This thread is about asking for suggestions.

I have an Audio-GD DAC19DSP, and would like to buy a full-size dedicated headphone amp, single end, under 400$.
So considering I was very satisified with Audio-GD, I now have two choices: C2.1 and C2SA.


C2.1:
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/C-2new/C2.1EN.htm

C2SA:
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/C-2SA/C2SAEN.htm


Let me summarize a bit about the differences between these two (just in theroy)

C2.1 -->
Advantages:
1. Class A PSU design
2. Wima Caps and with 2011 adjustment in the curcuit design
3. ACSS tech (even you are using RCA input, the C2.1 can also apply ACSS tech, because the signal will be converted to ACSS signal after RCA input)
4. Adjustable OPA (to discret ones, say Sun / Moon / Earth). More funny
Disvantages:
1. A bit more expensive than C2SA
2. RCA input not good enough --> need to upgrade to discret OPAs infuture which is a cost


C2SA -->
Advantages:
1. Very mature diamond-differntiate tech (even cannot be developed any more)
2. Very powerful capability. Excepts KK (need 8W), this amp can drive any other headphones too well (in power perspective). C2SA has 3W output.
3. Fully discrete, fully non-feedback.
4. It is said to be sounded more musical with a lovely living sound stage and atmosphere.
5. Cheaper than C2.1. Also, no need to upgrade OPA which is also a saving.
Disavantages:
1. Linear PSU desing. Not a class A desgin
2. Cannot upgrade OPA by himself, less funny
3. No Wima caps.




All of these are in theorytical thinkings, no actual A-B compare.
Would you please give your suggestions here - Whether I should go for C2.1 or C2SA?




Backgroud:
Source: Audio-gd DAC19dsp
Headphone: German Maestro GMP450pro (which is monitor sound)

Doesn't your DAC19 have ACSS output, making no need to upgrade the OPAMPs if you buy the C-2.1? The ACSS connection bypasses the input prior to the ACSS circuits.

 
Yes， it has. But the ACSS output is already occupied by my amp - CIA400. Hence I would only consider the RCA output when connecting the DAC with the head amp.

Hello, Yupaet. What did you choose? I'm thinking about C2 SA too. Would be nice to here your thought.
 

I have had both the C2 and C2-SA and haven't listened much to the C2-SA yet but I would probably get the C2.1 due to being class A, refined neutrality due to new improvements and Wima caps and the CAST option.  I would get the C2 SA if you are going to run orthos since it has high power output.  The cost of audio gd op amps is in consequential at $20.  I thought the moo OPA sounded wonderful with the DAC 19.

Which did you preferr between the C2 and C2 SA and why? 

Quote:

oqvist said:

Which did you preferr between the C2 and C2 SA and why? 

Click to expand...

The old C2 was liked due to its ability to be CAST connected to the DAC 19.  Listening to my C2-SA on LCD-2 right know with a Emotiva MMC-1 preamp as a source I am impressed with the C2 -SA.  It has plenty of power.  My main rig being balanced has more of a 3D presentation or soundstage. The mids are as sweet and the lows a little less deep and full but still not sloppy when compared to my Phoenix.  Sorry about my lack of vocabulary.  This C2-SA is harrdly broken in with less than 16 hours.  

Is the SA noticable more coloured then the Phoenix or C2? Was you able to compare the LCD-2 on the C2 versus the SA?
 
How much of an improvement if any was there using CAST versus the opamps.

I'm curious about this;
 
are the C-2/C-2.1 also capable of driving the LCD-2 in a decent way?

Quote:

proglover said:

I'm curious about this;
 
are the C-2/C-2.1 also capable of driving the LCD-2 in a decent way?

Click to expand...

Any particular reason why you think they would not be?

^ yes, reading about LCD-2 needing a lot of juice, not so much as HE-6 offcourse, but they seem to be needing a lot
 
I was just wondering if c-2.1 would give enough (not C-2 SA)

Quote:

proglover said:

^ yes, reading about LCD-2 needing a lot of juice, not so much as HE-6 offcourse, but they seem to be needing a lot
 
I was just wondering if c-2.1 would give enough (not C-2 SA)

Click to expand...

I can't find any power output specs on my Roc or the C2.1 at 50ohms but at 62ohms. The Roc gives 900mw (when used single ended,half the amp being used and from what I have been told half the output) and the C2.1 1000mw.
The gain is about the same as well if high gain is used on the C2.1.
 
The LCD's went plenty loud and sounded pretty good when driven single ended while I waited for my balanced cable to arrive.
No signs of being underpowered like lacking of bass, impact or dynamics. 

^ ah, ok
 
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm probably buying the C-2.1 to pair with my NFB-3 DAC. LCD-2 are cans I could want in the future, although T1 is higher on the list, which are known to be easier to drive then LCD-2.
I was just wondering were the limits are for C-2.1...

I enjoy my LCD-2 a lot with my Goldpoint Headphone Pro. Leave little to desire. Quite sure it´s considerably less  then 1W speaking with the designer. Never any sign of bass getting out of control or any issues whatsoever. Very neutral sound to my ears. Tried it with my 7x95W receiver but it´s not neutral so don´t know what conclusions to drive from that. Obvious trafomator hum that was quite distracting. Don´t have any specs on the Head One but the LCD-2 behave just like my other low impedance headphones on it or the GHP. LCD-2 on the Head One is warmer and less neutral with slightly less bass control then the GHP but I do enjoy that one a lot as well with the LCD-2. I am really all set just want to have some fun
 
Synergy is always more important then anything. Also LCD-2 grows more by source and recording then amplification for me so far. 

i have heard the c2-sa is being discontinued- i own one, it drives the lcd-2 very well. audio gd's description might get lost in translation, they use the term "musical" to describe the amp, i don't know if "musical" is synonymous with colored, doesn't seem colored to me.
 
 
PS- i have also used the c2-sa with k701 and hd650- sounded great with both