[superjohny]

they are pretty much about the same price.
 
it gives me some kind of feeling that phoenix has more features and c-3mk3 has better amping. 
 
is it so? i am very interested to know how different will they sound to amp a headphone.

 

[macrog]

Hello
 
The C-3mk3 wont run headphones but is a better line level preamp than the Phoenix.
 
The Phoenix is a great line level preamp but the C-3mk3 is a dramatic improvement.  Better imaging, detail, decay on notes.
 
Regards
 
Macrog

 

[superjohny]

thanks, Macrog
 
i might have to switch to my origin plan of reference 9+HR Buda/CS300X to pair the balanced D7000.
 
any better amps dat's forgiving of bad recording or lossy formats(320kbps mp3)?

 

[Currawong]

Definitely make sure all your music is in FLAC format or you'll be wasting your money. 

 

[Pricklely Peete]

Quote:

Definitely make sure all your music is in FLAC format or you'll be wasting your money. 

X2
 
Peete.

 

[SoupRKnowva]

Doesnt the phoenix use a newer version of the bpm module? just went to the website, and it seems he did a major update,and there is a new C3, called the end version, its using the v2 module, and is styled more like the phoenix, with the rounded corners.

 

[tim3320070]

And 2 new "musical" peamps. I wish I had a spare $6000 lying around.

 

[superjohny]

really, just by looking at the back panel, both c3-final or sa-3000 can be used to drive headphones.
 
is it so??

 

[Pricklely Peete]

 
Quote:

Hello
 
The C-3mk3 wont run headphones but is a better line level preamp than the Phoenix.
 
The Phoenix is a great line level preamp but the C-3mk3 is a dramatic improvement.  Better imaging, detail, decay on notes.
 
Regards
 
Macrog

Thanks for the info on the C3MkIII ! I had begun to wonder if this preamp wouldn't be a better fit for my ref system although after much modification (Phoenix DIY Max mod) I can't imagine how much better the C3 could be from the Phoenix (when use as a preamp). That being said I'm definitely taking a long hard look at the C3. It would enable me to bump the Phoenix into a dedicated head fi role. One piece of advice if I may be able to suggest or address a weakness in your stated system source. Upgrade to Win7 over XP Pro...the audio subsystem of Vista/Win7 is vastly superior to XP with a very noticeable improvement in SQ. I was shocked by the difference myself. Try it and see what you think (if you can). It's definitely worth the hassle and added expense.
 
Peete.

 

[superjohny]

audio-gd has just put c3-mk3(and the final version) into headphone amp category.

 

[tim3320070]

So who has done this- bought a C-3 or C-39 and use as a headphone amp? Kingwa confirmed that overall output will be less than Phoenix with stock modules but it may not matter enough.
Anyone have direct experience?

 

[tim3320070]

Well, I am trying the C-39MK3 with headphone output added to compare to my Phoenix. I really want ACSS preamp output to the C10SE amp which the Phoenix does not have.
I will post impressions. Also trying the NFB-12 for giggles.