[ksb643]

I came across a Millet Hybrid Max on FB marketplace nearby. Id heard about them over the years, and I figured they were worth a shot for 100 bucks. I'm glad I did! They won't win any beauty contests but they have a lot of Black Gate caps and use a rare 12v tube.

 

[Audiophile03]

I have reached audio nirvana! Thank you John for another beautiful pair ear heaven

 

[Patswalker]

I have reached audio nirvana! Thank you John for another beautiful pair ear heaven

Did you sort that him issue out?

 

[Audiophile03]

Did you sort that him issue out?

I just received both the amp and the headphones in the mail today. I was trying to get all my ducks in a row with issues I might encounter when I got this all fired up. I am very happy to report that I have ZERO noise, even at high volume. I couldn't be happier!

 

[vsrrr]

I’ve gotta hear me a pair of 300 ohm XTC2’s at some point. Has anyone here directly compared theirs to other 300 ohm open backs like the Atrium, Verite, or HD800? Would love to hear your experience.

I had some 64 ohm beryllium XTC2’s that really didn’t work for me. I felt like there was some magic locked in them, I just couldn’t extract it, at least not with my Rogue RH-5 amplifier (despite extensive tube rolling).

 

[Zhon]

I’ve gotta hear me a pair of 300 ohm XTC2’s at some point. Has anyone here directly compared theirs to other 300 ohm open backs like the Atrium, Verite, or HD800? Would love to hear your experience.

I had some 64 ohm beryllium XTC2’s that really didn’t work for me. I felt like there was some magic locked in them, I just couldn’t extract it, at least not with my Rogue RH-5 amplifier (despite extensive tube rolling).

The 64ohm XTC2s are hard to please, in part I think because of how well they scale. The sonics are really off the charts good once you get everything sorted - power upgrades, cables, tubes, etc.

 

[darylobert]

I have reached audio nirvana! Thank you John for another beautiful pair ear heaven

What a great-looking setup! The amp and headphones look like they are made for each other.

I'm not sure what drives you have in XTC2, but in the photo, it looks like you have them plugged into the 8ohm tap.

 

[Audiophile03]

What a great-looking setup! The amp and headphones look like they are made for each other.

I'm not sure what drives you have in XTC2, but in the photo, it looks like you have them plugged into the 8ohm tap.

Yep, I do have them plugged into the Low Z. I am running 300ohm Beryllium drivers but was recommended to try Low Z before connecting to the high gain option. I am about 12-1 o'clock in the volume pot at a decent volume level and it sounds clear and full. From what I understand, you want to run the lowest gain you can, especially on tubes, and the Low Z seems to work very well.
If I am wrong in my thinking, I am certainly open to being educated. This is my first tube headphones amp so I am relying on stuff I have read in various posts. Thanks for your input and compliments!

Edit: I am listening through the high Z connection and the gain is slightly higher but it is still dead quiet with nothing playing and still super clear. I will keep it connected here if it is better to match impedance.

 

[darylobert]

I think the damping factor may not be optimal with the 300-ohm drivers on the 8-ohm tap. Someone more knowledgeable than me would know for sure.

What is your input tube? That is most likely the best way to bend the amp gain.

 

[rlawry]

You need to know the output impedances of the two taps on the amp. Conventional wisdom says that the greater the damping factor (load impedance divided by amp output impedance), the more the amp controls the speaker or headphone. Since solid-state amps generally have lower output impedances, they have a greater damping factor and give a better quality bass. Tube amps have higher output impedances and therefore the phones will have a greater quantity of bass but of lower quality (in the worst cases the bass is undamped and boomy). I have seen some articles that go against this theory and posit that a really high damping factor will result in a sterile sound, not sure if this is true or not. Since headphones generally have higher load impedances than most loudspeakers, damping factors are generally relatively high and the smaller drivers are more easy to control. This explains why OTL amps with their high output impedances only work the best with high impedance phones, i.e. those of 300 ohms and above.

