ALO Pan Am desktop/portable headphone amp/DAC: Impressions and Reviews - Page 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinster 

 

Going from the K702 to the HD650 don't you miss some of the top frequencies?  I owned the HD650 twice (old & new drivers) and liked them and I'm debating on trying them again or the HD600.

Well, all I can say, it is a acquired taste (you will find more threads on the Sennheiser sound), some love it (like I do), some hate it. All in the preferably sound you like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatmanSize48 

Wi
Will do. I've really missed the treble on my K702s, as that is what I find most lacking with my LCD-2s. I really hope the T70s deliver in that regard,

I have heard that the LCD-2 is a much improved version of HD650. They are my next set of cans. The K702 is very good alternate of the Sennheisers, my HD650 with tubes just LOVES jazz. The AKG is a all-around for just about anything else.

Just received my T70 (250 ohm) today from Amazon. These are very efficient headphones and require very little in terms of power from the Pan Am. As we all know, the Pan Am has pretty high output impedance; perfect for cans like these. The T70s have polarized many reviewers, with some calling them downright terrible, and others proclaiming them the worthy heir to the DT770s. The two biggest issues described of the T70s are the bass and headband. If I remember correctly, Malveaux painted a picture of a headphone with overly hot treble and essentially nonexistent bass. I find this not to be the case. The bass is deep and feels quite natural to me. This is coming from someone who was satisfied with and spent a great deal of time with both the K702s and LCD2. The headband, which some called cheap and uncomfortable...well...I can't say it's uncomfortable. These are comfy cans. But yes, the headband has this band of cheap plastic running down the whole center of it. It just doesn't feel right on a headphone with a street price of 559 bucks. I really see no reason why Beyerdynamic could have decided to cover the entire headband with the micro velour. Little as I know of the manufacturing process, it does not at all seem like a major cost. Really. Sorry for the rant on the headband, but I felt that I just had to let that out . The Siemens tubes I'm running them with right now add a greatly appreciated boost to the low end while widening the already wide soundstage. I'm sorry for the rushed impressions--I am fairly busy today and don't have time to proofread or spellcheck (pfft...that's for losers), so just send me a PM if you find anything dramatically wrong. More detailed impressions will follow.

Just received the Pan Am today and was socked by is tinny size. I guest I was tricked by the smaller size of the 6J1 tube. I'm use to the 12AU7 family. Anyway so far I have tried the Pan Am with my Hifiman RE-262 (150 Ohm IEM) and liked the sound. I'm using the Siemens tube for now and they are pretty good. I'm currently listening with the K702 and again it's very nice. The Bass get better presence for sure.

I also just ordered this external battery pack from Anker (Model Astro Pro 14400 mAh) for $69 (Beats the Passport at $200). I'll report back with the result.

Yeah-the Pan Am really does a great job with the K702s . I know this is a dumb question, but I guess I'll just go ahead anyway: What's the battery pack for?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatmanSize48 

Yeah-the Pan Am really does a great job with the K702s . I know this is a dumb question, but I guess I'll just go ahead anyway: What's the battery pack for?

Based on the reviews I've read they all recommend the Pan Am with the optional Passport battery unit. I found that $200 was to much. I decided to try the Anker Battery Pack that provide at 12 Volt with up to 2Amp. I have emailed ALO Audio requesting the specification of their Passport but have not received a reply yet (3 days). I pretty sure that 14400 mAh should be enough to allow some decent time on battery only.

I'm planning on using this setup outside with my iPad and the Anker will also power my powered USB hub to allow connection of the iPad with the Camera kit on the Pan Am USB in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatmanSize48 

Just received my T70 (250 ohm) today from Amazon. These are very efficient headphones and require very little in terms of power from the Pan Am. As we all know, the Pan Am has pretty high output impedance; perfect for cans like these. The T70s have polarized many reviewers, with some calling them downright terrible, and others proclaiming them the worthy heir to the DT770s. The two biggest issues described of the T70s are the bass and headband. If I remember correctly, Malveaux painted a picture of a headphone with overly hot treble and essentially nonexistent bass. I find this not to be the case. The bass is deep and feels quite natural to me. This is coming from someone who was satisfied with and spent a great deal of time with both the K702s and LCD2. The headband, which some called cheap and uncomfortable...well...I can't say it's uncomfortable. These are comfy cans. But yes, the headband has this band of cheap plastic running down the whole center of it. It just doesn't feel right on a headphone with a street price of 559 bucks. I really see no reason why Beyerdynamic could have decided to cover the entire headband with the micro velour. Little as I know of the manufacturing process, it does not at all seem like a major cost. Really. Sorry for the rant on the headband, but I felt that I just had to let that out . The Siemens tubes I'm running them with right now add a greatly appreciated boost to the low end while widening the already wide soundstage. I'm sorry for the rushed impressions--I am fairly busy today and don't have time to proofread or spellcheck (pfft...that's for losers), so just send me a PM if you find anything dramatically wrong. More detailed impressions will follow.

Thanks for your impressions on T70's. At this time would prefer the T70 over K702?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twinster 

Just received the Pan Am today and was socked by is tinny size. I guest I was tricked by the smaller size of the 6J1 tube. I'm use to the 12AU7 family. Anyway so far I have tried the Pan Am with my Hifiman RE-262 (150 Ohm IEM) and liked the sound. I'm using the Siemens tube for now and they are pretty good. I'm currently listening with the K702 and again it's very nice. The Bass get better presence for sure.

 

I also just ordered this external battery pack from Anker (Model Astro Pro 14400 mAh) for $69 (Beats the Passport at $200). I'll report back with the result.

 

 

Congrats! I think you will enjoy the Pan Am with the 702.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solitary1 

 

Congrats! I think you will enjoy the Pan Am with the 702.

Thank you! So far so good. This thing is so small it will be the perfect bedside night table. Even the wife will find it cute