2007 HeadRoom Micro amp or DAC, anyone?

[Y5220]

Has anybody listened to the new, non-portable 2007 versions of the HR Micro amp and Micro DAC (the ones that carry "2007" in their names)? Your report on either of them will be much appreciated.

 

[truant]

Seems like nobody has listened them

 

[n4k33n]

Theyt haven't been released yet. I'm still waiting on my 2007 ultra micro dac. It should be here soon...

 

[n4k33n]

I'll certainly write a review when it comes.

 

[wakeride74]

Isn't there supposed to be a version that is a portable amp/DAC combo unit?

If so I'd like to hear it next to the Pico when they are both released.

 

[Y5220]

Thank you all!

Yes, it looks like nobody here has yet laid hands on them. Well, the thread is already on, just waiting for those impressions!

 

[mcmyers]

Well, I ordered the new 2007 Micro Amp Dac combo last weekend, and then got cold feet. On Monday morning I called to cancel my order. They said no problem, but apparently there was a mix up, because on Thursday afternoon a big white box from Headroom showed up at my door.

Could I resist opening up the box and taking a listen? I could not. And perhaps this was Headroom's plan all along, because now I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to keep the darned things.

My frame of reference is my previous rig of about 6 months (4 gen iMod and Hornet) and my current rig (4 gen iMod and PINT). And I have to say that this is a definite improvement. I can't do a detailed analysis (partly because I'm no expert) but to give an example from the song I'm listening to right now, the 2002 master of Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want," at about the 2 minute mark the long intro finally ends and the full band comes in. With my iMod Pint combo, the full band sounds a little muddled. I can pick out the different strands, but I have to listen hard to do it. With the Micro Stack, everything stands out clearly, and the guitar in my left ear sounds especially nice. I wouldn't say it's a night and day difference, but it's definitely a refinement.

Now, what I haven't determined yet is how much of the improvement is the DAC and how much is the amp. I tried plugging my iMod into the Amp and comparing it to the DAC and I can't hear much of a difference. But I haven't done enough critical listening to make a complete judgment. I'm also listening through USB, which might degrade the sound a bit.

My only negative is that I've found my ears getting a little fatigued. I'm not sure why this is, because the music doesn't sound overly bright (which is what usually bothers me). It's possible that I'm listening a little too loud because it just sounds so good.

Finally, I think the enjoyment of crossfeed is really subjective. I love it, and it's one of the reasons I love this amp. But it does seem to add some warmth, and that might bother some folks. At any rate, considering this costs less than what I paid for my iMod Hornet combo six months ago, I'd say it's definitely a good bang for buck.

A few hours after the package arrived, Fed Ex showed up at my door and said they'd received a call to pick up a return to sender package. I told them I was keeping it.

 

[AndrewWG]

I've only recently been looking at Headphone amps since I can't bring my stereo and speakers with me to school. I've listened to the 2006 Headroom Micro, Hornet with 40hrs of burn in, and finally the 2007 Micro Amp.

I can tell you that the 2007 Micro Amp has the widest frequency range I've heard, so far and that it brings more sounds out of the music, than I have heard with either amp. It also has a faster response producing more punch in musical notes ment to have more punch. This helps add to sound stage effect and makes it feel more like you are there. So far it has beaten both the Hornet and 2006 Micro Amp in my opinion, but the Hornet will need to be compared agian once I have 400 hrs of burn in time. I hope this helps.

Just remember narrow choices down to 3 or more amps and then give them a listen because each person's ears are different.

The Equipment I used to compare with are the HD650s and the 80GB G5.5 iModed iPod and a regular 80GB iPod.

PS: Not the easist to carry around because of the heavy brick power supply.

 

[greydragon]

I'm would also appreciate an impression/review of the Ultra Micro 2007s. But I guess people need time to burn it in fully, and then give a better assessment.

If the Ultra Micro can truly sound like the full Max Amp of $3000, it'll be an irresistible buy.

 

[applegd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by greydragon /img/forum/go_quote.gif If the Ultra Micro can truly sound like the full Max Amp of $3000, it'll be an irresistible buy.

The stock PSU comes with my UltraMicroDAC is the old brick model. With the brick, I don't think the UltraMicroDAC can sound as good as the one in full MAX Amp unless you upgrade the PSU........

 

[Joelc87]

Admittedly I haven't heard the HR Max amp, but I do have the HR Ultra Micro and I'll say that it sounds amazing especially for it's size. The dynamics and SQ are very fluid and cohesive. It doesn't sound analog warm but it's not harsh or overly edgy either. I'm sure it varies with headphones but it sounds very nice with both my Shure SE530s and Grado SR-60s, which are relatively far from each other as headphones go. I'm not sure how it would sound with high impedance phones like the HD650 or K701s but I know it'll easily power those with the gain switch turned up. If you have any more specific questions about it feel free to PM me.