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Reviews of M^3 amplifier ?

post #1 of 42
2/1/10 at 6:42pm
Thread Starter 
I have tried searching, but the search function will not let me search for anything in the title as short as 3 characters ... such as M^3 ... Can anyone lead me to some reviews on this highly reccomended amp ?

Thanks
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post #2 of 42
2/1/10 at 6:47pm
Here is one http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-115435/

Tip: Add "review" to your search term to get past the min. characters. I got the above by searching "MMM review" but you should use "M3 review" too to find more maybe
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post #3 of 42
2/1/10 at 7:04pm
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-115492/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/roc...review-397457/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...lifier-115435/
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post #4 of 42
2/1/10 at 8:58pm
If you want further information, I think the following threads have some valuable subjective/objective information and comparisons/impressions of the M^3.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/dynahi-m3-136796/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/few...ssions-114770/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/ppav2-vs-m3-147768/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/m3-...-hd650-200857/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/gil...-m-3-a-129497/

BTW, having compared a few different sets/combination of opamps, I have to say they make a significant difference in sound. I suggest you roll some to match your headphones. I've found the AD8610 (my current opamps) to be the most transparent (but not always the most pleasing).
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post #5 of 42
2/1/10 at 9:56pm
I've never stumbled across those threads Shahrose so thanks
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post #6 of 42
2/1/10 at 11:34pm
Thread Starter 
LOL ... Thanks for those links, but unfortunately THAT is exactly what I am talking about ..... More choices and opinions than is reasonable for a sane mind to deal with.
If I only listened to jazz, classical, voice, pop, and classic rock I would just pick ANY amp that was said to have a warm and extended signature. Unfortunately, I listen mostly to thrash metal, and that music is HELL DOUBLED on playback systems !!!!! I went through 9 different pairs of home speakers, and seven solid state home amps trying to find products that could deliver the goods accurately and fast enough for thrash metal. It took me 4 years to accomplish this, and I have NO DESIRE to repeat this excersise again here with my new headphone hobby.
This is a HUGE forum, and I was very, very fortunate to find a golden thread by Chris19 as he went through a lengthy process to find the best thrash metal headphones ....

I only wish that someone had already performed the " Ultimate solid state desktop amp for Thrash Metal" search thread too .... i can NOT afford to do so, and am simlply flailing lost in the sea of searching .... once again.
With a $1000 budget, you'd think there would be SOME concensus on this subject, but Nooooo ..... oh well.
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post #7 of 42
2/2/10 at 1:56am
There will never be concensus as long as there is choice, make up your own mind!
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post #8 of 42
2/2/10 at 2:01am
There is always something better out there.... Stop asking for people to pick things for you lol. You're an adult .
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post #9 of 42
2/2/10 at 2:35am
what are your "sonic signature" requirements for thrash metal? what do you currently have for source and HPs? the M3 can crank out some serious bass, or maybe the trebles are more attenuated - i don't know.

i like my M3 paired with K271/K601 with opera/classical/chamber ("speedy" combos), but the DT990/600ohm get play-time with down-tempo electronica, and dub/reggae (a bit more relaxed and easier on the ears). however, i prefer the Beyers with my B22 with everything, irregardless if i have a y-2 or DAC1 upstream. the y-2/B22 is a wicked pairing.
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post #10 of 42
2/2/10 at 3:07am
I have a G2/M3/S11 with OPA627 opamps. The detail is astounding. So much so that you'll feel like you opened your eyes and Morpheus says "welcome to the real world"...and you'll be all "No, I don't believe it" and then throw up.
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post #11 of 42
2/2/10 at 3:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CodeToad View Post
I have a G2/M3/S11 with OPA627 opamps. The detail is astounding. So much so that you'll feel like you opened your eyes and Morpheus says "welcome to the real world"...and you'll be all "No, I don't believe it" and then throw up.
Coincidentally, I just re-watched the Matrix in 1080p after quite a few years just a couple days ago.
BTW, if you want detail, use the AD8610 opamps. The 627/637 increase soundstage, thicken and slow the bass and make the treble really sweet. This produces a nice effect for a time, but eventually you'll realize (upon comparison) that it's obscuring details, lacking speed and transparency of the AD8610. There's a whole thread on just opamps for the M^3. Check it out:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/bes...-m-3-a-136888/
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post #12 of 42
2/2/10 at 5:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shahrose View Post
There's a whole thread on just opamps for the M^3. Check it out:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/bes...-m-3-a-136888/
I read all the threads I could before I built it. I do agree the AD chips seem to be some of the better ones around.

What amazes me the most is the M3 running in full class A with 6 mosfets and their heatsinks plus the 2 mosfets in the s11 only pull about 15 watts of power. My Little Dot Mk3 used about 28 watts. The difference in sound between them is significant. I'll stick with SS.

I can empathize with the OP as all of this stuff is overwhelming.
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post #13 of 42
2/2/10 at 9:11am
My Mcubed was always warm and bassy but I like it that way. I had AD843 opamps for maximum (softer) bass. I think the advantage you have with this amp is you can swap the opamps and hopefully find what you require.
I changed my source and it became too bassy so I put OPA627's in and the balance was restored.
I always hated the AD8610's but they might be the sort of thing you'd want, a bit leaner and lighter.

The Beta 22 is faster, lighter and more punchy but cooler sounding.

I had the Mcubed since release and even now with a balanced Beta 22 in the house I find it very good, it is not that far away.
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post #14 of 42
2/2/10 at 11:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CodeToad View Post
What amazes me the most is the M3 running in full class A with 6 mosfets and their heatsinks plus the 2 mosfets in the s11 only pull about 15 watts of power.
About half that, actually. At the default 24V and 80mA quiescent current per channel, total current draw is approx 300mA - 7.2 watts.
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post #15 of 42
2/2/10 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magsy View Post
My Mcubed was always warm and bassy but I like it that way. I had AD843 opamps for maximum (softer) bass. I think the advantage you have with this amp is you can swap the opamps and hopefully find what you require.
I changed my source and it became too bassy so I put OPA627's in and the balance was restored.
I always hated the AD8610's but they might be the sort of thing you'd want, a bit leaner and lighter.

The Beta 22 is faster, lighter and more punchy but cooler sounding.

I had the Mcubed since release and even now with a balanced Beta 22 in the house I find it very good, it is not that far away.
x1 This is exactly the same impression I found between the two amps, also with OPA627s.
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