[xenithon]

Hi guys. I am interested in the unit, and have the choice between it and the Meier Corda Aria. For the prices I can get them, the aria is $100 more expensive and thus I am keen on the MP5. The version I can get is the 220V which I need, from Taiwan. It comes with the 6N1P tubes but the seller said he would also include 6N2P tubes. Does all that sound in order?

Cheers,
X

 

[Elephas]

I believe the Corda Aria is US$450 from Meier Audio? If you're paying US$350 for a non-US version MP-5 that comes with 6N1 tubes, it's too much. I paid about US$180 for my 110V non-US version from Yahoo Taiwan auctions.

In this case, I would go for a US-version unit and use a 220V to 110V step-down transformer.

For only US$100 more, the Corda Aria might be the better value.

 

[xenithon]

Hi there,

Yes it is the Taiwan version, 220V. It is $370 with shipping to me. The Corda Aria is $470 with shipping...but $100 is not a negligible amount

That is why I am trying to find a Corda Aria in the trading forums - if you know of anyone with one for sale

(the fact that it is voltage switchable is a big help).

Cheers,
X

 

[mbd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenithon That is why I am trying to find a Corda Aria in the trading forums - if you know of anyone with one for sale (the fact that it is voltage switchable is a big help).

What, like this one?

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=178755

 

[xenithon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbd What, like this one? http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=178755

Already spoke to him today. His price is too high - wants around US$440 shipped to me. Does not make sense when they are $470 shipped new

 

[sxr71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenithon Hi there, Yes it is the Taiwan version, 220V. It is $370 with shipping to me. The Corda Aria is $470 with shipping...but $100 is not a negligible amount That is why I am trying to find a Corda Aria in the trading forums - if you know of anyone with one for sale (the fact that it is voltage switchable is a big help). Cheers, X

If I were you, I'd probably try to get one from Yahoo Taiwan auctions or some other local source for a lot cheaper than $370. Alternatively even getting the US version for around $300 + shipping and then buying a step-down transformer locally is a better deal. A seller on Audiogon can sell you the US version.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sxr71 If I were you, I'd probably try to get one from Yahoo Taiwan auctions or some other local source for a lot cheaper than $370. Alternatively even getting the US version for around $300 + shipping and then buying a step-down transformer locally is a better deal. ...A seller on Audiogon can sell you the US version.

So can Ken from ALO. I would much rather buy from him because he's a Head-Fi sponsor, he's honest, and a straight shooter.

 

[sxr71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwkarth So can Ken from ALO. I would much rather buy from him because he's a Head-Fi sponsor, he's honest, and a straight shooter.

Or Ken of course. I didn't realize that a Head-Fi sponsor was selling the Dared.

 

[pencechp]

And, Ken's stock is dwindling. I wasn't going to buy until next year, but the fact that there's no more of these being produced and there's not that many left for sale led me to go ahead and pull the trigger this morning. We'll see how it sounds when it gets here...

 

[pencechp]

Also, one other question for the handful of other people who've got this amplifier: do you know of any headphones it has particularly good synergy with? I was thinking K-501 myself, as a classical and jazz listener. Has anyone paired the K-501 and the Dared? How about the DT-880?

 

[Elephas]

I use a pre-'05 DT880 with Cardas cable and I like the way it sounds with the MP-5. Bassier and more weighty. In this configuration, the DT880 sounds more similar to the HD650, except with more treble energy and larger soundstage.

I'm currently using Mullard CV4003 pairs with a Siemens EM87, which results in a very slight background hum with the DT880.

Not a bad match, add me to Team Dared MP-5/pre-'05 DT880.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pencechp Also, one other question for the handful of other people who've got this amplifier: do you know of any headphones it has particularly good synergy with? I was thinking K-501 myself, as a classical and jazz listener. Has anyone paired the K-501 and the Dared? How about the DT-880?

I have the 501, the 701, and the K1000 and I love them all with the Dared. I'm using EH5751G tubes as well. Gold pinned tubes are a perfect match for the ceramic / gold tube sockets in the amp. The construction is just like the 12AX7LPS, and the gain is 70% of the 12AX7. Perfect set up for the AKGs.

 

[pencechp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwkarth I have the 501, the 701, and the K1000 and I love them all with the Dared. I'm using EH5751G tubes as well. Gold pinned tubes are a perfect match for the ceramic / gold tube sockets in the amp. The construction is just like the 12AX7LPS, and the gain is 70% of the 12AX7. Perfect set up for the AKGs.

Does the Dared do a sufficient job of pulling nice bass out of the K501s? I've heard that the amplifier has much to do with the 501's bass response.

 

[Melletron]

Can anyone recommend good pair of bookshelf speakers for this amp? I have a pair of Boston CR57 and the bottom is totaly missing. I could get a powered sub but I want to keep this particular setup simple and elegent. Thx.

 

[kwkarth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melletron Can anyone recommend good pair of bookshelf speakers for this amp? I have a pair of Boston CR57 and the bottom is totaly missing. I could get a powered sub but I want to keep this particular setup simple and elegent. Thx.

How much bottom end do you expect from a 4.5" "woofer?"