Although I am only a newbie to these boards and to the world of headphones, I have been a long-time audiophile and am just thrilled with the sound I have been getting on the Meta 42. I will first give you my impressions of the amp and then tell you all why JMT is THE MAN and should never be doubted or questioned.

First off the amp (AD843KN op amp), which I use at home with a Mouser wall wart jack with AKG 501's. The amp has a brushed aluminum enclosure and is absolutely gorgeous, especially with the cobalt blue light that is on when the power is on. The amp has plenty of power, which is a necessity for my cans. The amp does not display any noticeable weaknesses, in my humble opinion, and really is strong on the audio traits I consider most important. In a snap shot, the bass and treble are both handled nicely, without any bloatiness on the low end, which most definitely has some punch and impact to it, and nice and neutral without any evidence of harshness or brightness on the high end. Where the amp really shines is in the midrange. I listen primarily to the Grateful Dead and jazz, with a bunch of rock (both classic and newer) thrown in. For most of the Dead's career, there were two drummers and during the 70's, a healthy dose of Hammond Rhodes electric piano (go Keith!). I need to be able to distinguish the drummers' cymbals, want to be able to hear Bobby's delicate rhythm guitar riffs instead of being buried in the mix and the vocal harmonines must sound like one. Well, let me tell you that the Meta 42 and 501's are a great combo for The Dead.

Jazz is handled with detail and delicacy as well. Whether it is Miles and Paul Chambers' bass line in "So What" to Cannonball Adderly himself belting out the "Autumn Leaves", the amp just sings out the music and puts a big ass smile on my face.

Unfortunately, I do not have another headphone amp to compare the Meta 42 to, but after reading all the glowing reviews prior to my purchases, let me just end by saying it lives right up to the hype.

JMT:

Now, for the real point of this thread. I read some posts about people cautious about sending out money to some unknown e-mail handle and what if there are problems with the amp, etc., etc. I can unequivocally say that if any head-fier has just the slightest doubts of dealing with JMT on a transaction, just throw such doubts out the window. JMT is friendly, punctual, helpful, patient, well-versed in his craft and wants you to be as happy as possible. Together, we crafted the exact amp I wanted and he had it at my doorstep (Calif. to NY, no less) in no time. His amp is a beautiful piece of equipment.

But here is the kicker: Two Wednesdays ago, I realized that something happened to my amp. I had to disconnect everything in my lower level due to some water penetration (for those who don't know, June was the rainiest June in NY in over 100 years!!!). During that interim, I bought some Outlaw PCA interconnects (with the locking clasps). Anyway, I must have tightened one too tightly and low and behold the solder joint on the left channel became loose and then later cracked. After a bunch of furious e-mails to JMT where I must have sounded like a raving lunatic, he quickly replied to me by saying that it wasn't a problem, just to ship it back to him and that he would repair it at no cost and would pay the return shipping. I sent it to him next day air that Thurs. for Friday delivery and the guy had it back to me on Monday! Coast to Coast. And eveything is perfect (I went back to my Kimber PBJ's - no more locking.) I can't thank JMT enough for his kindness, generosity and assistance. Everyone at headfi raved about this guy and I will undoubtedly join that bandwagon from the front.

To JMT: You rule.
My Meta 42: It rocks
My AKG 501's: They sing

OK, I am tired now as it is 95 in NY today.

I'm sending him my payment this Friday. I've wanted one since the beginning of the year and now I finally have enough money. Is yours maxed? Mine will be :-D

Also, I arrived in NYC on June 1. Aside from the past 3 days, there have not been two consecutive days with sunshine. It has been horrible.

But everytime I think of Meta, I smile.

note to whom it may concern: We need more Grado smileys.

fiddler is nice as well.

Hello Dano and congrats on the meta, I have one of JMT's maxed meta's also. I'm second owner after Lou and it is unbelievable in performance. I've mailed Jon on several occasions with newbie questions half expecting to hear he is "too busy" ,or not hearing back from him at all. He has always been a curtious,professional,and personable gentleman to talk with. Jons internet demeanor reminds us all- There "are" honest people to meet and deal with.

Dano, your letter paints a good picture of your experience but I missed the part where you apologized to Jon. Only kidding. I'm sure you haven't been the first person to assume you were quickly becoming a "burn" victim with a bad peice of merchandise.To top it off,an amp you believed wasn't going to be dealt with properly for warranty work that doesn't exist in writing. Its hell to get warranty work "with" a written one.

People outside the headfi world need to read reviews like yours to help improve morale. I know it helps in here.

Excellent write up. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

I realized that in my above post, I used the word "furious" to describe my e-mails to JMT when I realized there was something wrong with my amp. I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression, so let me clarify the issue right here and now:

I meant "furious" as in the frenetic pace at which I e-mailed JMT detailing what I had done myself to the amp and was in desperate need of his amp. I did NOT, repeat: did NOT ever believe that I received a bad piece of equipment or was "burned" somehow. I was just so mad at myself and those locking Outlaws that I needed to see how quickly I could get that amp fixed - and low and behold I had it sent from NY to Calif. to NY in 5 days!!!

Again, to reiterate, JMT is the man - he totally hooked me up with some additional work at no cost and paid for the return shipping himself. I never did and never will doubt the integrity, skill and assistance of JMT.

Hello Dano, I misinterpreted your meaning of furious. It makes complete sense now. Another great story on Jons virtues of amps and other components he personally handles.

Again,a great read made even better. Thanks for sharing.

How much does JMT charge for the maxed metas?

All you have to do is PM JMT and let him know what your souce is,and what headphones you will be using. There will be a few more questions of course on other details,but all the info he obtains will result in his pricing of the amp. Good luck and enjoy.