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HR 06 Micro Amp/Micro DAC vs. 07 Micro Amp/Micro DAC

post #1 of 9
3/16/08 at 11:47pm
Thread Starter 
I'm looking to buy my first DAC and amp and I'm torn between buying the 06 HR micro amp and micro DAC (portables with 9volt battery or AC) and the 07 HR micro amp and micro DAC (strictly AC units).

The specs on the 07s are better, but the 06s are appealing because a) the package is $200 less, total ($600 for the two pieces versus $800) and b) I could use the amp with my iPod during flights. Plus, if I do get hooked on this--as I suspect I will--and I decide to buy a larger system down the road, the 06 micros could remain a viable portable rig.

I haven't been able to find much in the way of reviews of either the 06 or 07 units (the only 07 writeups seem to be about the ultra micros, a whole 'nother animal). Is the sound quality difference between the 06 and 07 that noticeable (especially to a noob like me)?

Finally, I'm looking to pair the DAC/amp with AKG 701s (also yet to be purchased). I've asked around and most people feel like the micros have enough juice to drive them well.

Thanks for you time, and suggestions!

MoNelly

PS: I considered the Pico w/DAC, but now that I've committed to buying this stuff, I don't think I can wait for that line to go down!
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post #2 of 9
3/17/08 at 2:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoNelly View Post
I'm looking to buy my first DAC and amp and I'm torn between buying the 06 HR micro amp and micro DAC (portables with 9volt battery or AC) and the 07 HR micro amp and micro DAC (strictly AC units).

The specs on the 07s are better, but the 06s are appealing because a) the package is $200 less, total ($600 for the two pieces versus $800) and b) I could use the amp with my iPod during flights. Plus, if I do get hooked on this--as I suspect I will--and I decide to buy a larger system down the road, the 06 micros could remain a viable portable rig.

I haven't been able to find much in the way of reviews of either the 06 or 07 units (the only 07 writeups seem to be about the ultra micros, a whole 'nother animal). Is the sound quality difference between the 06 and 07 that noticeable (especially to a noob like me)?

Finally, I'm looking to pair the DAC/amp with AKG 701s (also yet to be purchased). I've asked around and most people feel like the micros have enough juice to drive them well.

Thanks for you time, and suggestions!

MoNelly

PS: I considered the Pico w/DAC, but now that I've committed to buying this stuff, I don't think I can wait for that line to go down!
There is a head-fi discount on the 2006 portables of 15%, so it is now only $510 for both when you call in and tell them you're from here! So, I jumped on it, and the sound is fabulous. I have tried the DAC on AC and battery and it is better than my iBasso D1.

I am burning in the amp now, but out of the box with no burn in it beat my new iBasso D2 when it had 180 hours on it. Tonight with 60 hours on it, it might even sound better than my fresh and un-burned in Woo Audio WA6 tube amp that would cost $1,000 after shipping (I expect that to change in 100 hours as the Woo has changed a lot in just 5 hours). But, I also like it better than my Meier HA-1 and HeadFive so far, and the amp also has more power than I will ever use.

I have no regrets with the purchase, it may be large but it makes a great desktop amp that is also portable for travel. I have not heard the 2007 models, or UltraMicro stack, or higher.
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post #3 of 9
3/17/08 at 3:00am
I have heard both and prefer the 2006 line (MicroDAC only, haven't heard the amps). Very much a question of personal taste, the 2007 DACs have slightly better detail, better low extension, but also are much less musical than the 2006 line, sound less well integrated, kind of mechanical. If you like the sound of the Apogee Mini DAC (which I don't), you'll like the 2007 Headrooms.
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post #4 of 9
3/17/08 at 5:15am
The Apogee mini-DAC sounds different/better with my Sigma 11 PSU than it did with the stock power supply (more musical, warm, smooth), so I do enjoy it and the 2006 Micro DAC both.
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post #5 of 9
3/17/08 at 12:49pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys, good stuff. Has anybody paired the micro amp with AKG 701s?
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post #6 of 9
3/17/08 at 3:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoNelly View Post
Thanks guys, good stuff. Has anybody paired the micro amp with AKG 701s?
Never used the microamp, but have used the 701's extensively with the MicroDAC and another 3rd party amp (and was very pleased with the MicroDAC's performance).
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post #7 of 9
3/17/08 at 6:13pm
I once owned a 2006 Micro Amp w/ desktop module. I liked it a lot but sold it only because of the poor battery life(and owned too many amps anyway). I hadn't yet invested in good rechargeable batteries which is needed for portable use. I loved the look and build quality of this amp...of course the sweet sound too. At times I miss the ol' girl.
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post #8 of 9
3/17/08 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict View Post
I have tried the DAC on AC and battery and it is better than my iBasso D1.
x2. I agree. I sold my iBasso D1 because I liked the '06 microdac's sound signature better. The D1 was a bit too analytical for my tastes even with opamp rolling. The microdac has a warm, lush and detailed sound. Headroom makes great stuff.
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post #9 of 9
3/17/08 at 10:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by musicmaker View Post
The microdac has a warm, lush and detailed sound. Headroom makes great stuff.
Agreed. If it weren't for the MicroDAC, I would have no point in owning my RS-1's....I don't have another source worthy of them.
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