Elephas
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2005
- Posts
- 3,259
- Likes
- 15
I've just acquired a Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear.
I've been using a B&W Aura CA200 preamp's headphone out for the past month with the Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000. It sounded better than the Pro-Ject Head Box, the only headphone amp I had. I listen to a wide variety of music primarily with iTunes on a PC through an E-MU 1212m.
Wanting better portable sound out of an iPod, I decided to buy a portable amp. After reading about the SuperMacro-3, I ordered one and received it last week. It is configured with the 4 switches and default NE5534 opamps.
The SM3 sounded amazingly good. It is definitely better than the Aura CA200, and much better than the Head Box. It was as if an epiphany hit, and I suddenly understood what imaging and soundstage meant in regards to headphone listening. I could pick out individual instruments and could hear new details with familiar music. Everything sounded better. The headphone and amp reviews and some of what other Head-Fi members write about began to make sense (though not all).
After hearing the SM3, I just had to upgrade to a better home amp. I brought the SM3 and AD2000 to the local headphone shop which carried the Lehmann Black Cube Linear. The shop allows customers to sit and listen to a variety of headphones, amps, and CD players.
I've become familiar with the sound of the AD2000 the past month, and could readily hear the difference while switching between the SM3 and the Lehmann.
The Lehmann sounded better than the SM3, but initially not by much. Going to the store, I assumed it would be difficult to find a better sound than the SM3. After trying different types of music, it became more apparent that the Lehmann provides a blacker background, better imaging, and a wider and deeper soundstage. Both amps have nice treble and incredible detail, especially with the AD2000.
I also tried the demo Senn HD650 and Beyer DT880 out of both amps. The SM3 had a harder time with both headphones, even with the impedence and amp gain switches. The Lehmann also has gain switches, and it matched the HD650 and DT880 very well. Both headphones sounded good with both amps, but I still preferred my AD2000. I had brief thoughts of buying a DT880 which were quickly vetoed by the wallet.
Now I'm wondering what a Meier Prehead MkII or SinglePower MPX3 sounds like.
I've been using a B&W Aura CA200 preamp's headphone out for the past month with the Audio-Technica ATH-AD2000. It sounded better than the Pro-Ject Head Box, the only headphone amp I had. I listen to a wide variety of music primarily with iTunes on a PC through an E-MU 1212m.
Wanting better portable sound out of an iPod, I decided to buy a portable amp. After reading about the SuperMacro-3, I ordered one and received it last week. It is configured with the 4 switches and default NE5534 opamps.
The SM3 sounded amazingly good. It is definitely better than the Aura CA200, and much better than the Head Box. It was as if an epiphany hit, and I suddenly understood what imaging and soundstage meant in regards to headphone listening. I could pick out individual instruments and could hear new details with familiar music. Everything sounded better. The headphone and amp reviews and some of what other Head-Fi members write about began to make sense (though not all).
After hearing the SM3, I just had to upgrade to a better home amp. I brought the SM3 and AD2000 to the local headphone shop which carried the Lehmann Black Cube Linear. The shop allows customers to sit and listen to a variety of headphones, amps, and CD players.
I've become familiar with the sound of the AD2000 the past month, and could readily hear the difference while switching between the SM3 and the Lehmann.
The Lehmann sounded better than the SM3, but initially not by much. Going to the store, I assumed it would be difficult to find a better sound than the SM3. After trying different types of music, it became more apparent that the Lehmann provides a blacker background, better imaging, and a wider and deeper soundstage. Both amps have nice treble and incredible detail, especially with the AD2000.
I also tried the demo Senn HD650 and Beyer DT880 out of both amps. The SM3 had a harder time with both headphones, even with the impedence and amp gain switches. The Lehmann also has gain switches, and it matched the HD650 and DT880 very well. Both headphones sounded good with both amps, but I still preferred my AD2000. I had brief thoughts of buying a DT880 which were quickly vetoed by the wallet.
Now I'm wondering what a Meier Prehead MkII or SinglePower MPX3 sounds like.
