Hello everyone, its been a long time since I posted here last, which was when you all helped me decide on hd595's and a mini^3 amp. Its been a while since, then, and I've decided it's time for me to upgrade both my phones and amp.
I have been debating between akg701/2's and the hd650, but one of my friends decided he was going to get the k702's, so I have settled on the hd650's (so we can trade etc and try both). I haven't actually placed an order yet, so my mind might still get changed to something completely different. My budget for the phones is about $400 taxed + shipped
Next, the amp (which is what the real question is about, hence posting in the amp section). I have pretty much settled on (as in I ordered all the parts last night) the CK2III, largely becasue I wanted another diy project, and because I couldn't actually find parts/boards for what seemed to be the only other options in the price range (dynalo, CTH). In any case, lots of good reviews on the CK2III, so please don't make me feel bad about the purchase at this point, lol.
ANYHOW, to my question: There are several options on the CK2III which I am unsure of. Firstly, gain: the options are 9x and 4.1x. Which gain should I use if I plan on getting an hd650 soon? Will that same gain work ok for the 595's as well (which is the 50 ohm version)? If not, would it be possible to somehow add a gain switch to the amp? (there are 4 resistors that need to swapped, so maybe a 4pdt switch and some wires) Or would the switch and accompanying wires somehow reduce the performance of the amp?
The other option quoted from amb site: "Instead of the listed 10µF bipolar electrolytic capacitors, you may use 1µF 63V polyester film capacitors with 0.200" lead spacing instead. You will also have to increase R49, R51 to 100KΩ and R15, R39 to 3.01MΩ with this option."
I couldn't tell from the way it was worded if this was an option for convenience (in case the default caps were out of stock, which they were at digi-key) or if the option was actually a performance increase. I ended up buying parts for both options, so I have time to decide up until I actually get to soldering those parts.
My next question is about source. I am mostly using my computer as a source / DAC. I am mostly using my computer as a source, although I occasionally might use other sources such as my zune HD (although that would still be at my desk). I have a Claro Halo XT in my computer, and want to know if it is an acceptable source (obviously using the line-out, not the amped headphone port). The way I see it, I have 2 options: Stick with the claro, and get some better opamps or get an external DAC. What do you all recommend?
I have been debating between akg701/2's and the hd650, but one of my friends decided he was going to get the k702's, so I have settled on the hd650's (so we can trade etc and try both). I haven't actually placed an order yet, so my mind might still get changed to something completely different. My budget for the phones is about $400 taxed + shipped
Next, the amp (which is what the real question is about, hence posting in the amp section). I have pretty much settled on (as in I ordered all the parts last night) the CK2III, largely becasue I wanted another diy project, and because I couldn't actually find parts/boards for what seemed to be the only other options in the price range (dynalo, CTH). In any case, lots of good reviews on the CK2III, so please don't make me feel bad about the purchase at this point, lol.
ANYHOW, to my question: There are several options on the CK2III which I am unsure of. Firstly, gain: the options are 9x and 4.1x. Which gain should I use if I plan on getting an hd650 soon? Will that same gain work ok for the 595's as well (which is the 50 ohm version)? If not, would it be possible to somehow add a gain switch to the amp? (there are 4 resistors that need to swapped, so maybe a 4pdt switch and some wires) Or would the switch and accompanying wires somehow reduce the performance of the amp?
The other option quoted from amb site: "Instead of the listed 10µF bipolar electrolytic capacitors, you may use 1µF 63V polyester film capacitors with 0.200" lead spacing instead. You will also have to increase R49, R51 to 100KΩ and R15, R39 to 3.01MΩ with this option."
I couldn't tell from the way it was worded if this was an option for convenience (in case the default caps were out of stock, which they were at digi-key) or if the option was actually a performance increase. I ended up buying parts for both options, so I have time to decide up until I actually get to soldering those parts.
My next question is about source. I am mostly using my computer as a source / DAC. I am mostly using my computer as a source, although I occasionally might use other sources such as my zune HD (although that would still be at my desk). I have a Claro Halo XT in my computer, and want to know if it is an acceptable source (obviously using the line-out, not the amped headphone port). The way I see it, I have 2 options: Stick with the claro, and get some better opamps or get an external DAC. What do you all recommend?
