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Bakoon HPA-21 headphone amplifier
Nov 8, 2013 at 12:35 PM Post #226 of 643
Thanks for everyone's review. :) the TH900 and Bakoon definitely a great combo in my experience, even comparable with my LCD3 and the Bakoon system. Different sound signature tho.

Back to the high gain vs low gain question, I found that the high gain of HPA-21 bring out more synergy, more air, and more powerful bass with the LCD3. Anyone agree this?? (As low gain is not always better, wish to hear more people's opinion here) .
 
Nov 8, 2013 at 1:41 PM Post #227 of 643
Sub'd
 
I recently got my LCD-3 and looking to add headphone amp in the next month or two.
My shortlist was mainly the Conductor or the NAIM DAC-V1, mainly for the convenience of an all-in-one solution but also because I can easily demo them at a couple of local dealers.
Have been reading about the HPA-21 with great interest over the past few days.
It's more than what I was planning on spending and I'd have to get a separate DAC. I've managed to locate a national dealer who can order one for me and has offered a reasonable price for it. So I may consider it, but it would have to be bought on the strength of reviews alone ...
Can I ask what people are using as a DAC with this? If I got this could I get away with using a budget/portable DAC for the short term?
 
Shaka
 
Nov 8, 2013 at 4:30 PM Post #229 of 643
This is what I used for most of my listening with the Bakoon.
http://www.bladelius.com/products/bladelius/usb-dac/
I actually had access to a couple of slightly pricier DACs like the Micromega MyDac and Meier Corda Daccord, but chose to rely on the Bladelius. I just prefer the sound it gives, plus it's USB-powered so I don't need an additional power outlet.
 
Nov 8, 2013 at 4:59 PM Post #230 of 643
kurochin said:
This is what I used for most of my listening with the Bakoon.
http://www.bladelius.com/products/bladelius/usb-dac/
I actually had access to a couple of slightly pricier DACs like the Micromega MyDac and Meier Corda Daccord, but chose to rely on the Bladelius. I just prefer the sound it gives, plus it's USB-powered so I don't need an additional power outlet.
Click to expand...


Yeah that's the sort of thing I had in mind. Was thinking of Meridian Explorer or M2Tech HiFace etc
If I went for the HPA-21, I kinda blow all my amp/DAC budget and then some, lol
 
Nov 9, 2013 at 6:18 AM Post #231 of 643
Shaka,
 
Isn't the HiFace a USB-to-SPDIF re-clocker/interface? You'll still need a DAC to plug it into, if that's the case.
 
I'd recommend that whatever little DAC you get be a DAC only. The Meridian, for instance, is a DAC + amp, afaik, even though it's mostly marketed as a DAC only. USB-powered DACs are already quite compromised (price-size-performance ratios), so getting a DAC+amp combo would be a further compromise, in that regard.  In this particular market-segment, I think it's best to go for the models that subscribe to the "do one thing and do it well" formula. The Concero that Llloyd recommended above sounds like a decent DAC, though I'm not sure how much it costs or whether you'll be able to fit it into your budget.
 
Also, I don't recommend you purchase the Bakoon (or any amp) based on reviews only. I realize that it's difficult to get a a demo where you're at, but still, it's a bit of a risk. While (imho) the Bakoon is an excellent amp, it does have a certain signature, particularly from it's current output. This signature might or might not be your cup of scotch.
 
Fwiw, I have no experience with the Naim DAC you mentioned, but Bursons are by no means inferior. I have a Soloist (which is pretty much a Conductor without the in-built DAC), and while the Bakoon HPA-21 is clearly unsurpassed in certain categories, the Soloist can hold it's own in others. Instrument layering in the midrange and upper bass region, for example, is very good on the Burson. While the Bakoon exhibited more detail and control at the low-end, I sometimes wished it had the Burson's bass impact for certain less laid-back music. I can get into a bit more detail about differences between the HPA-21 and Soloist with the LCD-3, but they'll obviously be subjective. Just ask if you're interested, or PM me.
 
Horses for courses, as they say. I realize this is a Bakoon HPA-21 thread, but if you're able to actually audition a Conductor with your LCD-3 and like the sound, then by all means go for it. I reckon it's a pretty good combo, though personally I'd opt for the CM6631A USB receiver upgrade (see Burson's website) if I were getting a Conductor for myself.
 
