[aaronylee]

Hey guys,

Is there a big difference between these two amps to justify the $40 dollar difference between them?

I'm stretching my budget even considering the EPT so I'd like to know how the EPT compares to the EPC and to the Headphonia amp.

Thanks!

 

[supermite]

There is what should only be a minor difference, just large enough to justify the added/subtracted $40.


-EPT = Texas Instruments TPA6120 output stage, same as in the $349 CIAudio VHP-1 and VHP-2. So all in all it's a OPA2134 + a TPA6120 in the signl path.

-EPC = Complementary bipolar transistor pair output stage driven by a second OPA2134 opamp. So all in all it's two OPA2134 + the transistor buffer in the signal path.


Someone would really want to try the -EPT and let us know the sonic part of the matter. Sadly it appears that our much renowned multiple amp buyers just inevitably go for the costlier variant

 

[dw6928]

No offense, but sadly is incorrect. The difference is worth the
few dollars, according to Alberto of Xenos when I spoke to him before the amps were released. Especially if you are running demanding headphones like 701s or 650s

 

[supermite]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dw6928 /img/forum/go_quote.gif No offense, but sadly is incorrect. The difference is worth the few dollars, according to Alberto of Xenos when I spoke to him before the amps were released. Especially if you are running demanding headphones like 701s or 650s

Which is bound to hint that the 1HA-EPC is a superior performer to CIAudio's new VHP-2. Sweet times for us headphiles with empty wallets, sweeeet

 

[Morph201]

*cough* also based on the EPT stats, you're going to have slightly different SNR... i.e. HISS! This is also according to Alberto, who I asked about this 2 months ago...

 

[supermite]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morph201 /img/forum/go_quote.gif *cough* also based on the EPT stats, you're going to have slightly different SNR... i.e. HISS! This is also according to Alberto, who I asked about this 2 months ago...

I hope you are aware of the numbers. The rated S/N ratio of both amps would be remarkable for any music listener outside head-fi, or should I say a minority who will never ditch those evil IEMs and try with a normal headphone

 

[Morph201]

Looking at the numbers on paper one would think so, but in all fairness I didn't receive "true" headphones until AFTER I sold the Xenos. SQ wise, the EPC was a great amp and priced very well... sometimes I do regret selling it.. but, I really don't need to start building a collection of amps.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morph201 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looking at the numbers on paper one would think so, but in all fairness I didn't receive "true" headphones until AFTER I sold the Xenos. SQ wise, the EPC was a great amp and priced very well... sometimes I do regret selling it.. but, I really don't need to start building a collection of amps.

Yes you do! actually no you do not. At one time I had over 15 amps at the house. FOR SALE! guess what I did with the money?

Bought more amps!

 

[souperman]

i'd really like to know how the EPT fares by itself. heard so much about the EPC but an extra 40 bucks...

 

[daveDerek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes you do! actually no you do not. At one time I had over 15 amps at the house. FOR SALE! guess what I did with the money? Bought more amps!

better that than dumping it into the beetle!

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveDerek /img/forum/go_quote.gif better that than dumping it into the beetle!

Those are fighting words!

 

[Skylab]

I have never heard the EPT, but I am nonetheless fully convinced that the discrete output devices are a HUGE part of what makes the 1HA-EPC special. I would never even consider the EPT version. I think the extra money is easily worth it.