[Whazzzup]

GSX MK2 powered my test just fine, but others disagree

 

[Slim1970]

I just got the Burson Conductor 3x and it's doing very well with my Susvara's. I did a quick comparison with my Burson power amp and it's giving up very little in terms of dynamics, clarity and bass impact. I was happily surprised.

 

[MacedonianHero]

My ears do stick out, but not like like Alfred E Newman, just a little.
I'm doing well, Peter, thank you.
Hope you're as well.

I need a desktop amp for Susvara, and I put my eyes on Niimbus US4 and HeadAmp GS-X mini. Did you guys have any experience with one of this amp?

The GS-X mini and Benchmark HPA4 drive them brilliantly IME.

 

[Matez]

So the watts aren’t everything.

Agreed, recently I've found out the same thing with Susvara. How's that Prima Luna deck? Any good? I've heard lots of great stuff about this company.

 

[jlbrach]

the formula s/powerman combo I believe outputs 6 watts at 16ohms...I bought it for my abyss TC and have found it to be a perfect partner for the susvara as well....I do believe the power ratings can be a bit misleading and many headphone amps with higher power ratings sound worse IMHO....just like the same DAC chip can sound better or worse in different configurations the same holds true for amps...I will certainly not tell those using power amps not to if people enjoy them more but to me a headphone amp made for headphone use that can be kept by the bed as mine is works best...

 

[Arniesb]

the formula s/powerman combo I believe outputs 6 watts at 16ohms...I bought it for my abyss TC and have found it to be a perfect partner for the susvara as well....I do believe the power ratings can be a bit misleading and many headphone amps with higher power ratings sound worse IMHO....just like the same DAC chip can sound better or worse in different configurations the same holds true for amps...I will certainly not tell those using power amps not to if people enjoy them more but to me a headphone amp made for headphone use that can be kept by the bed as mine is works best...

did you listened more amps with susvara or do you think its good enough? It seems very underpowered... I better get more power in reserve any day.

 

[jlbrach]

I listened to several amps including wells, the violectric 281, the ifi pro can and several others...the formula s is NOT underpowered

 

[mixman]

did you listened more amps with susvara or do you think its good enough? It seems very underpowered... I better get more power in reserve any day.

A THX 789 can easily drive them, now as far as the best sound..........

 

[3ggerhappy]

Another option I found for a speaker/headphone amp, is this recently announced chord ultima 6 180 watts wpc(overkill?), watcha think guys? I just noticed it could be a nice alternative for the pass amps.

https://www.whathifi.com/news/chord...ultima-amplifier-tech-now-available-in-stereo

 

[iFi audio]

overkill

It'll work, but whether you might need and benefit from this much is... debatable

 

[Matez]

watcha think guys?

I think you don't need to spend this much on an amp for Susvaras. I mean, second-hand transistor class AB can be bought for $500. Right of the top of my head, NuForce STA-200 was sold new for $499 and that's a killer power amp for my power-hungry speakers. It'd do well with Susvara too.

 

[iFi audio]

I think you don't need to spend this much on an amp for Susvaras. I mean, second-hand transistor class AB can be bought for $500. Right of the top of my head, NuForce STA-200 was sold new for $499 and that's a killer power amp for my power-hungry speakers. It'd do well with Susvara too.

80W into 8 Ohms looks like more than enough!

 

[seaice]

The GS-X mini and Benchmark HPA4 drive them brilliantly IME.

Thanks for your impressions! I am back on head-fi after almost a year (live is a b...) Still with Susvara and iFi Pro iCan. I am looking for an amp upgrade. My candidates: Soundaware P1, Niimbus, Benchmark HPA4.

I tend to buy the HPA4 because it will serve two duties at my home: As a headamp for my Susvara and as a preamp. The specs and measurements of HPA4 are great, as well as reviews and user reports (with Susvara included). But it is not possible to borrow it in my country.

The question is: How is HPA4 vs. iFi Pro iCan with Susvara? Is the upgrade to HPA4 worth (SQ-wise)?

 

[jlbrach]

the formula s/powerman combo is a wonderful amp combo.....made for the abyss it shines with the susvara as well IMHO....same power output as the HPA$ I believe..the Ifi Pro Can is a very underrated performer and unless you spend a fair bit of money hard to better

 

[Slim1970]

the formula s/powerman combo is a wonderful amp combo.....made for the abyss it shines with the susvara as well IMHO....same power output as the HPA$ I believe..the Ifi Pro Can is a very underrated performer and unless you spend a fair bit of money hard to better

Completely agree, I kind of miss the one I use to own. It was very good with the Susvara's it just lack a little musicality to me. I'm preferring the Conductor 3X to it.