 

[Audiophile03]

You need to know the output impedances of the two taps on the amp. Conventional wisdom says that the greater the damping factor (load impedance divided by amp output impedance), the more the amp controls the speaker or headphone. Since solid-state amps generally have lower output impedances, they have a greater damping factor and give a better quality bass. Tube amps have higher output impedances and therefore the phones will have a greater quantity of bass but of lower quality (in the worst cases the bass is undamped and boomy). I have seen some articles that go against this theory and posit that a really high damping factor will result in a sterile sound, not sure if this is true or not. Since headphones generally have higher load impedances than most loudspeakers, damping factors are generally relatively high and the smaller drivers are more easy to control. This explains why OTL amps with their high output impedances only work the best with high impedance phones, i.e. those of 300 ohms and above.

Thanks for the info! The Low Z is 8ohms and the high Z is 100ohms. The original Pendant has 8/300ohm taps.

 

[darylobert]

You need to know the output impedances of the two taps on the amp. Conventional wisdom says that the greater the damping factor (load impedance divided by amp output impedance), the more the amp controls the speaker or headphone. Since solid-state amps generally have lower output impedances, they have a greater damping factor and give a better quality bass.

Justin's website gives some good info/guidance on the Pendent. Here is a link ampsandsound

 

[Audiophile03]

Justin's website gives some good info/guidance on the Pendent. Here is a link ampsandsound

Thanks for the link!

 

[AnamCeoil]

Quick shout out to JM; ordered a paid of XTC opens last Friday, and got word they are ready to go yesterday. Bearing in mind these are the "entry level" (i.e. cheapest) offering, bought with a 10% discount code, during the holiday period at what is likely an incredibly busy time of year for John, I am hugely impressed with the communication, care and speed with which he put these together. I shared my gear, and desire and he has done the rest- really looking forward to getting them in hand and on ear to see what he has come up with.

I confess I was a bit skeptical when I first came across info about XTCs on the forum as most of the most ardent supporters appeared to be, like me, folks with a not hugely extensive post count on headfi. Well, once I got my first pair secondhand, I was floored by sound and comfort (the weight just makes them disappear for me), and my second pair confirmed the first. Now, having been able to buy new and direct for the first time, the interaction has been great as well - which confirms the experience of so many.

I truly love my HP collection for so many reasons, and am fortunate to have the opportunity to have what I have - but in terms of sheer enjoyment, and bang for the buck, the XTCs have been top of the pile this past year since I first experienced them - and the fact that they sound great out of dongles and DAPs as well as my more powerful desktop settings is another huge advantage.

Color me impressed- and grateful for this player in the hobby. Enjoy the music- and weekend when it comes!

So was travelling over the break so didn't get a chance to listen to my new XTCs which arrived super quickly and in pristine condition. They look amazing, and fit so well on the head that they just disappear, like all the others I have (XTC and XTC2). Top quality feel to the pads and cables as well, with great options.

Listened to them a bit last week with the fluffy pads, which came installed... and liked them, but didn't feel that immediate excitement I confess (mind you, it was a stressful week so there is that). Today I installed the lambskin pads that came with them (aided by the super helpful from JM here: ) and oh my, immediate immersion: percussive and alive drums and guitars, a sense of immediacy and presence that just captivates and enthralls, and a lively and exciting engagement with the music that is such a wonderful, visceral experience to my ears. I am fortunate to be able to have a variety of headphones, each of which brings something different and enjoyable- but I get an excitement from the XTCs, and a downright and immediate enjoyment factor that is just so right to my ears, on so many occasions.

I was using the Mojo 2 (no EQ) into the original IFI Zen Can (with and without bass boost)- great drive and control throughout.

Hats off to the man JM, and kudos to whatever magic he weaves with these pieces he puts together. Hugely appreciated.

----
So sorry to see the devastation that is hitting LA, and the homes of family and loved ones of others in the thread here. Hoping it passes soon, and communities can come together to rebuild and reconnect once more. Hats off to the helpers- giving hope to so many in times of need.

 

[Cuthbert 80]