[xxx1313]

Ak380 copper amp can power HD800s?

Didn't know the amp can be used to work with 300 ohm headphones.

 


Yes it drives the HD800(S) easily, using balanced output and high gain. HE-1000 is harder to drive, but the AK380 amp does a very good job here too. Even with the HEK I cannot listen at volumes higher than 115 (out of max. 150), so there is some headroom left, which is essential for planar bass. Some may argue that there is still a stronger desktop amp needed to make the HEK really shine, but I am very satisfied with the AK380 amp here.

 

[Dionysus]

When I use the hd6xx or HD800 I need max volume without amp, with PM3 I'm good at 115.

 

[Sanfasteryler]

Yes. Didn't have any problems driving my former HD800s.I bought/snipped a HD800s cable to balanced 2.5mm TRRS too.


So far the earphone where I found the AK380Cu+amp was limiting was the new/prototype(??) UM ME.1 planars earphone.

I don't really know about that.
But from my experience, I think that currently VE6 is still the best IEM IMO.

 

[Dellwolf]

I don't really know about that.
But from my experience, I think that currently VE6 is still the best IEM IMO.

Empire Ears Zeus, personally I like the EE Athena-VIII, but that's just my preference.

 

[Rei87]

Opened my player to do some general maintenance....opening it was easier than I thought lol

 

[muinia]

Opened my player to do some general maintenance....opening it was easier than I thought lol

 
Wondering what general maintenance is needed internally unless it is to replace the battery. Or are you doing RWA mode? 
 
What do you think of the parts AK is using for the CU....TOTL? 

 

[bflat]

Opened my player to do some general maintenance....opening it was easier than I thought lol

 
Nice! If you could post the basic steps that would be cool. May need to know to do our own battery replacement in the future.

 

[Rei87]

Wondering what general maintenance is needed internally unless it is to replace the battery. Or are you doing RWA mode? 

What do you think of the parts AK is using for the CU....TOTL? 

Oh, it was just making sure that the connections are tight, screws are secure and stuff.

 

[Overkill Red]

Opened my player to do some general maintenance....opening it was easier than I thought lol

What are those stickers? And that bottle on top looks suspicious as well..

 

[Rei87]

What are those stickers? And that bottle on top looks suspicious as well..

Those are general enhancements I placed to enhance the signature of the CU towards a direction I wanted. I felt that it really made the 380 CU gain that extra oomph.

The bottle of oil is also a contact enhancement application which i apply between contact points between wires in a players.

 

[sawrym]

Those are general enhancements I placed to enhance the signature of the CU towards a direction I wanted. I felt that it really made the 380 CU gain that extra oomph.

The bottle of oil is also a contact enhancement application which i apply between contact points between wires in a players.

Could you describe what was those enhancements effects on the sound, please? I think we are very curious about it 

 

[Rei87]

  Could you describe what was those enhancements effects on the sound, please? I think we are very curious about it 

Hmm, im not sure if you are referring specifically to the liquid or the sticker individually. But as a whole, the CU shifted towards the kind of sound you would get out of a tube amp like the WA8, without the lower-mid fuzz ofthe CDM. Of course, its still no where as powerful enough to drive most headphones, but for CIEMS, it has been rather welcome nudge. 

Now, i'm even less convinced that I'll need to shift to whatever AK4XX is coming up on the horizon haha...

 

[Uncle Monty]

Opened my player to do some general maintenance....opening it was easier than I thought lol

If these Telos Quantum Stickers make a difference, why don't manufacturers apply similar stickers themselves? 25yrs ago I put all my CDs in the freezer for 2 days because I read that freezing caused rogue molecules to snap back into place, or something, improving the sound, so I'm as nutty as anyone when it comes to hi-fi snake-oilery. Just curious...

 

[TaylorDawe]

 
If these Telos Quantum Stickers make a difference, why don't manufacturers apply similar stickers themselves? 25yrs ago I put all my CDs in the freezer for 2 days because I read that freezing caused rogue molecules to snap back into place, or something, improving the sound, so I'm as nutty as anyone when it comes to hi-fi snake-oilery. Just curious...

Off topic, but just curious if you got your AK Ripper yet, Monty, and if so, what your thoughts are?

 

[Uncle Monty]

Yes, it turned up yesterday, however I sent my player to Vinnie Rossi for a RedWine update and haven't got it back yet, but I'll let you know how I get on.
 
The instructions look fairly straightforward. I think using the correct 2Amp 5Volt adaptor makes a difference - using, for example, an Apple USB plug with the cable supplied probably won't provide enough power. It says that either the Ripper or the Cradle needs to be plugged in to the power but not both - I suppose you don't need the cradle if you don't have one. If anyone out there who has the Ripper wants to chip-in, does it work better either way?