I'm thinking of taking the plunge on a Meier Prehead Mk II...

[Skylab]

Any owners out there than can relate their experience with it? Is the SE worth it? It will be mated mostly with either my on-order Darth Beyers (usinf regular DT770 now) or HD650's. Good matches?

Any comments before I throw down $1300 would be great. I did read the review (I believe it was the Mk1 version) that is in the review section, and it was very positive of course.

Current amp is a Headroom Maxed Out Home with premium electronics, which I like, but is too long (deep) for where I use it, which is on a nightstand by my bed, where I do most of my home headphone listening.

Comments appreciated!

 

[MonkeyMan]

Although the PreHead mkII SE is terrific (especially if you are a die-hard crossfeed fan), if space is your main concern I'd go a different route.

Please bear in mind that I am an out-of-the-closet Ray Samuels fanboy...

I'd suggest the HR-2, since the PS can easily be stashed away behind the nightstand, leaving a very small amplifier in your limited space.

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyMan Although the PreHead mkII SE is terrific (especially if you are a die-hard crossfeed fan), if space is your main concern I'd go a different route. Please bear in mind that I am an out-of-the-closet Ray Samuels fanboy... I'd suggest the HR-2, since the PS can easily be stashed away behind the nightstand, leaving a very small amplifier in your limited space.

Yes, I AM a die-hard crossfeed fan to be sure. And I like the idea of the Prehead's subtle tone controls.

I am not in need ot something tiny, just not huge. The Headroom MOH is an awesome amp, but it's really deep, and so it looks a little goofy. My wife is mercifully pretty cool about this sorta thing. But it bugs even me.

 

[MonkeyMan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab Yes, I AM a die-hard crossfeed fan to be sure.

Then I'd say the PreHead mkII SE is DEFINATELY your (signal) path to enlightenment!

Get that credit-card out and be sure to remind your wife that the purchase is part of your plan to take her on a trip with your accrued frequent-flyer miles!

Maybe even make it out to the Greek for the "Comes a Time" show...

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyMan Maybe even make it out to the Greek for the "Comes a Time" show...

Yeah, I would like to get there for that gig! I missed Jerry more than ever this summer, for obvious reasons.

Thanks for the comments on the PreHead. I think I'm gonna go for it

 

[Flea Bag]

I'm not sure about the gain on your HeadRoom but the Prehead has a gain of about 6.5dB so unless you have an line input signal of less than the usual 2 volts, you may find yourself with limited volume options for efficient phones like any Grado or like the HD280.

This is my experience but you should note that I like low-level listening so what is too loud for me could be just right for you. I can reduce the input signal voltage into the Prehead to counter its high gain and I hope you have the right equipment to do so too.

 

[Flea Bag]

Oh and I realise a flaw with a lot of my impressions. I tend to criticise even my own equipment to the extent I might look like I regreted my purchases! However, I assure you it's quite the opposite:

"Losers whine about their good points".

I'm not trying to say that Head-Fiers who praise their equipment are losers but rather the opposite; that I'm very satisfyied with my Prehead and I'm only complaining about its very few shortcomings.

The next amp I get is likely to be an integrated/power amp for speakers. Yes, I'm THAT satisfyied with the Prehead! It even allows me to power a K1000 which is the next phone I'm looking at getting!

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flea Bag I'm not sure about the gain on your HeadRoom but the Prehead has a gain of about 6.5dB so unless you have an line input signal of less than the usual 2 volts, you may find yourself with limited volume options for efficient phones like any Grado or like the HD280. This is my experience but you should note that I like low-level listening so what is too loud for me could be just right for you. I can reduce the input signal voltage into the Prehead to counter its high gain and I hope you have the right equipment to do so too.

I'm using Beyer DT770's and Sennheiser HD650s, so the gain is not an issue. I too listen at somewhat quieter levels, but the DT770's and HD650's need more power than a Grado or HD280 (I own 280's but don;t use them with my home amp).

I could always use the iPod's headphone out instead of the line out if I really HAD too, but I much prefer the line out, and I don't think I'll need to.

I just ordered a HA-2 MkII SE instead of the pre-head. In looking over the Meier lineup, I realized that since I don't need multiple inputs, the HA-2 seems to be all I would need.

 

[Flea Bag]

Good choice! Sure you don't want the extra power for a K1000 or other power hungry phones?

Just kidding around! You could always power them from a speaker amp.

Hope the HA-2 will impress you with its stability and dynamics!

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flea Bag Good choice! Sure you don't want the extra power for a K1000 or other power hungry phones? Just kidding around! You could always power them from a speaker amp. Hope the HA-2 will impress you with its stability and dynamics!

Thanks, I am looking forward to it. It should show up about the same time as my new Darth Beyers.

Look what you people have done to me!

 

[Sean H]

Good move, it's amazing how many people buy the PreHead and don't even intend to use it as a preamp nor do they need the multiple inputs! It's said the HA-2 MKII is almost exactly, if not identical to the PreHead in terms of sonics. Some have disagreed saying there is some slight differences but Dr. Meier has even admitted on this board they should not sound different. Hope you like it, looks like a great amp!

 

[saint.panda]

Very wise decision indeed if you don't need the preamp capabilities! Other Headfiers and myself have briefly compared the Prehead MKII (non-SE) to the Corda HA-2 MKII (non-SE) using the HD 650 at a mini-meet and the consensus was that the Prehead was better - not significantly but it wasn't very hard to notice either. However, it should be noted that this was with a very expensive McCormack UDP-1 universal player and I don't know whether the differences would have been as apparent on a lesser source (mere speculation).

However, I think Jan himself said that the HA-2 MKII SE sounds better than the Prehead MKII non-SE and after all, there is a preamp out on the HA-2 MKII, too.

I've had the original HA-2 which provided an excellent match with the HD 650 and as noted above, I've heard the HD 650 with the new Prehead MKII. I can only imagine how great the HD 650 must sound with the HA-2 MKII SE.

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saint.panda Very wise decision indeed if you don't need the preamp capabilities! Other Headfiers and myself have briefly compared the Prehead MKII (non-SE) to the Corda HA-2 MKII (non-SE) using the HD 650 at a mini-meet and the consensus was that the Prehead was better - not significantly but it wasn't very hard to notice either. However, it should be noted that this was with a very expensive McCormack UDP-1 universal player and I don't know whether the differences would have been as apparent on a lesser source (mere speculation). However, I think Jan himself said that the HA-2 MKII SE sounds better than the Prehead MKII non-SE and after all, there is a preamp out on the HA-2 MKII, too. I've had the original HA-2 which provided an excellent match with the HD 650 and as noted above, I've heard the HD 650 with the new Prehead MKII. I can only imagine how great the HD 650 must sound with the HA-2 MKII SE.

That is all very good to know, thanks! I think it was the right call for me, and the HA-2 is a little smaller, also a plus for me here. I wish it would arrive tonight!!!!

 

[saint.panda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab That is all very good to know, thanks! I think it was the right call for me, and the HA-2 is a little smaller, also a plus for me here. I wish it would arrive tonight!!!!

Now head over to the cables forum and find a better cable for the HD 650.

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saint.panda Now head over to the cables forum and find a better cable for the HD 650.

Yeah, I should do that. The Darth Beyers I've ordered have an upgraded cable as well as the Woodie mods of course, but my HD650's are still stock, and I have the stock cable just ergonomically, so I am going to do that next, once I get the amp!