Matrix M-Stage amp review: simple, cheap, and excellent.
HamilcarBarca
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While I'd recommend the ODAC+O2 over the M-Stage -- I own both -- I agree.
It's not overkill.
While I'd recommend the ODAC+O2 over the M-Stage -- I own both -- I agree.
It's not overkill.
Have you listened to the m-stage in class A with the opa627ap?
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Lowers the resistance at that point to 33.3 ohms. Higher means better stability for some opamps but at the expense of sound quality. Got it from tangentsoft.
One guy did it for AD797 and was impressed with the change in sound, although that finicky chip still hates this amp with that tweak, lol!
Well, ask diyaudio about the oscillations. I read there that it reduces them a little bit. It can't be anywhere near as effective as psu bypassing for most opamps.
Lowers the resistance at that point to 33.3 ohms. Higher means better stability for some opamps but at the expense of sound quality. Got it from tangentsoft.
One guy did it for AD797 and was impressed with the change in sound, although that finicky chip still hates this amp with that tweak, lol!
Well, ask diyaudio about the oscillations. I read there that it reduces them a little bit. It can't be anywhere near as effective as psu bypassing for most opamps.
HamilcarBarca
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I bought the Class-A mod and some Burr-Brown IC because at the time it seemed like a good idea. They're still stuck in the styrofoam Tam audio uses for shipping. That's where they'll stay.
Since the time I ordered, I've studied the amplifier design and amps' interactions with headphones, I realized DAC rolling just wasn't for me. I want a transparent amplifier, and I'll fool around with an EQ if I want altered sound. So, I'd just as soon have my extra $30 or $40 back.
The M-Stage isn't as faithful to its input as the O2, but I still like it a lot. If the ODAC+O2 combo had dual, switchable, analog inputs, I'd buy another to replace the M-Stage.
I bought the Class-A mod and some Burr-Brown IC because at the time it seemed like a good idea. They're still stuck in the styrofoam Tam audio uses for shipping. That's where they'll stay.
Since the time I ordered, I've studied the amplifier design and amps' interactions with headphones, I realized DAC rolling just wasn't for me. I want a transparent amplifier, and I'll fool around with an EQ if I want altered sound. So, I'd just as soon have my extra $30 or $40 back.
The M-Stage isn't as faithful to its input as the O2, but I still like it a lot. If the ODAC+O2 combo had dual, switchable, analog inputs, I'd buy another to replace the M-Stage.
I tried my mstage with at least 15 phones over the last year i owned her....from 100 euro inear phones to my now favorite he500 that owe...and it did perfectly with all of them..its one of all trades.....its really a goliath in soundquality for the price..and its cheap..check the second hards section.if a new one is to expensive for ya...oh wait..i myself have one on sale a just 1 year old cutie modded with opa627 and class a biassed..in immaculate condition..not 1 scratch on it..
check my pics..am looking for a good home for my very loved and trustworthy little one...because i now got my hands on a modded 17kg heavy dark and sexy beast..which imo sounds better then any amp i heared on any phone... 
anoxy
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Would it be pointless/overkill to buy the M-Stage, then use my NFB 12.1 as its DAC?
I did! And it sounds more open..less raw..more velvetly..more controlled..less agressive..i loved it very much with my he300,he400(sold) and with my last aquisition the difficult to drive he500, i tried it with hd650, hd700, some grados, even a dt990 and my mmx300, q-jays (sold) in-ears,my westone um3x though didnt like it ..but then again it could do with my source..the hm602 on line out..as the westone directly on my hm602 sounded like the westones were 50 euro buds...:mad: but on the contrary my westones paired heavenly directly from my much loved cowon D2
Tip: give the opa627 its time to burn in..for my ears it took a while to let the new mod open up..just after a few days playing non stop it sounded on his best..to my ears imho.
I dont think so..at least if u use a good source also..anyway..i never used a dac..no need to..i use the line out of my player..so for an indepth advice if a good dac is overkill or not...am sure some other person here can advice u.
Where's your ad?
Oops..didnt put it online yet..if the buyer want i will include a custommade ampcity silverwire adapter cable with on one side 1/8 and other side double tulips to connect a mp3 playerbdirectly by line-out to the matrix..i paid 100UK pounds for it..but for a total of 200 euros, thats 220usd, u can get them both. For pics see my pics on my profile...its the silvercable behind the matrix.
Viciel
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Hi guys, this is my first time buying an amp, which is the m-stage! All seems solid and cool and awesome! just one problem though....
..... I don't know how to plug it in to my xonar d2x...
Should it be using the spdif out? The red and white rca cable? It doesn't give anything beside static sound to my headphone...
Any help is appreciated
..... I don't know how to plug it in to my xonar d2x...
Should it be using the spdif out? The red and white rca cable? It doesn't give anything beside static sound to my headphone...
Any help is appreciated
Quote:
The matrix needs an analog signal. You will probably have to use the front or side jack on your xonar d2x via a mini jack to rca convertercable. Try reading the manual to see which output to use for a stereo signal.
I/O Ports: Analog Output Jack: 3.50mm mini jack *4 (Front/Side/Center-Subwoofer/Back)
The matrix needs an analog signal. You will probably have to use the front or side jack on your xonar d2x via a mini jack to rca convertercable. Try reading the manual to see which output to use for a stereo signal.
I/O Ports: Analog Output Jack: 3.50mm mini jack *4 (Front/Side/Center-Subwoofer/Back)
Hi guys, this is my first time buying an amp, which is the m-stage! All seems solid and cool and awesome! just one problem though....
..... I don't know how to plug it in to my xonar d2x...
Should it be using the spdif out? The red and white rca cable? It doesn't give anything beside static sound to my headphone...
Any help is appreciated
Check my pics..u just need an adapter cable as on my pics behind the matrix..so a 1/8 connector to double tulip (rca)..for example see my pics..my hm602 is same as xonar..a hesdphone connection.
Good luck
Viciel
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yeah as i expected thanx a lot guys!
now i need to wait two days before i can waltz into shop and buy one, seems eargasm need to wait
Quote:
yeah as i expected thanx a lot guys!
now i need to wait two days before i can waltz into shop and buy one, seems eargasm need to wait
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