Dared MP-5 or something else same price?

[Gubretti]

Originally my budget was $200 so I was looking at the LD2+ / Headfive for my DT990s as my previous thread shows, however I get my budget increased!! to somewheres around $350. What exactly should I get? The Dared MP-5 seems like an incredible deal, DAC / Speaker Amp / Headphone Amp, also it looks great too =D. Anyone have any exp. with the MP-5? if not what would you recommend. Thanks again for reading another one of my "what should i buy?" threads lol.

 

[Gubretti]

just got an email back from jianlu regarding the darkvoice, its 310 USD shipped.

Hi, sir!
Thank you for you inquiry of Darkvoice, the total price is USD 310
including shipping cost by air.
Best regards,
JianLiu

 

[phergus_25]

I would deff not suggest the Mp-5 if your primarly with HPs, from what I have read it is great as a speaker amp, but not much for a HP amp. The DV should be a great amp.
I greatly enjoyed the LD I hear, but its alittle diff than most.

-greg

 

[Gradofan2]

I was similiarly impressed by the MP-5's appearence, and some of the early comments.

But... then I saw multiple comments about the amp's excessive noise, hiss, and hum. I followed up with some users, as well as several distributors, and found that quite a few of the MP-5 units have excessive noise, which apparently can't be eliminated. Some users have gotten units that have little, or no noise, while many others have the opposite experience.

And.. the distributors I contacted agreed - "it's the luck of the draw." Most added that they would replace a noisy unit, but not refund my money. Unfortunately, most don't have many units left to exchange.

So... it seems that "yo pays yo money... yo takes yo chances." I'm just more comfortable, buying a proven product, with a good warranty, with no problems and a supportive distribution / service network.

 

[Gubretti]

i've also read the noise but it seems like it only occurs on low impedence headphones ( makes sense since its also a speaker amp ) and I have DT990/250's. I was going to get the darkvoice but at 310 is it still the same great bargain as it was when it was 200 dollars. The dared just seems like the bang for the buck.

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubretti i've also read the noise but it seems like it only occurs on low impedence headphones ( makes sense since its also a speaker amp ) and I have DT990/250's. I was going to get the darkvoice but at 310 is it still the same great bargain as it was when it was 200 dollars. The dared just seems like the bang for the buck.

I didn't notice that there was any consistency with high impedence, or low impedence phones - it seemed to me it was with both. And... I'm sure the distributors would have made that point, if it were the case.

"Yo pays yo money... yo takes yo chances."

Keep us informed to let us know how it works out.

 

[Gubretti]

currently the amps i'm looking at is the dared mp5, little dot III+, darkvoice 336i, and a used XCAN V3. So many options, if only I could personally listen to all of them. Looks wise the dared is at the top, but as gradofan2 posted, people complain about the sound. :: sigh :: someone please help me out!!!!

 

[vorlon1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubretti currently the amps i'm looking at is the dared mp5, little dot III+, darkvoice 336i, and a used XCAN V3. So many options, if only I could personally listen to all of them. Looks wise the dared is at the top, but as gradofan2 posted, people complain about the sound. :: sigh :: someone please help me out!!!!

I guess I'm one of the fortunate Dared 5 owners, because mine is dead silent, even at full volume. It is a very powerful amp and it will drive the headphones you have very well. Given what other people are saying about the unreliability of the amp, if I were a new buyer I'd be very hesitant. Of the amps you list I've only heard the XCAN V3 with the Pinkfloyd mods. From what I have read the XCAN is probably the more reliable for being consistent, unlike the Dared. Some posts have mentioned some hum problems with the Darkvoice, although I have never read a negative post about its sound quality. I haven't seen a great amount on the LDIII+ and so I have no opinion. Are these the only amps you are interested in? A solid state amp some of us have ordered, and I auditioned for about a week, is the Heed Canamp which can be bought for around $340 or so. This is an excellent amp with very good detail and a sweet high end, which is also dead silent as far as hum issues.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Gubretti]

^

 

[AndyKatz]

From what I hear, the Dared can also be tweaked with different tube choices. I do get hiss on my lower impedence 'phones such as the E500, but it's nearly inaudible with the ER4s and/or RS1s.

I also like it quite a bit driving my BIC America DV62si (I did have my CM2s hooked up to it, but their minimum power rating is 50w, and I feared to damage them).

Andy

 

[mrarroyo]

If you have up to $350 to spend my suggestion in cost order are:

1) Musical Fidelity X-Can V2 at +/-$175 used
2) Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 at +/-$325 used
3) Heed CanAmp with an MSRP of $400. However give Dan a call for his price, he can be reached at:
Dan Muzquiz
Blackbird Audio/Gallery
619-449-2787
http://www.blackbirdaudio.com

 

[Gubretti]

im 90% sure im going for teh dared lol. I CANT RESIST THE LOOKS

 

[Gradofan2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubretti im 90% sure im going for teh dared lol. I CANT RESIST THE LOOKS

Let us know how it works out... and if you have any hum, noise, hiss with either high or low impedence phones.

Is so... you can always get the Heed Canamp, or LDII+, or XCAN v3, and just keep the Dared turned on with the tube glow - but drive your headphones out of the other amps - the best of both worlds...

 

[Gubretti]

most def! I must decide quickly hahaha bday is coming up. =D

 

[WopOnTour]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gradofan2 But... then I saw multiple comments about the amp's excessive noise, hiss, and hum. I followed up with some users, as well as several distributors, and found that quite a few of the MP-5 units have excessive noise, which apparently can't be eliminated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phergus_25 I would deff not suggest the Mp-5 if your primarly with HPs, from what I have read it is great as a speaker amp, but not much for a HP amp.

I totally disagree.
I purchased a Dared MP5 last spring and have been using it exclusively as a headphone amp for many months now (with my Grado SR325, Sony MDR-CD750 and various other sets) and I absolutely LOVE IT!
Not sure what noise you are referring to but I would suggest some that have commented here may have never even HEARD this amp. I certainly can hear NO objectionable noise, hum or hiss in this amp.
For the money you really cant beat this little amp IMO, AND If you're not into vinyl (as I am) the integral PCM2702 based (Onkyo branded) USB-DAC makes it very versatile for using a PC as 44/48k transport

But all in all, this was the best $350 audio dollars I've spent in a long time (In fact I recently purchased a 2nd unit just for the office)
I would suggest you try to find one to listen to for yourself, before you condemn...
Regards
WopOnTour