dynahi. Apparently the OP is asking for a Dynalo/beta22 comparison.

In that case, I have both with me right now, in fact. Yes, there are some noticeable differences. The Dynalo has a ton of impact. It sounds very lively, very energy (dynamic?). But it can sound lean at times, e.g. a kick drum with gusto, but no weight.

The beta22 sounds warmer. It doesn't have as much impact, unfortunately. But the weight is all there. I also think the beta22 is "blacker" than the Dynalo. Every note also sounds more distinct and resolved. It's the better amp, but I'm not sure if it is 2X-3X better, which is the difference in price.
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post #19 of 23
7/21/07 at 7:13pm
Thread Starter 
I just finished installing the capacitors, trimpots and two pin molex headers for the audio input - all that is left to do is install the MOSFETs and wire up the power connector/audio-output molex connector.

Getting closer!
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post #20 of 23
7/21/07 at 9:05pm
Thread Starter 
I should add, in case anyone who is building a Beta22 is reading this, you probably want a 35 watt soldering iron for this build. I have a 25 watt weller (I through out my old 40 watt junker, unfortunately), and it has a hard time getting some of the capacitors pads hot enough.
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post #21 of 23
7/21/07 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by khbaur330162 View Post
Well, the Dynahi outperforms the Dynalo by a fair margin, and I thought it was the general consensus that a ß22 outperforms a Dynahi, if only slightly, but with a tad bit warmer sound signature.
I've heard people say that the Dynamite still has a bit better bass (More impact amongst other slight diffs). Also now there's the Dynafet or whatever. Meh!

Differences can't be that big. Even if the Dynamite has slightly better bass than a balanced beta22 imo the beta22 is still preferable since it outputs vasttlyyyyyyyy less heat.
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post #22 of 23
7/21/07 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cotdt View Post
Edit: But I would like to add my opinion that decent amps all sound pretty similar such that getting an expensive amp such as the Beta22 (or buying an expensive commercial amp) only makes sense after you settle on a good source and headphones.
That's really solid advice, it makes no sense to have one super-strong link in a chain of multiple parts.
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post #23 of 23
7/21/07 at 10:03pm
n_maher

That's a beautiful thing.
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