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DNA Sonett or Mapletree Ear+ Super II

post #1 of 15
12/26/10 at 12:57pm
Thread Starter 

So far my setup consists of Beyerdynamic dt880's and an Audio-gd DAC-19, and now I'm trying to decide between which amplifier to get: the DNA Sonnett or MAD Ear+ Super II. Does anyone have any experience listening to these two amps? They both receive incredible reviews, but I haven't been able to find much in terms of comparisons between the two or in terms of how they synergize with beyers. Thanks for your help!

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post #2 of 15
12/26/10 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quicksound View Post

So far my setup consists of Beyerdynamic dt880's and an Audio-gd DAC-19, and now I'm trying to decide between which amplifier to get: the DNA Sonnett or MAD Ear+ Super II. Does anyone have any experience listening to these two amps? They both receive incredible reviews, but I haven't been able to find much in terms of comparisons between the two or in terms of how they synergize with beyers. Thanks for your help!


Methinks you can't go wrong with either. If you ever plan on buying Grado RS1s...maybe the MAD amp?

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post #3 of 15
11/16/11 at 7:56am

i'm very interested in this too... what have you chosen?

 

I'm gonna use it with a gs1000i..

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post #4 of 15
11/17/11 at 10:11am

The Sonett has the option of using the 120 ohm output which Beyer recommends for their phones. I had an Ear+ (not super) and a Sonett. I felt like the Ear+ was a darker sounding amp. When I had the DT880 and Sonett together it was an insanely detailed combo. Too much so for me.

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post #5 of 15
11/17/11 at 1:45pm

I'm going to use with it a gs1000i, I've heard some beyerdynamics in the past but they all left me cold...

would you say that the sonett is bright? have you tried any form of tube-rolling?

 

thanks


Edited by customcoco - 11/17/11 at 1:46pm
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post #6 of 15
11/17/11 at 1:52pm

I have the Sonett and enjoy it immensely.  Not bright, and very close to neutral for me.  

 

Here's a good thread if you haven't seen it: http://www.head-fi.org/t/493097/dna-sonett-review


Edited by Eee Pee - 11/17/11 at 1:57pm
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post #7 of 15
12/1/11 at 1:06pm
Thread Starter 

I ended up going with the Sonett. My setup is FLAC->Audio-gd Dac19->DNA Sonett->DT 880 600 ohm. It's heavenly. I've always loved the DT880 sound (very detailed - in an incredibly good way!) and the Sonett provides enough power to drive them perfectly. With this combo I'm completely immersed in rich, detailed music with a lovely soundstage. 

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post #8 of 15
12/1/11 at 1:14pm
Thread Starter 

Also, customcoco - what was your source/dac/amp when listening to the beyers? Here are some things I've noticed:

 

1) Audition headphones using a lossless source. If you listen to mp3's, blame the file, not the headphones.

2) Use an amplifier that is capable of driving the headphones. DT880 600 ohm's sound downright unremarkable out of an iPod. They sound absolutely incredible out of the DNA Sonett. I wouldn't recommend using an amplifier that is less powerful than the Sonett because I find myself turning it up to full volume at times. 

3) Use a quality DAC that is capable of providing a nice soundstage. I don't have much experience with other DAC's, but the Audio-gd DAC19 DF works great for me.

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post #9 of 15
12/1/11 at 1:18pm

congrats. such a beautiful amp.  i miss my sonett.  

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post #10 of 15
12/1/11 at 1:41pm
Thread Starter 

why'd you part ways with the Sonett? 

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post #11 of 15
12/1/11 at 2:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quicksound View Post

Also, customcoco - what was your source/dac/amp when listening to the beyers? Here are some things I've noticed:

 

1) Audition headphones using a lossless source. If you listen to mp3's, blame the file, not the headphones.

2) Use an amplifier that is capable of driving the headphones. DT880 600 ohm's sound downright unremarkable out of an iPod. They sound absolutely incredible out of the DNA Sonett. I wouldn't recommend using an amplifier that is less powerful than the Sonett because I find myself turning it up to full volume at times. 

3) Use a quality DAC that is capable of providing a nice soundstage. I don't have much experience with other DAC's, but the Audio-gd DAC19 DF works great for me.



I was listening through the dcs puccini and a luxman p1u. superb system but I don't think I gave them enough time. I'll retry them In the future, thanks

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post #12 of 15
12/1/11 at 2:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quicksound View Post

why'd you part ways with the Sonett? 



to upgrade to a ZDSE.  then wife wasnt happy with its size + money issues, i had to sell that too. right now using the csp2+. beautifully simple amp and even though my DAC is crap, it sounds very very good. waiting on a bifrost.  if i was rich enough to have a couple amps, the sonett would be one of those couple amps id keep very long term.

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post #13 of 15
12/1/11 at 4:34pm
Thread Starter 

How did the Sonett compare to the ZDSE?

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post #14 of 15
12/3/11 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quicksound View Post

How did the Sonett compare to the ZDSE?



I'm very interested in this as well..

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post #15 of 15
12/3/11 at 7:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quicksound View Post

How did the Sonett compare to the ZDSE?



i didnt have them at the same time nor did i have my T1 with the sonett.  if we can lump the sonett, WA2, csp2+ into a group, the ZDSE was a little better than that group.  if i had the space and money, id look for a used zdse again. i think at the new price, there are other options that come into play but i doubt ill get to that level for a while. 

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