Build pics of my prototype Headcode from Phill LaRocco

wow looks good

is he going to release it through triad audio or where?

Oh Sooo sweet. I'm a LaRocco junkie. Will the final variation be sold by Triad Audio?

Nice, he is using Dale resistors. They aren't expensive but clean and good sounding (they don't get in the way of the music by adding a signature like some metal films that impart a whitish haze to the music). Looks like it should be fun.

Looks sweet!
I am sure it will be a great sounding amplifier when he have finished the job.

Any word on an ETA?

Possibly the most significant high-end SS amp in 2008 ?

OK,... since LeChuck has let the rabbit pop

My understanding from recent discussion with Phil is that this special project will serve two purpose - to serve a very special customer ( I guess this is LeChuck ??) and to provide the validation of the final design of a what previously envisioned as a portable version of HeadCode, which is currently code name PortaCode but will most likely to launched under a different product name.

From what I understood, the PortaCode is a cost-no-object headphone amp project which Phil wants to showcase the ultimate in discrete solid state headphone amp design. [ Whereas the LISA is said to be the ultimate of an opamp based headphone design ]. The PortaCode will adopt the same concept as the cascode topology but with a lot of enhancements. The power supply alone will be scarily complex and sophisticated - which will likely employ 4 separate channels (quad-mono ?) starting from the power transformers - with dedicated channels for the charging circuit ! If the LLP is laboratory grade power supply design for the LISA, one will most likely see something like 2 - 4 LLP circuits cramped in a separate power supply chassis for the PortaCode...

Sound wise accordingly to Phil this will leave others in the dust. My current understanding is that the project is making solid progress and will most likely be ready for production sometime in the first half of 2008. That will most likely be a two box design, with rechargeable batteries so that the amp box can be transportable.

But since this is still an evolving project, I will leave it to Phil to tell us more when the time comes, as well as pricing I may be way-off.

Well, I think it may be time to get the funds ready...

F. Lo

LeChuck,

I admire you for having this very unique opportunity to work so close to Phil. And I agree 100% that Phil is one of the nicest and straight up guy in this circle.

But to be best of my knowledge, Phil is seldom (if not never) involved in the business side of his amps. His prime interest is to come up with something innovative and convincing for head-fiers, and is 99% technical all the time.

F. Lo

Updates on project PortaCode (from Phil)

Having read from LeChuck I chased after Phil LaRocco on the status of the PortaCode and get some impressive reply that I would like to share here ( i do hope Phil won't sue me for that ) :

I reword some of the phrases so that people new to this subject can apprehend what is going on :

==== per Phil :-

I have been spending a lot of time tweaking (in mono) and i can say with confidence this Amp is going to shock em all sonically. The previous headcode is the best Headphone amp i have ever listened to and this NEW version is substantialy better in every regard and since you never heard a headcode you perhaps can not comprehend the level we are talking.

The best quality of the new headcode is Blackness that is beyond belief. When I first fired up the amp and plugged in my low impedance, highly sensitive MDR-F1's and listened in mono wow I could not tell the amp was on and it was directly under a bench florescent light (I mean this this redefines black ground). The image even in mono is so lightning fast its like the wind. Tonality is changed twards the softer top octave side vs the old code but delineation of detail and microdynamics are superb I heard voices on songs previously unnoticed. Bass is alot more dymanic and prominent than previous headcode as for what i think it still needs is i would like to add more sparkle to the top without getting etched.

===== end

I believe this is exciting development (bearing in mind that Phil also design the LISA and HeadCode) and from what Phil says this is going to be something kick-axx top notch. Can't wait to see it in person

Looks like the treble quality is what Phil will be working on now and from all the pieces I gather the final design won't be too far off now.

F. Lo

I'm eagerly waiting for the PortaCode as well.

i think i'm going to poop my pants.

*prays hard ppl will at least share the schematics to us*