Getting an amp finally...what should I expect?

[MD1032]

Hey, I figured it was finally time for an audio upgrade, so tpg from the Klipsch forums (who just got some RF-3's BTW, go check 'em out.

) and I ahve been talking about building one for some time. Finally a couple months ago he did start the process of doing such. It's completed and ready to ship (I just need to send him the money) and I'm really excited, but I honestly don't know what to expect from it. I guess I'm kind of expecting it to make my SR-80's sing, but I don't know exactly what to expect. He said it sounds great, and once I have it in my hands, I'll tell you all about it, but in the meantime the suspense is killin me. So, amuse me.

I would post the nice photos he took, but there's a 25 kb limit, and at that size you wouldn't see anything. Something must be wrong.

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD1032 I guess I'm kind of expecting it to make my DR-80's sing

What is a DR-80?

What kind of an amp did you get?

 

[MD1032]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan What is a DR-80? What kind of an amp did you get?

All right, smart-aleck...

It is a Meta42-based design, with an OPA2132P, and some other specs I don't feel like hunting for now.

 

[lan]

I tried an SR80 out of a portable and my experience was enhanced with a CMOY. I'm sure you'll be pleased also.

 

[MD1032]

OK, but what kind of enhancement is it?

 

[lan]

Better dynamics, bass was cleaner. Everything had more separation.

 

[MD1032]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lan Better dynamics, bass was cleaner. Everything had more separation.

Cool. I wonder how it works?

 

[skitlets]

edit - ah wrong thread! but maybe you can read about some amp improvements and see if you get the same thing these guys are listing! http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ht=amps+volume

 

[MD1032]

Oh yeah, and where should I set volumes when I use the amp, like on my MZ-S1, and turtle beach santa cruz?

 

[Mr.Radar]

For computer soundcards you should leave the windows volume settings at max (except for the SB-Live and Audigy series cards where you need to set it to 40% for the Live or 50% for the Audigy or else you get horrible clipping). For your MZ-S1 you should connect the amp to the line-out (if it has one) or turn the volume control as high as it will go without clipping or distorting.

 

[MD1032]

The MZ-S1 doesn't have a line-out, it have volume from 0-30. Normal listening levels are usually from 10-14.

I don't exactly have a windows volume control, I only have the main santa cruz volume control, which I leave at minimum when I'm using kernel streaming, since the wav volume control is nullified (since I'm not using wav out), and kernel streaming makes it a good deal louder.

Does anyone have a TBSC or NetMD walkman where they use an amp with it?

I hope to get a Chaintech AV-710 anyway, BTW.

 

[MD1032]

bump.

Come on, someone's gotta have a NetMD and a portable amp.

 

[chillysalsa]

With a proper supply of current / power, your cans will be able to reproduce all the little details like that... you may be missing them otherwise.

 

[lan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD1032 Oh yeah, and where should I set volumes when I use the amp, like on my MZ-S1, and turtle beach santa cruz?

Just trust your own ears and experiment. It really depends on the output of the unit and the gain of the amp.

 

[MD1032]

No, I understand that at this point. I need to know how to set this up, both portably, with my MZ-S1, and at home, with my TBSC.