[UKToecutter]

OK, I think I get that.
 
Tom, yes it was the expression you used.
I had a squeaky bum moment!!
 
The thing that popped into my head was 'sag'.
Something I might look for in a guitar amplifier but not desirable in a headphone amp.
 
I'm sure it's all good and I look forward to building one as soon as it's released.
 
Cheers

 

[dsavitsk]

There is a voltage regulator so no sag. And the circuit being differential always draws the same current regardless of signal.

 

[denogginizer]

When do you anticipate the release of the Torpedo 3? My Millet-Max is starting to go on the fritz ;(

 

[tomb]

  When do you anticipate the release of the Torpedo 3? My Millet-Max is starting to go on the fritz ;(

 
First - just my humble opinion, but the Torpedo I with E90CC tubes blows away the Millett-MAX.  If it didn't, I wouldn't stop selling MiniMAX kits and there's only one of those left.  Second, there's no way the price is going to be comparable on the Torpedo III.  There is nothing like it on the market. 

 

 

[JamieMcC]

The Torpedo III sounds very intriguing, I am very much looking forward to finding out some more about it.

 

[denogginizer]

TomB
yes, I realize the MilletMax is outdated but she has served me well I look forward to the Torpedo III, when do you think it will be available for sale?

 

[FishHead]

Millet Max serving duty driving computer speakers. The stuff you sell just works well.

 

[tomb]

Millet Max serving duty driving computer speakers. The stuff you sell just works well.

 
Cool!  Thanks for that kind comment!

 

[dsavitsk]

Just a little Torpedo update -- I have been testing the first prototype of the new output transformers. There are a few small tweaks to make and I'll be testing a second (and likely final) prototype in the next week or two, but thus far the results are extremely promising. By that I mean the thing sounds great.

 

[Blze001]

Quick question: aside from price, would there be any situations where the MiniMax would be preferred over the Torpedo? I'm looking to build a pretty solid amp to act as my audio centerpiece for the next few years while I build up a nice headphone collection. Am I correct in assuming the Torpedo is more flexible in terms of what headphones it'll work with?

 

[tomb]

  Quick question: aside from price, would there be any situations where the MiniMax would be preferred over the Torpedo? I'm looking to build a pretty solid amp to act as my audio centerpiece for the next few years while I build up a nice headphone collection. Am I correct in assuming the Torpedo is more flexible in terms of what headphones it'll work with?

 
The MiniMAX and more - the MOSFET-MAX - would be better for low-efficiency planars and small speakers.  For all else, the Torpedoes (either one) are superior.  The most noticeable thing with both Torpedoes is the greater transparency of the output transformers compared to output coupling capacitors.  Output coupling capacitors, while pretty good with better quality audio-electrolytics, still puts a bit of a fog over the output of an amp by comparison.
 
As for the Torpedo III, it probably has another 10-20% improvement in detail, imaging, etc., over the Torpedo I.  That said, you probably won't notice the most important characteristic of the Torpedo III until you switch to another amp or put in some long-term listening.  The ECP Audio DSHA component of the Torpedo III means outstandingly clear and fatigue-free listening.  It's difficult to describe until you've listened to one for awhile.  It has an uncanny ability to render even the harshest recordings into something detailed and musical.  The word "tizzy" is completely alien to the Torpedo III.  At the same time, the highs are even more extended and detailed than the Torpedo I.
 
I don't know any better way to describe it, but maybe when we get these going, some of you wordsmiths can come up with better descriptions. 

 
BTW, PCB's should be on order soon.  I hope to get a quote for the production run tomorrow.

 

[FlySweep]

Tom.. any chance you guys will have pre-built TIII's available?

 

[OJNeg]

  Tom.. any chance you guys will have pre-built TIII's available?

I'll build you one no (extra) charge and send it to you for the cost of shipping if you let me listen to it for 2 weeks

 

[Blze001]

   
The MiniMAX and more - the MOSFET-MAX - would be better for low-efficiency planars and small speakers.  For all else, the Torpedoes (either one) are superior.  The most noticeable thing with both Torpedoes is the greater transparency of the output transformers compared to output coupling capacitors.  Output coupling capacitors, while pretty good with better quality audio-electrolytics, still puts a bit of a fog over the output of an amp by comparison.
 
As for the Torpedo III, it probably has another 10-20% improvement in detail, imaging, etc., over the Torpedo I.  That said, you probably won't notice the most important characteristic of the Torpedo III until you switch to another amp or put in some long-term listening.  The ECP Audio DSHA component of the Torpedo III means outstandingly clear and fatigue-free listening.  It's difficult to describe until you've listened to one for awhile.  It has an uncanny ability to render even the harshest recordings into something detailed and musical.  The word "tizzy" is completely alien to the Torpedo III.  At the same time, the highs are even more extended and detailed than the Torpedo I.
 
I don't know any better way to describe it, but maybe when we get these going, some of you wordsmiths can come up with better descriptions. 

 
BTW, PCB's should be on order soon.  I hope to get a quote for the production run tomorrow.

MiniMAX for speakers, Torpedo for headphones. Got it. I was planning on buying next week, but it sounds like I may want to hold off a little and wait for this Torpedo III to debut.

 

[JamieMcC]

Do you think there might be a early bird promotion for those enthusiastic and patiently waiting?