gerG
Headphoneus Supremus
Hi Bangraman. Tradeoffs (that I can think of) relative to a balanced Max:
+ Cost. I put this together out of used parts that are pretty easy to find. Total is around $2500.
+ Incremental benefits. Each piece is standalone, so from the first outlay of $ I had an amp to use.
+ Flexibility. I can swap the DAC section or amp section as needed. It also works with any balanced source.
+ Breaks down into small parts that will fit into a briefcase.
- Special cables required (easy to make).
- Multiple pieces, vs single unit. More complex to set up.
- Takes 3 power cords.
- 2 volume controls vs 1.
Those are off the top of my head. I bet the inmates will think of more.
Sound is amazing. Some of this is due to the DAC1, but the detail without harshness is what I love about the Grace amps. The balanced setup has brought along better channel separation, larger soundstage, and maybe better dynamics. I think that the headphones are the limiting factor on the last one.
gerG
+ Cost. I put this together out of used parts that are pretty easy to find. Total is around $2500.
+ Incremental benefits. Each piece is standalone, so from the first outlay of $ I had an amp to use.
+ Flexibility. I can swap the DAC section or amp section as needed. It also works with any balanced source.
+ Breaks down into small parts that will fit into a briefcase.
- Special cables required (easy to make).
- Multiple pieces, vs single unit. More complex to set up.
- Takes 3 power cords.
- 2 volume controls vs 1.
Those are off the top of my head. I bet the inmates will think of more.
Sound is amazing. Some of this is due to the DAC1, but the detail without harshness is what I love about the Grace amps. The balanced setup has brought along better channel separation, larger soundstage, and maybe better dynamics. I think that the headphones are the limiting factor on the last one.
gerG