Another solution for Hifiman HE6?--Audio GD Master 6

I have ordered it, so when I get it I will know and say what I think.

Subscribed.........

No - I just ordered it this monday and it takes two weeks (counting from ordering time) before they ship it.

They make it for me/you, burn it in and then they ship it.

When I get it, I will post my impressions for sure.

I finally have received and heard the Master-6.

 

My FIRST impressions are:

Incredibly transparent and resolving. Some tracks in standard CD format that I know well almost sounded like 96-24 files ...

Bass extension and control is fenomenal. Pop with electronic sub-bass content sounds more controlled and deeper. Transparent bass?

 

Not as warm sounding as my class A power amp, however technically better - maybe except in the treble, but I want to listen further before I make any conclusions. That's all for now.

After being turned on for a couple of days the treble issue is gone and the HE-6 sounds completely balanced. I don't feel I need to EQ it. Sound is extremely high resolved and balanced. Wow!


This is when using my XLR cables that are more full / warm sounding than the ACSS cables/connection.

New update:

The Master-6 has now been turned in for 11 days and I think it has settled.

The initial bass "boost" and treble sharpness is gone.

 

Using my HE-6 for comparing the Master-6 hp out versus Master-6 pre out to LC Audio ZAPsolute (50w class A power amp) speaker tap:

Small differences actually, but in favor of the Audio-gd: more transparency and imaging precision.

However the Master-6 is clearly a better pre amp than my LC Audio Sidewinder.

 

What the Master-6 does is purely high end stuff: precise holographic imaging, deep space, extremely high resolution, neutrality, bass controll - it is all there.

No need for another headphone / pre amp upgrade

 

Edit: The sound is now much more like the class A power amp's subtle warmth.

Edited by LarsHP - 12/30/11 at 11:05am

Listened to my Martin Logan hybrid electrostatic speaker the other day with the Master-6 as pre amp instead of the LC Audio Sidewinder. The difference in transparency, stereo precision and imaging is very noticeable. Nothing in hifi is a night and day difference, but the Audio-gd is very clearly a better pre amp than the Sidewinder. Comparing the ZAPsolute and the "LC Audio DAC" (a heavily modded Harman Kardon cdp) to my Audio-gd products, the difference is there, but marginal compared to difference between the two pre amps.

Does this mean that the Master-6 is a much better product than the other Audio-gd items? No, I don't think so. It's the Sidewinder that's not on the level or the other LC Audio products.
Edited by LarsHP - 1/4/12 at 9:46am

My Master-6 arrived today.

 

Let the burn in begin

Looking forward to your findings.....

Not ready for a review or anything like that yet but after having the Master-6 for 2 weeks now I have been able to put around 60 hours of power up of which about 25 hours with a signal through it and it already sounds so good that I am no longer concerned with any burn in.

 

With the HE-6's its very neutral with no emphasis on any part of the frequency range. Excellent dynamics,speed,clarity and detail. Stunning bass depth and control. Plenty of power, normally 30-35/70.

 

With LCD-2 r2 (new less than a week old) Extremely full bodied and powerful sound. Bass goes through the floor with excellent control and presence. Excellent low level detail and imaging. Great layered soundstage depth and natural width. No darkness at all, hf's extend way up and don't seem recessed and are very smooth. Volume at 18-25/70

 

Unbalanced with Beyer T1's. I have never heard the Beyers with more bass depth and power. Similar sound to the HE-6's in many ways. Excellent dynamics, clarity and detail again. Probably the best I have ever heard the T1's.

Volume at 28-35/70 (unbalanced)

 

So far highly impressed.