[wacomme]

Opinions please! How do these portable amps compare to one another? Thanks.

Michael

 

[The Quality Guru]

Use the search function! You should find gobs of info . . .
But, as a summary of hearsay (considering I have heard none but the CHA-47 amp) I think it this is the (general) order: JMT CHA-47 > Porta Corda > Total Airhead > Airhead. Though these results could easily vary and someone might prefer the Porta Corda over the CHA-47 or something (though I wouldn't say this is common) . . . so USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!

 

[Nezer]

I haven't heard the JMT but I do own both the Porta and the Total Airhead.

I prefer the TAH over the Porta for two reasons; I prefer the crossfeed and it doesn't suck through batteries like the Porta.

When you take out the crossfeed and power drain issues they are really close with the Porta having a slight edge.

BTW, my TAH is the 9v version.

 

[Ken]

I have a hansen with cross feed , 2x9v
this amp beat a cmoy amp mint tin type
smoother than lastest supreme

 

[wacomme]

OK. I searched the site comparing JMT CHA-47 > Porta Corda > Total Airhead. I found very little head to head to head comparison of these three portable amps. Has anyone compared all three of these amps: ABC comparison? What are their differences/similarities?

I own the Total Airhead. I'm just curious if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Most likely I'll keep the Total Airhead (although Headroom has a 30 day return policy) and look for a home amp some day.

 

[Ken]

most people are unlikely to spell out it in 1 2 3
but
the info is around , you have to piece it together.
porta corda being the lastest design seems to have the nodd
but the TAH has headroom crossfeed which some people prefere, not just crossfeed but headroom crossfeed.
It seems that the newer TAH with 9 volts is a better sound to most.
then again portacorda with 9volts some say is very nice , but if its laid back you like its the TAH.
All headroom products have excellent resale.

dont get too excited in this price bracket save up like the rest of us and go to a new level.
that will sound better

 

[Nezer]

And if you give the Porta Corda even MORE power, it does even better!!

If I had it to do over again I'd probably get a Cosmic Reference.

 

[Tim D]

The Porta Corda uses very high speed high performance op-amps. The crossfeed is substantially different from headrooms, and takes more getting used to (for example it does the opposite of bass boosting). A lower setting may have been a better default, but I think I'm getting used to Jan's crossfeed. It removes stereo seperation to a greater extent than headrooms IMO which is good or bad. Definitely takes time to get used to if you are a headphone nut. Although Jan's crossfeed is supposed to be the "natural" one, it is headroom's crossfeed that I would say is the more subtle one. However I can definitely say the highs remain clear and detailed with the PC (just without the extreme seperation).

Also the PC comes with a very good mini-mini cable as well as the 120 ohm adapter which is useful if you have those Beyers.

I've had a few CHA47 type amps, and the PC is a higher performing amp. However, I would be hardpressed to really say if it really is that much of an advantage in portable usage. The Bur-brown opamps used in the typical CHA47 design is a favorite and while probably beating the crap out of the typical default headphone jack, still remains a bit more forgiving than the opamps used in the Porta Corda. IMO the Porta Corda is a faster amp with tighter bass and clearer more detailed highs, however these elements can be harder to appreciate in a portable setting compared to the rounder bass of the OPA132/134. The OPA132/134 does the job, and has just the right touch of warmth to be forgiving for portables.

I've had the older TA and will hopefully try a new TA sometime in the future. The Headroom portable amps are usually always leaders in terms of battery conservation compared to the other alternatives. The *older* TA I had lagged a little compared to the alternatives only because I really didn't like the DC-DC convertor. The new Headroom designs take out the DC-DC convertor which should give it even better battery life and I really can't wait to hear the improved sound and best of all cleaner background with no hiss! (at the expense of using less conventional battery types, but AAA's nimh's are still easily obtained). Battery life is important and understated in comparisons often...it is sometimes unfair to compare two fresh battery amps in sound quality, when in usage it can be the more efficient amp that wins the day in real portable applications. I had a 2 9V CHA47 altoid tin before, and it was just a pain in the ass when it came to batteries even though it was a great performer sonically.

There really is NO consensus or general opinion about the ranking of these amps. The *older* TA and airhead may have lagged slightly, but it is basically preferences and different compromises now. If you want a recent AB comparison you should read Ross's findings with his Ety's. Maybe I can chime in later when I get my hands on a the 4.5v TA (although it is the 9V TA which would be a more fair comparison, I'd rather get the battery life).

Since you have ER-6's I'd say to save money for ER4X series headphones for improvement in the portable arena.

 

[Nezer]

I'm still coming around to think the *ultimate* portable amp is a Cosmic Reference...

The PC really is faster and more detailed and makes the TAH seem downright muddy by comparison.

This morning I've been sitting here testing back and forth between the TAH and PC and on this REM album I'm listening to (Automatic for the people, 1992) I really think the PC is doing a better job with the crossfeed.

Hell, maybe I'll sell both of these and just get the Cosmic.

I'm begining to think a DIY crossfeed is the only way to go. This way you can tune it to your ears and tastes.

 

[taoster]

Quote:

Originally posted by Nezer I haven't heard the JMT but I do own both the Porta and the Total Airhead. I prefer the TAH over the Porta for two reasons; I prefer the crossfeed and it doesn't suck through batteries like the Porta. When you take out the crossfeed and power drain issues they are really close with the Porta having a slight edge. BTW, my TAH is the 9v version.

is that true? the crossfeed on the Porta Corda drains the battery life much faster? do you have any guesstimates on battery life with vs without crossfeed? if that's the case id probably leave the crossfeed off for portable use. I didnt know that. thanks.

 

[HappymaN]

How hard would it be for me to buy a Wallwart for a TAH if I live here in Australia? I want to use the TAH at home from an AC outlet, but obviously, I can't buy the one from Headroom, but are they common enough that I will be able to find on here?

 

[taoster]

there's plenty of wall warts in dick smith, tandy etc..

york street in sydney has several electronic shops convinently located.

 

[HappymaN]

Is the Little worth the extra $60US compared to the TAH 9V + wall wart, for HD-600's??

 

[Nezer]

Quote:

Originally posted by HappymaN Is the Little worth the extra $60US compared to the TAH 9V + wall wart, for HD-600's??

*EASILY* assuming you aren't going portable.