C&C Box Portable Headphone Amp: not really a compete review.

[jamato8]

Too many variables. The C&C is good but it does not constitute as other amplifier manufactures ripping people off. It is not the most neutral or warm sounding amp and although it is enjoyable and for some I would image, great portable, there are some areas that could use improvement, as noted by some statements I have made. It has warmed up, some, but needs more body. For the price I think it is a very good buy.

 

[Morph201]

I can think of 2... but, that would be considered an attack on integrity... punishable by banishment from the site! "Oh nooooes"

And in all fairness, I don't think it's intentional, I've talked to some of these "manufactures", it just appears to be simple economics, but (just like the auto industry), with number of qualified players entering the pretty much untapped market that should be changing! Which is better for US, the consumers!

 

[khbaur330162]

This wouldn't be the same manufacturer as the C&C Air portable media player would it?

link

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by khbaur330162 /img/forum/go_quote.gif This wouldn't be the same manufacturer as the C&C Air portable media player would it?

Not if logos are any indicator.

 

[penguindude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by khbaur330162 /img/forum/go_quote.gif This wouldn't be the same manufacturer as the C&C Air portable media player would it? link

The C&C amp is the product of a one-man show.

 

[jamato8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguindude /img/forum/go_quote.gif The C&C amp is the product of a one-man show.

I just got back from China but when there I picked up or I should say had sent, my amp from the manufacture who is, as you say, a one man show. His skills with dealing with people aren't the best.

 

[Morph201]

Okokokok... so he's a electronics genius, and not a people person!

 

[MaN227]

I've seen the quality "or lack thereof" of the soldering mentioned a few times here. has anyone found instance where subpar workmanship has affected the performance of the amp? or does it appear solid solder work just sloppy over all?

I guess I'm having a hard thing with how these soldering points make me feel, part of me says no big deal the other part says , hold on, horrible quality control and lets get these suckers slaped together and out the door.

Don't flame me just cause I asked a few questions either... FYI, I wear flame retardant colthing 24-7

 

[Morph201]

Hahaha!! I have an assorted collection of asbestos suits, myself!

 

[Gonz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaN227 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've seen the quality "or lack thereof" of the soldering mentioned a few times here. has anyone found instance where subpar workmanship has affected the performance of the amp? or does it appear solid solder work just sloppy over all? I guess I'm having a hard thing with how these soldering points make me feel, part of me says no big deal the other part says , hold on, horrible quality control and lets get these suckers slaped together and out the door.

Not a flame, but where did you read this?

jamato8 mentioned being disappointed in build quality, but his examples were the case and different capacitors than the MFR stated. Nothing noted about the solder job.

I ponied up for one of these amps... still waiting. Thinking back, I don't recall whether I have, or have not seen an internal pic, for sure, but I *think* I did. If I am recalling correctly, the solder job was very neat. I won't (knowingly) buy something that looks like it was soldered up by a nine year old kid in a Chinese sweatshop.

Bad workmanship does indeed lead to QC and longevity problems. Skilled soldering helps insure against developing cold joints. There are pics posted here of one or three Chinese amps I wouldn't buy. I bought the C&C.

 

[Morph201]

Gonz, which amps are those? (the ones you would not buy).

 

[jamato8]

The soldering in mine is fine. I just don't like to be told that the components are of a certain brand after I ask the question directly to the maker and then something else is used. Having said this, the C&C is holding up fine and is very enjoyable to listen to. The case with screws that barely catch the threads at the corners is a poor design but doesn't affect the sound in any way. I hope they improve this in the future as I haven't seen anyone else except the LD M+ do this.

 

[Gonz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morph201 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Gonz, which amps are those? (the ones you would not buy).

I don't think I should throw that out there. Its just an opinion, anyways. There have been threads about whats inside some amps and those threads never end well.

Matter of fact, I'll retract the comment that I wouldn't buy them... and say that I didn't buy them because of workmanship concerns. This is something that can always be improved.


I don't think theres an amp that exists, of which there aren't internal pics to be found here. Run a few searches on stuff you're interested in, you'll find lots of info and opinions on almost anything.

As for solder work, if theres big blobs of gray solder, instead of smooth liquid silvery solder... its not so hot. That does not mean it won't work, doesn't mean it'll sound bad, and doesn't mean it won't outlast something very high end.

The Chinese products I'm leary of... are in use here. Some people like em alot, so what can I really say? The stuff is cheap enough, and it works, if it makes you happy.. that makes me happy. I wouldn't buy an iPod either, so what?

When I look at innards, the presentation says alot to me about the effort that went into every aspect of the product... from design, layout, component selection and quality, etc. The first glaring observation one can see is the solder work... and if its sloppy, that makes a strong impression on me.

 

[bonethugz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by theory_87 /img/forum/go_quote.gif i just got this amp... i love it... ideal i wish to get... time to let go my pa2v2. prefer it over Xtra-X1...

so you think this little amp is a clear upgrade of pa2v2? do you(or anybody)think this is worth the upgrade or should i go further? i'm thinking getting a hornet in maybe two months(or when i have the money) but if this is an upgrade then i'll probably get it soon.

 

[theory_87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonethugz /img/forum/go_quote.gif so you think this little amp is a clear upgrade of pa2v2? do you(or anybody)think this is worth the upgrade or should i go further? i'm thinking getting a hornet in maybe two months(or when i have the money) but if this is an upgrade then i'll probably get it soon.

since i'm a ex pa2v2 user and a current C&C box user. my answer will be yes. there is more soundstage with SF switch on, treble extension is far greater with MF switch on and bass with LF switch. i switch everything on with SF5pro and KSC75, off MFwith more forward phones like um2, um1, ck9, ovc tc20