grizzlybeast
My name is grizzlybeast and I'm an audioholic.
impressions
[size=15.08px]Things I have wondered: [/size]
- If you would have bought this amp prior to listening or reading impressions, would you have been disappointed?
NO...
- Do you honestly think that this little amp can hold a candle to some of the big and beastly looking Flagship solid state amps out there?
YES
- Are the functions gimmicky?
Not sure yet
- Would you sell your TH2 to fund this amp?
No.
- How does it compare to my TH2 with NOS tubes?
The full review will reveal this
- How does it compare to the iHA-6?
The full review will reveal this.
- How does it sound with the HE-6?
The full review will reveal this
- Could you be happy with this as your only amp?
NO but almost
[size=15.08px]Sound impressions so far...[/size]
After reading the negative impressions of this amplifier, I am compelled to say that they simply do not know what they are talking about. Or, rather they have become very handicapped in an acclimation to amps that etch and sharpen sounds to give that hi-fidelity impression. This amp does no such foolery. Its a very organic sounding amplifier that while not brutal, is revealing, clean, liquid, and slightly energetic in dynamics.
Bass:
I think the bass sounds pretty good but it is not gripping the 650 and reeling in its control. I find the bass to be substantially present, punchy, solid, and natural but it does allow rumbles to be free. It doesn't cut short any decay, impact, or reduce the amount that was mixed in the recording. Quantity seems slightly warm. Quality is rich textured, but could, so far, make the HD650 a little tighter. I think this headphone belongs on an OTL amp anyway for that because it responds to most solid states that way, with some exceptions.
Edit: spoke to
Midrange:
Smooth with a little warmth in the lower - middle midrange. This amplifier is for the midrange lover. You will not get a dry and flat midrange. To further make the midrange stand out you have this clean blackground that is (spoiler alert) cleaner than anything on my desk, or that has been placed on it so far, besides the Pavane of course. There is a way that this amp makes vocals and instruments resonate, slightly linger, and then fade into utter blackness that very special about this amplifier. The Macro dynamics are great. Micro dynamics are decent.
Highs:
Good texture, clean, and snappy but missing a bit of air it seems. Very clean though and not swishy and just like the rest of the frequency range, full of body.
Soundstage:
Deep, not wide and kind of narrow. Maybe the 3D knob will help but I like forwardness of the instruments and hope they don't lose body. Nice space around every instrument.
Overall fidelity:
Very refined. I reallllly love this amp for its refinement, clean sound, realistic timbres. If it had slightly more air and space in width it would be a total knock out amp. As Is I need to test it with other headphones and really compare it to other gear to get an answer.
I was expecting a less organic sound than this but am pleasantly surprised. Apart from the slight flattery I am hearing this amp sounds like REAL MUSIC. Clean, sweat, detailed and emotion stirring MUSIC.
[size=15.08px]Will I buy this amp?[/size]
No...well at least not before christmas.
Why? Because at 1699 I would have to sell my HE-6 and iHA-6 and only have the Eikon. After hearing the ZMF Eikon, I have a feeling that it may make a good pairing but ultimately believe my TH2 will do better with its high impedance being better matched by my tube amp.
[size=15.08px] [/size]
But if I had funds available right now I would buy one for sure. I actually will forget my goal of getting a Master 9 and just go for this one or the Milo. Before I heard this I torn between the 9 and the milo but I also don't imagine the milo having such a clean sound like this based on its THD specs.[size=15.08px]Do I at least want this amp?[/size]
yes yes yes...
I have a feeling that shipping this to the next person will leave a big hole in my stable, almost as big as shipping the ZMF Eikon back to Zach did.
Also the cable was part of the issue.