Nov 9, 2013 at 7:15 AM Post #232 of 643
kurochin said:
  Shaka,
 
Isn't the HiFace a USB-to-SPDIF re-clocker/interface? You'll still need a DAC to plug it into, if that's the case.
 
I'd recommend that whatever little DAC you get be a DAC only. The Meridian, for instance, is a DAC + amp, afaik, even though it's mostly marketed as a DAC only. USB-powered DACs are already quite compromised (price-size-performance ratios), so getting a DAC+amp combo would be a further compromise, in that regard.  In this particular market-segment, I think it's best to go for the models that subscribe to the "do one thing and do it well" formula. The Concero that Llloyd recommended above sounds like a decent DAC, though I'm not sure how much it costs or whether you'll be able to fit it into your budget.
 
Also, I don't recommend you purchase the Bakoon (or any amp) based on reviews only. I realize that it's difficult to get a a demo where you're at, but still, it's a bit of a risk. While (imho) the Bakoon is an excellent amp, it does have a certain signature, particularly from it's current output. This signature might or might not be your cup of scotch.
 
Fwiw, I have no experience with the Naim DAC you mentioned, but Bursons are by no means inferior. I have a Soloist (which is pretty much a Conductor without the in-built DAC), and while the Bakoon HPA-21 is clearly unsurpassed in certain categories, the Soloist can hold it's own in others. Instrument layering in the midrange and upper bass region, for example, is very good on the Burson. While the Bakoon exhibited more detail and control at the low-end, I sometimes wished it had the Burson's bass impact for certain less laid-back music. I can get into a bit more detail about differences between the HPA-21 and Soloist with the LCD-3, but they'll obviously be subjective. Just ask if you're interested, or PM me.
 
Horses for courses, as they say. I realize this is a Bakoon HPA-21 thread, but if you're able to actually audition a Conductor with your LCD-3 and like the sound, then by all means go for it. I reckon it's a pretty good combo, though personally I'd opt for the CM6631A USB receiver upgrade (see Burson's website) if I were getting a Conductor for myself.
Click to expand...

Thanks kurochin, will PM
 
Nov 16, 2013 at 5:00 PM Post #233 of 643
does any one has news now about the futur Bakoon's  DAC that should pair with the HPA-21 ?  

Indeed, It make sense for me to purchase a HPA-21 only if I can also gat the associated battery operated DAC, (with same look & footprint) to built a complete Transportable "DAC/AMP solution" Running on battery.

thanks in advance for sharing any info you may have

Bertrand
 
Nov 17, 2013 at 10:55 PM Post #234 of 643
Sorry, no info on the Bakoon DAC. Other than it will be expensive (like $5.000-ish).
 
I'm currently listening to the record "Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin" from 1991 on HD800. Amazing! It's so easy to follow the bass. Treble is a little bit hard, but I don't mind. Will try to mod my HD800 soon.
 
Nov 17, 2013 at 10:58 PM Post #235 of 643
A new HPA-21 review by Headfonia.com: http://www.headfonia.com/bakoon-hpa-21-the-current-amp/
 
Then again, if you just need an incredibly good amp for your orthos, don’t look any further. Get it immediately and you’ll be sold for life. You’ll be amazed how it makes your headphones sound. I promise you that.
Click to expand...

beerchug.gif
 
 
Nov 17, 2013 at 11:07 PM Post #236 of 643
candude said:
Sorry, no info on the Bakoon DAC. Other than it will be expensive (like $5.000-ish).

I'm currently listening to the record "Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin" from 1991 on HD800. Amazing! It's so easy to follow the bass. Treble is a little bit hard, but I don't mind. Will try to mod my HD800 soon.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info, but Will the DAC BE battery operated like the HPA-21 and same form factor than the HPA-21 ?
 
Nov 18, 2013 at 9:17 AM Post #238 of 643
Received mine few days ago and I am thoroughly impressed. I took it to a meet organised by Hifi Lounge and had the chance to compare it to various highly regarded amplifiers from Burson,  Bryston and EF6. With the Audeze, HE-6 and Fostex it was easily the most transparent, spatious and  detailed but some cans from Beyer and Sennheiser weren't sounded too good on it.
 

 
Nov 18, 2013 at 9:35 AM Post #240 of 643
Yes, I haven't really bothered with the voltage one to be honest.  I have never warmed up to any Audeze cans before but the Bakoon + LCD3 was phenomenal. Thankfully it  also sounds superb with my HE6.
 
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