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Xin Supermini3

post #1 of 44
8/3/08 at 4:23am
Thread Starter 
Has anybody heard one of these? I'm considering picking one up.
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post #2 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:00am
Yes, I saw the FS ad too.

Yes, I owned one and it is a true little gem. The precursor to the current Supermini IV with the same full range of configurability (opamps and various jumpers).

Be prepared to experiment with opamps to find the best match to your headphones but also be aware this is one of the best sounding very configurable and ultra-portable (read small) amps out there.

I ended up selling mine then regretted it and got the next available Supermini IV.

Still haven't found a configuration that brings it up to my very best portables but it has the chance of getting close if I can just get a few more recommended opamps and make the time to play with it for a while.

I'd recommend you get it (if it's in your budget) because it is a great little portable amp, particularly for those of us who like to 'play' with the various configuration options.
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post #3 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 
Yes, I'm going to buy it.

Just waiting on the pay from work
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post #4 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:07am
Yes it's a great little amp. Not up to the sq level of the best portable amps but for it's size and configurability nothing beats it. I have both a fully upgraded III (as per feb 2008) and a IV (from summer 2007).
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post #5 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:11am
Thread Starter 
fully upgraded?

I've never owned a Xin before. This will be the 2nd amplifier I purchase.

I PMed the seller already. Hope someone doesn't beat me to it I really, really want it.

Oh yeah, I'll be using this with SF5pros, SR60s and mainly listening to jazz, rock and a bit of lounge/ambient music.
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post #6 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:23am
Well if you don't get it pm me and I might sell mine.

PS: Fully upgraded means that I send it back last year to be repaired for a loose output jack and when I got it back it had also been upgraded as far towards IV state as can be done.
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post #7 of 44
8/3/08 at 8:36am
Thread Starter 
Do you know what changes there are?

How does this amp sound compared to something like a headsix, or Tomahawk?
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post #8 of 44
8/3/08 at 12:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nsx_23 View Post
Do you know what changes there are?

How does this amp sound compared to something like a headsix, or Tomahawk?
Opinions will differ, but IMO the Supermini is at least as good if not better than the ones you mentioned. Be advised that the differences of these amps is not night and day, more like 5-10%. Most of the better portable amps available today are very good.
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post #9 of 44
8/3/08 at 12:31pm
They are not as good as my Xin Reference was but I prefered my III to the original RSA Hornet and Xin SuperMacro-III
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post #10 of 44
8/3/08 at 1:17pm
The Mini is the favorite of Xin and if he ever gets back on track it is something I would get (I have the latest) because I am sure he would bring it forward to a Reference standard. Now that would be a killer. !!
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post #11 of 44
8/3/08 at 6:26pm
Thread Starter 
Argh.....This thread is making me wish my pay comes out faster dammit!
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post #12 of 44
8/3/08 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrarroyo View Post
Opinions will differ, but IMO the Supermini is at least as good if not better than the ones you mentioned. Be advised that the differences of these amps is not night and day, more like 5-10%. Most of the better portable amps available today are very good.
Agreed.

With the Supermini I find it really is influenced by choice of opamps, but the synergies that can be achieved can leapfrog it above many non-figurable better portable amps.

And the 5-10% can be important to some which is why, if you're willing to 'play/experiment' with configurations, I recommend this amp so highly.
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post #13 of 44
8/3/08 at 6:50pm
Thread Starter 
I've never really understood all the different settings in a amp. So, what can I configure, and what does each change do?

*Amp noob here. Please be kind.
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post #14 of 44
8/3/08 at 7:17pm
Hey nsx, that's a big can of worms you're opening up there with that question. Opamp selection is even more bewildering and subtle than complete headphone amp selection.Good luck with that one champ, just go with what sounds the best to your ears
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post #15 of 44
8/3/08 at 7:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nsx_23 View Post
I've never really understood all the different settings in a amp. So, what can I configure, and what does each change do?

*Amp noob here. Please be kind.
As the image shows...


...and configurations described here (as well as other Xin threads), there are potentially 2-3 opamp and 4 jumper changes.

Opamps for:
  • L/R
  • Buffer
  • 3/4 (if its been upgraded - as the original config in the image shows, the original iteration was a dual opamp)
jumpers for:
  • Impedence (converts an Ety ER4P to an ER4S - but can also be useful to experiment with with other IEMs/headphones)
  • Amp Gain (affects battery life but useful for high impedance phones that need more driving power)
  • Bass Boost (Boosts something important in the SQ - I'm sure you can figure this one out )
  • Crossfeed (Feeding some left to the right and some right to the left to provide a more integrated full range impression of the sound. Some like it, some don't - handy to try out though (although not good with solidly left/right recordings like some Beatles recordings)).
Hope that helps.
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