Search results for query: *
- Users: Stapsy
- Order by date
-
I've been saving for a very long time now and have $2500 to buy the best setup for the money.
If you want a setup for the HD800 I really liked the AnedioD2/Schiit Vali combination. You could certainly substitute in another DAC or jump up to the Schiit Valhalla 2, which looks promising for dynamics headphones. At this level just make sure not to skimp on the DAC as it can make a huge...- Stapsy
- Post #22
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
Try to figure out if it is one channel or both. That would definitely make it easier to identify the problem- Stapsy
- Post #118
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
I didn't really notice. I have an extra pair of amperex I can send to you if you want. Might be cheaper to snag them off ebay for $30-$40 though.- Stapsy
- Post #114
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
Raytheons are kind of harsh sounding in comparison with the Amperex gold pins. Raytheons are more U shaped to me. Bass is nice but the highs were too much for me. Amperex has better transparency and a more neutral sound. Still trying to find some 417a's :p- Stapsy
- Post #110
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Amps that can drive the HiFiMan HE-6 planar headphones
I believe that is the 2A3mk2. The mk4 uses paralleled 2A3's instead of paralleled 45's for 6watt vs 3 watt...so MOAR powerz I did briefly hear the HE6 from the mk4 at the Toronto meet but wasn't that impressed. Hard to tell if it had the power to drive them as it had become quite loud...- Stapsy
- Post #2,872
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
I wouldn't worry about a dust cover. Also from my experience you have the power supply WAY too close to the amp. I am fairly certain if you move it away a couple of feet you will get better performance.- Stapsy
- Post #103
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
Just to be cleat the OPTs are the big output transformers that the back of the amp. We are talking about moving the power supply. You need to experiment with it but from my findings you need at least a couple feet of space from the power supply. Other components will vary. Just be warned that...- Stapsy
- Post #95
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
Feedback? There shouldn't be any noise whether music is playing or not. Make sure you have the power supply as far away from the amp as possible. The big OPTs on the mk4 need space from other electronics or else you will likely hear some noise- Stapsy
- Post #90
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The new Eddie Current 2A3x4
Interesting stuff and congrats on the amp buddy! Make sure you switch out those Raytheon's, the Amperex are much better. I am not entirely surprised the EMLs SP sound more forward. How would you compare the other characteristics of the sound?- Stapsy
- Post #84
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
NOBLE CABLE CONTEST - WIN A NOBLE 6W
Fun contest...here are my guesses 53.9lbs 162.3lb 241.7lbs Thanks for the chance!- Stapsy
- Post #185
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
-
What's the best USB audio cable for the money?
Glad you are enjoying it. I see no real reason to go for anything else Active circuit manipulation scares me. Sounds like the Audioquest Diamond. If you really wanted to spend that much I think you would be better off with something like the Offramp 5 and ShortBlock USB filter.- Stapsy
- Post #15
- Forum: Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum)
-
DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions
Sourcing 4 45s or 4 2A3s is an expensive and frustrating proposition. The minimum it would cost you for 4 NOS 2A3s is $400. The 2A3mk4 is also very large and heavy, which means shipping is expensive. It cost me $350 to ship to Toronto and came in two boxes weighing 60lbs total. I love my...- Stapsy
- Post #1,749
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Thoughts on a bunch of DACs (and why delta-sigma kinda sucks, just to get you to think about stuff)
It is going to be somewhat system dependent, I did a test last weekend between another USB converter and the OR5 with my PWD. The results were quite similar. There was a slight raspiness to some vocals that was cleared up with the OR5 and an increase in small details like vocal inflections...- Stapsy
- Post #973
- Forum: Dedicated Source Components
-
Thoughts on a bunch of DACs (and why delta-sigma kinda sucks, just to get you to think about stuff)
Think of USB input as a transport. Look for things like background blackness, clarity, resolution, dynamics. Most of the effects of a USB implementation can be related to reducing jitter and filtering dirty computer power. It isn't going to change the overall tonality or characteristics of...- Stapsy
- Post #970
- Forum: Dedicated Source Components
-
Eddie Current Balancing Act
2A3mk4 has better detail, imaging, soundstage than the BA that I have heard. The BA is a warmer/lusher/more forward sound. 2A3mk4 also works far better with Orthos like the LCD3, HE5, Code-X. Keep in mind that this is very relative. They are all in the same ballpark. Do I like the mk4...- Stapsy
- Post #1,358
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Eddie Current Balancing Act
mk4 and 445 use paralleled 2A3/45s as Marv already stated. The biggest difference besides that is the interstage transformer with the 2A3mk4 and 445 and the 5842/645pi vs 6sn7 drivers with the BA. They new topologies aren't all that similar to the BA. I think you are confusing the ZDT and...- Stapsy
- Post #1,354
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
What's the best USB audio cable for the money?
Yep thats the one. Go with a shorter length if you can as it seems to make a slight difference. As I say I have yet to hear anything better than the Belkin Gold. -
What's the best USB audio cable for the money?
I am big fan of the Belkin gold USB that came with my Off Ramp 5. It is 5m long, costs ~$20 and sounds very good. In my opinion a USB cable can impact SQ in the following areas: 1. Does it run within spec (which surprisingly a lot of audiophile company cables do not) 2. Separating the... -
The (new) HD800 Impressions Thread
I think you will probably like them then. Comfort is improved immensely. I honestly think the new design could equal the comfort of the HD800. I can't quite say on the soundstage because it has been a while since I heard the HE500, but the FR of the 560 is very flat to my ears. It...- Stapsy
- Post #10,515
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The (new) HD800 Impressions Thread
The 560's aren't bad. My point is that they are an extension from the HE500 and not really that similar to the HD800. I prefer the HE5 to the HE560 because they have a more HD800 type sound. The Code-X is closer to the HD800 than any of the Hifiman's or LCD2/LCD3 FWIW I wouldn't bother...- Stapsy
- Post #10,511
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
The (new) HD800 Impressions Thread
The HE560's don't really compare to the HD800. The 560 still have that weird diffuse, kind of veiled sound that the HE500 have. Think of it as a more neutral HE500 and you will be pretty close. Personally I would take a Vali/cheap DAC/HD800 combo over the HE560s.- Stapsy
- Post #10,507
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Eddie Current Balancing Act
It is single ended. I am not an expert but as I understand the mk4 and 445 are single ended designs. There would be no point to balanced inputs. The balanced output is balanced off the transformers. I haven't noticed a difference when using the 4pin xlr vs 1/4 jack.- Stapsy
- Post #1,297
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Eddie Current Balancing Act
LOL the same thing happened to me. The sound has developed a certain musicality to it after 3 months. It is quite comforting to hear the shriek after a long day at work.- Stapsy
- Post #1,293
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Eddie Current Balancing Act
It probably depends on what headphones you are using. I have compared my 2A3mk4 (same topology as 445 but with 2A3s) with a BA and I prefer the 2A3mk4 in almost every respect. Ortho's sound closed in on the BA compared with the 2A3mk4. You may trade off some noise issues with highly...- Stapsy
- Post #1,290
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Norne Audio (Was: Norse Audio): Feedback & Impression Thread
I must agree with previous posters that Trevor has provided me with exemplary service. He has really gone above and beyond in his service. In that regard alone I highly recommend Trevor. I have been throughly enjoying my Norne Audio Draug cable with my HD800s. Nothing else has come close...- Stapsy
- Post #791
- Forum: Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum)