fredpb
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2001
- Posts
- 1,405
- Likes
- 0
I wanted a replacement for my aging Headroom Total Airhead (2AA model).
Wanted something below $200.
The reviews and shoot outs on this site were great.
I am very happy with the TA, but it's switches are iffy now. Great sound for me.
I chose the Practical Devices XM4. Added the optional opamp and the Lion rechargable battery system. Total cost, $180 with shipping from Canada.
Out of the box, without the fancy opamp, I was not impressed in the least. Certainly not worth the basic price of basic model of $135. No way.
But the optional chip was a BIG difference.
I am using the XM4 with an Archos 605 WIFI and Sennheiser HD580 headphones. The 605 does really have high quality sound. A bit bright, and not a lot of power. Buggy too. But I do love the 605, which also plays my videos from my Dish Network HD receiver. 80gb.
The TA with the 605 has GREAT sound!, with minor tonal adjustments to the 605.
The XM4 was a bit disappointing until I found the magic combination of buttons.
605: bass boost one "notch". Custom eq +4 db on lowest freq.
XM4: crossfeed circuit on.
This gives really good sound. Not as super as the TA (it has premium chip), but ok.
Really wanted a Hornet, but too pricey for me.
I use the portable system on my back porch in my SC townhouse. I spend hours a day out their with a drink, cigar, and my music.
Wanted something below $200.
The reviews and shoot outs on this site were great.
I am very happy with the TA, but it's switches are iffy now. Great sound for me.
I chose the Practical Devices XM4. Added the optional opamp and the Lion rechargable battery system. Total cost, $180 with shipping from Canada.
Out of the box, without the fancy opamp, I was not impressed in the least. Certainly not worth the basic price of basic model of $135. No way.
But the optional chip was a BIG difference.
I am using the XM4 with an Archos 605 WIFI and Sennheiser HD580 headphones. The 605 does really have high quality sound. A bit bright, and not a lot of power. Buggy too. But I do love the 605, which also plays my videos from my Dish Network HD receiver. 80gb.
The TA with the 605 has GREAT sound!, with minor tonal adjustments to the 605.
The XM4 was a bit disappointing until I found the magic combination of buttons.
605: bass boost one "notch". Custom eq +4 db on lowest freq.
XM4: crossfeed circuit on.
This gives really good sound. Not as super as the TA (it has premium chip), but ok.
Really wanted a Hornet, but too pricey for me.
I use the portable system on my back porch in my SC townhouse. I spend hours a day out their with a drink, cigar, and my music.