dougli
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 3, 2002
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I recently received my Corda HA-1 back from KurtW, who had made his "Corda Blue" mods to it. I am simply amazed at the dramatic improvement. I was expecting good things, having read kelly's Corda HA-1 / Corda Blue comparison. But you know how so often the anticipation of something leads to a letdown when you actually obtain that thing? That most certainly did NOT happen in this case. The Corda Blue mods provide an amazing sound enhancement. Prior to this, I was impressed with the overall sound reproduction of the stock Corda. It certainly is an excellant amp for the money. Now, however, I can hear what was missing. The Corda Blue now exudes deeper, fuller, more impactful bass. The mids are more separated yet cohesive, and the highs are more detailed without harshness. The effects are across the spectrum, resulting in an overall more forward, crisper, richer and authentic sound. Even the silence is more silent. Now, I don't have an array of mid-range and high-end amps to compare to the Corda Blue. But I have heard a few of them, and I suspect that this modified HA-1 may be the least expensive way to obtain audiophile sound (yes, that loaded phrase), while including crossfeed. I would highly recommend these mods to anyone who has, or is considering getting, an HA-1. KurtW has stated that he is willing to take on more conversions. For DIYers, the changes are given in kelly's review.
My before-and-after listening was done through DT931s and HD600s, out of a DVP-NS500V. The changes with the HD600 were especially dramatic. I have even postponed the acquisition of an aftermarket HD600 cable, due to what the Corda Blue has done for these phones.
My before-and-after listening was done through DT931s and HD600s, out of a DVP-NS500V. The changes with the HD600 were especially dramatic. I have even postponed the acquisition of an aftermarket HD600 cable, due to what the Corda Blue has done for these phones.