jamato8
Headphoneus Supremus
Hi Mori,
I don't think there's a right or wrong to this. Unfortunately there are multiple variables at play - how one listens is one variable, how one explain in words is another, how much experience is further another variable (this is not to say jamato8 is not experienced, he is -very- experienced and I've known him on Head-Fi for a few years), and a multitude more variables to consider.
So the best is to read up more opinions from other members who own both models and have them share. Better still find a way to get or demo both to decide for yourself.
I don't think we are comparing the same thing and that would be my fault for not being clear. You mention AMP2 so I assume you are comparing SE to SE? Also you are using AMP2 and I am using AMP3 at this time and comparing the balanced out of both daps.
I left both daps running all night, so they are warmed up and stable as I hear changes with either if they are just turned on from being off for a while. Any cap/resistor/op amp to me, will sound a little different once warmed up. Resistors change some with heat so they will effect sound since they drop more voltage due to higher resistance when heated than when cool and therefore correct is effected. Anyway I am using AMP3 and comparing both daps balanced. I have to admit they are very close. This is on the latest FW 2.5. For pure sound I still like 2.3 the most and find it the most "holographic" of the FW's and most to my liking.