Blue Circle makes three headamp units with two different op-amps and (to my knowledge at this time) four different power supplies. In other words, if you're looking at BC you've got lots of options.
I decided to get an SBH with an upgraded power supply that is not on the BC webpage yet. This is bigger than the standard 'metal-box' SBH power supply and is built using the 'pipe' design that Gilbert uses to keep costs low. Since I keep my PS on a shelf out of sight I'm more than happy to get better sound for less money. According to Gilbert this new PS offers a definite sonic improvement over the smaller ones. I'm a big believer in 'get the biggest power supply you can' which is one reason I'm found of both BC and Naim gear.
I received my unit about 3-4 weeks ago and have been listening an hour or two almost every night. I don't have a standard SBH to compare it to, but the dynamics and frequency extension on this thing are amazing. This is an extremely detailed, smooth amp with very deep bass.
One of the nice things about this amp is that, like Naim gear, it is designed to be turned on all the time. None of that, 'Oh, I'm going to listen in an hour or two, I better turn on my amp so it's warmed up' stuff. Whenever you want to listen, it's ready. And it always sounds the same.
When I think about this unit I think about music. You know that 'forget your headphones are even on and you just get enveloped in the music' thing that sometimes happen with headphone listening? That happens a LOT with the SBH. Often when I get to the end of a cd (I use a Quad 99 CDP-2 as a source) I'll just lean over, hit the play button again and listen to the entire disc again. (Headphones are Denon D5000's with basic Lawton mod).
I listen to a lot of classical music and soundtracks. Since I got this unit I've been listening to all my favorite cd's and have never enjoyed them more. 'The Machinist' score by Spanish composer Roque Banos is probably my all time fav and it sounds wonderful on this amp. Last night I was listening to 'Quadrophenia' by the Who, one of my favorite classic rock albums. The sound was detailed, smooth, extended.
The BC stuff isn't what I'd call 'pretty' but it's built like a tank and uses very high quality parts. I think I could drop this box off a truck and it would still work. And it runs completely cool, which is convenient and bodes extremely well for long-term reliability.
I've bought several headamps and had all sorts of QC problems. The BC was not the cheapest option for me, but this is a headphone that is easy to own and incredible fun to listen to.
Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll answer them as best I can. In the meantime I'll be listening to music....
I decided to get an SBH with an upgraded power supply that is not on the BC webpage yet. This is bigger than the standard 'metal-box' SBH power supply and is built using the 'pipe' design that Gilbert uses to keep costs low. Since I keep my PS on a shelf out of sight I'm more than happy to get better sound for less money. According to Gilbert this new PS offers a definite sonic improvement over the smaller ones. I'm a big believer in 'get the biggest power supply you can' which is one reason I'm found of both BC and Naim gear.
I received my unit about 3-4 weeks ago and have been listening an hour or two almost every night. I don't have a standard SBH to compare it to, but the dynamics and frequency extension on this thing are amazing. This is an extremely detailed, smooth amp with very deep bass.
One of the nice things about this amp is that, like Naim gear, it is designed to be turned on all the time. None of that, 'Oh, I'm going to listen in an hour or two, I better turn on my amp so it's warmed up' stuff. Whenever you want to listen, it's ready. And it always sounds the same.
When I think about this unit I think about music. You know that 'forget your headphones are even on and you just get enveloped in the music' thing that sometimes happen with headphone listening? That happens a LOT with the SBH. Often when I get to the end of a cd (I use a Quad 99 CDP-2 as a source) I'll just lean over, hit the play button again and listen to the entire disc again. (Headphones are Denon D5000's with basic Lawton mod).
I listen to a lot of classical music and soundtracks. Since I got this unit I've been listening to all my favorite cd's and have never enjoyed them more. 'The Machinist' score by Spanish composer Roque Banos is probably my all time fav and it sounds wonderful on this amp. Last night I was listening to 'Quadrophenia' by the Who, one of my favorite classic rock albums. The sound was detailed, smooth, extended.
The BC stuff isn't what I'd call 'pretty' but it's built like a tank and uses very high quality parts. I think I could drop this box off a truck and it would still work. And it runs completely cool, which is convenient and bodes extremely well for long-term reliability.
I've bought several headamps and had all sorts of QC problems. The BC was not the cheapest option for me, but this is a headphone that is easy to own and incredible fun to listen to.
Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll answer them as best I can. In the meantime I'll be listening to music....
