HR Micro vs. HR Ultra Micro amp for iPod Touch

[Stefaan]

Hi, new to this forum and really, it's already too late for any of the head-fi virus warnings

Here's my situation: I'm getting an iPod Touch and I'm looking for advice to get the best sound possible out of it, I already have the HD-650 cans and the SAA Equinox cable is on its way. I'm also getting a Qables Silvercable LOD so you know my setup.

As it is a portable player I could take the portable Micro, but when walking or cycling I won't be using an amp nor will I use the HD-650's but just some mediocre IEM's, I find it rather impossible to do some serious listening in a busy street so I'm not really spending money there. So no real need for a battery- powered amp.
I like the design and small footprint of the Micro Line and based on some reviews of the earlier models I think I can't go wrong with HeadRoom. So that leaves me with two options:

the 2007 Micro amp and the 2007 Ultra Micro amp.

What I was wondering is how important the source is, I think the amp will almost constantly be used with the Touch so I wonder if the extra 300$ for the Ultra will be heard with such a 'weak' source?

Thanks!

S.

 

[illkemist]

I'd like to know this as well, but I suppose the only way to find out is to audition both. As far as I can tell from the information on the website, the chief difference between the two seems to be the OPA627 in the ultra amp. I wonder if there is a real quantifiable difference between these two products? My gut says yes. There has to be some reason why HR would make a considerably more expensive product. And there has to be an even better reason why people would buy it.

 

[TheAzhrei]

Source is always important. The Ultra will just be an expensive way to discover how bad our iPods really sound. If having battery power isn't important to you I would say just get the regular Micro, especially if you aren't going to be using high end 'phones.

I too am thinking of getting a new amp or two. I wouldn't get an Ultra unless I was going to replace the Headroom Desktop in my bedside rig. I have a decent Sony SACD player in there as a source so I think that would be worth the money if I did it.

If I can bring myself to wait the four to eight weeks for one, I would get a Portable Micro to use with either of my iPods.

 

[Joelc87]

If you have the extra $300 I'd say go for it. I have the Ultra Micro and the entire range is very punchy crisp and detailed while remaining smooth and not harsh. I haven't heard the regular micro but I will say that if you do go with the ultra you won't be disappointed.