thank you for a detailed review. sounds like these cans complement each other well.
Hope it helps! I'm 100% planning on keeping both as a complimenting set for my Soloist and Quicksilver.
thank you for a detailed review. sounds like these cans complement each other well.
I'm currently testing the opposite configuration: Classics in output, Vivids in input. With the reverse (i.e. what you were using) I frankly couldn't hear much of a difference from having Vivids in the input stage, except that mids seemed a tad harsher on my Arya SE. With Classics in the output stage now, I think I'm hearing a bit more of that warmer sound that Classics are reported to have by other people.Whoops, you're right! Classics in Input, Vivids in Volume.
From what I understand, the Vivid opamps are preferred in the volume stage as they handle volume changes more linearly with better detail retrieval as they are a quite clean opamp. The Classics used in the input stage would add that warmth to the signal and the Vivids in the volume stage would keep all the information there.I'm currently testing the opposite configuration: Classics in output, Vivids in input. With the reverse (i.e. what you were using) I frankly couldn't hear much of a difference from having Vivids in the input stage, except that mids seemed a tad harsher on my Arya SE. With Classics in the output stage now, I think I'm hearing a bit more of that warmer sound that Classics are reported to have by other people.
From what I understand, the Vivid opamps are preferred in the volume stage as they handle volume changes more linearly with better detail retrieval as they are a quite clean opamp. The Classics used in the input stage would add that warmth to the signal and the Vivids in the volume stage would keep all the information there.
GIve the opamps some time, it has all discrete components like resistors and tiny caps unlike an IC opamp, which change over 10+ hours.Yes that makes sense, except that for some reason I don't seem to be hearing much of a change with Classics in input and Vivids in output. I'm also trying to figure out if the harsher midrange was caused by the Classics in input. Frankly there are so many variables here it's difficult to keep track of what's causing what. My Arya SEs are relatively new, and perhaps they just need to be burnt in more.
Even I cannot tell if one of the 3 mentioned amps will tame the brightness or add low end to your Arya, but they all are very competent amps for their respective price bracket.Hi @godmax /@protoss /everyone
Been eyeing the SA1, Soloist 3xp, and GSX mini for some time. Il be paring it with Arya V2 and Hd6xx for now, with a TOTL headphone (Susvara) down the line. Im trying to get the best of out my Arya's espcially taming the treble brightness and adding some low end. Upstream components will be Ares2 or BF2. Im inclined to go for 3xp bcz its got a remote, aside from sound signature (im using HPs with extension cables). Both SA1 and GSX mini dont have a remote (not a deal breaker).
With the intended pairing, what would you/other folks recommend? Do note i will be buying this as my one and only headamp for next 4-5 yrs (yeah, want to stick to one instead of burning holes in my pocket).
Any pointers would be helpful. Thanks!
Thanks.. very helpful inputs!Even I cannot tell if one of the 3 mentioned amps will tame the brightness or add low end to your Arya, but they all are very competent amps for their respective price bracket.
I did buy them in the following order GS-X mini, Soloist 3XP than SA-1 and have all 3 still around and in daily use. If your ultimate goal is to drive the Susvara with in the next 1-2 years maybe you should head for a different amp (e.g. Ferrum OOR), because of the output power.
I did use the Ares II with the GS-X mini first for a long time and now with the SA-1, so from that perspective I have no objections regarding your plans. I use the Soloist 3XP mainly in power amp mode (and there you can't do much with the included remote anyway) together with the Composer 3XP, that mode and the possibilty to change op-amps are the differentiation features that the other two cannot offer.
Also the GS-X mini makes any headphone sound great, but can become very hot with prolonged use.
They all 3 could be your one and only amp, but if your headphone journey just started and don't want spend too much money and still get very good results, the SA-1 is a good choice.
There are some people who can hear USB cable sound. On the other end, there are people who can not hear a difference between solid state amps. Both is fine, when both sides enjoy their audio.Yes that makes sense, except that for some reason I don't seem to be hearing much of a change with Classics in input and Vivids in output. I'm also trying to figure out if the harsher midrange was caused by the Classics in input. Frankly there are so many variables here it's difficult to keep track of what's causing what. My Arya SEs are relatively new, and perhaps they just need to be burnt in more.
Hi Mozbach, I'm running LCD3, LCD4, LCDxc. My most expensive combo is a heavily modded classic Marantz CD80 as transport --> Chord Qutest DAC --> Sparkos Aries headamp. My loungeroom DAC/Amp is a Burson Conductor 3x Reference fed by a Cambridge Audio 840C CD player. I also have a Chord Mojo 2 DAC/Amp.Hi @godmax /@protoss /everyone
Been eyeing the SA1, Soloist 3xp, and GSX mini for some time. Il be paring it with Arya V2 and Hd6xx for now, with a TOTL headphone (Susvara) down the line. Im trying to get the best of out my Arya's espcially taming the treble brightness and adding some low end. Upstream components will be Ares2 or BF2. Im inclined to go for 3xp bcz its got a remote, aside from sound signature (im using HPs with extension cables). Both SA1 and GSX mini dont have a remote (not a deal breaker).
With the intended pairing, what would you/other folks recommend? Do note i will be buying this as my one and only headamp for next 4-5 yrs (yeah, want to stick to one instead of burning holes in my pocket).
Any pointers would be helpful. Thanks!
i have the mojo 2 for portable use.. and not a huge budget for a desktop/lounge set up. Currently the marantz power amp (pm5005) is doing headphone amp duties. But i hear you!Hi Mozbach, I'm running LCD3, LCD4, LCDxc. My most expensive combo is a heavily modded classic Marantz CD80 as transport --> Chord Qutest DAC --> Sparkos Aries headamp. My loungeroom DAC/Amp is a Burson Conductor 3x Reference fed by a Cambridge Audio 840C CD player. I also have a Chord Mojo 2 DAC/Amp.
All are awesome at their price, perhaps the Burson is the best value. For a portable the Mojo 2 is exceptional, but perhaps slightly fatiguing in long sessions at loud volumes. The Mojo is also a stunning DAC fed by my AK SP1000 driving a $10k Hertz car system with a Helix Ultra DSP.
So I can strongly recommend the Burson Conductor at about US$2,200, it is better value than the Sparkos at about US$3,000. My Sparkos/Chord Qutest combo (US$5,000) sounds better than the Conductor 3x, but it should as it is over double the price.
I can seriously recommend the Chord Mojo 2 as well at AU$900. It is remarkable for home, portable, car use.
Frankly, the Burson Conductor and Chord Mojo 2 are both exceptional value at their respective price points.
Thats absolutely true. But since im having to go in blind (no returns possible from where im planning to buy), im taking a collective best guessThere are some people who can hear USB cable sound. On the other end, there are people who can not hear a difference between solid state amps. Both is fine, if both sides enjoy their audio.
If you do not hear a difference, give you and your brain more time. And if you still can not hear a difference, fine as well It does not help to just repeat sound experience from others. Everyone is different.
I have some Marantz gear including a PM80, 25 watt class A switchable to 100 watt class AB. It's an awesome amp but the headphone out doesn't cope with my planers. I'd seriously consider using the Mojo 2 to feed the best headphone amp you can afford. I suspect that's how you'll get the best sound for your dollari have the mojo 2 for portable use.. and not a huge budget for a desktop/lounge set up. Currently the marantz power amp (pm5005) is doing headphone amp duties. But i hear you!