Canman
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- May 13, 2003
- Posts
- 3,667
- Likes
- 14
I've been enjoying the Headroom Micro w/ desktop module for a few days now. The desktop module is a free upgrade over the standard module with the only tradeoff being lower battery life (Headroom quotes 8-10 hours on 2 9V, compared to 15-20 hours with the standard module). I've been listening to it exclusively with the included power supply, the iPod 4G with Pocketdock line out, Grado RS-1, and Sennheiser HD-650 headphones. Needless to say, this amp is a remarkeable improvement over my old Total Airhead in every sense.
Overall build quality is excellent with a machined aluminum enclosure and rubber endcaps. I like the fact that I don't have to run it off batteries: I can use the sturdy power supply which is included. It is larger than the Airhead and slightly bulkier than the SR-71. Still, it is very portable and has some features that the competition doesn't: three way gain switch and crossfeed. The crossfeed on the Micro is much more effective than the crossfeed on the Airhead.
The sound is surprisingly coherent for a $300 amp. The amp's tonal balance is slightly on the warm side, which for me is a positive for an amplifier that is relegated primarily to portable sources like the iPod. Bass is a little round, yet in a very pleasing manner. The critical factor for me is the ability to focus images into a reasonable soundstage. While this amp doesn't compete in this regard to more expensive offerings, it is surprisingly good at creating a sense of space with both the HD-650 and RS-1. The trait that stands out is a midrange with great tone and texture. Listening with the RS-1, female vocals are extremely seductive. The Joni Mitchell album 'Ladies of the Canyon' is in 128bps on my iPod and the recording is thin. The Micro to the RS-1 resolves the vocals with body and depth, something I never thought was possible from the recording. Patricia Barber, Live in France is an excellent recording and is stored in my iPod in Apple lossless format. The detail in the jazz instrumental Crash is immediately apparent, with the rythmically driving bass lines, symbol snaps and drum kicks each in its own acoustic space. On the vocal tracks, Barber comes through clear and smooth. The Micro cuts right through some funkier tracks too, like the funk/jazz/jam band Lettuce. On the Outta Here album, funky bass lines and guitar licks come through with all the PRaT necessary to get you toe tapping (The Omega II/KGSS is too smooth and lacks excitement on this album).
I am very happy so far with the Micro w/ Desktop Module. The Micro/RS-1 is a fun combo. It allows the PRaT of the RS-1 to shine through while maintaining a smooth and warm sound with an inviting midrange. Its the kind of sound that allows me to connect with the music and keeps my attention. The fact that I can carry this setup with me to the office is an added bonus!
Overall build quality is excellent with a machined aluminum enclosure and rubber endcaps. I like the fact that I don't have to run it off batteries: I can use the sturdy power supply which is included. It is larger than the Airhead and slightly bulkier than the SR-71. Still, it is very portable and has some features that the competition doesn't: three way gain switch and crossfeed. The crossfeed on the Micro is much more effective than the crossfeed on the Airhead.
The sound is surprisingly coherent for a $300 amp. The amp's tonal balance is slightly on the warm side, which for me is a positive for an amplifier that is relegated primarily to portable sources like the iPod. Bass is a little round, yet in a very pleasing manner. The critical factor for me is the ability to focus images into a reasonable soundstage. While this amp doesn't compete in this regard to more expensive offerings, it is surprisingly good at creating a sense of space with both the HD-650 and RS-1. The trait that stands out is a midrange with great tone and texture. Listening with the RS-1, female vocals are extremely seductive. The Joni Mitchell album 'Ladies of the Canyon' is in 128bps on my iPod and the recording is thin. The Micro to the RS-1 resolves the vocals with body and depth, something I never thought was possible from the recording. Patricia Barber, Live in France is an excellent recording and is stored in my iPod in Apple lossless format. The detail in the jazz instrumental Crash is immediately apparent, with the rythmically driving bass lines, symbol snaps and drum kicks each in its own acoustic space. On the vocal tracks, Barber comes through clear and smooth. The Micro cuts right through some funkier tracks too, like the funk/jazz/jam band Lettuce. On the Outta Here album, funky bass lines and guitar licks come through with all the PRaT necessary to get you toe tapping (The Omega II/KGSS is too smooth and lacks excitement on this album).
I am very happy so far with the Micro w/ Desktop Module. The Micro/RS-1 is a fun combo. It allows the PRaT of the RS-1 to shine through while maintaining a smooth and warm sound with an inviting midrange. Its the kind of sound that allows me to connect with the music and keeps my attention. The fact that I can carry this setup with me to the office is an added bonus!
