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Predator vs. Pico? - Page 4

post #46 of 451
1/2/08 at 3:55pm
I am following this thread intently. I have been using the D1 feed via USB as both amp and source for about 4 months now. I like the simplicity of the all-in-one box. Less cables, very transportable and easy on the wallet. I recently discovered the AT sound and I am quite happy. I am really enjoying the W1000s. I was considering selling my D1 and moving to a Predator or Pico. The Pico seems more attractive because of better DAC, which is important to me. Again, the head-fi part of brain says that $500 will buy me a used EC/SS or Gilmore Lite and a USB dac. That would prob sound better than a portable solution. When on the go I use the SE420s directly out of my Ipod for simplicity sake. I small compact setup is nice. Keep the info rolling in.
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post #47 of 451
1/2/08 at 4:03pm
I wouldn't count on a usb dac + glite or ec/ss sounding better than the pico. I suppose it's possible tho.
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post #48 of 451
1/2/08 at 4:13pm
^ have you sold your mini dac yet?
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post #49 of 451
1/2/08 at 4:20pm
nope
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post #50 of 451
1/2/08 at 4:34pm
On the theme of "what does it actually sound like," has anybody heard k701s through the Pico? I know Justin has said he went through several prototypes to make sure they synergize, I just wondered what they sounded like to folks who have paired them with other amps in the past. As we all know the story goes that no portable can drive a 701 with enough authority to make it sing. Is the Pico really a new kind of portable re: the 701?
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post #51 of 451
1/2/08 at 6:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grawk View Post
I wouldn't count on a usb dac + glite or ec/ss sounding better than the pico. I suppose it's possible tho.

Wow. I have always been under the impression that home solutions faired better than portable ones. That is def food for thought.
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post #52 of 451
1/2/08 at 6:41pm
source matters.
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post #53 of 451
1/2/08 at 6:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by barmar46 View Post
On the theme of "what does it actually sound like," has anybody heard k701s through the Pico? I know Justin has said he went through several prototypes to make sure they synergize, I just wondered what they sounded like to folks who have paired them with other amps in the past. As we all know the story goes that no portable can drive a 701 with enough authority to make it sing. Is the Pico really a new kind of portable re: the 701?
Just took my 701s off. The Pico handles them with aplomb.
My only issue is that with a Nano as source, you have to crank the Pico up substantially but even at that point, there is zero distortion and plain, old beautiful music.
Justin was absolutely correct about the Pico/701. Out of a Microdac, the Pico/701 is extraordinary (the reason why I was one of the few not to get the DAC.)
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post #54 of 451
1/2/08 at 7:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by barmar46 View Post
On the theme of "what does it actually sound like," has anybody heard k701s through the Pico? I know Justin has said he went through several prototypes to make sure they synergize, I just wondered what they sounded like to folks who have paired them with other amps in the past. As we all know the story goes that no portable can drive a 701 with enough authority to make it sing. Is the Pico really a new kind of portable re: the 701?
Technically, no. The Pico uses an 8.4V lithium-ion battery and a battery, no matter how good, cannot deliver enough power to properly & fully drive the K701. You need AC power to really hear the K701 open up. When I compared HeadAmp's AE-2 (500 mW, 8V swing) with the Gilmore Lite (1W, 15V swing) there was no contest whatsoever. The Gilmore Lite was way ahead of the AE-2 - the sound was simply fuller and faster. Of course the Gilmore Lite's discrete circuit also contributed to this sound but the effect of power source is a huge factor.

I think what Justin meant was that the Pico will drive the K701 as best as a portable amp can. If you're looking for a really good amp for the K701, the Pico is not it - go for an AC-powered home amp instead. If however your situation calls for a portable amp more, then the Pico is at the top of the heap when it comes to driving ability.
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post #55 of 451
1/2/08 at 7:40pm
I agree with ASR. Do not confuse any portable and their ability to drive "difficult" headphones like 701s with the power of a good AC desktop; but if portability is
crucial, you will be hardpressed to find a more resonant, full presentation than the Pico.
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post #56 of 451
1/2/08 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dw6928 View Post
Just took my 701s off. The Pico handles them with aplomb.
My only issue is that with a Nano as source, you have to crank the Pico up substantially but even at that point, there is zero distortion and plain, old beautiful music.
Justin was absolutely correct about the Pico/701. Out of a Microdac, the Pico/701 is extraordinary (the reason why I was one of the few not to get the DAC.)
I'm looking new source myself. Do you think MicroDac is better than the Dac in Pico(technical issue aside, SQ only) ?? Do you have Ultra MicroDac or "regular" MicroDac?
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post #57 of 451
1/2/08 at 7:49pm

ASR and dw6928

So...would the two of you recommend hd650 with Pico vs K701?

thanks....
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post #58 of 451
1/2/08 at 8:02pm
No, the HD650 is just as difficult to drive as the K701 and requires approximately as much power.
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post #59 of 451
1/2/08 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by grawk View Post
I wouldn't count on a usb dac + glite or ec/ss sounding better than the pico. I suppose it's possible tho.
Even if a *usb dac* is Pico? Actually, I'll know the answer in a week.
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post #60 of 451
1/2/08 at 8:47pm
You can't get a pico and an EC/SS or Glite for less than a pico
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