Facing dilema... transportable amps

[Assorted]

I am currently using the AE-2 and it sounds awesome, but since I bought the EW9 I no may no longer need a portable amp, and instead replace it with a nice transportable amp for my HD 650 / future W5000.

The Lisa III was my first candidate, but then I discovered the battery powered XP-7 for $200 more. Then the HeadRoom site said the battery-less Micro Ultra amp was going to be released by October this year. I'm also aware of the anticipated Headamp amp/dac, and maybe the Diablo might come out.

I'm aware of the discussion in the Lisa III thread about the XP-7 and Lisa III comparison to be done soon, but since school season's coming up, I'd like to be prepared soon, with the preorder and financial etc. Should I wait for the amp market to stabilize first, after most of the things are released? Is the XP-7 w/ PSU worth the extra weight and $200 for the sound quality compared to the Lisa III? Is there a possibility that the XP-7 might be comparable to the Micro Ultra that needs to be plugged in, or will it likely totally blow every single sub-$1000 headphone amp out of the water???

So many questions, I'd like somebody to make a decision for me. My main objective is for it to be transportable so I can fit it into my school luggage, and maybe plug in a Micro Ultra in the science room should it come to that, so I won't be looking into any home amps. Thank you!

 

[MaloS]

From the period of time I used W5000 and tried it with some stuff at the meet - I definitely would set your decision between Lisa III and the XP-7. That being said - from this point it is your choice, just look at what tonality you would rather have. HD650 should also perform nicely with XP-7 since it is tuned around HD600.

 

[fkclo]

My take:-

1) I would not suggest you to wait under the dust have settled - the market is dynamic and new products will come up now and then. There is no point waiting.

2) I have heard the RSA Hornet and Raptor, and have some idea of the RSA house sound. I also have a LISA III XP. My personal perference will be LISA III XP - its is organic, highly resolving, natural and engaging. Can't go wrong with it.

F. Lo

 

[silverrain]

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[wakeride74]

I've owned the HR-2 and I currently have the Lisa III XP. From what I understand the XP-7 with AD797's can sound pretty damn close to the HR-2. Assuming this is true the XP-7 will have a more liquid sound with that RSA velvety black background as Romanee puts it. Imaging will be exceptional and the overall presentation will sound very smooth and effortless. The Lisa III will bring every instrument in the song to life and things that were lost in the background or lost in blending with other instruments will be brought forward and isolated in their own space. The Lisa does an amazing job of instrument separation and every note seems to be perfectly articulated. With the Lisa I feel like there is nothing in the music that I am missing and I have to make no efforts to hear everything that is going on, it's all there is glorious detail!

Synergy is so important that I can't really say which would be best for you but I can tell you that owning the Lisa XP has me wanting for nothing but a source upgrade. I believe both Triad and RSA will take the amps back if it's not what your looking for.

 

[Assorted]

Okay, thank you for all your responses! Like you guys said, synergy is important, so I'm going to give my 650 a last shot with an XP-7 before anymore headphone changes. Then if that's not what I'm looking for I'll sell it for a Lisa III