NwAvGuy O2 vs Lisa L3

Make sure to volume match first (<0.1db). A blind test would be preferable, but I don't know your stance on that.

And saying that "nothing can beat the O2" is stretching NwAvGuy's stance a bit.

What was wrong with the existing O2 thread, lads ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by edba2000 

Yes, the volume must match!

He is saying nothing, under $1000, can beat the O2. Lisa III and Lisa L3 are both under $1000. If he is right, then we must update our headphone amps rankings!

He's talking about the O2's ability to properly power headphones.

Maybe you should base your comparisons on that, instead of "synergy" or the sound characteristic of the two amps. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by koolkat 

He's talking about the O2's ability to properly power headphones.

 

Maybe you should base your comparisons on that, instead of "synergy" or the sound characteristic of the two amps. 

As long as the L3 isn't colored, it won't matter. And if it's colored, then it's not really a good amp, objectively speaking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Head Injury 

As long as the L3 isn't colored, it won't matter. And if it's colored, then it's not really a good amp, objectively speaking.

Most amps are coloured in one way or another. I don't think there are any amps that are 100% transparent, but then again, I've only heard a couple of cheaper portable amps, lol. Most amp reviews seem to be about the amp's sound characteristic instead of it's ability to power the headphones and I think it would be a pretty biased review if the reviewers prefers amps that sound a certain way. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by edba2000 

It would be great to have a small review of the two amps.
Being one of the best, the L3 is expensive ($700 vs $100 for the O2), and according to NwAvGuy, nothing can beat his O2!

Here are his words:

"WHAT ABOUT THE SOUND QUALITY? The O2 compares very favorably in listening tests against the critically acclaimed Benchmark DAC1 Pre’s headphone output. An O2 user has compared it to a $1000+ AMB beta22 (b22) and wasn’t sure he could hear any difference. I will be encouraging blind listening tests against other gear as well."

I am building an O2 and I will compare it with my LISA III.

dude, really looking forward to this!

Quote:

Originally Posted by edba2000 

Yes, the volume must match!

He is saying nothing, under $1000, can beat the O2. Lisa III and Lisa L3 are both under $1000. If he is right, then we must update our headphone amps rankings!

My balanced beta22 ($700ish) beat the Obj2 quite easily in my tests.........

When powering speakers.

Price wise, there is no comparison - if you are going to compare the L3 to the Objective2, there are a host of other $1000 solid state amps that need to be included, along with portables like the SR71-B in fully balanced mode (stomped the L3 in Skylabs final portable review), 2Stepdance and a few others. I believe nwavguy is prepared  to put his amp up against amps costing anywhere up to $450 - the L3 is (almost) twice that !

btw, if you can forego portability (who uses the L3 on a bus anyway ?), this is what you can buy for $1100, minus Todd's PSU:

https://www.ttvjaudio.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=717

Max output level into 150 ohms @ 1kHz: 7.4V RMS / 21V P-P / 360mW
Max output level into 33 ohms @ 1kHz:  4.7V RMS / 13V P-P / 670mW
Peak output current: 220mA
Input impedance: 50k ohms
Output impedance: 1.0 ohm
THD+N 1V 1kHz 150 ohms: 0.08%
THD+N 1V 1kHz 33 ohms: 0.06%
FR: 20-20kHz +/- 1dB
FR: -3dB 15Hz – 45kHz
Noise 400Hz-30kHz: 70uV
Max gain (Headphone out) 1kHz: 21dB
Max gain (line out) 1kHz: 15dB
DC Offset: +/- 10mV

Quote:

Originally Posted by edba2000 

It would be great to have a small review of the two amps.
Being one of the best, the L3 is expensive ($700 vs $100 for the O2), and according to NwAvGuy, nothing can beat his O2!
Here are his words:
"WHAT ABOUT THE SOUND QUALITY? The O2 compares very favorably in listening tests against the critically acclaimed Benchmark DAC1 Pre’s headphone output. An O2 user has compared it to a $1000+ AMB beta22 (b22) and wasn’t sure he could hear any difference. I will be encouraging blind listening tests against other gear as well."
I am building an O2 and I will compare it with my LISA III.

OP, did you ever get around to writing the actual comparative review ??
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by estreeter 

 

OP, did you ever get around to writing the actual comparative review ??
 

 

X2

Given that its over 4 months since the thread was opened, and several hundred people have finished their O2 builds, I'm guessing the review may have not have made it to the editor's desk. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by koolkat 

 

Most amps are coloured in one way or another. I don't think there are any amps that are 100% transparent

The Benchmark Pre definitely is, looking at its electronic test results. And the O2 is claimed to be indistinguishable from it in blind tests.