I received my low gain version of the original from norm yesterday and I have to admit, I was a bit suprised with it.
After everything people have said, I can't see how the 6172 sounds synthetic. If anything it sounds murkier than using the audio straight from my M3. If anything it sounds how i expected a 2227 might sound like.
Admittedly the amp has cut down all electrical noise (except when the HD spins for a time, but in a portable environment you don't notice). Also, the hiss disappears unless I turn the volume way up, all I'm left with is the hiss on the recording - nothing you can do about that.
However, I'm wondering if the differences I'm hearing are from the line out rather than the amp?
I was just extremely surprised at how less open the sound was than my iaudio M3. I believe within the first ten seconds I realised what a difference no crossfeed makes i guess...Any ideas?
e.g. on a recording of handel messiah ('tis the season) it felt as if I was back in the cathedral singing it with the echo the amp introduced, but in other situations it is less rewarding. Almost like an EAX environment setting.
Perhaps i could hear more of the recording?
Whilst the amp seems amazing for some music, I have to admit, not great for everything. well other than getting rid of most of the electrical noise and only recording hiss.
p.s. as for topology it is one dual amp for the l+r, one single opamp for the grounding afaik in both.
