martini1
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
- Posts
- 52
- Likes
- 10
Hi guys, I have been reading posts here for a while, but this is the first time I contribute.
After going back and forth whether I should go for a dedicated headphone amp or something that can drive both cans and speakers, I have finally decided to go for the later. Although I have yet to test its headphone potentials (because I haven't get a nice pair of cans yet), this baby is already rocking the speakers.
This amp is called the Spark Mt-45. Spark is the co that makes Cayin products. They use the Spark brand name for the Asian market. It is really a bit big for a desktop amp but I figure if I needed something good to drive the speakers I can live with that. I originally have considered the Audio Space Galaxy mini but I don't like where the headphone plug is (on the back). The tube sound is also not as good as this one (w/ the KT88). I also like the idea of having the triode/ultralinear switch on the bigger amps.
With the high Yen Luxman or Leben are too expensive.
This is my currently setup:
itunes (lossless files and some AACs), V-Dac, amp, Kef iq1.
When i use the ipod as source obviously I skip the DAC.
My 3rd source is a PS3 connecting to the V-DAC via Optical
Overall I think I got a pretty good deal. I was tempted to get a SACD player but there is just no space on the desk to fit that. Unless there is a compact SACD player I guess I have to give up the SACD option. I think I only have 4-5 SACD from the past anyway. Not much of a collection.
The next thing I want to find out is how the phones are being driven but the MT-45. Is it transformer driven or not?
There are a few cans I am consider to choose from:
DT-880 (600 Ohm perhaps?), ATH-w1000, HD-600, or AKG 601.
I listen to all kinds of music but if I have to benchmark a system I would pick a miles davis Kind of Blue and/or a 1812 overture CD.
Any suggestions??
After going back and forth whether I should go for a dedicated headphone amp or something that can drive both cans and speakers, I have finally decided to go for the later. Although I have yet to test its headphone potentials (because I haven't get a nice pair of cans yet), this baby is already rocking the speakers.


This amp is called the Spark Mt-45. Spark is the co that makes Cayin products. They use the Spark brand name for the Asian market. It is really a bit big for a desktop amp but I figure if I needed something good to drive the speakers I can live with that. I originally have considered the Audio Space Galaxy mini but I don't like where the headphone plug is (on the back). The tube sound is also not as good as this one (w/ the KT88). I also like the idea of having the triode/ultralinear switch on the bigger amps.
With the high Yen Luxman or Leben are too expensive.
This is my currently setup:
itunes (lossless files and some AACs), V-Dac, amp, Kef iq1.
When i use the ipod as source obviously I skip the DAC.
My 3rd source is a PS3 connecting to the V-DAC via Optical
Overall I think I got a pretty good deal. I was tempted to get a SACD player but there is just no space on the desk to fit that. Unless there is a compact SACD player I guess I have to give up the SACD option. I think I only have 4-5 SACD from the past anyway. Not much of a collection.
The next thing I want to find out is how the phones are being driven but the MT-45. Is it transformer driven or not?
There are a few cans I am consider to choose from:
DT-880 (600 Ohm perhaps?), ATH-w1000, HD-600, or AKG 601.
I listen to all kinds of music but if I have to benchmark a system I would pick a miles davis Kind of Blue and/or a 1812 overture CD.
Any suggestions??