[riddley]

I'm ordering a new amp... to go between my NAD C542 and Sennheiser HD650s. I've narrowed it down to two choices:

1) PPA with discrete diamond buffer.

2) Opera Cyber-20 Chinese tube amp.

Ordering from Australia, the Cyber-20 works out quite a bit cheaper than a deluxe Larocco PPA. Also, the STEPS power supply for the PPA is not an option for me (because we're on 240V).

I'm heavily swayed toward the Cyber-20 by the staggering rave review of the Cyber-20 in this month's Positive Feedback Online (the reviewer implies that he preferred it to an Earmax and an Emmeline HR-2).

Can anyone help me make my final decision?

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Its a simple choice between whether you like solid-state or tube-state better.

Personally, I'd go with the PPA + discrete if I still had a Sennheiser; it'd probably make it sound livelier.

 

[riddley]

I should have mentioned - I do like the tube sound, but I'm not strongly committed to tube over SS. I think that a better SS amp usually beats a mediocre tube...

 

[SteeleBlayde]

Quote:

Originally posted by riddley I think that a better SS amp usually beats a mediocre tube...

Yes, I'd agree. Better gear does generally beat mediocre gear.

As I said, it depends on your taste. And to some degree, a willingness to take the plunge.

 

[riddley]

Actually, I'm tempted to get the cyber-20 just because hardly anyone here has it, while everyone's raving about the PPA.

But that's not necessarily the way to end up with the best equipment

 

[Wodgy]

Isn't the Opera Cyber-20 a clone of the original MG Head, just with an external power supply? (i.e. The one earlier than the MG Head OTL.)

Edit: Or maybe it was the opposite (the MG Head being a clone of the Cyber 20).... I do remember them being around at roughly the same time.

 

[Voodoochile]

Quote:

Originally posted by riddley Also, the STEPS power supply for the PPA is not an option for me (because we're on 240V).

Can't help you with your decision, but the STEPS can be wired for either 120 or 240. It's a jumper set that you install for either mains. It was laid out that way, not a hack.

 

[john_jcb]

It sounds like it will be a sound (no pun intended) investment. I will be looking forward to your impressions. BTW I sis not see any reference to the HR-2 only the Ear-Max in the review.