HR Micro or RSA Hornet?

Mar 12, 2007 at 4:41 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 28

MaloS

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Judging purely on sound, for all those of you who have heard both.
Intended use is not on the go so size is not an issue but being able to EASILY transport it is.

Or would Gilmore Lite be a MUCH better choice? (can only bear the size if its performance with dedicated PSU is definitely better than either 2).
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 7:38 PM Post #2 of 28
Thank you MaloS, for posting a topic I was about to post. I'm considering both as well, actually I'd include the Tomahawk as well off hand, knowing what little I know at the moment.

For me portability is very important - 98% of use will be on batteries.

Steve
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 8:03 PM Post #3 of 28
I agree - great thread. I'm looking at these select few as well, and curious if the Gilmore lite would be a large improvement over the portables (though incredible sound in the middle of Zion National Park or Yellowstone is tempting).
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 8:14 PM Post #4 of 28
Interesting, so far it is totally back to back. If I was considering even 5% portable use, I'd go Hornet without a blink. Smaller and far better battery life. Don't ever want to run out of batteries in middle of Yosemite, especially when scaling a 2000 foot cliff =]
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 8:44 PM Post #5 of 28
Quote:

Originally Posted by MaloS /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Interesting, so far it is totally back to back. If I was considering even 5% portable use, I'd go Hornet without a blink. Smaller and far better battery life. Don't ever want to run out of batteries in middle of Yosemite, especially when scaling a 2000 foot cliff =]


Totally hear you on the battery issue. Have you listened to the Tomahawk? How does that compare to the Hornet?
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 8:53 PM Post #6 of 28
Quote:

Originally Posted by MontanaJustin /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Totally hear you on the battery issue. Have you listened to the Tomahawk? How does that compare to the Hornet?


I haven't heard either of the amps listed TBH. (Well I have heard the Hornet with e500, which is rather skewed since I have not heard e500 with anything else).
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 9:29 PM Post #8 of 28
I've owned both and would take the Hornet on sound alone... it's a more "fun" sounding amp IMO.
 
Mar 12, 2007 at 10:13 PM Post #9 of 28
before I purchased the MicroAmp and DAC I was looking closely at the Hornet as well. I really like the Hornet and one feature I like about it is that it allows you to run off the battery supply while charging. I think even with the WallWart plugged in you still get a cleaner power supply from running off the battery.

now I really dig on the MicroStack and at home is where I plan on using it the most hooked up to me iMac and NAD. one thing that sold me on the MicroAmp was getting it's mate too, the MicroDAC. I wanted not only an amp but a DAC too! the DAC seems best used at home(where I intend to use the amp the most) but it still has it's portable use. You can also get the Desktop Dedicated Power Supply to use with them which I hope to get. I really wish Headroom would make a Micro DPS. they do plan on releasing a 3rd Micro product in the line, the MicroSwitch.

your profile says you already have the MicroDAC. I would have to get the MicroAmp to go with it. I used a set of HD-595's with the Stack and enjoyed them very much together. by what I have read Headroom prefers Sennheiser(and AKG) with their amps.

I cannot compare the Hornet and MicroAmp but they seem to be neck and neck in SQ. here are a couple of threads with a couple of good reviews from owners with both.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...icroamp+hornet

review on 10th post.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...icroamp+hornet

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...icroamp+hornet
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 12:09 AM Post #10 of 28
GLite + DPS very closely approaching the sound quality of GS-1.
I'd say out of three, if portability is not a concerns, Glite both hands down, this puppy is just incredible for its size.
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 12:31 AM Post #11 of 28
Tomahawk ordered today
smily_headphones1.gif
directly from Ray and i'll be able compare it directly with the micro amp and the coda with desktop in a few days....

btw, the stax SR-005 setup rocks and is a keeper!
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 12:34 AM Post #12 of 28
I've been fortunate to own all three of those amps and also the Tomahawk. I'd say buy the Hornet, because it will give you maximum flexibility for use at home or on the go and it will power anything from IEM's to full size cans, and will of course, deliver excellent sound.
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 12:42 AM Post #13 of 28
Quote:

Originally Posted by earache /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Tomahawk ordered today
smily_headphones1.gif
directly from Ray and i'll be able compare it directly with the micro amp and the coda with desktop in a few days....

btw, the stax SR-005 setup rocks and is a keeper!



Glad you liking it, was not quite for my ears ^.^

Interesting responses so far, quite mixed >.< More so, after I read the linked posts, it seems that the Hornet and Micro are so close, they are difficult to distinguish. On the basis of practicality Hornet should then win this debate.

As for myself I ran into a chance to grab my first choice - Larocco PRII so I will use that one first =]
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 12:54 AM Post #14 of 28
I have the Micro w/Desktop module, and I dont mind the short battery life because a) It is used at home most of the time and b) I have good rechargeable batteries for it.

BUT,

I would like to try out something new, or something that is garunteed to sound better. I am interested in the LDII++ and would like to know if this se up would be good: Zhalou -> LDII++ -> HD650.
 
Mar 13, 2007 at 1:35 AM Post #15 of 28
Quote:

Originally Posted by NtD Gr3nade /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have the Micro w/Desktop module, and I dont mind the short battery life because a) It is used at home most of the time and b) I have good rechargeable batteries for it.

BUT,

I would like to try out something new, or something that is garunteed to sound better. I am interested in the LDII++ and would like to know if this se up would be good: Zhalou -> LDII++ -> HD650.



Try a Darkvoice.
 

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