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[Q] Portable Amp w/ near Sony A-Series Sound Signature

post #1 of 3
10/18/11 at 9:51pm
Thread Starter 

I have learned to love the SQ of the Sony A-Series.  The only weakpoint I have found in the DAP is its internal amp's inability to drive certain closed portable cans.

 

Of the currently available portable amps, has anyone found any certain offering to provide a near Sony A-Series' Sound Signature?

 

Your feedback would be most appreciated.


Edited by JiPod - 10/19/11 at 8:22pm
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post #2 of 3
10/19/11 at 7:08pm

I believe you have things slightly off-kilter : if you want the end result to reflect the sound you are currently getting from your Sony, you need a neutral amp.Unfortunately, that is a term which is often construed to mean 'sterile' or 'boring', but if an amp accurately reflects your source, I dont see how folk can blame the amp for being either of those things. 

 

Most of the amps I've owned fall on the brighter side of neutral, but the uHA-120 seems closer to ruler-flat neutrality than the others. Without measurements, I'm afraid terms like 'brighter', 'warmer' etc are the best I can do, but its generally accepted that neutrality is a 'good' thing when you are talking amplifiers.

 

There is another issue with a player like the Sony - because you dont have a dedicated line-out, you will be 'double-amping' the analog signal from your headphone out. Like many things, I suspect that the impact of said double-amping is overstated on Head-Fi, but you might like to check with the tireless debating ('mass debating', actually) team in Sound Science - good luck with that. tongue.gif

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post #3 of 3
10/19/11 at 8:19pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you for your valued feedback.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by estreeter View Post

I believe you have things slightly off-kilter : if you want the end result to reflect the sound you are currently getting from your Sony, you need a neutral amp.Unfortunately, that is a term which is often construed to mean 'sterile' or 'boring', but if an amp accurately reflects your source, I dont see how folk can blame the amp for being either of those things. 

 

Most of the amps I've owned fall on the brighter side of neutral, but the uHA-120 seems closer to ruler-flat neutrality than the others. Without measurements, I'm afraid terms like 'brighter', 'warmer' etc are the best I can do, but its generally accepted that neutrality is a 'good' thing when you are talking amplifiers

 

I follow what you're saying and agree completely.  My inquiry was worded inappropriately, allow me to rephrase.

 

I have an A-Series, and I love its sound signature.  I was hoping to duplicate this sound signature with an iPod Touch 3G + portable amp.  Considering that the signal out of the LO is considered "near clean", I require a portable amp to color the signal in a manner that mimics the A-Series.

 

There is another issue with a player like the Sony - because you dont have a dedicated line-out, you will be 'double-amping' the analog signal from your headphone out. Like many things, I suspect that the impact of said double-amping is overstated on Head-Fi, but you might like to check with the tireless debating ('mass debating', actually) team in Sound Science - good luck with that. tongue.gif

 

I am very aware of the "complex" Sony LO and have no intention to utilize a portable amp with it.

 

 


Edited by JiPod - 10/19/11 at 8:21pm
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