Rediscovered my Grado PS-1000's! Improved comfort by Turbulent Labs (teal) leather headband + Nyczaj classic gimbals.

Melco HA-N1a/2 (Jcat USB-isolator) at Accuphase CD/Dac

Additional picture of Rothwell's -10dB attenuators on AQ Red Rivers...

Just wanted to add an "inspiring :)" picture of my Kinki (headphone) setup...

Just wanted to add an "inspiring :wink:" picture of my Kinki setup...

That's correct - model Network does have an internal DAC, model Bridge has to be used with an external DAC. Only used as a bridge to your Streaming account. And it can be upgraded using your (Ifi) quality iPower(X) supplies, which's bring a great improvement!

Take a look at the Lindeman Bridge (EU-based) , very userfriendly IOS app with support for Qobuz, Tidal, etc. Very stable platform, only Spdif and optical outputs. No USB-output and no-display. But that's all. And most important, fits in your pricerange.

Agree, i have tried the balanced inputs, but this amp is really (to) powerfull to drive average headphones like f.e. Focals without use of RCA inline attenuators. As said before, i have Rothwell's on my Single Ended inputs. And to be honest, even with use of attenuators, sound will remain...

@Pharmaboy: Please rethink your decision before letting this amp go; i have heard -and have had many headphone amps. This amp is really something special.... But i know, i'm biased at this moment!:slight_smile:

What i've read is that THR-1's design isn't fully balanced, that's why i did opt using RCA inputs. Attenuators for RCA were easier (and cheaper) to get at my place. And most DAC's are symmetric build, even in single-ended mode. That's why soundquality don't differ that much in both modes.

Also using Kinki THR-1 with low-ohm headphones (Focal), the use of a -10dB Rothwell RCA attenuator makes the THR-1 very listenable. Highly recommended!

True, headphone-output of Accuphase is pretty impressive!

It's getting even more impressive ;-)!! All the best for 2017!   Regards, Harald   Quote:

It's getting even more impressive ;-)!! Al the best for 2017!   Regards, Harald   Quote:

Send me PM - i have some NOS tubes for Studio Six left...

@cpzzy, have had it myself - could be a groundissue , or caused by a bad tube. Even when tubes are new (reproduction! it's worth replacing stock tubes by some NOS types...

Ps. I do have LCD3 non-fazor.

It does soften/damp sound a bit. In my ears it's less sparkling. But still like the sound a lot!!!

Please do READ or SEARCH IN the mega-thread about Hugo. Mr. Rob Watts does EXPLAIN about the PROTECTION Hugo has concerning power/battery life! Don't know anymore how to solve (something about pushing on buttons when powering on), but it's in ;-)! For sure you can solve it...

Why ;-)? - just say you`ll need them...

Take a look at www.tctubes.com  They have great products and service!

Hi Goldendarko, sorry to hear.... I don't share your thoughts, think something went wrong with (some) of the tubes! But it's sad to hear spending this serious amount of money didn't bring the results you're looking (or wished) for.

If you have to choose i'll opt the LCD-3F!

@TomSix - thank for the clear explanation - it couldn't have been said more tempting :-)! Let's find out (in near future) how this already gorgeous amp for headphones will drive our speaker setups... For sure to be continued!

Hi Tomsix, for speaker use with S6 - can you use 1pc. Left channel cable and 1pc. Right channel cable (2outputs / 6.35mm jack (L/R - mono) on S6) or do you have to use a stereo output cable / 6.35mm jack ? And starting what efficiency (dB) for speaker use? It sounds very easy and tempting to try...