[BIG POPPA]

I've been searching the threads and these both got my attention for my next amp. I have recabled MS-1's and some new HD 580's to Rock out with the new amp. They both cost about the same after shipping? What do you guys think?

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG POPPA /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've been searching the threads and these both got my attention for my next amp. I have recabled MS-1's and some new HD 580's to Rock out with the new amp. They both cost about the same after shipping? What do you guys think?

If you don't mind me asking, what made you choose these two amps?
Thanks!

 

[BIG POPPA]

I want to try tubes without too much of a commitment. Something with not to big of a footprint. I have a Tomahawk, Portaphile, and Pint & Alien combo. Did not want to go overboard on the next amp. Tubes sounded fun.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG POPPA /img/forum/go_quote.gif I want to try tubes without too much of a commitment. Something with not to big of a footprint. I have a Tomahawk, Portaphile, and Pint & Alien combo. Did not want to go overboard on the next amp. Tubes sounded fun.

I can understand that for sure. I highly recommend you take a look at the Little-Dot MKII. I have a review posted on it here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...re-amp-284835/

Additional information from Little-Dot's site is here: Viewing a thread - The Little Dot MK II Headphone Tube Amplifier/Pre-Amp

DavidZ from Little-Dot has one posted on eBay here: Little Dot MK 2 II Headphone Amp Amplifier/Pre-Amp! - eBay (item 200202608441 end time Mar-01-08 16:13:16 PST)

If you buy direct from them using PayPal, you also get a $4 discount. I have been using mine daily since the review and it continues to impress me. I've been rolling tubes from all three tube families is supports (EF91,EF92,EF95) and most of the combinations are really great. This is a quality headphone amp that will last for a long time. Check it out, and see what you think. Have a good one!

 

[Skylab]

Well, since the Figaro has never become available in 110V, and one of DV's EBay sellers told me that it might never come out in a 110V version, I'd suggest the LBII, or stepping up to the DV336i. I owned both before, and found both to be excellent.

 

[BIG POPPA]

I think Joshatdot got one and I know he is going to bring it to the Seattle meet. I know I would be able to audition it by a phone call. If it is that much better than the other two I will get one in a minute. Just looking for something a little different than my buddy's.

 

[BIG POPPA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, since the Figaro has never become available in 110V, and one of DV's EBay sellers told me that it might never come out in a 110V version, I'd suggest the LBII, or stepping up to the DV336i. I owned both before, and found both to be excellent.

I looked again on Ebay and it does mention it does come in a 110 version. I emailed the seller to verify. Just want to verify all my options.

 

[Penchum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG POPPA /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think Joshatdot got one and I know he is going to bring it to the Seattle meet. I know I would be able to audition it by a phone call. If it is that much better than the other two I will get one in a minute. Just looking for something a little different than my buddy's.

Quite a few folks have gone with the MKIII, which is $40 more. I actually have a MKIII on order, arriving this week.

After reading the comments in the MKIII tube rolling thread, I just had to get one on the way.

I know Joshatdot likes his MKII and can speak to it's quality for ya. If you get time, look around in the MKIII tube rolling thread. Either which a way, have a good hunt!!

 

[BIG POPPA]

I just went over the Little-Dot Blog. Looked over the info.....A lot of it. A little over whelming. The Darkvoice must be huge at 2.5 KG or about 5 pounds. Man the Little-Dot MkIII is 3kg or 6.6 pounds, This is huge for what I'm looking for. The Lunch Box II is 2 & 1/2 pounds. Man this small considering it's company. But how do they sound? The Tomahawk is the smallest amp I have but it sounds better than some amps over twice it's size.

 

[Skylab]

Trust me, there is no currently available 110V version of the Figaro.

I think the LunchBox II is a very nice sounding amp. Solidly built little bugger. Mine was also completely free of hum. I did prefer subbing the Russian tubes with vintage Western replacements. The driver tube is a 5670/2C51/WE396A - LOADS of options there. The two power tubes' western equivalent is the 6FC7/ECC89, which is a somewhat hard to find tube - when you can get them they are very cheap, but they simply weren't that many made, I guess, as they are tough to find. But you can if you poke around. I got some nice British 6FC7's, which sounded much better than the Russian 6N24P's.

 

[Godkin]

The FIGARO isn't that big, but it's very well built and very heavy - like a sonically excellent brick!

Pity about the 110v version, it would nice to have something to give the LD II a run for the money.

 

[BIG POPPA]

I have not got a tube amp yet? Anybody else done any investigating in an entry level tube amp? What are the opinions?

 

[BIG POPPA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, since the Figaro has never become available in 110V, and one of DV's EBay sellers told me that it might never come out in a 110V version, I'd suggest the LBII, or stepping up to the DV336i. I owned both before, and found both to be excellent.

Thanks, for the insight. You made me order a 110 to 220 step up converter. I got an expensive one about 25 bux plus shipping. 35 bux Fed-Exed. It won't be here till next week. A buddy is letting me borrow his tomorrow. I liked the size of the Darkvoice. The Lunchbox hit me a little different than the Figaro. I have not even oped up the Package YET

Going 220v was not a big deal to me. My brother went the other way in Korea, Israel, Kuwait, and where ever else. I thought I could do it to. One of my best freind's is a commercial electrician. These threads are so helpful making decisions against the grain and knowing exactly what I heading for.

Silver faceplate Black case. NICE!!!

 

[Skylab]

Let us know how the sound is!

 

[ethebull]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Let us know how the sound is!

Pay particular attention to noise induced by the affordable step-up transformer.

Stepping voltage down with a good device acts as a power filter, stepping it up with an affordable unit is often problematic.