[aphexii]

Just rethinking my desire for a portable amp if I am really only going to use it at home...

 

[epaludo]

I prefer my desktop MAD Ear+ Purist HD2 over the two portables i own, RSA "M" Hornet and PAV2V2 ...

 

[rlanger]

I really think that it depends on the two amps you are comparing.

In general though, I think you could say that you will get better value from a desktop amp.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Yes. As they should be when the designer is not constrained by size, durability, and power consumption. You do pay for the power supply in a desktop amp that you wouldn't in a portable (oh the marvel that is a battery), but the result (such as class A biasing) is a much better sounding amp than portable units. Desktop amps can be designed to tigher specs as well since mains power does not fluctuate so much over time as a draining battery with +/- 30% voltages. Also if you're interested in getting into the tube-sound, desktop is the only way as there are no portable tube amps as far as I know.

Of course, there are well-implemented portable designs and poorly-implemented desktop designs. A better question would be to compare two specific amps in the same price-range. But in general I think the best value is in desktop amps.

 

[jamato8]

I used to think so without an question but the Xin Reference I have been listening to has changed my mind on that. True I have used some Blackgates inside of it but no big deal as they are the best nonpolar BG's and due to the voltage only cost about 10 smackers. The sound unbelievable.

 

[aphexii]

thanks for the opinions thus far everybody... Well i bought a GoVibe 5 to go with either HD595 or K81dj (not sure which im gonna keep), nothing has arrived yet.

 

[Icarium]

Yeah I think there's much better value for the buck in non portable/transportable options. Also with desktop amps you get the option of fully discrete solid state designs or tubes both imo are going to scale better than any op amp based design as far as being revealing.

 

[epaludo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also if you're interested in getting into the tube-sound, desktop is the only way as there are no portable tube amps as far as I know.

Actually, there is the TTVJ Millet Hybrid Amp. Which is the first portable tube amp ...

 

[aphexii]

do you guys recommend any site in particular to learn about all the different amp designs/styles/technologies and the benefits/limitations of each?

 

[epaludo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aphexii /img/forum/go_quote.gif do you guys recommend any site in particular to learn about all the different amp designs/styles/technologies and the benefits/limitations of each?

Yes,

Have you heard of this one?

I think it's the best by far ...

 

[aphexii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by epaludo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, Have you heard of this one? I think it's the best by far ...

lol, well i suppose so

Any threads you've seen give a good rundown?

 

[Icarium]

Yeah there's that millet which I guess is truly portable? I forget. And the somewhat transportable (Not portable at all) Singlepower Mini Tube and fully discrete but also not portable Singlepower Squarewave line.

 

[wakeride74]

Why not get the best of both worlds

 

[epaludo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aphexii /img/forum/go_quote.gif lol, well i suppose so Any threads you've seen give a good rundown?

There are a few threads that come to mind:
Head-Fi Amp Guide -- Submissions;
The New & Improved™ Tube FAQ for Newbies!;
Featured Full Reviews of Headphone Amps;
Review: Portable amp roundup! 20 portable amps reviewed and compared.

There's also Headwize.

There's some info for you to read.
Remember, search and you should find what you're looking for ...

 

[epaludo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakeride74 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why not get the best of both worlds

An evil product indeed. Would love to know how does ti compares with the Benchmark DAC1 ...