Just a heads up in case any one is interested that HLLY now sells a "Mod Version" of the Matrix Mini-i on ebay.   It's currently $395, $60 above the regular Matrix price, and you can pick what you want them to upgrade such as opamps or capacitors.  I had them replace the three OP275 with...

  My comparison is valid for my ears and my setup, no more and no less.  I used the tube I had already picked as my best sounding tube in the HA540.  Others have also found they prefer the 12AT7 in the HA540.  You should try one -- who knows, maybe you will prefer it slightly also.  But of...

Let me get this straight.  Earlier in the thread, you say:       Then when I post my impressions, you pout that I did what you asked?  I know there are no age limitations for posting but I sure wish there was a separate section for children.   I have no hidden agenda for...

I posted a review and comparison of the Sunrise II and HA540 as a new thread here:   http://www.head-fi.org/t/620712/review-comparison-project-sunrise-ii-and-bellari-ha540

I was asked in another thread to report how I liked the Project Sunrise II ($250) headphone amp and to compare to the Bellari HA-540 ($300) amp.   I have had the Bellari for a while and wanted to try the Sunrise II after hearing about it on some other forums.  I also appreciate that the...

Hello and welcome,   Since you like the Sunrise a lot and you're also interested in the non-balanced Asgard, you may want to check out the new "Project Horizon" amp from the same company.  It has just started shipping and is a 48v version of the 24v Sunrise and is optimized for headphones...

    I do get the less is more idea.  But I would argue that adjustable parameters are in fact good in any system where all the variables cannot be controlled by the designer (in this case there are quite a few: headphone, source, tube, ears), provided that having them does not itself...

Kstuart, thanks for the clarification -- we are on the same page there.   The Sunrise will be shipping soon and I will post back my thoughts then.  I did go ahead and email the company that makes it to ask about who does what (to confirm he's not just some guy who builds it as you had...

  Hmm, a lack of options is a feature to some I guess.  As for me, if I happen upon an interesting tube someday I'd rather have the option to give it a listen than to not have that option.     In any case, the Bellari is not limited to the 12AX7 -- I and others have reported that we prefer...

First, I should state that for me also SQ wins the day.  If the Bellari sounds better to me then that one will stay, even though I like the feature set of the Sunrise better.     As far as "better design" I should have clarified that I meant the design of the unit generally, not specifically...

Great feedback, kstuart.   Regarding your comment:     I have read really good things about the "Project Sunrise II" amp on the rockgrotto forum (some very long threads there covering evolution of version I and the current version II of this amp)  and some foreign language sites as...

I'm using the Bellari with AKG Q701 and am testing a few different tubes currently.  Really nice amp.  I'll post my opinion after a few more days of tube swapping.   I used the stock Ruby 12AX7 for a while but the other tubes I'm trying are not 12AX7 because this is way more gain than is...

I'm late replying to OP's original question, but I also just moved from M50 to Q701 and am using my NFB-12 with them (also as my DAC).  As an aside, I picked the Q701 over the K701 due to persuasive feedback from those with both that the Q's flesh out the bass a bit more than the K's.   In...

I've had the NFB-12 for a while now (mine was in the first batch produced) and thought I'd post an update that I continue to be very happy with it.   I specifically wanted a DAC/amp with a smoother, lush sound and I feel that the NFB-12 delivers for me in that regard.  This was desirable for...

  Quote:   You would want to disable the Fixed output if you are using a true amplifier (one without volume knob) so that you don't accidentally set the NFB-12 to fixed (full) and blow your speakers.  I assume audio-gd decided to ship it that way to be safe.   In my case my amp does...