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Originally Posted by stewgriff /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Just like the thread says. Portaphile's still selling a limited number of their V2^2 amps, Norm at Go-Vibe has a PIMETA on sale (http://www.go-vibe-headphoneamp.com/Other_Amps.html), and I'm also interested in the Original Master. Can someone tell me any of the amps' synergy with Beyers, especially the DT990?
Oh, and is there a drastic difference between the V2^2 and its Maxxed counterpart? I don't really see what's different between the two, except for price.
If anybody has any other suggestions, please say so. But the amp has to be solid state, and preferably used. Thanks.
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IMO the only Portaphile worth getting is the PV2^2-LT1210 Maxxed with 2x1500uf Black Gate NX caps. The 1500uf BG caps start the tighter, faster, better-defined character -- but the addition of the LT1210 as virtual ground in the power supply is a startling improvement and changes it into a different and vastly improved amp -- one that is truly unique and worth hearing.
The LT1210 gives it great headroom so that there is great extension down and up the spectrum, with crystal clear highs that allow retrieval of very subtle ambient, spatial and timbral information. It creates a uniquely layered image that very dimension and very specific, with great air and space around performers. It has the best-defined/articular bass of any portable I've heard to date, and lets you hear deeper into the music and between performers.
If you want a portable that retrieves the most musical information you owe it to yourself to get the fully maxxed (LT1210) version. Anything less is a compromise, and you'll be missing a unique experience.
If it could be done, I'd love an amp that combines the best of the PV2^2 LT1210 Maxxed with the best of the M-Hornet.
Be aware that the Black Gate NX caps are notorious for needing extensive "burn in", so that this amp (like the M-Hornet) needs 350+ hours to reach its optimal sound. It has a weird burn-in curve in that it takes a long while for the bass to become manifest, and at first the bigger bass is not quite defined and impinges on the upper frequencies killing the initial sparkle. Eventually the highs clear up beautifully, the bass become very well articulated, and the very entertaining layered imaging opens up.