Quote:
Originally Posted by Joelc87 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Since the new lineup of micro amps doesn't really use the other amp modules per sé I was wondering how the new Micro and Ultra Micro amps compare to other modules/amps in the Headroom line. Particularly, "Would the Ultra Micro amp really sound as good as a Max amp if plugged into the DPS?" If not is the Ultra Micro's SQ better than most of the other amps since it essentially has the Max electronics? Ex. would it sound better than the Home and Desktop amps at least? I guess Tyll if you make a response to this could you just list the Headroom Amps in order of increasing SQ. I'm kinda curious I guess. I have an Ultra Micro and I love the little thing to death, but am wanting another amp for more permanent home use as I have a large desk in my room. The Ultra Micro goes with me on trips and such (first thing to come out of my suitcase). Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated.
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OK. This is a bit complicated, but it's sort of my area so I'll have a crack at it...
Though there are no modules in the Micro line, the electronics themselves are equivalent to modules used in other lines, more or less.
The 07 Micro has electronics that are somewhere between a Desktop module and a Home module in terms of circuit design - pobably closer to Home module. The output transistors are top of the line though, unlike any 'modules' except for the Max module.
The 07 Ultra Micro has the same electronics design and components as a Max Module. There may be some slight differences in biasing to accomodate heat in the small space, though there may not - HR will have to confirm that.
Will an Ultra Micro sound as good as Max if you run it using a DPS? No. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, the DPS is a smilar supply to that used in the Home and Max lines, however is a single power supply for both channels of audio. In the Home and Max amps, there are dual supplies for separation of the left and right channels right back to the power connector.
Secondly, there is much less capacticance on the power input in the Micro (as you can see from those 4 small caps in the photos - compare with the final row of caps nearest the module in a Home or Max). The quality of these caps is significantly improved in the Max amp itself as well, though these two points together account for only a relatively small difference.
The quality of the volume potentiometer is much lower in the Micro, not by intentionally trying to select a bad one, but by the limits of size. The little alps pot in there is actually the best in its size class, but is less transparent than the larger continuous potentiometers and particularly the standard Stepped Attenuator in the Max.
I would also hazard a small guess that with the thinner panels and more condensed circuitry in the little Micro, it will be a little less immune to RFI and other environmental problems than a Home or Max, though that's really grasping at straws a bit.
How much of a difference does that add up to? You'd really have to sit them side by side and decide for yourself, but the differences will be small but detectable. For the price difference, I'd say they would be surprisingly close.
And if you really want a HR sound quality line up, here's my opinion:
(assuming a DPS as power supply where appropriate...)
Micro -> Desktop w/Home Module -> Ultra Micro -> Desktop w/Max Module -> Home with Max Module -> Max
